+- The CB1100 Community Forum (https://cb1100forum.net/forum)
+-- Forum: Honda CB1100 Discussions (https://cb1100forum.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=5)
+--- Forum: Mechanical & Technical (https://cb1100forum.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=7)
+--- Thread: forkbrace? (/showthread.php?tid=5642)
forkbrace? - Southwend - 05-15-2015
I was behind a turbulent log truck the other day at 60mph gently weaving in my lane to avoid the occaisonal chip. I noticed a slight wobble as I was pulling the bike side to side through the turbulence. Not when i was straight, but when I was torquing the steering. Is this an correctable by fork brace?
It definetly felt like it was generated by the tire/fork/road connection it wasn't wind. I do not have any sort of fairing on.
What do you think.
RE: forkbrace? - veech_imp - 05-15-2015
Maybe. I'm sure others will disagree, but I don't think fork braces are worth it personally. They help a "little", but they usually don't provide the return for the buck in my opinion. The other thing is, they have to be cranked onto your lower forks, which means if you decide to remove it at some point later it will have probably left permanent marks.
I would try a steering dampener first if it was me and see how I liked the results. Plus, they look cooler to me.
RE: forkbrace? - Lord Popgun - 05-15-2015
Southwind,
Fork braces are almost like oil threads. No one will/can agree if they are needed or do anything. There are a few discussions on them on the forum.
I'm in the I like them camp. To me they stiffen up the front end some and I like the look. I've had them on 3 bikes and could tell a difference right off.
SuperBrace (a forum spons0r) has reasonably priced ones and Samurider also has at least 2 brands--Plot and Agras. I have the Agras.
As far as return for the buck, well, what the heck, its your money. If you want one, get one
RE: forkbrace? - rocket_imp - 05-15-2015
I agree with popgun. They are definitely a worthwhile addition to any bike. I've installed them on every bike I've owned and can feel the difference in how solid the front end feels. Yes, everyone has an opinion. But a fork brace works & Superbrace has the best one made.
As far as dampers go, I'm not a fan. You're introducing a friction or hydraulic resistance in the hopes of stopping what is probably a problem caused by some defect in your bike's chassis. Bad or incorrectly inflated tires, steering head bearings, swingarm bearings, aftermarket luggage, and so on can all cause problems that are sometimes felt as a wobble or weave. What you are experiencing is definitely the fork twisting slightly under the heavy load of a 500+ pound bike at speed. Rocket
RE: forkbrace? - the Ferret - 05-15-2015
I had one on my 750 Nighthawk and felt it a worthwhile addition. Doubt I'll put one on my 1100 but don't let that influence you. if you think it would make your bike more stable, go for it.
RE: forkbrace? - veech_imp - 05-15-2015
Lots of good advice and opinions here as usual. That's one of the things that's so great about this forum-people can have various opinions but they do so in a courteous and respectful manner. Very rare on the internet these days. I love you guys!
RE: forkbrace? - Southwend - 05-16-2015
absolutely well put. You folks are knowledgable and courteous, I really enjoy posting and reading the discourse. Maybe it's because you-me-we are so darn old! I am as yet unsure about the brace, It occurs to me though that if such a simple thing worked, why wouldn't manufacturers install them? They could easily do it.
RE: forkbrace? - the Ferret - 05-16-2015
Some have. Honda used to produce some models with them as standard equipment in the late 70's if memory serves me. There were 4 lugs cast into the lower fork tube and a plate went across the top and bolted in the 4 corners. I think they were on V4 Sabres maybe?
RE: forkbrace? - kennyw - 05-18-2015
V45 and V65 Sabre and Magna models from the early 80s came with factory fork braces but I added a steel plate under the factory cast aluminum anyway. That helped a lot. Every bike I've ridden since then I can notice the lack of a brace.
RE: forkbrace? - Toddman_imp - 05-18-2015
I too experienced this small wobble that you feel. At about 70mph is when I felt it. I'm going to check the steering bearings torque and will post back.
Edit: I've had them be a tad loose from the factory in the past.