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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: bassman on April 14, 2009, 01:08:58 PM

Title: Fork Brace
Post by: bassman on April 14, 2009, 01:08:58 PM
Has anyone fitted one of those custom fork braces (those thick aluminium type) and, if so, have you found the handling better?  I'm a real sucker for quick fixes , you know - a fool and his money...snake oil and all that? :cookoo:

p.s. When I re-assembled my forks after pulling and re-oiling them I was careful to tighten-up the brace last after buttoning everything else up.  I was careful because I noted in Progressive's spring installation instructions that problems with the performance of modded forks can occasionally be attributed to a mis-aligned or incorrectly fitted fork brace.

bassman
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: The Buddha on April 14, 2009, 01:12:29 PM
40 bucks shipped, got a batch fresh off the machinist ... allen bolts in SS included ... and yes they help especially under braking.
I implemented this mod back in 1996 and could not believe suzuki didn't do this stock ...
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: CliffHanger on April 14, 2009, 01:22:44 PM
I agree, braking behaviour is much better with the thicker braces.

I replaced mine last week, doing some runs prior to and after changing out the brace.
The front end would either wriggle or chatter when breaking into turns before I swapped it, especially with passenger.

Now it feels much more steady and predictable.  :thumb: :thumb:
Just IMHO,
CliffHanger
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: SteveM on April 14, 2009, 02:53:54 PM
What does one of these HD fork braces look like?
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: seamax on April 14, 2009, 03:04:26 PM
Quote from: The Buddha on April 14, 2009, 01:12:29 PM
40 bucks shipped, got a batch fresh off the machinist ... allen bolts in SS included ... and yes they help especially under braking.
I implemented this mod back in 1996 and could not believe suzuki didn't do this stock ...
Cool.
Buddha.

:thumb: Bought mine from Buddha himself.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: Bluesmudge on April 14, 2009, 05:14:21 PM
Quote from: SteveM on April 14, 2009, 02:53:54 PM
What does one of these HD fork braces look like?

Something like this:
(http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7558/crw8879i.jpg)

I haven't installed mine yet so I cannot comment on the performance differences.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: The Buddha on April 14, 2009, 05:41:08 PM
Yea what he said ... except its dirtier, but cleans up nice ... and it does not have that big white hand welded to it.
Like this - http://picasaweb.google.com/srinath.the.man/ForkBraces#

Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: Chanse on April 14, 2009, 05:46:22 PM
BOY thats freakin thick... I was like $40, no way... now I know why... I might have to think about this one. thats nice... I like.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: bassman on April 15, 2009, 12:51:37 AM
Oh no!...thanks a lot Guys!!  I'm gonna have to buy one now!!!  The wife won't be happy.  Doh! :wink:

bassman
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: joker79507 on April 15, 2009, 03:36:08 AM
So that plate goes where, under the bottem triple?  Does it matter on an 07, and if I do the katana front end swap later is it possible to grind some material to make it fit the 41mm forks and would it be necessary?

Sooo many questions lol, its the first time I heard of a brace.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: CliffHanger on April 15, 2009, 05:27:05 AM
It installs at the top of the front fender/mudflap.
It replaces the original steel brace.

I am not sure what would be required to fit it to the Kat FE, or if it is even needed.

CliffHanger
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: psyber_0ptix on April 15, 2009, 06:26:39 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/psyber_0ptix/IMG_3408.jpg)

here's a pic with Buddhas installed in trick powder coat blue (to match my tank)

i didn't have longer bolts on hand to mount the fender; but it burly anyhow
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: GI_JO_NATHAN on April 15, 2009, 06:38:07 AM
The fork brace is a great upgrade. You don't really need it for the Kat front end, but I'm pretty sure it will bolt right on anyway.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: The Buddha on April 15, 2009, 09:49:33 AM
89-95 kat uses same brace if you swap to that just take it with you ... or fork brace has good street value ... more if I sell out and we get some crazies looking for em ... like the handlebars or case guards.
Sorry Psyber - no bolts - did I forget ? sorry if I did, I'll send you a set ... them SS bolts be really cool ... button heads man, like stock but SS and longer ... mucho better.
I think I bought a bunch of bolts after I sold that blue one, I was down to 2 before I made more and that was when I bought the bolts.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: Canonball on April 15, 2009, 09:56:38 AM
Quote from: psyber_0ptix on April 15, 2009, 06:26:39 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/psyber_0ptix/IMG_3408.jpg)


oooo more pics please!
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: The Buddha on April 15, 2009, 10:02:13 AM
If you want colors ... pay up like an extra 5 bucks ... and wait a few weeks.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by: psyber_0ptix on April 15, 2009, 10:31:38 AM
Quote from: Canonball on April 15, 2009, 09:56:38 AM



oooo more pics please!

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=44878.20