what uthink??

[vincebusa]

the other day i was reading FAST BIKES mag. and came across
this. under TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS.
The busa's unigue 4-1-2 exhaust system has been designed
to improve low to mid range grunt and also TO SUPPORT THE
REAR SUBFRAME, which might explain why so MANY SUBFRAME
SNAPPED ON BIKES FITTED WITH SINGLE CAN CONVERSIONS.

EDITOR
Rob hoyles
FAST BIKES

 

[GSX1300RSILVER]

Just Read this Today also.
So I ask how in the Hell does the rear end USE the shochk if this is true?
the bike would be solid when sat on because the exaust would stop the bike
from utilizing the shock. No movement from the swingarm would be possable
if the exhaust was used to suport weight. Right?
IF TRUE THEN WOULD AN AFTER MARKET DUAL SYSTEM OFFER SUPORT LIKE THE STOCK UNIT?

 

[ThunderPants]

That is ludicrous, Suzuki would not engineer the subframe to be supported by the exhaust knowing full well that the first mod most people do is change the exhaust. It may have an effect on the overall strength of the rear but I doubt it helps that much?

 

[ThunderPants]

Just Read this Today also.
So I ask how in the Hell does the rear end USE the shochk if this is true?
the bike would be solid when sat on because the exaust would stop the bike
from utilizing the shock. No movement from the swingarm would be possable
if the exhaust was used to suport weight. Right?
IF TRUE THEN WOULD AN AFTER MARKET DUAL SYSTEM OFFER SUPORT LIKE THE STOCK UNIT?

The exhaust isn't mounted to the swingarm, it is mounted to the rear subframe.

 

[GSX1300RSILVER]

Just Read this Today also.
So I ask how in the Hell does the rear end USE the shochk if this is true?
the bike would be solid when sat on because the exaust would stop the bike
from utilizing the shock. No movement from the swingarm would be possable
if the exhaust was used to suport weight. Right?
IF TRUE THEN WOULD AN AFTER MARKET DUAL SYSTEM OFFER SUPORT LIKE THE STOCK UNIT?

The exhaust isn't mounted to the swingarm, it is mounted to the rear subframe.

Ok, I see how that is the case. I had to think about it.
So then, Would an aftermarket system of any kind offer suport?
What brand & Model?

 

[RaiderDm]

Suzuki did a recall or service bulletin on rear subframes if I recall right.
Check your local dealerships.

 

[ThunderPants]

I dont know if they ever did the recall but I think it affected '99 and '00 models which have an aluminum subframe. Subsequent models have a steel subframe. Am I right guys?

 

[Narcissus]

Unfortunately, there never was a recall. They had one in Europe (forget which country) but not the UK. We tried with petitions and such and hoped to get action by the end of summer 2002, but nothing happened.

They just quietly switched subframes in 2001.

If you are worried about breakage, such as you regularly have passengers or carry luggage, you can either buy a steel subframe (check the classifieds on all the boards or eBay) or get some billet subframe braces.

There have been cases of subframes breaking with the stock exhaust. Unfortunately, practically every Suzuki rep believes that ANY breakage is either caused by aftermarket parts, abuse or both.

 

[SuzukiGSX1300RK]

You are right, But the subframes were mainly snapping due to excess loading ie. panniers and pillions. Suzuki never admitted there was a problem as it only happened to a small amount of bikes but when that sort of thing happens on your bike it is important especially when you are travelling at 120mph.It can make the news,and did.

 

[gararnett]

My opinion is that the aluminum subframe does require a 4-2 exhaust to be capable of hauling luggage and passengers. I think the 4-2 is designed to give the subframe additional strength, and it would easily help distribute the load, since it has mounting bosses under the bike too. I have not heard of any failure with a 4-2. Please correct me if I am wrong on this. Yes there are full systems that are 4-2, like my D&D. 4-1 is not the only option. I think Suzuki should have made them with a steel subframe initially anyway. The aluminum just is not as strong. So, yes, I agree with the original posted quote. Passengers and saddlebags are not excessive loading. They are loading closer to the weight rating of the bike. Any load which does not exceed the total gross weight rating is not excessive. Passengers and saddlebags/luggage is common around the world, though not as popular in the US. Suzuki has abslutely not one single reason to believe that owners of its bikes will not add aftermarket exhaust, saddlebags and ride pillion passengers. To not allow for this is where Suzuki went wrong. And is also why our 2001 and later bikes finally got the needed steel subframe.

just my $.02.

 

[johncal]

In my humble opinion, it would be ridiculous to assume that the exhaust could help to support the subframe. I agree, the first thing done by most buyers is to change the exhaust system.

Think about it, there are slip collars that hold the back half of the exhaust system on. If you've ever changed your exhaust, you've probably noticed that until you put the muffler "HANGER" on, the system will wiggle up and down better than half an inch. Obviously, with that much flex, it can't even support itself for long.

I'll believe it's designed for structural support when I read it in a tech letter from Suzuki. Otherwise I'll ignore the urban folklore.

BTW, in most cases of subframe breakage, it was proven that frame mods were done by adding luggage racks, etc. I guess with adding a luggage rack, the Busa probably tried to shed it like a scab. Sorry, I just don't think you put a luggage rack on a Busa. You might as well put a roof rack and running boards on your Ferrari F40. (If you did, I appologize for my statement).

Suzuki changed the subframes on later models and has replaced them free of charge for people with problems.

Johncal

 

[SuzukiGSX1300RK]

Suzuki did not replace Subframes on UK bikes.And how else do you tour Europe with a femail pillion and without a mass of luggage, Carry it all in a brown paper bag,no. I chose the Busa because I didn't want a Blackbird xx or a zx12 and the Busa I feel should be up to the Job. I ride for Pleasure and nothing else and if I stop getting pleasure out of riding thats the day I stop.

 

[SierraFlyer]

Lets not forget the 3rd most frequent reason for subframe failure -fat girlfriends.....:0

 

[PaceMaster]

Traveled to Laguna Seca...triple Givi bags..Loaded..
Not lightweight wife...but not "That" Heavy....And several roll on gas wheelies later..Busa can take it with the steel 01 subframe..All Good.............Whatta scooter....

 

[Gixx1300R]

I have been making these for about a year for the 99-00 Busa's aluminum subframes

 

[Gixx1300R]