Cutting frame hoop -- Safety Question

[critic]

Im turning my 83 xs650 into a cafe, i was going to chop the frame hoop right after the rear shock mounts. My question is, is it safe to ride the bike without welding a rear hoop back on? I see lots of bikes with and without the hoop and always wondered about the repercussions from chopping the hoop. Thanks.

 

[jamesgs4]

its fine, there are other frame crossmembers that hold it together

 

[DrewMartin]

I have wondered this myself. I can't say for certain but it should lose some stiffness back there. I would think it's safe, it might eventually crack but you'd have plenty of warning before total failure.

I'll let the experts chime in on this but I'd say if you can add something back in to stiffen up the seat/rear shock mount do it. These frames aren't really known for their stiffness anyways.