Motorcycle Stainless

26
Aug/080

What type of metal alloy is used in Motorcycle Frames?

I'm making my own motorcycle frame but I'm curious to know what type of metal alloy is best to use in terms of weight, strength, and durability. (stainless steel? Iron? etc... ) Are these metal tubes available on the market? What are they? What are they made of? How much do they cost per meter? Are they easy to weld?

As many different alloys as there are motorcycles, typically a cro-moly for modern bikes for weight and strength. However, aluminum and mild steel have been used extensively. Really depends on your application, i.e. engine size, type of bike etc.
Stainless is usually to:expensive,heavy,prone to fatigue except for very specific applications.
Cro-moly and high carbon steel can be difficult to weld and still retain good strength characteristics, same for aluminum leaving TIG as the only practical method with these materials. Mild steel will weld up quite nicely with oxy-acetylene.
In short, plan on mild steel and having a serviceable frame that is somewhat weaker and heavier then technically feasible
Of course, lots of money changes everything.