Mirror mount repairable?

[user 3386]

I just purchased a used '06 FJR1300A and got a sweet deal in exchange for expected repair costs to the left (clutch side) mirror mount, damaged when the original owner backed his car into the FJR in his garage, bending the mirror mount (and attached stalk+mirror) upward, rendering the mirror useless.

Three photos of the damage:

Diagnosis from local Yamaha dealer service dept.: (Harbor City, CA) after removing Panel D to assess damage: I need to replace the $400 "metal stay" that runs underneath the width of the front fairing, plus replace the $120 mirror+mount assembly, plus obvious multi-hour labor. Reasoning: the impact bent one of the two mirror mount screws and also bent the metal brace that's part of the "stay."

Before going to the dealer I tried using my own strength to bend the mirror stalk (and mount below) back into a somewhat usable position, but it was quickly apparent the underlying structure was both tweaked and solid.

Any ideas for a cheaper, better alternative to such major dealership surgery? I'm open to repositioning or replacing both mirrors. (Coming over the FJR camp from the Honda ST camp, I will say I'm a fan of bigger, lower-mounted mirrors.)

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[SkooterG]

First - Get a BIG friend and try bending that sucker back again. You've got nothing to lose. I have done that on my 04, though it wasn't nearly as bent as yours.

If that doesn't work, contact Gary McCoy of University Motors. Google or forum search is your friend here. His prices on those parts will be only approximately 60% of what that dealer quoted you. The catch is, you will have to do the work yourself. While replacing the "metal stay" (more commonly referred to the front subframe) will not be an easy job. It is doable. You will save some major bucks and learn mucho about how your FJR goes together.

Good luck and congrats on scoring the cheap FJR.

 

[garauld]

You might try making a persuader - a plate with two holes drilled in it to match the distance between the mirror mounting holes and an appropriate length of pipe to give you some leverage. Bolt the plate to the frame using grade 8 or high strength M6 bolts and pull until straight. Some localized heat with a small O-A torch tip will help...

 

[StickyC]

So has anyone tried this? I managed to drop my FJR on top of another bike's rear tire (turns out they just dont lean the same at .5mph as they do at 50mph), so the entire weight of the bike was supported by the mirror on the other guy's tire (no damage to his bike) and it bent the front subframe at the mirror mount quite nicely. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to be able to apply ~400lbs of pressure to the subframe to un-bend it without farking up something else or snapping the mirror mount wing off completely.

I'd rather not have to take the entire bike apart, but it's looking like I may have to swap the whole thing out. I found a good step-by here and it's not nearly as ugly as I thought it'd be.

 

[bellman]

I just recently bent mine back after an off road experience. I removed the plastic panels on the rider side and moved the front cowling forward as much as I could. I used a oxy-acetylene tourch very gently to heat the part after covering everying with old blankets and then heavy duty tin foil. If would not take much heat to destroy the plastic so be careful!

I removed the left mirror as well and drilled holes to match the mirror mounts in two sticks about 20" long that I could place in the mounts to see how far I was off. You can measure from reference points or just look from the front and side to see if you are lined up.

I also practiced on a piece of scrap aluminum first to get the feel of the heat required. I ended up using c-clamps to move the mount once hot. The mounting flange for the mirror was not flat so I used a clamp an a piece of bar stock to flatten it out as well.

Part of the bar that goes from the mirror mount flange was broken so I use expoxy putty around that.

Sorry for "no pictures" but I was so stressed over this that I didn't take any, plus my camera was in my tank bag and was damaged in the accident.

I am pretty satisfied with the repair. Now I see that my right muffler is about an inch higher in the back than the left. I'll probably just leave it.

 

[Intech]

I just recently bent mine back after an off road experience. I removed the plastic panels on the rider side and moved the front cowling forward as much as I could. I used a oxy-acetylene tourch very gently to heat the part after covering everying with old blankets and then heavy duty tin foil. If would not take much heat to destroy the plastic so be careful!
I removed the left mirror as well and drilled holes to match the mirror mounts in two sticks about 20" long that I could place in the mounts to see how far I was off. You can measure from reference points or just look from the front and side to see if you are lined up.

I also practiced on a piece of scrap aluminum first to get the feel of the heat required. I ended up using c-clamps to move the mount once hot. The mounting flange for the mirror was not flat so I used a clamp an a piece of bar stock to flatten it out as well.

Part of the bar that goes from the mirror mount flange was broken so I use expoxy putty around that.

Sorry for "no pictures" but I was so stressed over this that I didn't take any, plus my camera was in my tank bag and was damaged in the accident.

I am pretty satisfied with the repair. Now I see that my right muffler is about an inch higher in the back than the left. I'll probably just leave it.

Hey George, good work. So the bike and you will be ready for EOM later this month?

 

[bellman]

Rob, yep, I's ready. In fact I am getting ready to go out know. Going to right to Washington, VA (Little Washington) and then go back through the GWN Forest.

 

[Intech]

Rob, yep, I's ready. In fact I am getting ready to go out know. Going to right to Washington, VA (Little Washington) and then go back through the GWN Forest.

George,

Very cool. I am in MA waiting for my brother to show up at my Mom's. We are heading to Maine and then on through NH and VT for the next three days. Look forward to seeing you and everyone at EOM!

Ride safe..

Bob

 

[bramfrank]

Your dealer is overpriced

A mirror costs all of $70, $300 for the stay.

You can change the stay and mirror yourself . . . don't buy the parts from the stealer, call Gary McKoy.

 

[Fairlaner]

Is this a record??????

This thread was almost 3 years old.

R

 

[StickyC]

Is this a record??????
This thread was almost 3 years old.

R

Aye. This is what happens when people use Search before posting

The mirror itself is fine (I think possibly even the mounting plate is fine too), it's just the subframe that's bent. My other ride is also down pending a replacement axle spacer (in a made-for-TV moment, the old one rolled out of the garage and into the sewer). Once that piece gets in, I'll start tearing into the FJR.

I'm an expert at dis-assembling/re-assembling. Not so much at metalworking and only have a cheapo brazing torch. If I can get a replacement subframe for ~$300, the mental image of the check is far less disturbing than the mental images I'm having of me making a mistake with a blowtorch.

Thanks for the pointers!

 

[just roy]

the brace is aluminum and will bend rather easily but beware of repeat bending as it will crack. geraulds idea of a bar bolted into the holes is very good and don't be afraid to use heat it will help the aluminum bend and also relieve the stress and keep it from cracking. if it has bent a lot i would heat it first for a few minutes and let it cool. that will normalize it and return it to its original soft state.

 

[johnny80s]

Is this a record??????
This thread was almost 3 years old.

R

Aye. This is what happens when people use Search before posting

:rofl:

 

[user 3386]

Is this a record??????....This thread was almost 3 years old.

Richard: Even funnier is that I (this thread's starter back in '06) received the email "a reply has been posted" notification, so I had to log back in to my ol' FJR Forum and see what's up.

Quick update: I've been enjoying my '07 Gold Wing/ABS these past couple of years...mainly going on canyon/technical rides with my sportbike riding buddies. Most would be amazed at how fast and nimble the big 'Wing is. BTW, Richard, my friend (Steve F.) who bought your old FJR recently sold it (heat issues) and is considering the new Concours14...but that bike apparently has heat issues of its own.

Take care, guys! (Sorry for the thread digression)

Lee (just moved to Yorba Linda, CA)

 

[HaulinAshe]

So has anyone tried this? I managed to drop my FJR on top of another bike's rear tire (turns out they just dont lean the same at .5mph as they do at 50mph), so the entire weight of the bike was supported by the mirror on the other guy's tire (no damage to his bike) and it bent the front subframe at the mirror mount quite nicely. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to be able to apply ~400lbs of pressure to the subframe to un-bend it without farking up something else or snapping the mirror mount wing off completely.
I'd rather not have to take the entire bike apart, but it's looking like I may have to swap the whole thing out. I found a good step-by here and it's not nearly as ugly as I thought it'd be.

You may find that the square tubing of the front subframe is not bent, and that only the mirror mount plate welded to it is bent. I recently managed to tweak my left side mount back into position from a roughly 20-degree misalignment/mishap. Used two long metric bolts purchased at Lowes, placed a slightly notched chunk of 2x4 against them and with the help of a BFH, pounded the bracket straight. No sign of cracking so far.

Bottom line, you have nothing to lose by trying force. Just be prepared for the outcome.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

First - Get a BIG friend and try bending that sucker back again. You've got nothing to lose. I have done that on my 04, though it wasn't nearly as bent as yours.
If that doesn't work, contact Gary McCoy of University Motors. Google or forum search is your friend here. His prices on those parts will be only approximately 60% of what that dealer quoted you. The catch is, you will have to do the work yourself. While replacing the "metal stay" (more commonly referred to the front subframe) will not be an easy job. It is doable. You will save some major bucks and learn mucho about how your FJR goes together.

Good luck and congrats on scoring the cheap FJR.

I scored a left mirror and bolts for VERY little money from a forum member after a spill. Put a "wanted" thread out and somebody might have one. +1 on the subframe -- go at it. you have everything to gain.

Skooter -- I see you woke up. Did you empty your mailbox yet so some of us could congratulate you privately?

EDIT: HOLY MACKEREL BATMAN! Three year old thread? I just noticed (my bad). Put this ghost to bed somebody.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Tards...

:jester:

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Tards...

:jester:

You'd know, short bus boy

 

[Grumpy]

So has anyone tried this? I managed to drop my FJR on top of another bike's rear tire (turns out they just dont lean the same at .5mph as they do at 50mph), so the entire weight of the bike was supported by the mirror on the other guy's tire (no damage to his bike) and it bent the front subframe at the mirror mount quite nicely. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to be able to apply ~400lbs of pressure to the subframe to un-bend it without farking up something else or snapping the mirror mount wing off completely.
I'd rather not have to take the entire bike apart, but it's looking like I may have to swap the whole thing out. I found a good step-by here and it's not nearly as ugly as I thought it'd be.

You may find that the square tubing of the front subframe is not bent, and that only the mirror mount plate welded to it is bent. I recently managed to tweak my left side mount back into position from a roughly 20-degree misalignment/mishap. Used two long metric bolts purchased at Lowes, placed a slightly notched chunk of 2x4 against them and with the help of a BFH, pounded the bracket straight. No sign of cracking so far.

Bottom line, you have nothing to lose by trying force. Just be prepared for the outcome.

So just exactly how did this 20 degree misalignment occur? : - )

jim