Advice on repairing cracked engine mount?

[SV_Hadder]

I just purchased my 1989 CB1 a few weeks ago, and just found out last night that the left motor mount is cracked.  The bike has 27,000 miles on it.  I did some searching on this forum and on google, but I didn't find much about repairing the crack.  Obviously the crack will have to be welded, but I don't know anything at all about welding..

Have you guys got any advice on what type of welder should be used, what type is to be avoided, and who would be the best type of person to do this job?  I am thinking of finding a welder that is experienced in fabricated race chassis or something of the sort?

Also, can I still ride it for a little while with the crack? 

Any advice is appreciated!

[a_morti]

Sadly it's a common problem. My first one did it too. Drill a small hole at each end to stop it spreading any further if you want to keep riding.

Any welder can do it with the engine in situ. It isnt complicated as a job. Do unplug the ecu and battery before starting to weld!

[rigwit]

4 ways to have it done, 2 involve as morti said dissconneting the battery-rectifier-ecu...also remove both poss and neg battery leads the 2 are TIG or MIG, on no account have someone try MMA unless they are asme9  coded and proficiant with thinwall tube, other 2 involve fusion welding with gas (my first preference) or brazeing with a good proprietary filler rod and flux.      Also it is like paintwork good preperation= good results, poor and you might just as well araldite it.......As mentioned I prefer oxy/acc welding(fusion)as it is more tolerant to slight imperfections the other 3 require meticulous clean and imperction free to produce good joints............

[Efreeman55]

Do you have a small airport nearby?  Guys that weld on aluminum airframes are some of the best around and can likely take care of your problem.

Eric

[SV_Hadder]

Thanks for the advice guys! 

I do have a few small airports nearby, I'll check them out when I get a chance.  The crack is on the left side on the rear section of the mount, would you guys recommend leaving the carbs on, or take them off?  I would guess the job would cost me around $50-75, does that sound about right?

Also, should I have the welder do anything to the other mount to help ensure it doesn't crack as well?

[Falk]

The only Thing you schould check is if the Enginge correctly in the Frame. The happens often when the Engine is mounted a little bit to the left ore right.

So get it welded  and when build everything togehter check for the engine.

[SV_Hadder]

I'm getting the crack welded tomorrow!

Come to find out, there is a professional welder that lives in my neighborhood!  He is certified, has years of experience with bikes and such, and he teaches welding classes to boot.  He said he will have it done tomorrow morning, he will stand by his work, and for only $30.  He will be using a MIG welder and he told me to just disconnect the battery.... but I think I will listen to you guys and disconnect the ECU, regulator, etc just to be on the safe side.  So glad I'm getting this done, ready to be back on the road!

Thanks again for the wise words, I'm going to rip the carbs out and disconnect the electrical items!