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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Fork Brace: is it necessary? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1198541334 Message started by Gort on 12/24/07 at 16:08:53 |
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Title: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Gort on 12/24/07 at 16:08:53 I use my Savage for around town and don't do any extreme maneuvers with it. The engineers at Suzuki didn't see the need for a fork brace, but if it somehow would increase my safety factor, I would buy one. What is the opinion of those who have them on their bikes? |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by gj859 on 12/24/07 at 16:14:18 I got the superbrace. It's great, makes big difference on curves and the wind. If I could only have one mod this would be it. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by bill67 on 12/24/07 at 16:23:08 Yes you can get along without,I have the superbrace its better,but I have had bikes without them and got along alright. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by jk on 12/24/07 at 18:42:57 I lowered my front end in lieu of a brace of any kind- installed 2 inch spacers when I changed the seals. I really like how it handles now (then... bike's in pieces still...) |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/24/07 at 18:54:05 If I could only change the exhaust & jet or have the fork brace, I would get the performance up with exhaust & jetting. But, If I wanted to be able to enjoiy those mods, I would add the brace. It makes a difference in how stable it feels in a corner, for sure., I think it looks better too. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by SteveRocket1 on 12/24/07 at 18:56:31 I have a TKAT and I recommend it. Definitely more stable at speed and seems to help in the wind. If you just potter around it is not needed. It just makes the steering a bit more solid feeling Steve |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Holodeck on 12/24/07 at 19:52:10 +1 on the TKAT. Best money I spent. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Ed L. on 12/24/07 at 20:00:31 It makes a big difference on the superslab or squirting at speed around turns. It all depends on your riding style, I've had a Superbrace on my '02 for three years and love it. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by YonuhAdisi on 12/24/07 at 20:07:46 I would love to get a fork brace for the FireLizard, unfortunately, I don't have the kind of money they usually cost. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by verslagen1 on 12/24/07 at 20:22:47 The TKAT is $90 inc shipping and I would miss it if it fell off. If you are running with speed or over uneven ground at any speed, the brace will certainly make a difference in your confidence. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by drharveys on 12/24/07 at 22:10:54 Best (and easiest) upgrade you can give the bike. Those forks are raked out and a bit flexible -- the brace just tightens it up so it works the way it should. Whether to go Superbrace or TKAT is a matter of personal taste. They both do the job, and it's your call whether the esthetics of the Superbrace are worth the premium in price. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Paladin. on 12/24/07 at 22:26:34 6251574B5651230 wrote:
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by firsts40 on 12/24/07 at 23:28:08 I ride around town going to and from work, I ride a lot on the Interstates, and most every where you go along the Mississippi Gulf Coast you go over bridges with the metal grating. I have found it great on all types of riding I do. On the highways and metal gratings of bridges, it is like riding a different bike. I have the Superbrace with the polished stainless fork guards, and it cost me around $170 with shipping and handling. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by thumperclone on 12/25/07 at 01:26:45 3 necessiites: fuel compression spark |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by demin on 12/25/07 at 05:47:51 I need to put one on the'87,removed front fender,and went larger tire.If I get in the tire grooves worn into the pavement it pulls pretty bad. :o |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Kropatchek on 12/25/07 at 05:54:38 AS usual a very short answer from me: YES! The telescopic front end of a bike is a weak point. Look at a racing bike: upside down forks at a cost that would buy you 10 Savages, just to stabilize the front. ;) |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/25/07 at 06:02:25 I personally don't know why you need it. It was necessary on my old dirt bikes, but then you never knew what you'd hit with the front wheel either. And the forks would twist with those high plastic fenders too. On the Savage, I'm not convinced... Besides, I tend to feel that the front fender, with its double walled and reinforced construction should serve as a good enough brace for normal street riding. Not only do those 4 bolts hold the fender in place, but I tend to think they also hold the sliders together. Anyone have a problem with loose fender bolts? Anyone found their fender bent or warped due to twisting forks? Of course, if you spend ~$90 for a brace, it's gotta be good. Nothing like a little "peace of mind", but I already got that. Oh yeah! ::) |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by vroom1776 on 12/25/07 at 06:13:42 may also consider progressive rate front springs. I know someone one here got a set from Hagon shocks. I installed a set or Progressive's (the company) progressive rate fork springs on my V* 1100. Front doesn't dive nearly as much and no longer dips in turns. Wonderful! Rides a bit harder though. V |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by klx650sm2002 on 12/25/07 at 08:06:03 The 2 bikes I had fork braces on were transformed, get one. Clive W :) |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by barry68v10 on 12/25/07 at 08:14:56 I don't ride very aggressively...a peg scrape here and there...and the Tkat forkbrace totally changed the way my bike behaves. Much more solid feel. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by barry68v10 on 12/25/07 at 08:16:37 As far as the question of "necessary" goes...I guess that depends on your definition of "necessary." For instance, my wife thinks a new diamond ring is "necessary", therefore, for me it is. ;D |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/25/07 at 10:45:41 3A392A2A216E602E6968580 wrote:
Sure that it wasn't the 90W fork oil? :D |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Trippah on 12/25/07 at 14:08:55 Best money you'll ever spend on the bike, I have the TKAT and it improved the front end of the savage tremendously. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Paladin. on 12/25/07 at 14:38:41 There is an easy way to see if people feel that the fork brace is worth the cost -- Try to find a used one for sale! |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Dave48 on 12/26/07 at 02:39:51 Consensus seems to be that they are "a good thing" - altho' I've never heard of a need to fit an extra brace to any other bike I've had. Shame that as far as I can ones for Savage tell not sold anywhere in UK! |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Paladin. on 12/26/07 at 04:29:30 As Greg said, it is not needed. I took Thumper over the Ortega Highway from the coast to Lake Elsinor and no one passed me. Same on the Angeles Crest. The bike handles just fine bone stock. But if you want noticibly better handling, the fork brace, while not actually necessary, helps. It all depends on where and how you ride and what you want from a motorcycle. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Rob on 12/26/07 at 06:30:51 As already stated, it is not needed. I have one on mine and I am very happy with the difference it makes in the bike's handling. If I had another LS650 I would purchase a fork brace for it also. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/26/07 at 06:56:11 784A5D4A4C4E747944492B0 wrote:
Like I said, on dirt bikes, it made a difference, but on the Savage40 I still wonder...let me toss out this idea from the Devil's Advocate... How would one know if the perceived benefit was more psychological than physical? Could it be possible that some riders install the brace while they are still in their learning curve? Then as they gain more riding skill it might be easy to attribute their success to the brace... Just a thought ::) |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/26/07 at 07:38:03 Since I was playing right on the edge of disaster, scraping pegs, losing it in a turn or two, never went down, but did go offroad a time or two, I can assure you, the brace makes a real difference in the handling. It isn't because of the learning curve, tho an experienced rider, no brace, should out handle a newbie with a brace. IF you are really a calm , sedate rider & you arent just loaded with $$, save the pennies. IF you loike to play in the corners, get a brace, it will change the way it handles. You might see a difference in how it feels, just riding gently, but you WILL feel it if you play hard. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Odar on 12/26/07 at 10:47:09 I have had my Savage since 1999, bought it all new and I have over 30 000 km on the meter, if I should do only one thing with the bike from brand new or if I had knowen what big difference the superbrace was I would have bought one a long time ago, I always thought the bike handled wery well but after putting the brace on it is a new bike and its not something only in my head it is a BIG difference. Anyone that been riding the same bike for a lot of years will feel the difference as son the come to the first curve its so mutch stable it handles so mutch better on bumpy roads and on the highway it even feels hewyer. All I can say is if you put on one SB or Tkat you want take it of. Sorry for the spelling. Odar in Sweden http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/Odar1/IMG_5741.jpg?t=1198694791 |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by barry68v10 on 12/26/07 at 14:26:51 122730320A636065550 wrote:
Sure that it wasn't the 90W fork oil? :D[/quote] 90W? 90W is for woosies with soft backsides! Wanna be a real man?!? Go with bearing grease! :D Actually, I put the fork brace on long before I changed the fork oil... |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by barry68v10 on 12/26/07 at 14:29:20 5164737149202326160 wrote:
Like I said, on dirt bikes, it made a difference, but on the Savage40 I still wonder...let me toss out this idea from the Devil's Advocate... How would one know if the perceived benefit was more psychological than physical? Could it be possible that some riders install the brace while they are still in their learning curve? Then as they gain more riding skill it might be easy to attribute their success to the brace... Just a thought ::)[/quote] Unfortunately, I'm in the flat part of the learning curve ;) |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/27/07 at 03:42:48 7D7E6D6D662927692E2F1F0 wrote:
Like I said, on dirt bikes, it made a difference, but on the Savage40 I still wonder...let me toss out this idea from the Devil's Advocate... How would one know if the perceived benefit was more psychological than physical? Could it be possible that some riders install the brace while they are still in their learning curve? Then as they gain more riding skill it might be easy to attribute their success to the brace... Just a thought ::)[/quote] Unfortunately, I'm in the flat part of the learning curve ;)[/quote] Kinda like the dangle part in the middle of the Bell, eh? |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Rob on 12/27/07 at 14:29:46 4F7A6D6F573E3D38080 wrote:
Like I said, on dirt bikes, it made a difference, but on the Savage40 I still wonder...let me toss out this idea from the Devil's Advocate... How would one know if the perceived benefit was more psychological than physical? Could it be possible that some riders install the brace while they are still in their learning curve? Then as they gain more riding skill it might be easy to attribute their success to the brace... Just a thought ::)[/quote] After I'd had the brace for a while I began to wonder whether I would notice much difference if I were to remove it. I took it off and rode for a week without it. I promptly put it back on. I most definitely notice a difference - especially on uneven road surfaces and rain grooves, etc. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by drharveys on 12/27/07 at 17:45:54 After I put my brace on, I went back to some of the same roads and curves where I had noticed a wobble on hard cornering. It didn't wobble any more. In fact, not only did it wobble a lot less, it didn't wobble at all! |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by sluggo on 12/27/07 at 19:28:12 7D4F584F494B717C414C2E0 wrote:
Like I said, on dirt bikes, it made a difference, but on the Savage40 I still wonder...let me toss out this idea from the Devil's Advocate... How would one know if the perceived benefit was more psychological than physical? Could it be possible that some riders install the brace while they are still in their learning curve? Then as they gain more riding skill it might be easy to attribute their success to the brace... Just a thought ::)[/quote] After I'd had the brace for a while I began to wonder whether I would notice much difference if I were to remove it. I took it off and rode for a week without it. I promptly put it back on. I most definitely notice a difference - especially on uneven road surfaces and rain grooves, etc.[/quote] now that's the answere we were looking for. thanks |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/28/07 at 06:35:59 736C7567676F000 wrote:
Like I said, on dirt bikes, it made a difference, but on the Savage40 I still wonder...let me toss out this idea from the Devil's Advocate... How would one know if the perceived benefit was more psychological than physical? Could it be possible that some riders install the brace while they are still in their learning curve? Then as they gain more riding skill it might be easy to attribute their success to the brace... Just a thought ::)[/quote] After I'd had the brace for a while I began to wonder whether I would notice much difference if I were to remove it. I took it off and rode for a week without it. I promptly put it back on. I most definitely notice a difference - especially on uneven road surfaces and rain grooves, etc.[/quote] now that's the answere we were looking for. thanks[/quote] Is it? |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Holodeck on 12/28/07 at 14:46:40 Greg, If we get together for the road trip we were talking about at the motorcycle show let's trade bikes for a while and you can see how you like the ride with a brace on the forks. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by barry68v10 on 12/28/07 at 16:03:02 6C594E4C741D1E1B2B0 wrote:
Like I said, on dirt bikes, it made a difference, but on the Savage40 I still wonder...let me toss out this idea from the Devil's Advocate... How would one know if the perceived benefit was more psychological than physical? Could it be possible that some riders install the brace while they are still in their learning curve? Then as they gain more riding skill it might be easy to attribute their success to the brace... Just a thought ::)[/quote] After I'd had the brace for a while I began to wonder whether I would notice much difference if I were to remove it. I took it off and rode for a week without it. I promptly put it back on. I most definitely notice a difference - especially on uneven road surfaces and rain grooves, etc.[/quote] now that's the answere we were looking for. thanks[/quote] Is it?[/quote] Alright Greg, we're gonna need you to waffle on this one! ;D |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/29/07 at 06:18:12 486F6C6F6465636B000 wrote:
Sure, and you can experience the sound of a Raask and the overall feel of a lean mean thumpin' machine 8-) ...ah, er, yep. We can do that. :P |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/29/07 at 06:34:34 2D2E3D3D367977397E7F4F0 wrote:
"To waffle?" Been so long since I have heard or read that term, I had to look it up...and as I always recommend, I found the appropriate manual :P From Merriam-Webster online: 1: equivocate vacillate <waffled on the important issues>; also : yo-yo flip-flop 2: to talk or write foolishly : blather <can waffle…tiresomely off the point — Times Literary Supplement> Okay. Now I'm back on the same page... I don't think that I have been "waffling". More of a Devil's Advocate or a "Point/Counterpoint" thing. When did I "waffle", as in "flip-flop"? When did I "waffle", as in "off the point"? I don't think I have, because my opinion still hasn't changed. As I suggested, I just wonder how many people perceive rather than experience a benefit from a fork brace. To me, I wonder if a placebo would be handy in this test. One that would give the rider the perception of better handling, while not doing a darned thing :P Of course, it could be that my riding skills are just far better than all of you, because I've never thought that I needed a fork brace 8-) PS - if you need to look up "Placebo", then go here.. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Paladin. on 12/29/07 at 07:26:59 4075626058313237070 wrote:
Main Entry: perceive: 1 a: to attain awareness or understanding of b: to regard as being such 2: to become aware of through the senses; Main Entry: experience transitive verb: 1 : to learn by experience noun: 1 a: direct observation of or participation in events as a basis of knowledge The consensus of those who have a fork brace is that there is a noticible improvement in the handling of the motorcycle. They have knowledge based upon direct observation and participation -- they have both precieved and experienced that the fork brace does work. Whether or not this small improvement is needed would depend on whether or not you are a skilled enough rider to (1) notice the improvement and (2) use that improvement. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by barry68v10 on 12/29/07 at 07:56:57 1E2B3C3E066F6C69590 wrote:
"To waffle?" Been so long since I have heard or read that term, I had to look it up...and as I always recommend, I found the appropriate manual :P From Merriam-Webster online: 1: equivocate vacillate <waffled on the important issues>; also : yo-yo flip-flop 2: to talk or write foolishly : blather <can waffle…tiresomely off the point — Times Literary Supplement> Okay. Now I'm back on the same page... I don't think that I have been "waffling". More of a Devil's Advocate or a "Point/Counterpoint" thing. When did I "waffle", as in "flip-flop"? When did I "waffle", as in "off the point"? I don't think I have, because my opinion still hasn't changed. As I suggested, I just wonder how many people perceive rather than experience a benefit from a fork brace. To me, I wonder if a placebo would be handy in this test. One that would give the rider the perception of better handling, while not doing a darned thing :P Of course, it could be that my riding skills are just far better than all of you, because I've never thought that I needed a fork brace 8-) PS - if you need to look up "Placebo", then go here.. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary[/quote] Maybe a quick reading/English class would help... I didn't say you HAD waffled on this, which would be a statement of events or actions in the past. I said we would need you to, which is a reference to possible future events. ;) In any event, you may very well be a better rider than all of us, but I notice I don't even need a fork when my bike is torn apart in my garage :P |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Gort on 12/29/07 at 08:17:35 Well! My simple question had turned into a controversy with some people even suspecting the riding skill of others! You know, I don't recall Evel Knievel using a fork brace on his rocket-cycle when he jumped the Idaho canyon. Maybe before I shell out the $ for a brace, I'll u-bolt a piece of 2X4 across my forks and see if it makes any difference. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by demin on 12/29/07 at 08:22:34 [smiley=lolk.gif]That was good Gort. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by bill67 on 12/29/07 at 08:25:46 A fork brace could be made out of wood. walnut would be nice |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/29/07 at 08:26:35 43405353581719571011210 wrote:
No, I think that my reading/English was fairly accurate. You said, "to waffle" and that IS what I quoted. It does suggest an event in the future, but... Why would I want "to waffle"? That would be inconsistent since I haven't "waffled" in the past either. At the moment I don't need a fork brace either, since my bike is temporarily a basket case. However, it should be noted that I do not, nor ever will need one simply because I have used ATF as fork oil... |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/29/07 at 08:31:25 404B4E4E1415220 wrote:
You'll need a material much denser than walnut. That substance between your ears might work. |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by demin on 12/29/07 at 08:33:22 SHHHH.Let him do it.Then when it doesn't work he can whine about somebody suggesting wood. ;D |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by bill67 on 12/29/07 at 08:33:42 Did you very try to bend walnut? ;) |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/29/07 at 08:41:12 4E4540401A1B2C0 wrote:
What are you "very" trying to say? |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by demin on 12/29/07 at 08:55:15 Or is that cdoe? |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/29/07 at 09:15:44 DD is kinda like a booger that you can't flip off your finger. :P |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by steely on 12/29/07 at 10:36:11 Necessary? Nope. Nice to have and useful as hell? darn Skippy! |
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Title: Re: Fork Brace: is it necessary? Post by Savage_Greg on 12/29/07 at 10:42:56 76716060697C050 wrote:
Do you have one on your 850? ...I wish I still had mine :'( |
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