Who would like to see a Dr Honda fork brace?
07-13-2010, 06:19 AM
#1
Member
Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 92
Who would like to see a Dr Honda fork brace?
Hi all,
I was originally asked to join this board because the SuperHawk needed a fork brace.
I know it's been a while, and I was draggin' *** a little on it, but now that the Velocity stacks are done... I'm just making a post to gauge interest in the brace.
If you guys still want them, I will start working on them this week.
I was originally asked to join this board because the SuperHawk needed a fork brace.
I know it's been a while, and I was draggin' *** a little on it, but now that the Velocity stacks are done... I'm just making a post to gauge interest in the brace.
If you guys still want them, I will start working on them this week.
07-13-2010, 06:26 AM
#2
Senior Member
Back Marker
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Location: Oasis B.C. Canada
Posts: 123
Fork Brace
I'm in!
07-13-2010, 06:33 AM
#3
Senior Member
MotoGP
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Montreal
Posts: 5,631
If you decide to build one that would fit the CBR900RR (96-97) front end I am running I am in.
07-13-2010, 06:45 AM
#4
ride it out
SuperSport
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NH
Posts: 745
what are the benefits of such a fork brace?
07-13-2010, 08:37 AM
#5
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Westerly, RI
Posts: 1,216
They effectively tie the larger diameter part of the forks together. Minimizing flex of the forks, and providing tighter handling from the stock forks.
That is but a small summary. There are many threads about them. Seeing that I do not need them, I will not search for you, but let you have that experience.
Erik
That is but a small summary. There are many threads about them. Seeing that I do not need them, I will not search for you, but let you have that experience.
Erik
07-13-2010, 08:48 AM
#6
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
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Location: Skurup, Sweden
Posts: 6,109
A classic fork like the VTR has the two smaller inner legs in the triples... They can flex and bow more than the larger cast outside legs... An USD fork have those in the triples, which makes it more rigid... A brace ties the top part of the outer legs together to reduce twist and flex...
A slightly longer version of Erik's excellent explanation...
A slightly longer version of Erik's excellent explanation...
07-13-2010, 09:54 AM
#7
JAMES
Superstock
Superstock
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Toledo, OHIO
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I am interested.
Do you have a rough idea on what the price would be?
Do you have a rough idea on what the price would be?
07-13-2010, 10:16 AM
#8
WWTDD
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Location: Everett WA
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i am interested
07-13-2010, 10:47 AM
#9
Senior Member
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Location: IL
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Interested.
07-13-2010, 11:22 AM
#10
Banned
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Location: Lake View Terrace, CA
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When I had the stock front end, the fork brace really did help tie things together. Another thing is it will also improve the braking, which was a pleasant surprise.
So if you are running conventional forks it is a must have item.
I guess now it's time for another "proper way to install a fork brace" thread.
So if you are running conventional forks it is a must have item.
I guess now it's time for another "proper way to install a fork brace" thread.
07-13-2010, 11:57 AM
#11
Administrator
MotoGP
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Kempner, TX
Posts: 4,402
Hi all,
I was originally asked to join this board because the SuperHawk needed a fork brace.
I know it's been a while, and I was draggin' *** a little on it, but now that the Velocity stacks are done... I'm just making a post to gauge interest in the brace.
If you guys still want them, I will start working on them this week.
I was originally asked to join this board because the SuperHawk needed a fork brace.
I know it's been a while, and I was draggin' *** a little on it, but now that the Velocity stacks are done... I'm just making a post to gauge interest in the brace.
If you guys still want them, I will start working on them this week.
if you could for those that did not follow previous thread on the topic.
-Give a brief description of the brace you are designing.
-Est price point.
-Est date of availability
-Anything else relevant to this fork brace pre production.
For the record, as I was the one that invited you to the forum and asked about the brace.... The least I can do is step up and commit for one.
IM IN..... If you build um, they will buy..
07-13-2010, 12:08 PM
#12
Member
Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 92
Not yet. I will have to get the model made, and a program started to figure out how much time it will take on my mill. Also... I will need to know if you guys want them raw, or anodized.
I will start to have an idea of price in a few days.
It looks like there are enough people saying they are interested to move forward with it.
We will do this like before... make posts here, and when we get close to a final product... we will make a sale thread to get a head count for the first batch.
07-13-2010, 12:38 PM
#13
Senior Member
Superstock
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Posts: 388
i would also be interested, pending a reasonable sales price.
07-13-2010, 02:54 PM
#14
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Not yet. I will have to get the model made, and a program started to figure out how much time it will take on my mill. Also... I will need to know if you guys want them raw, or anodized.
I will start to have an idea of price in a few days.
It looks like there are enough people saying they are interested to move forward with it.
We will do this like before... make posts here, and when we get close to a final product... we will make a sale thread to get a head count for the first batch.
I will start to have an idea of price in a few days.
It looks like there are enough people saying they are interested to move forward with it.
We will do this like before... make posts here, and when we get close to a final product... we will make a sale thread to get a head count for the first batch.
07-13-2010, 03:29 PM
#15
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Anodized, clear or black. .. But I would not pass if they were raw, I would just outsource the coating
07-13-2010, 04:09 PM
#16
I could ride in
SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Dayton, TN
Posts: 1,729
a used SB just went for $140 shipped. check the superbrace and TMB FB threads for design, prices and what to do and NOT DO hints...
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ght=fork+brace
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ght=fork+brace
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ght=fork+brace
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ght=fork+brace
07-13-2010, 05:00 PM
#17
Senior Member
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Location: chicago
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I would definitely want one, obviously depending on the price though.
07-13-2010, 06:06 PM
#18
Sexual Daredevil
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Location: Mother Earth- orbiting around Charlotte, NC. But now over the border in S.C.
Posts: 597
I'm in.
07-13-2010, 06:15 PM
#19
Former Superchicken Owner
SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Ft. Worth, TX
Posts: 1,607
I'm in. Just got done putting the V-Stacks in. Great job!
07-13-2010, 07:16 PM
#20
Remember stock is BAD!
SuperSport
SuperSport
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Jacksonville FL
Posts: 760
I am intrested as well, depending on the price
07-13-2010, 09:07 PM
#21
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 499
interested depending on price point
07-15-2010, 10:08 AM
#22
mad skill collector
Squid
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Hayward, San Francisco bay area: California
Posts: 77
I am in ! The Doctor is the man. My velocity stacks installed perfectly, and testing (seat of the pants) seems positive. A fork brace for my hawks stock forks would be great. I already have the gold valve installed so a brace will just build on whats been done.
price I am sure will be a value after-all the stacks were a bargain.
price I am sure will be a value after-all the stacks were a bargain.
07-21-2010, 08:07 PM
#23
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would it be possible to make a fork brace that keeps the fork shroud/cover?
07-23-2010, 09:00 AM
#24
Member
Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 92
I don't know. Since I don't have a bike in my shop to work on... all I can do is work with the basic measurements that have been supplied by other members.
If there is someone who is in the Pittsburgh area... I would be more than happy to try to make them work.
Just a little update.
I've worked on the CAD/CAM of the brace, and the fixture, but I got tied up making parts for existing customers. (Parts I already make) The big reason I got behind is because the orders for the velocity stacks kept coming in. (Thanks guys) So... the days I thought I was going to work on the brace... I wound up needing to make more stacks.
I should have a functional model soon.
07-28-2010, 11:37 AM
#25
Member
Squid
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 92
Hi Guys,
I was just working on the CAD model of the fork brace... and there isn't really any way to keep the rubber fork protector.
IS THIS A PROBLEM?
I don't think the old one that was available would allow you to keep it either.
If you guys want to keep it... I need a set of forks, or a bike in my shop. Anyone have some old forks and triple clamps that would want to send to me?
OR... if you live in the Pittsburgh area, I will give you a brace if you let me use your bike for a model.
I was just working on the CAD model of the fork brace... and there isn't really any way to keep the rubber fork protector.
IS THIS A PROBLEM?
I don't think the old one that was available would allow you to keep it either.
If you guys want to keep it... I need a set of forks, or a bike in my shop. Anyone have some old forks and triple clamps that would want to send to me?
OR... if you live in the Pittsburgh area, I will give you a brace if you let me use your bike for a model.
07-28-2010, 12:16 PM
#26
Banned
MotoGP
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Lake View Terrace, CA
Posts: 5,942
Well there really isn't room to keep the stock fork protectors when you add a brace. Besides the mounting issue, if you just mount them on top of the brace, they will hit the lower triple on full compression.
The easiest answer, IMHO, would be either a pair of sheet metal guards which can bolt on or a pair of "L" brackets on each side that would allow you to mount a pair of cut down stock guards.
I think the second option would be the easiest. You would just need to drill and tap 4 holes in the top of the brace. Then source 4 small "L" brackets. Trim the stock protectors (removing the thickness of the brace) and then drill 4 mounting holes and bolt them on and go.
The easiest answer, IMHO, would be either a pair of sheet metal guards which can bolt on or a pair of "L" brackets on each side that would allow you to mount a pair of cut down stock guards.
I think the second option would be the easiest. You would just need to drill and tap 4 holes in the top of the brace. Then source 4 small "L" brackets. Trim the stock protectors (removing the thickness of the brace) and then drill 4 mounting holes and bolt them on and go.
07-30-2010, 05:04 AM
#27
Sexual Daredevil
SuperSport
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Mother Earth- orbiting around Charlotte, NC. But now over the border in S.C.
Posts: 597
I would like to keep some sort of guard on. Even if it was radius plastic mounted on the leading edge of the brace. Could two small holes be drilled on each front side be used to hold a guard in place without compromising the integrity of the brace? Food for thought.
08-02-2010, 11:31 AM
#28
Member
Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 92
Hi Guys,
OK... I've been listening to all the input about the braces since I was asked to make them at the end of last winter.
As said before... I can do anything you guys want... but the more complex the part gets... the more expensive it will get. The 2 big things asked for are the fork protectors, and a fully removable cap for the easy of installation.
OK... I have gone though a few models on the CAD system... and I don't like the strength of a removable cap. The problem is, the brace is about 1/2" thick. That only allows me to use 5mm bolts as the pinch bolt. When the cap becomes fully removable, the bolt becomes your support member, and a 5mm bolt isn't very strong. Even though the bikes run with out a brace... the shearing force that will be put on it doesn't give me a "warm fuzzy" feeling. If it would break, it could cause someone to crash. The only way around that is to make it as thick as a triple clamp, to allow me to use 2 8mm bolts on each side of the cap (but then it's too thick) or, to make it a simple clamp. Yes, this will require you to drop your fork legs to install it... but it's the only way to make it safe for it's thickness.
The fork guard....
OK. As far as I can see... we can't keep the fork gaurd. (just like the braces that a different member was making for you) But... if you guys really want to experiment, I can put 2 small threaded holes on the front of the brace so you can bolt some home grown guard to the brace. What ever you use will have to be soft, so if it contacts the bottom triple, it won't damage anything.
Pesonally... These are street bikes, and the fork guard that's on it now... is only to keep junk out of the seal. The bulk of your upper fork tube is open to rock damage. And, in all the years of riding, and working on bikes... I can't say I've ever seen that happen.
Personally, I don't think you need a guard, but that's up to you guys.
I can say this... none of my bikes now have a guard. My SuMo has "Fork Skins" but that's to keep dirt out of the seals when off road.
So... with that said... here is my 1.0v model. It's simple, strong, and most of all, cheap to produce. I haven't started a program yet for it, but it will be between $75 and $100 for the initial orders on this group. (the retail may go up because my dealers may want it)
If this price sounds good... I'll start the CNC program, and I will get a real price for you guys by the end of the week... and have a prototype cut.
Last thing... these will be anodized black, and have stainless bolts.
Let me know what you think.
OK... I've been listening to all the input about the braces since I was asked to make them at the end of last winter.
As said before... I can do anything you guys want... but the more complex the part gets... the more expensive it will get. The 2 big things asked for are the fork protectors, and a fully removable cap for the easy of installation.
OK... I have gone though a few models on the CAD system... and I don't like the strength of a removable cap. The problem is, the brace is about 1/2" thick. That only allows me to use 5mm bolts as the pinch bolt. When the cap becomes fully removable, the bolt becomes your support member, and a 5mm bolt isn't very strong. Even though the bikes run with out a brace... the shearing force that will be put on it doesn't give me a "warm fuzzy" feeling. If it would break, it could cause someone to crash. The only way around that is to make it as thick as a triple clamp, to allow me to use 2 8mm bolts on each side of the cap (but then it's too thick) or, to make it a simple clamp. Yes, this will require you to drop your fork legs to install it... but it's the only way to make it safe for it's thickness.
The fork guard....
OK. As far as I can see... we can't keep the fork gaurd. (just like the braces that a different member was making for you) But... if you guys really want to experiment, I can put 2 small threaded holes on the front of the brace so you can bolt some home grown guard to the brace. What ever you use will have to be soft, so if it contacts the bottom triple, it won't damage anything.
Pesonally... These are street bikes, and the fork guard that's on it now... is only to keep junk out of the seal. The bulk of your upper fork tube is open to rock damage. And, in all the years of riding, and working on bikes... I can't say I've ever seen that happen.
Personally, I don't think you need a guard, but that's up to you guys.
I can say this... none of my bikes now have a guard. My SuMo has "Fork Skins" but that's to keep dirt out of the seals when off road.
So... with that said... here is my 1.0v model. It's simple, strong, and most of all, cheap to produce. I haven't started a program yet for it, but it will be between $75 and $100 for the initial orders on this group. (the retail may go up because my dealers may want it)
If this price sounds good... I'll start the CNC program, and I will get a real price for you guys by the end of the week... and have a prototype cut.
Last thing... these will be anodized black, and have stainless bolts.
Let me know what you think.
08-02-2010, 11:46 AM
#29
WWTDD
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Location: Everett WA
Posts: 245
perfect, i am in for one
08-02-2010, 04:29 PM
#30
Senior Member
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Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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looks good. I agree with using fork skins as protectors
