SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Impression of a Superbrace
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1178642559

Message started by Odar on 05/08/07 at 09:42:39

Title: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Odar on 05/08/07 at 09:42:39

I have had my Savage since it was new 8 years, been driving it 27000 km, changed a few things on it, like a dragbar, thin seat, forward controlls, carb/KN and exhause and two weeks ago a chainconversion, all this mods have made the bike a lot better then stock, but the biggest improvment that I did was to put a Superbrace on the frontfork yesterday. Totally diffrent bike, I did notise it directly when I start to run, its so mutch more stabel, I took the bike to small twistie roads with a lot of potholes (60-100 km/h) took her out on open roads for high speed (120-140 km/h) and all I can say is ;D woow ;D, way didnt I do this before. This sounds like a comercial for the Superbrace but it was amasing howe big change it was, the bike feels bigger on all kinds of roads.
This was the first time I felt that I could need some more power in the bike, erlier I always thought it was Ok because the bike is not the stiffest in the frame, but diffrent today.
Odar

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by justin_o_guy on 05/08/07 at 10:26:52

The bike needed the brace in stock form. After the exhaust & jetting, it needed it worse. After the hatrod cam if I hadnt had the brace, I couldnt have begun to enjoy or safely use the power except in the straights. Now, I have to learn to ride at a higher level, since the bike has enough"Squirt" to break the rear loose if I goose it too hard laid over too far accelerating out of a short turn. Also, the brace allows for much, much quicker "emergency" maneuvers. I can change lanes if I need to using harsh countersteer & the front end doesnt absorb my input. It transfers it right on to the front tire. I know thats not the best way to turn, I should lean & look & set the bike into a turn using my body & Some countersteer, but sometimes someone else wants the asphalt I am occupying so much I just don't have time. For those who dont hotrod & drag pegs, I still recommend a brace.

For Safety reasons, I recommend a brace. Even if you ride like a Ol Woman..

I MOst surely appreciate that pretty thing on Bull.( That's my bikes name)

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by firsts40 on 05/08/07 at 11:12:37

I put one on my stock 06 S40, and had the same results......WHY DIDN'T I PUT IT ON EARLIER !!. The big difference I found, was grossing draw bridges with the metal grating, and on the highway when passed or behind an 18 wheeler. Not only is it a necessary mod for a bike as light as ours, but I got the polished one, and it does great justice to the looks sitting on top of my Candy Red fender. I also highly recommend it to ALL Savage/S40 owners.
Ride Safe and enjoy

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by skatnbnc on 05/08/07 at 11:19:58

Superbrace install - Is this something I can do alone, or is muscle going to be involved?

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by youzguyz on 05/08/07 at 11:41:45

Looks pretty easy, once you get past the price!
http://www.superbrace.com/proddetail.asp?prod=3335

hopefully can be found for less $

There is a thread on it too:
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;num=1175687476;start=0

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Dr_Jim on 05/08/07 at 11:57:32

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by georgekathe on 05/08/07 at 12:44:41

yes the superbrace is easy to put on - they come with instructions I believe but anyway there is instructions to install it on their site. & yes - you do need to loosen the pinch bolt(s?)

only reservation I have is that the brace is only part of the story - I am still a little disappointed in what it does for the bike without improving the rear shocks to say progressives (going to say another cruiser's shocks would not cut it I don't think). I find I still get some wallowing in some fast sweeping curves with some dips in the road surface - think the progressives could iron it out - have decent tires on my bike.

unfortunately - I don't have the pennies (at present) to buy a set - bought the brace some time ago after had just bought Savage & was eager to spend $ on it!

saying this - I don't think my comment should stop anyone from buying a brace - they are a worthwhile addition & when you think of price of do-dads for other bikes not too expensive (not like it is going to wear out like a good quality tire such as a metzler or that).

as we know, HD stands for Hundred Dollars (minimum payment for anything on a Harley) & BMW stands for Break My Wallet (I speak from experience - what happens when you buy stuff for those Bavarian masterpieces.) ;D

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by firsts40 on 05/08/07 at 19:32:32

;D No muscle involved and I put my brace on in about 20 minutes, and that included cutting off the factory plastic fork guards. If you are going to buy the brace, go ahead and buy the polished stainless fork guards also.
Instructions are included.
It is so easy a Cave Man can do it ;D ;D

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Odar on 05/09/07 at 02:48:05

Justin
Did you put in the camshaft that Lancer have developet together with Webcam? If so did you change the setup for your carb ones more, and howe is performance compared to a bike with all the rest changed (open pipe KN/carb)? Did it lose some torque at bottom end. Tell me I want to know as mutch as possible.
Odar in Sweden

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by klx650sm2002 on 05/09/07 at 03:29:55

The improvements you guys are talking about are similar to those I got with KLX when I took the sail of a front mudguard off, she used to wobble from 60mph up, now I've been mid 90s with no probs. Looks are a bit subjective.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o147/klx650sm2002/uptodate.jpg
Clive W :D

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by justin_o_guy on 05/09/07 at 05:48:33

Motorcycles are like the sheets on my bed. When I am using them, I can't see them, so whatever color they are, doesn't matter. When I am riding, it's what the bike DOES & how it does it that matters,,not what I think of the bikes looks, & sure as HECK not what I think others may think of it.

AWWWW, heck, who am I Kiddin? We all want our bikes to be looked at as "Cool", don't we? I mean, I gotta admit, when I'm not scaring myself in a turn, I do hope others think its a cool bike.. BUt, even if no one else does, I do..be a lot cooler when I find all that hidden MPG in there..now,, wher;d that stuff go?

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by mavrik on 05/09/07 at 08:42:15

Hello savages: Put my Superbrace on last month, It does make a big difference.

Alot more stable, Superbrace even used the picture I sent them for their website, how cool is that? :D

http://www.superbrace.com/prodimages/3335.2.jpg

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by vroom1776 on 05/09/07 at 09:04:00

georgekathe wrote:

as we know, HD stands for Hundred Dollars (minimum payment for anything on a Harley) & BMW stands for Break My Wallet (I speak from experience - what happens when you buy stuff for those Bavarian masterpieces.) ;D

HD actually now stands for High Dollar

Am I the only one who doesn't have problems steering the hell out these bikes? I'm gonna have to ride one with a super brace to see for myself what everyone is talking about...

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by skatnbnc on 05/09/07 at 09:54:09

I'm not actually noticing much fork play, but I do ride in high winds a lot being on the coast, and there are multiple bridges and rough roads.

I was thinking about the brace for those reasons, hoping it will improve performance since I ride daily.

My concern with installation is taking that wheel off. What if I can't get it back on right!? A little scary for a newbie, but y'all did patiently walk me through my battery issue, so that may be the next Suzi project.

Right now it is pouring BUCKETS of rain...sigh. :P

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by georgekathe on 05/09/07 at 10:07:54

good news for you skatnbnc - you don't take the wheel off - it comes in 2 parts that clamp around the forks!

you do have to loosen the wheel pich bolt(?) (just loosening an allen screw if memory serves me correctly & wriggle wheel a bit (again if memory serves me correctly) but other than that that is only thing you do to a Savage. if you have a bike with built in black plastic fork guards you have to remove thos but you can cut them off or remove them with a chisel as I think justin did.

I did not buy the optional fork guards superbrace has (helps protect fork seals from bugs & dirt/grit) when I bought superbrace but wish I did - would have saved on freight (still don't have them).

check thread on it in youzguyz entry above. you don't have to go to all the trouble justin o guy did when he installed his just some extra stuff he chose to do. I put mine on per superbrace's instructions in a short time - it is one of easiest things/mods you can do to your bike if you have the tools (set of allen wrenches I think).

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by skatnbnc on 05/09/07 at 10:19:10

Oooohhhh, well THAT makes it doable! :)

I just looked at my bike, and I do have the black plastic guards.

Will take the advice of getting the fork guards since that seems to make a difference too.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Starlifter on 05/09/07 at 12:53:21

Hmm, I see in the installion instructions for the LS650 Super Brace that "it may be necessary to move or purchase after market brake lines and horn."
Has anyone had to do that? Also how do the Super Brace fork shilds go on, and what is a good torque wrench to purchase for general use?
Thanks, Starlifter.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by vroom1776 on 05/09/07 at 12:58:24

Starlifter wrote:

I don't see why you'd have to move the horn or get longer brake lines for the fork brace. the horn is nowhere near there, and the brake line is clamped to the lower triple tree, and has plenty of play to get to the brake caliper.

tq. wrench... not sure who made mine, but buy the best one you can afford. Do not buy one from harbor freight.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Starlifter on 05/09/07 at 13:02:25

OK, thanks V1776.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by mavrik on 05/09/07 at 13:05:52

Starlifter wrote:

It's real easy, you don't move anything.

The Superbrace comes in 2 peices, there are 4 screws, you need an Allen key (not sure what size but it'll be in your set if ya got one)

Use an exacto knife (box cutter) to remove plastic fork guards. They come off easy just don't scratch the forks by slipping.

Put the 2 peices together with the specified gap over the fender, can't remember what it is but instructions will tell you.

Your supposed to loosen the fork bolt or something but I never did it, as long as your bike is standing up evenly it's ok.

Bounce the front end so that everything seems ok and the forks are even.

The fork shields just screw on takes 2 minutes, buy them together with the brace.

That's it from what I can remember not hard or time consuming maybe 20 minutes.

Ride safe.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by firsts40 on 05/09/07 at 16:32:47

8) All I did when I installed my Superbrace was place the instruction sheet under it when I installed it, per instructions. On the 06 anyways, it will sit almost directly on the fender, that is why you have to place a piece of paper under it. On the S40's anyways, there is no need to move anything, or alter anything. Like I said, it took me approximately 20 minutes including cutting the factory plastric fork guards off with a razor knife.
;D 8)

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by tuxedo on 05/09/07 at 18:06:32

If someone has one of these say...loose from their bike, and has a set of calipers, could you measure the distance from the inner arches of the fork holes?

O----this distance----0

Or if you have a set of calipers and can just measure the distance while the brace is on the bike? I know people who owe me favors. People with machine shops, etc.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by justin_o_guy on 05/09/07 at 20:14:47

I would recommend riding to the machine shop & talking to the machinist. If he accepts your measurements & it doesnt work out, then he doesnt have to feel too bad. If he is willing to machine the brace, it has an arch to clear the fender & is 2 pieces to pinch the lower fork tubes. The machinist really should have a long hard look at where the brace goes & do the measuring.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by tuxedo on 05/09/07 at 20:43:42

Hadn't thought about it needing an arch. Never mind then. That's one expensive piece of metal to start milling. Explains why the brace is so "expensive." Four holes drilled and tapped, milled on 2 axes three times, and polished. Or anodized. If the machine shop costs 50 an hour, that's still around 150 in labor alone.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by justin_o_guy on 05/09/07 at 21:03:59

There's a way to do it with straight aluminum. A guy on this forum has done it. Maybe he still does, but I havent seen any sign of him selling braces in a long time. A piece drilled & cut for each lower fork tube & a piece that spanse between them, bolting down into the clamps on each lowewr fork tube. If the tops of each clamp ar high enough so the "bridge" that connects them clears the fender, youze in bidniss..

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by tuxedo on 05/09/07 at 21:19:21

Oddly, I thought of that immediately after I made my previous post. Good to hear that someone had done it before. Something like that, I can make alone. New project for my birthday. :) Thanks

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by smokey02 on 05/10/07 at 02:29:15

I got my brace from Tkat.com

I just clamped it on, did the final tighteniing while holding the bike straight up and the wheel straight ahead, had lots of fender clearance.

It has 8 allen bolts, 2 on each clamp, 4 on the cross piece, cross piece holes are actually slots, so you have adjustment room. Very easy job.

Makes a big difference on rough pavement, tar snakes and windy days.

When you ride over bumpy stuff, it changes that side to side wobble to a controlled up and down movement, much more stable on the freeway too.

http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2006%5C12%5C03%5Cbikepics-738238-full.jpg
http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2006%5C12%5C03%5Cbikepics-738236-full.jpg

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by skatnbnc on 05/10/07 at 07:21:30

Any advice on standing the bike so that it is level for brace installation?

I looked at the home made wooden bike brace on this forum, but is there not an easier way? I want to avoid construction!

I do have a carport, and plenty of cord, rope, bungees. Could I level the bike between the posts? How much wiggle is involved with getting the braces on?

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by justin_o_guy on 05/10/07 at 07:47:41

I just loosened the allen ( pinch) bolt & gave the front a wiggle & installed away. I was very careful about making sure both sides looked the same, as far as the amount of the slot the old fork ptotectors were mounted in was showing being even on both sides went.
Also, since I tend to forget things, I left the allen wrench hanging in the pinch bolt so I would see it & remember to tighten that bolt.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Reelthing on 05/10/07 at 20:36:57

skatnbnc wrote:

not hard - just losen the pinchbolt a bit and hop up and down on the bike - install the brace (put something under it - piece of paper or something to keep it off the fender or it will scratch the h377 out of your fender - I know- and tighten up the pinch bolt - then go run the tires off of it

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by justin_o_guy on 05/10/07 at 20:51:32

I took a 4&1/2" grinder & worked the ridges from under the brace. It mounted at the absolute top edge of the lower tubes & had only minimal clearance. I also loosened one side of the fender & lowered it as far as the bolt holes would allow. Grinders at Harbor Freight are cheap. Recommend a "paddle" switch for convenience & safety. All ya have to do is open fingers to shut it off, no hunting a switch with a thumb.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Reelthing on 05/10/07 at 20:53:14

but if I member correct - you and a grinder again! ..... ;)

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by justin_o_guy on 05/10/07 at 21:04:45

Well, THIS battery has no vent hose, & aluminum no sparkee,,Ohh, & thanks for remindin me( and EVERYbody else thankyewveramuch)

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Reelthing on 05/11/07 at 09:19:29

justin_o_guy wrote:

Well, THIS battery has no vent hose, & aluminum no sparkee,,Ohh, & thanks for remindin me( and EVERYbody else thankyewveramuch)

Historian is a dirty job but somebody has to do it

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by justin_o_guy on 05/13/07 at 07:19:53

The Superbrace clamps on the lower fork & doesn't span the groove the plastic fork protectors mounts in. If thats an issue, this would be a good time to address it, if you folks ride the late model designs. I doubt it matters, but IF it does, now would be the time to consider it, I would think.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by grim on 05/15/07 at 21:29:55

How the heck does a piece of metal on the forks do all that you all say? And how can you all tell? It rides fine...

Puzzling...

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Odar on 05/15/07 at 22:16:22

Grim
I also thought it ride fine, for 8 years (27000 km) I thought so, then I bought one small piece of metal, and now I know better.
No flex in the forkspring, thats all I can say.
Odar

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Savage_Rob on 05/16/07 at 05:46:12

grim wrote:

How the heck does a piece of metal on the forks do all that you all say? And how can you all tell? It rides fine...

Puzzling...

According to the Superbrace site (http://www.superbrace.com/simulation.html):
- Reduces low and high speed wobbles.
- Improves stability in tight cornering.
- Improves tire life and reduces cupping.
- Decreases sensitivity to rough road surfaces and rain grooves.

There are other sites, such as this one (http://users.metro2000.net/~cdc/magna/tech%20section%20and%20issues/fork%20brace/the%20fork%20brace.htm), that explain it in other (sometimes better) ways. However, I can attest to the efficacy of a fork brace too.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by cnosee on 05/16/07 at 07:23:53

WERE U RUNNING WITH OUT THE FRONT FENDER?
DID U DO ANY MOD'STO THE FRONT END ???

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by georgekathe on 05/16/07 at 08:22:23

cnosee - if you check the pics above the posting you made you'll see both braces used with fender installed.

I have superbrace on my savage - no mods necessary to bike. in case of newer s40 with little black fork guards these need cutting off with sharp utility knife or chiseled off carefully.

I can't speak for mods in case of other forkbrace.

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Savage_Rob on 05/16/07 at 08:30:14

cnosee wrote:

WERE U RUNNING WITH OUT THE FRONT FENDER?
DID U DO ANY MOD'STO THE FRONT END ???

Wre you possibly intending to be YELLING a reply to the A little wobble (http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;num=1179292551) topic instead of this one?

Title: Re: Impression of a Superbrace
Post by Savage_Rob on 06/07/07 at 05:17:59

If you're interested in the TKAT fork brace, please go to that thread (http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;num=1180722129) instead of hijacking the Superbrace thread.