Topic: Fork Braces, do they really do anything?

[ElCheapo]

I keep seeing these fork braces available from time to time on eBay. Does anyone have any experience with these? I am getting ready to start building the cafe (post k5 motor swap - NO I DIDN'T GET IT DONE YET) and was wondering if a brace would help at all. I was thinking of using the KZ 750 front forks I have so I can use the newer and far better calipers from the bike. This is so that I can use the mags from this bike which I think look nicer than the comstar rims. Besides I am missing the front comstar mag, I only have the rear. So I dont know if it will even matter.

Anyway, are fork braces worth the money???

[SteveD CB500F]

As the standard mudguard (fender) comes with integral brace, probably not unless you've replaced it with a fibreglass one for your cafe.

But given the general weedy size of the forks compared to modern bikes, an additional brace (as seen on some of the bikes in the Gallery) would probably lead to less flex.

[ProTeal55]

I noticed a hugh difference after I removed my stock front fender on my CB.
Around 60mph I could look down and actually see the legs moving around , not good.

I wanted to fix the wobble , yet still keep the front fender off, so I took the factory
brace out of the front fender , and had it rhino-lined.

I would run something up their, kinda scarry without..........

[Terry in Australia]

Definately worth it Tom, like Proteal said, the absolute minimum to reduce fork flexing is the fender mount-cum-brace thingy, but I stress that this is the MINIMUM! A good example of how poorly braced your stock forks are can be tested by simply putting the bike on the centre stand, gripping the front wheel between your legs and twisting the handlebars from side to side, it's quite scary how much movement you'll see between the fork legs.

And of course the "Chopper-isti" guys are even worse off due to the length of their forks providing more flex, and that's why "tweak bars" were popular way back when, for tying the fork tubes together on bikes with extended forks._

My Suzuki GS1000S is an excellent handler (for it's age) but as part of it's return to daily duties I replaced the rear shocks with Koni's, installed progressive fork springs, and a Daytona fork brace, and the difference in handling was like night and day. There was a guy on Ebay selling new Daytona fork braces a couple of years ago, and I bought several, including one for a Kawasaki GPZ550 that I might still have in a box somewhere. If it'll fit your Kawa 750 forks it's yours mate! Cheers, Terry.    

[ElCheapo]

Thanks for all the input guys.

I can tell you that I do not want to see that wobble turn into a tank slapper  .

I am just trying to figure how the whole mess will come together. First finish my K5 motor swap, this coming week. Which I am sure will drive me up the wall knowing that the K5 is running but cant ride it. Also guys I am working on an attachment that will fit on a large 2 ton floor jack and allow one man to pull a motor without having to have help or give up beer  to pay friends to help.

I like the KZ rims and the KZ calipers. However I just found a nice comstar to match the rear one that I have. It already has the dual discs installed. Now it might need me to use the 500/550 speedo drive (which I have). The dual disc goodies that came in on the K1 will end up on my K5 post motor swap. I dont think there will be any mounting issues other than the normal.

I guess I will have to write a chapter by chapter article of just how to make this Frankenstien. I will take lots of pics.

I need to look at tube diameters on the forks and overall length. Let me check out my parts Terry and I will get back to you on the brace dimensions. I take no parts free my friend (except for the occasional 4 to 4 stock HM pipes  , hint HINT) LOL we will work out a trade with your next shipment of bits and easy cheese. 

[ElCheapo]

Hello El Cheapo.   I have fork braces on both of  my cafe bikes (350 twin and 550).  For most street rides  the stock brace is fine.  However,  if you are planning on taking a lot of high speed corners or going out to the track  a good solid brace makes a huge difference. 

Here’s a pic.

Trust me when I say I intend to "Super Bike" this monster when it is done. When done I want this to be a fast-safe bike.

[Terry in Australia]

Hello El Cheapo.   I have fork braces on both of  my cafe bikes (350 twin and 550).  For most street rides  the stock brace is fine.  However,  if you are planning on taking a lot of high speed corners or going out to the track  a good solid brace makes a huge difference. 

Here’s a pic.

Trust me when I say I intend to "Super Bike" this monster when it is done. When done I want this to be a fast-safe bike.

I was sitting out in my garage last night fondling those nice K1 gauges you sent me Tom, and staring at that black K2, thinking, this could well be the basis for my much touted "K9/Junkyard Dog" project. If you're not aware of this pet daydream of mine, it's the K bike that Honda should have built rather than the K7/K8, that is a K1-6 frame, tank, seat, sidecovers etc, with F2 engine, forks, wheels and brakes. To my mind, the perfect marriage of sporty prowess and excellent handling and braking, with the classic CB750 look! Dammit, I might just do it, more to follow................. Cheers, Terry.