Welding and protecting my electrics

[Sibbo]

I'm going to weld up a new mounting frame for a set of panniers I've been modifying .They used to be US Army hot boxes (Thermite boxes ?) .I'll make up as many components as possible off the bike but the last fitting will need to be done on the bike .(A 1981 R80 ST .)

What do I need to disconnect to protect my electrics ? Just the battery connections ...as you would with a car ? Or are there futher measures to take ?

[ME 109]

Disconnect the battery and place the earth clamp as close as possible to the weld site.
I've welded on my RS a few times with no troubles.
Remove the fuel tank and use wet sheets or towels to protect the bike. The towels/sheets can be placed very close to the welding site.

[Sibbo]

OK ,thanks ...so just the same as a car really ?

[ME 109]

I guess so.
It depends on what the current has to flow through to complete the circuit.
I wouldn't for example hook the earth clamp to the motor and weld somewhere on the frame.

[Sibbo]

It'll be a pretty quick job .I'll weld up everything as near as I can ,set it up on the bike then tack things in position ,gently remove and do it properly .I'll put the earth on the job ,not on the frame .I'm going to set the frame up to bolt on .

[Dave Backmarker]

If you plan to weld close to the battery, please remove the battery so you don't ignite the fumes from the battery. Also, the type of welding will make a difference in how localized the heat is from welding, TIG being the most localized.

DaveM
1975 R90S
2000 R1100RT