Thicker front fork brace

[Matt95]

So I've seen some people online stiffening up the front fork brace to get better handling around corners.
The OEM brace is 3mm steel, which is very thin.
I've seen some people make front fork plates out of 8mm alu.
How would I make it? is there cad files online that I can CNC or is there a store that sells thicker braces?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaOBzTJB7yc&t=17s
Time stamp 2.20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_69tgHMZDc
Timestamp 11.00

There was a discussion about this in 2006
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=29344.0
Some suggested doubling up on OEM braces which is an interesting idea. any thoughts on this?

[Bluesmudge]

There have been a number of forum members over the years that have sold thicker billet aluminum fork braces. I don't think The Buddha has them anymore but chuck81 probably has a few left:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=73355.0

Get 'em while you can. As the GS500 fades away I don't see there being much of a market anymore for cool aftermarket parts like this.
I've seen them on eBay over the years as well, but since the GS500 hasn't been sold in most of the world for 10 years its getting harder to find aftermarket parts.

Its a simple flat piece of metal with 8 holes. Worst case, buy a piece of aluminum and cut it yourself using the OEM plate as a template.

[mr72]

I have a chunk of 1/4" alu plate left over from my foot peg project that I considered using to make a new fork brace. But why? I know everyone will tell you how this thin one flexes and all that, but my dad's TU250X has the same size forks and has NO BRACE AT ALL. His old CL350 has smaller forks with no brace. When I wrecked my Triumph, the factory brace (which mounts the fender as well, like in the GS) got bent, and then I had to fit one from the wrong bike onto forks for the wrong bike so I wound up making little tabs to reposition the fender in the right spot, everyone told me the sky would fall and I would be trying to steer with a wet noodle and all of that but you know what? It made no difference I can tell at all.

I think the thicker fork brace is just overrated. Sure, you want it, go for it. It can't hurt. But I would guess unless you are running the GS on a racetrack, you won't be able to detect any difference in performance, if you could possibly be objective about it.

[HPP8140]

Double brace also an option

[The Buddha]

I dont have em anymore, but yes, use a 1/2" 6061 or 7075 plate and you can do the job with a holesaw, and get it close with a file and grinder. Then fit and grind will get it there.
Cool.
Buddha.

[mr72]

Double brace also an option

Is that really measurably different than one brace? Maybe if you were to JB Weld it to the other brace so they have limited shear against one another.

The weak link will very quickly become the attachment to the fork. To do this right you'd really need to make a precision hole and use a bolt (not a screw) to affix it so the shoulder in the bolt was a near interference fit to the mounting hole to prevent flex in that direction. But it necessitates a longer screw for a thicker brace, and that screw is going to flex more and have less clamping force on the brace so it's a tradeoff.

I am just not convinced these are much better.

[sledge]

WTF??

Its a motorcycle going round a bend, not the space shuttle in re-entry!!

Vast majority of people are fine with the standard part, you would have to be someone special to notice and pick up on the potential issues you are talking about after doubling up on the brace!!

"I have just done a few twisties at 60mph and I felt a bit of sheer in my doubled up fork brace on my 20 year old GS5"

Really??

[Bluesmudge]

The benefits, if any, are most likely only felt while hard braking. This is because of the spindly forks and single brake disc. That said, I don't remember ever noticing a difference after installing mine.

I can't imagine cornering forces are going to do anything that the fork brace would help.

But...a chunky billet brace can't hurt and is a nice piece of bling when polished up.

[HPP8140]

Yeah, after upgrading springs felt difference of flexing under hard braking. I have aluminum brace now...felt it was too stiff originally.

Interestingly, my bikes with USD forks don't have braces.

[The Buddha]

You need it more due to the single disk. But yes its only noticeable after a suspension tune and upgrade and only under hard braking.

PS: I had to look it up, If you're braking in a turn the front end can "tuck" which is a twitch like movement and while it can happen with twin disks too, its a lot easier with 1. And you can crash. Now my very first 89 GS had heaps of love and treasure piled into it, including SS brake lines, Lindemann forks, sticky A$$ tires cos I was blowing through them at the rate of 2 pairs a year and wonderful Northern CA lane split to the tune of 100 mi a day. So I ran into problems there that oddly I have never ever before or since. Besides I was also young and stupid. Now I am older.

Cool.
Buddha.

[HPP8140]

Double brace also an option

Is that really measurably different than one brace? Maybe if you were to JB Weld it to the other brace so they have limited shear against one another.

The weak link will very quickly become the attachment to the fork. To do this right you'd really need to make a precision hole and use a bolt (not a screw) to affix it so the shoulder in the bolt was a near interference fit to the mounting hole to prevent flex in that direction. But it necessitates a longer screw for a thicker brace, and that screw is going to flex more and have less clamping force on the brace so it's a tradeoff.

I am just not convinced these are much better.

It's been a number of years...I have an aluminum brace now, but I did try the double brace experiment and remember it did provide a slight but nicely balanced solid feel under hard braking. I just used the four OEM screws.