SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Fork Brace
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1409268048

Message started by MnSpring on 08/28/14 at 16:20:48

Title: Fork Brace
Post by MnSpring on 08/28/14 at 16:20:48

It seems that the Jury is still out,
on whether a 'fork brace; is worth it or not.
And most of the 'Pro's', come from the dirt bike, people.
"jump as high as you can, and as far as you can".
(Which is understandable, If I was doing that,
would want as much support as I could get)

Reason is. Their is a bit of stretch of road I use,
Where the pavement is, rough, and their 2 RR tracks at a angle.
(It's Knees tight on the tank, and a firm grip, if I go over that above 50)
Do you think a fork brace will help, on this bike.

On a, 'big' bike, (which I have borrowed) it's just mush.
On the XT225, (dirt tires), it's the same as the smooth road.
(Hold on to the filling in your teeth)

Is a, 'fork brace', gonna help? On this bike? (Opinions)

Next, if it is determined, that one would help.
Any alternative to the 175.00, 'Super Brace", one?

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by Paladin. on 08/28/14 at 17:35:36

verslagen1's bike and mine -- both with flyshields, both with fork braces. For me, mounting it had noticeably better handling.
http://savageriders.com/paladin/images/Rides/GasStop1.jpg

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by cafecarl on 08/28/14 at 18:43:50

If you're going fenderless, I'd say it's worth it. But the stock fender is a pretty strong piece of steel with a doubled layer bolted to the forks.
I guess I don't push mine hard enough to see the need. They do look cool though. ;)

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by pgambr on 08/28/14 at 19:07:49

IMHO it is well worth it, the best $125 I spent on mine. I went with the TKAT.

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by prechermike on 08/29/14 at 05:31:56

I got mine from TKAT as well for my '87. To me the difference was noticeable, seemed to smooth the rough roads out some. When I bought mu '06, it already had a TKAT on it. I'd say it is worth it.

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/29/14 at 06:39:49

I can only think of one here who didnt say he saw handling improve. I felt a difference, Superbrace, It was a gift from a buddy, Boy, if I was gonna customize one & give it a Bad Boy look, Id go with the T-Kat,,

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by splash07 on 08/29/14 at 06:51:09

got my TKAT used here for $75. Keep an eye out and be patient and you will find one for a decent price

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by Serowbot on 08/29/14 at 07:47:34

Just for the sake of balance,... I'll give my 2 cents...

I tried a t-kat for about 6 months... and it did nothing for me...
Admittedly,.. I didn't feel any fork flex problems before installation either...

As a former dirt rider,.. maybe I'm insensitive to it... (I'm rarely bothered by low tire air, until it gets below 15lbs)...
... or,.. I'm only 145lbs... maybe I don't weight the front-end enough to have a problem...

It may have more effect if you have no fender... or if you are 200+lbs...

There is also a psychological component...
I've read of perceived "handling" improvements that wouldn't relate to the addition of a brace...
...just as I've read about "performance" improvements from adding a Raptor petcock, or idle mix adjustments...

If you're concerned about wasting your money... do a test...
Remove your front fender, and try the rough stretch of road you ride a few times...
If you perceive a worsening in handling,... perhaps a brace would give an improvement...

I think most people that buy a brace, are really looking for a steering damper...
JMHO... ;)...

I'd recommend a taller rear shock...12" or 12.5"...
...and a 1/2" spacer on the front fork springs to add firmness...(our stocker is way too squishy in front, and too harsh in the back)...

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by MnSpring on 08/29/14 at 08:25:44

4C5A4D50485D504B3F0 wrote:

I think most people that buy a brace, are really looking for a steering damper...

That's exactly what I was thinking. On, 'normal' tar roads, the S40 seems fine. (Lot more comfy than the XT). I have also ridden, 'big' bikes. And they are so disconnected from the road, why not just drive a cage, (or Can-Am).
But the front end, 'wandering', on bad tar, thought their would be a 'fix'.

Will keep checking, and perhaps look for a, 'T-Kat, one.
Also, adding a bit to the forks sound good.

Thanks. And if their more, 'this way or that way', opinions.
Please post them.

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by oldNslow on 08/29/14 at 10:03:26

Quote:

But the front end, 'wandering', on bad tar, thought their would be a 'fix'.

No experience regarding a fork brace or no brace on our specific bikes but just a comment from another old dirt rider. The front end is supposed to wander when the surface sucks. That wiggling back and forth is the bike constantly self correcting to keep itself upright. At speed the bike does this without any help from you. Think about how you have to constantly saw the bars back and forth to keep your balance at one or two mph.

Title: Re: Fork Brace
Post by MnSpring on 08/29/14 at 17:27:59

Well, found a, t-kat. It should be here late next week.
After I install, and ride, I will report.