Fork braces

[Rob S.]

I've noticed two types of fork braces: straightforward fork-to-fork, and ones that loop over the front fender.

I'm assuming both styles are available for some bikes. What are the function/performance/cost benefits of one over the other?

How much of a handling gain can one make on an '82 11e?

 

[bonanzadave]

You can make a 30 year old bike handle like a 20 year old bike

I consider them a band-aide. When my bike was new it never wallowed like it does now. Ive gone through every suspension / handling issue I can think of and its not anywhere near like when it was new. I think the smoking gun is in the fork bushings. Even with new parts it is still sloppy.

 

[Rob S.]

Looking at the pic you posted reminds me of a negative: they add weight.

The fork bushings, are they up top near the triple trees?

 

[bonanzadave]

The fork bushings, are they up top near the triple trees?

Nope. Look at the fiche. You'll see em.....

 

[Guest]

There are two sets of bushings. A set on the sliders at the bottom and a set at the top of the tubes. Not sure why you are that concerned about weight Rob. Your bike is a street bike right and not a track bike? Anything that can make a bike handle better, weight be damned. Some weight savings are good and some there is little or no benefit. I like my brace, because it allows the forks too work together and minimize any flexing between the forks.

 

[Rob S.]

I've noticed two types of fork braces: straightforward fork-to-fork, and ones that loop over the front fender.

I'm assuming both styles are available for some bikes. What are the function/performance/cost benefits of one over the other?

Still wondering about my original question.

I realize shaving pounds is mostly a psychological benefit for me, but I was disappointed when I weighed her last year and she was over 560 lbs.

I also realize the weight savings by not having a centerstand probably raised my C.G., certainly not my goal.

So what about those two types of fork braces? The double loop over the fender type almost seems like it's designed to flex, whereas the hefty fork-to-fork brace shouts, "No movement!"

 

[Charlie G]

If you want to look vintage get the lopie one. If you want it to improve the forks as much as can be done, get the fork to fork one. I perceive it as vintage style vs function.

 

[Rob S.]

If you want to look vintage get the lopie one. If you want it to improve the forks as much as can be done, get the fork to fork one. I perceive it as vintage style vs function.

Thanks. The loops over the fender would be too vintage.

What about placement? How is it determined where exactly to place the brace?

 

[Guest]

I've used both and find no difference between them and to tell you the truth, it's hard to determine the improvement either one made. I know the bike is better with it than without, but there's definitely no 'wow, that's better' happening.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Tarozzi Forks Stabalizer

Tarozzi Forks Stabalizer

I've noticed two types of fork braces: straightforward fork-to-fork, and ones that loop over the front fender.

I'm assuming both styles are available for some bikes. What are the function/performance/cost benefits of one over the other?

How much of a handling gain can one make on an '82 11e?

I have the one that loops over the top of the front fender. When Bill told me the only stability between the top of the forks at the triple tree and the front axle was the fender--I thought about that for a second. Then I decided I wanted to re-enforce the stability. Here's a side view showing the front fender enforcement I was talking about and the Tarozzi Fork Brace that supports the claim.

There are two sets of bushings. A set on the sliders at the bottom and a set at the top of the tubes. Not sure why you are that concerned about weight Rob. Your bike is a street bike right and not a track bike? Anything that can make a bike handle better, weight be damned. Some weight savings are good and some there is little or no benefit. I like my brace, because it allows the forks too work together and minimize any flexing between the forks.

Here's a view that supports the above statement. Basically, peace of mind is why I installed my fork brace. No "Wow" factor required by me.

Still wondering about my original question.

I realize shaving pounds is mostly a psychological benefit for me, but I was disappointed when I weighed her last year and she was over 560 lbs.

I also realize the weight savings by not having a centerstand probably raised my C.G., certainly not my goal.

So what about those two types of fork braces? The double loop over the fender type almost seems like it's designed to flex, whereas the hefty fork-to-fork brace shouts, "No movement!"

Here's another shot to help you make a decision to go with the Tarozzi. I paid less than $100 including shipping...like maybe $75.




Ed

 

[Charlie G]

I've used both and find no difference between them and to tell you the truth, it's hard to determine the improvement either one made. I know the bike is better with it than without, but there's definitely no 'wow, that's better' happening.

I have to agree with azr here...no wow factor on using a fork brace.

 

[1980GS1000E]

Fork slop can be attributed to wear in the lower tubes. I have tried using home made shims (aluminum can) behind new bushings and it helped loads.

 

[bonanzadave]

Fork slop can be attributed to wear in the lower tubes. I have tried using home made shims (aluminum can) behind new bushings and it helped loads.

Friend of mine uses feeler gauges as shims. Im gonna try that this summer.....

This may explain my handling issues...

 

[crankshaft]

In the 1980's, I bought a universal plastic front fender that was white with no holes. I carefully measured and drilled the four attachment holes, and rattle-canned it black. But taking off the stock fender also took off the fork brace. I soon put on a Telefix fork brace. After adjusting the brace, I took out the fork springs and the fork slid perfectly. Until I torqued the axle bolt. That pinched the fork. After I added a thin washer as a shim on the right part of the axle, the forks slid perfectly.

I used to replace my fork seals every 12 or 15K, but I have not had to replace them since the Telefix brace, about 50K. (They will probably start leaking now.) The handling is terrific, especially after adding the Works Performance shocks. The brace makes the two spindly 35mm forks act together.

 

[Rob S.]

In the 1980's, I bought a universal plastic front fender that was white with no holes. I carefully measured and drilled the four attachment holes, and rattle-canned it black. But taking off the stock fender also took off the fork brace. I soon put on a Telefix fork brace. After adjusting the brace, I took out the fork springs and the fork slid perfectly. Until I torqued the axle bolt. That pinched the fork. After I added a thin washer as a shim on the right part of the axle, the forks slid perfectly.

I used to replace my fork seals every 12 or 15K, but I have not had to replace them since the Telefix brace, about 50K. (They will probably start leaking now.) The handling is terrific, especially after adding the Works Performance shocks. The brace makes the two spindly 35mm forks act together.

That's a '79?

Does the '82 also have 35mm forks?

 

[Guest]

Still wondering about my original question.

I realize shaving pounds is mostly a psychological benefit for me, but I was disappointed when I weighed her last year and she was over 560 lbs.

I also realize the weight savings by not having a centerstand probably raised my C.G., certainly not my goal.

So what about those two types of fork braces? The double loop over the fender type almost seems like it's designed to flex, whereas the hefty fork-to-fork brace shouts, "No movement!"

I used to have the loop brace though an accident wiped it out. The brace itself is predrilled to fit between the fender and the fork tube. The holes are slotted slightly to aid in the alignment. Far as I know, the loops are no longer made, though have seen a couple on ebay some time ago. You do have to get one for the 37mm forks. The one for the 35mm would be too narrow I believe.

 

[GSXR7ED]

So...what did you end up doing Rob?


Ed

 

[Rob S.]

Fork brace is way down the list. As soon as I receive the headlight (hoping any day now, Ray) I'll have her towed to the shop. I'm praying the forks are not bent.

"Loop brace" sounds like the thing I was originally inquiring about. I would go with the straight across, beefy-looking brace, but as you can see, it's way down on the list.

 

[Steve]

If you are interested in a double-loop-over-the-fender type, I have one for you.

I don't have any pictures of it right now, but it is similar in concept to this one for a BMW:

.