Superbrace

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I'm working from home today and who should show up at my door but the UPS man with a package all the way from Huntington Beach! Of course, I took a little break and got it installed! The instructions were simple enough and the install even easier:

1. Place motorcycle on center stand. (Already done)
2. Remove any existing fork bridge or brace. (Don't have any)
3. Remove any existing plastic fork guards. (Don't have any)
4. Disassemble SuperBrace. (5mm allen bolts x4, all of which were easy to remove)
5. Loosen axle pinch bolts (6mm allen bolts x4)
6. Assemble SuperBrace at the top of the fork sliders (Took this slow so as to not scratch my beautiful chrome fender)
7. Torque SuperBrace bolts to 10 ft. pounds (Easy with the right 5mm allen head socket and torque wrench)
8. Re-torque axle pinch bolts to factory specifications (Looked up ferret's "How-to" on installing gaiters and found the proper value - 19 ft. lbs.)

The instructions go on to state that it's important to bounce the front end before riding and cycle the suspension to insure the brake lines and horn do not contact the brace. It goes on to state that it may be necessary to move or purchase aftermarket brake lines and horn. On our CBs, the ONLY thing that could possibly get in the way are the brake lines. But they don't. The brace doesn't come close to interfering with the lines. Still, I bounced the front end a few times. All is good in the hood.

Total install time was maybe 20 minutes. I also put on the fork guards that simply screw into the top of the SuperBrace. The brace comes with bolts already in the holes for the guards and the guards, which are purchased separately, come with additional bolts. They are exactly the same. I used the ones that came with the brace. The bolts for the guards are Phillips head and you need a really small screwdriver. I used the screwdriver that came with my sunglasses repair kit. I just hand tightened the bolts and they feel secure enough. I'll check them periodically. At least I have four extra bolts if any of them should come loose and fall out.

I am very happy with how it looks! With the black lower fork legs, the black SuperBrace almost looks stock. I tried to take a decent photo but I did all this in my cramped garage. I'll take better photos after tomorrow when I'm expecting to get my engine guards back from the powder coater. For now, here's what I've got:

How the SuperBrace and Fork Guards were packaged:
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1496.jpg.html]

Here they are removed from the packaging. You can see the bolts were the guards screw in on top of the brace. The 5mm bolts are at the rear of the brace (sorry for the blurry photo):
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1497.jpg.html]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1498.jpg.html]

Here it is with the guards mounted and the brace taken apart:
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1499.jpg.html]

And, finally, with the brace on the bike:
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1502.jpg.html]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1501.jpg.html]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1500.jpg.html]

It'll be interesting to see how much of a difference, if any, I feel regarding front end wobble or cornering stability. Once I get the engine guards on, I'll post some more overall photos that show my latest additions - the guards, the SuperBrace and my chrome bar ends. With my wife talking about new furniture and the possibility of me selling the VFR, I better slow down on the modifications. A full Yoshi system and upgraded suspension will have to wait!