fork brace
07-30-2005, 04:04 PM
#1
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fork brace
I was wondering about the relevance or value of adding a fork brace to the front end of my Storm. What are your toughts? Do they help? Are they worth it? Who makes them? Anyone have a used one for sale?
I just had RaceTech springs involved and drilled the cartridge (i1 mm hole) as per Revolution Racing specs and was womdering if a brace would make a worthy addition?
Personal experience comments would be especially welcome.
cheers
I just had RaceTech springs involved and drilled the cartridge (i1 mm hole) as per Revolution Racing specs and was womdering if a brace would make a worthy addition?
Personal experience comments would be especially welcome.
cheers
07-30-2005, 08:06 PM
#2
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Re: fork brace
I was in the same boat as you. Done the usual mods (race tech/damp rod) but still didn't feel like the front end was as good as my previous two bikes: Vtec VFR and F4i. I've always consider braces as band aid solutions but after reading a couple of forum threads, I got one from a fellow member who was selling at a good price.
Bottom line: I think it brings the VTR 41mm forks up to the 43mm standards of my previous two bikes. Suspension compliance is unaffected but steering precision/feedback is greatly improved.
YMMV but I think you will like it.
Bottom line: I think it brings the VTR 41mm forks up to the 43mm standards of my previous two bikes. Suspension compliance is unaffected but steering precision/feedback is greatly improved.
YMMV but I think you will like it.
07-30-2005, 09:42 PM
#3
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I've got this one with the neopream gaiters
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/caffei...d3.jpg&.src=ph
I got from SRC
http://www.srcinc.net/
Only problem is I had to shim it on the outside of the legs around .010" or it gave the forks too much stiction when it was bolted up. So pull the springs out during install so you can easily check the forks for stiction though they're travel as you bolt up the brace.
After that it works bitchin' and protects your fork tubes too.
~Jeffers
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/caffei...d3.jpg&.src=ph
I got from SRC
http://www.srcinc.net/
Only problem is I had to shim it on the outside of the legs around .010" or it gave the forks too much stiction when it was bolted up. So pull the springs out during install so you can easily check the forks for stiction though they're travel as you bolt up the brace.
After that it works bitchin' and protects your fork tubes too.
~Jeffers
07-31-2005, 04:00 AM
#4
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Southeast PA
Posts: 409
Re: fork brace
I was in the same boat as you. Done the usual mods (race tech/damp rod) but still didn't feel like the front end was as good as my previous two bikes: Vtec VFR and F4i. I've always consider braces as band aid solutions but after reading a couple of forum threads, I got one from a fellow member who was selling at a good price.
Bottom line: I think it brings the VTR 41mm forks up to the 43mm standards of my previous two bikes. Suspension compliance is unaffected but steering precision/feedback is greatly improved.
YMMV but I think you will like it.
Bottom line: I think it brings the VTR 41mm forks up to the 43mm standards of my previous two bikes. Suspension compliance is unaffected but steering precision/feedback is greatly improved.
YMMV but I think you will like it.
08-03-2005, 11:10 AM
#11
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The improvement is, in fact quite dramatic on the VTR. And not due to increased stiction. the brace doesn't fit right if it caused the forks to bind.
Mine was made by Coerce. It worked very well. A little clunky looking, but not bad.
08-03-2005, 12:36 PM
#12
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Re: fork brace
Remember it's not adjustable for width like some braces are, so you'll have to shim it for 'no stiction' . (if you get the one that comes with the neopream fork tube protectors like I have).
Should be getting my long velocity stack in time for this weekend, can't wait to try it out!
I'm already plumbed for carb sync ports , so that part should be quick.
~Jeffers
08-03-2005, 12:46 PM
#14
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The improvement is, in fact quite dramatic on the VTR. And not due to increased stiction. the brace doesn't fit right if it caused the forks to bind.
Mine was made by Coerce. It worked very well. A little clunky looking, but not bad.
08-05-2005, 08:39 AM
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Re: fork brace
First off....I don't have one......and never have.
But.....while I was installing better springs in my forks I noticed that the slider shims were a bit loose and though they slide very well, they had alot of flex to them when the fork leg was extended.
To fix.....shim under the shim. Grabbed the aluminum foil, metal straight edge, and a razor blade. Cut pieces to fit the EXACT diameter under the expandable slidder shim. Layered if needed.
Result.....way less flex and it still slides very smooth.
Yes it was time consuming, but well worth it.
Mike.
But.....while I was installing better springs in my forks I noticed that the slider shims were a bit loose and though they slide very well, they had alot of flex to them when the fork leg was extended.
To fix.....shim under the shim. Grabbed the aluminum foil, metal straight edge, and a razor blade. Cut pieces to fit the EXACT diameter under the expandable slidder shim. Layered if needed.
Result.....way less flex and it still slides very smooth.
Yes it was time consuming, but well worth it.
Mike.
08-09-2005, 09:44 AM
#21
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Re: fork brace
If you can get hold of CBR900 front from no later than 96/97 it fits straight in, only money to spend will be on front fender (if not supplied) and higher clipons (because CBR ones sitting under top yoke).
08-09-2005, 09:56 AM
#22
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that fork is too short. Ends up dropping the nose on the bike. The true 900RR fork retrofit required longer stanchions, available as special ordered parts. I almost did it, not knowing that the RC51 swap was possible and bolts right in. I don't know about the length on the 929/954 forks, but you don't want to drop the nose.
08-09-2005, 10:11 AM
#23
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Re: fork brace
I am not sure I agree...I tried it and I saw difference in geometry, but not by just dropping nose....and difference was fine by me.
I actually like bike with slightly less stability falling easier into corners...
I tried bike I wanted to buy. I liked way it felt in curves, but had to cancel it after careful analysis on money vs. goodies
and bough my current Shawk. Almost 1000 Euro difference 
I could not justify more expensive bike to my family....thou this SHawk had nice HRC wheels... and Corbin seat
Couple of month ago I found write-up on this conversion here, ith some geometry remarks...
http://www.vtwo.demon.co.uk/firestorm/firestorm.htm
I actually like bike with slightly less stability falling easier into corners...
I tried bike I wanted to buy. I liked way it felt in curves, but had to cancel it after careful analysis on money vs. goodies
and bough my current Shawk. Almost 1000 Euro difference I could not justify more expensive bike to my family....thou this SHawk had nice HRC wheels... and Corbin seat Couple of month ago I found write-up on this conversion here, ith some geometry remarks...
http://www.vtwo.demon.co.uk/firestorm/firestorm.htm
08-09-2005, 03:57 PM
#24
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I was working with my friend who built and raced a serious VTR. He is the one who warned me about the loss of trail and ground clearance from shorter forks. He likes to maintain trail for stability, and I agree.
There are a lot of people who drop the nose on their bikes and like the result, and I'm sure it works. I just work to a more strict and conservative set of rules, because that's how I've been taught.
I too bought the Super Hawk because it was the most I could afford and didn't want another 600. I never expected to become so obsessive and love the bike so much!
Cheers.
There are a lot of people who drop the nose on their bikes and like the result, and I'm sure it works. I just work to a more strict and conservative set of rules, because that's how I've been taught.
I too bought the Super Hawk because it was the most I could afford and didn't want another 600. I never expected to become so obsessive and love the bike so much!
Cheers.
08-09-2005, 04:02 PM
#26
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I'd still like to look into picking up a brace just because I tend to feel the stock ones flex coming thru soem hard turns (on the track). If I can eliminate the flex and concentrate on riding a faster lap then I'll spend the money to do it. I already have race tech springs and gold valves so I'm happy with the feedback the front gives me. But it becomes unnerving when you feel the front flexing while its on its side at 100mph.
08-09-2005, 05:44 PM
#27
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Re: fork brace
Yes a stiffer front end is the obvious benefit of a fork brace but I wasn't aware how much more feedback and sensitivity it gives the front end. That's what I really like about it.
Yes, I agree that 41mm forks don't necessitate a fork brace as a rule but there's more to front end rigidity than just OD; tube wall thickness, axle, and triple clamp construction are more pieces of the puzzle.
Yes, I agree that 41mm forks don't necessitate a fork brace as a rule but there's more to front end rigidity than just OD; tube wall thickness, axle, and triple clamp construction are more pieces of the puzzle.
08-11-2005, 08:48 AM
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Re: fork brace
Mine was extremely close to the fender upon installation and now may be touching it and rubbing the paint. I plan on a repaint so I haven't been too concerned about it. I probably could have/should have loosened the fender up in its four mounts as there is some lattitude in adjustment there.
