Buddha's Fork Brace Install

[Twism86]

I got my fork brace in the mail (thanks!). Can you change the brace out w/o removing the tire? It seems like the 4 smaller bolts have nuts on the back....... I just put my tire back on before trying to put on the brace  . I dont feel like going through that hassle again.....

I also stripped one of the 2.5mm allen heads using the right size driver... Cheap factory bolts. Anyone know a good extractor kit to buy?

[T1z3R]

i believe the wheel has to come of to swap it.

[bassmechanicsz]

The wheel does need to come off to change it as their is no way to hold the nuts on the backs of the bolts to prevent them from spinning freely.

[Twism86]

Thanks. Damn i really dont want to pull the tire off again.

[bassmechanicsz]

Pulling off the wheel really isn't that hard at all.  I just did this a few weeks ago to change the tire and install a fork brace.

[Twism86]

Pulling off the wheel really isn't that hard at all.  I just did this a few weeks ago to change the tire and install a fork brace.

I know, its just not something i feel like doing soon. I just wish i realized this when i had the tire off.

[The Buddha]

There is a way to do it ... but you may not like it.
Unbolt the stock and bend the ears of the brace up.
Push the fender down toward the tire and out the front. You can also spray water and cut the ears off. Water is needed to keep it from melting the plastic. You can also grind/cut off the bolt heads holding the fork brace to the fender, again use water and lots of it.
Remove the brace and toss it.
Loop zip ties through the fender holes and the fork brace but leave them loose.
Put emblem tape - 2 sided tape - on the brace (yea clean it first, the thing has a ton of machining coolant and dirt).
Then move it into position, tighten the zip ties and obviously it will glue itself to the brace.
Then bolt the brace back on.
I have done a few this way, not had it come off ... but replacing zip ties every year is a good idea. They can get brittle.
Also you may be running tars that are too tall to let you remove it without taking the wheel off. But if you put it back this way you can remove it in future wihtout taking off the wheel. Not that you would need to ... I cant imagine why.
Cool.
Buddha.

[the mole]

??
Taking the front wheel off is a 5 minute job....while holding your cup of coffee with one hand! With both hands, 2 minutes.

[gregvhen]

are you talking about those thicker billet fork braces that ive seen around?  with the Suzuki S milled into them? i didnt know buddha sold those how much are they?

[bassmechanicsz]

Buddha's don't have the suzuki S milled into them his are just solid billet.  Chuck'something' sells the ones with the S milled in and he also sells the side covers that have the S milled in to them.

[The Buddha]

35 shipped for brace or the right side round cover - both can be shipped for $65.
Mine look well ... industrial, like you hammered and ground it for days to make this out of bare metal ... whatever ...
I am down to 1/2 dozen braces ... maybe a bit more, and about a dozen round things. I've been awfully indisciplined about selling them, but everyone who bought one has received it I'm glad to say as of early this week ... whoo hooo ... one small one after sitting on some stuff for months.
Cool.
Buddha.