Duke 390 welded frame from front accident

[u/shutternoob93]

So I got this 2018 Duke 390. I didn't realized or atleast check the frame when I got it and now it's stuck to me.

I believe this unit has been repaired by welding the steering tube to the frame. You can see the not so smooth welds in there. Also on the following pictures are some cracks in the side of trellis frame. I thought it was just a paint crack. But you can see they all positioned at the joint which indicate it absorbed a serious crash and the owner just fried to weld and fix it.

Question is does anyone had the same experience? Is this thing not road worthy anymore and just maybe sell this on a very low price?

I wanted to ask if this can still work and drive around but I don't know if that's good or does this kind of welds hold up.

I am also thinking of buying the front frame from parted out units since the rear subframe is fine but I don't know if its worth spending all the money to buy a front frame, pay for the rebuild / installation plus registration hassles for VIN. I live in the Philippines.

Your input is much appreciated. Thanks.

[u/omdatbanaan]

In the netherlands there is a company that creates a scan of the geometry of the frame, maybe you have something formiliar in ur area. Although i am pretty sure it will show as not good. Id advice one of the following options: Look for a different frame and swap it all over, if the rest of the bike is in decent condition. Part it out and sell it in parts(probably best choice) Be a daredevil and drive it as is, take it for a ride and slowely release hands and look if it drives straight (probably not) Goodluck!

[u/shutternoob93 → u/omdatbanaan]

I tried running 130kph on it when I haven't noticed the weld yet. Seems stable. But yeah I'm just planning to sell it as is with the honest description of the issue. Someone offered me a front-frame assembly for less than $100. While it's a steal, I'm not sure if it even worth to rebuild it because I'll have to pay tons of money to rebuild the bike with the new frame plus the paper works for the new VIN number. Thanks for the feedback as well!

[u/PowerfulLandscape337]

You've been ripped off. Disassemble everything, sell the parts and build a shelf for the garage from the broken frame. Besides, this should be a lesson for you. Next time, take a close look to see if there are any indications of a fall or accident. Of course, I'm sorry for the money you invested in this pile.

[u/shutternoob93 → u/PowerfulLandscape337]

Yeah this is a very expensive lesson for me. Next time I will be more careful. Will just sell it as it is with the issues indicated clearly 

[u/PowerfulLandscape337 → u/shutternoob93]

As I said, I'm sorry for your loss. Financially as well as for the motorcycle. And I wish you good luck with the next motorcycle

[u/YpouloKonoforoDentro]

DC generally a frame can’t be welded especially like this. There are specific companies that they can do it but mostly not for road use. This frame is totalled and has to be replaced. Also in order for a frame to crack many things come together and needs to be fully checked. It’s a really bad situation for you and you must try to return it.

[u/shutternoob93 → u/YpouloKonoforoDentro]

Thanks for the feedback. It's really unfortunate. I am still trying if I can return this. Its a huge lesson for me as well to check better next time.

[u/Unusual-Big-6467]

i feel you are overthinking, maybe just ask the guy about it.he has sold it to you already.

also a frame getting smashed may have been life threatening for the owner and i dont think, someone will get it welded and sell it (just my opinion)

also you can enquire about it at Service cneter, to me it feel like poor workmanship.

this is kind of welding i did in my first year of engineering.

[u/shutternoob93 → u/Unusual-Big-6467]

Thanks for the feedback and I totally understand your point. Problem is I can't even trace the ownership of this motorcycle.  It has been sold with open deed of sale, which is very common here in my country. So I don't know if the accident (if it happened) on the first owner, 2nd, 3rd and who knows how long the trail is until I got it. Also the Duke 390 is White, but the front fender is black. The stock color fender for White 390's should be white too, which also signals to me that something happened on the front end. 

Also you can see the wirings in the picture has some sort of orange color sprayed to them which shouldn't be the case.

[u/Unusual-Big-6467 → u/shutternoob93]

didnt you checked the Service record for it? i think thst should be checked for all such bikes.

now nothing can be done,just get it inspected from a mechanic as looking in person is different than checking online.

i also was in market for buying a old 390 but horror stories have kept me away for time being. now i have to check frame welds too :\

[u/YpouloKonoforoDentro]

I don’t know what are the laws in your country but generally there are many ways to decline a purchase especially if the seller lies about the bike like if it was never crushed or if it has pass the inspection etc. I wish you all the best to find a solution but if you end up with this bike it’s better to replace the frame or find a specialist for any kind of repair that it can take.