New "bolt on" cage

[Hondasxs]

Several things to weigh out there.
Are you sticking with 1.625" DOM or jumping up to 1.75 rolled? 1.75" will be cheaper.
What will be the weight addition? And it's effects on adding top heavy weight?
What is your future plans and riding style? Are you doing it for looks or do you plan to be testing the cage out any time soon.

 

[Tflynn]

I will probably go up to 1.75" rolled (for accessibility and because it seems most aftermarket items such as mirrors etc. fit that size). I am not too worried about the weight difference. All I will add is a roof so I should still be less top heavy than those with full cabs etc. I think it will look cooler, but the main motivation for this project is to lower the height of the machine without chopping the factory cage. And if I can increase functionality and safety at the same time then all the better! Do I plan to test the cage? Hopefully not!! But if I ever need it I want it to work.

I guess the only potential downside to thicker tube is weight, I just don't want to sacrifice functionality to save weight but no need to overbuild it either. So you see my dilemma!

 

[Hondasxs]

I would say bump it up one level of thickness max. I would switch to 1.75 too.

 

[JACKAL]

Very nice @JACKAL thank you for the info and links! That's exactly what I needed to know

Here is how the 4 point restraints finally mounted up top & finished product.

 

[Tflynn]

Looks awesome! How many miles do you have with them? And how do you like them?

 

[JACKAL]

Looks awesome! How many miles do you have with them? And how do you like them?

With my previous SxS I had over 1500 miles, with the P500 about 2 miles (but rough ones) works just like I had hoped. You are strapped in snug and get to feel the suspension work instead of getting jounced around. I will have a set in my P1K next spring as well.

 

[Tflynn]

Very nice. After watching my poor wife bounce around all day in the passenger seat I'm thinking these are a must have!

 

[Hondasxs]

When u do the cage... U need to build her a grab bar. My wife & child loves it.
http://hondasxs.com/index.php?threads/1158/

 

[Tflynn]

When u do the cage... U need to build her a grab bar. My wife & child loves it.
http://hondasxs.com/index.php?threads/1158/

Yes that's in the works as well. In fact, we had a conversation like this-

Me- do you want a handle to hold onto there?

Her- yes definitely!

Me- at any cost? That will probably require a new cage!

Her- (eyes rolling) ok

 

[Tflynn]

Your handle looks good. I like the handle bar grips, I wouldn't have thought of that

 

[bobbyhill]

Yes that's in the works as well. In fact, we had a conversation like this-

Me- do you want a handle to hold onto there?

Her- yes definitely!

Me- at any cost? That will probably require a new cage!

Her- (eyes rolling) ok

Lol and that's how it is done! I hope you guys are taking notes!

 

[Tflynn]

So I'm planning on buying steel this week. As mentioned before, I'm going with 1.75" rolled tube.

Everything I've read says to use DOM for its strength, but all the info I've found is for race cars or jeeps/rockcrawlers. I'm thinking rolled will be ok for a vehicle that's not super fast or heavy. I hope I'm right! I will post updates as I complete the steps, but this will take me awhile as my time is very limited this time of year

 

[d_b]

How's the progress coming along ? I've decided just to scrap the whole cage...New cage, new belts went with 3" pro armour upfront 2" in rear, now debating new seats upfront. Dam winter projects...lol

 

[Tflynn]

Haha I know what you mean! I had to put this project on hold for awhile until harvest time is over. Now the dust is starting to settle (both figuratively and literally) so I plan to get going on this again soon. I'm still working out all the details like where I will want light mounting points? do I make a new roof or try to utilize the factory one? Should I go ahead with a hi lift mount? Etc. etc. etc. and of course the question I can never answer confidently- what else am I forgetting??? But when progress is made I will definitely post here!

 

[Gator]

Here are some numbers:

1.625 dia, 16Ga, .065 wall, 1.080 lbs/ft, I=0.097 in^4
1.625 dia, 11Ga, .120 wall, 1.929 lbs/ft, I=0.161 in^4
1.750 dia, 16Ga, .065 wall, 1.170 lbs/ft, I=0.122 in^4
1.750 dia, 11Ga, .120 wall, 2.080 lbs/ft, I=0.201 in^4

"I" is your moment of inertia. This is the value that I think is important for "strength". Obviously there are a lot of other factors but you can compare weight to strength by comparing these numbers.

 

[d_b]

I went with 1.75 x .120. I'll post pics of what I have so far shortly. Keeps changing lol.

 

[Tflynn]

I went with 1.75 x .120. I'll post pics of what I have so far shortly. Keeps changing lol.

Aw man you beat me to it? That's awesome can't wait to see! Maybe give me some ideas!

 

[Dallas]

Any updates? I'm thinking about chopping up my 1000 cage...it's hideous!

 

[d_b]

Any updates? I'm thinking about chopping up my 1000 cage...it's hideous!

Check out my custom cage, so far.

 

[Tflynn]

Yeah @d_b has way more to brag about than I do at this point. I m in the process of moving shops right now but plan to jump in around Christmas when I get some off time.