forkbrace?

[the Ferret]

That's a good way to put it Southwend. Look at it this way...it can't hurt.

 

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

I had the same thing occur on Eric's CB. The front tire pressure, while looking fine, was low.

 

[Toddman_imp]

^^^what he said^^^

After servicing the bike, the only loose nut I could find was the one attached to the handlebars (me), but my front tire did need air and that did help substantially. It's always the simple stuff.

 

[simplest2remember_imp]

Nobody's talked about riding styles yet - if you're a nutter and stress the bike a lot as you're scraping your exhaust then maybe there's more off a case for a brace, but if you're a sunday driver and never get above 4000 revs then perhaps there's no point?

Personally when I'm nailing it I do feel a flexing in the frame which I don't remember being on the old Blackbird, but I don't know if a brace is going to do much to help that.

 

[the_undecider_imp]

I'm a fan of fork braces. They seem to be more noticeable on longer travel bikes like my V-strom. I put one on my 06 and it made a big difference in handling and it improved the front tire wear. It had a tendency for the front tire to start cupping. When I bought my CB with 3000 miles, the front tire still looked fine, so it may have been more of a bike specific issue. Nevertheless, I felt an appreciable difference in steering precision on the CB after I installed the Agras fork brace. I'll add my name to the list of those who say it seems to help and certainly doesn't cost all that much.

 

[metallyguitarded_imp]

My fork brace is pretty.

 

[Ferrealls_imp]

I'm running a COERCE fork brace. Definitely pulled a little wobble out of the bike in the 90-100 range. Then again I'm a big guy and I corner hard.

 

[LongRanger_imp]

My new-to-me '14 DLX came with a SuperBrace already installed on it. I left it on. The way I ride this bike, I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

 

[veech_imp]

That's a good way to put it Southwend. Look at it this way...it can't hurt.

There is one way it can possibly hurt: scratching your fork tubes. I have had fork braces leave indentations from tightening onto the fork lowers when they were removed. If this happens I can tell you it will really tick you off!!

That $150 part can potentially do some expensive damage.

 

[capttwb136_imp]

So how long do CB1100 front tire hold up on bikes with fork braces? I was surprised to learn that some guys replaced their front tires at 6,000 miles while the rear tires lasted a whole lot longer. It has been my experience the rear tires always wore out first.

 

[the Ferret]

Capt, we have measured and the rear tire does wear faster like on all bikes, the front tire just has way less rubber to start with

 

[redbirds_imp]

Before a ride with our church group yesterday, one of the riders was complaining of excessive wear on his front tire on a VT1300 Honda. Asked if he had checked his tire pressures, " not since I bought the bike a few years ago" he said. A check showed less than 15lbs front and rear. Amazing that some people don't know the importance of keeping tires properly inflated.

 

[AzBob_imp]

It is my opinion, and experience, that properly inflated tires play a much, much larger role in the handling (or lack thereof) than any brace one can bolt onto the forks.

If you like to spend money, by all means, buy one, however, I would encourage a religious check of the tire pressures. This bike is VERY sensitive to tire pressure changes.

 

[Paulb_imp]

I understand the need for a brace when a plastic front fender is fitted but I would have thought the steel bracket holding the front fender in place would have done the work of a brace, maybe not quite as strong but still fairly effective.

 

[uscgmac_imp]

I ride this bike to the max on many occasions and dont experience what you described. You have to take in to account the size and width of the tires which will effect the handling and also the suspension or lack of. Will a fork brace make a difference? Maybe, but your not racing this bike on a track most likely and I highly doubt it would improve handling that much. What you experienced while riding is just normal handling for this type of bike. Your size and weight and also be factored in to the handling. The suspension on this bike is just about adequate but not super still so your not going to get sport bike handling.

 

[Indypikes_imp]

Sorry to chime in late here....Do we know yet if there is a Fork Brace available for use with gaiters? I've searched but haven't been able to find an update.

I'm looking to improve front end stability under extra load (weight). It's worked for me on other bikes in the past. I also like the looks.

Thanks, Scott

 

[capttwb136_imp]

Capt, we have measured and the rear tire does wear faster like on all bikes, the front tire just has way less rubber to start with

Thanks Mickey, I never considered that. So what is the consensus of riders with the fork braces, do you think it helps keep front tire wear down?

 

[quietguy_imp]

Before a ride with our church group yesterday, one of the riders was complaining of excessive wear on his front tire on a VT1300 Honda. Asked if he had checked his tire pressures, " not since I bought the bike a few years ago" he said. A check showed less than 15lbs front and rear. Amazing that some people don't know the importance of keeping tires properly inflated.

That's just plain frightening... Amazing, and very lucky, he hadn't crashed before then. I hope he's gotten tuned into regular and routine tire pressure checks and adjustments.

 

[Dynaguy_imp]

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.

The weaving you felt is more than likely occurring at the steering head. A fork brace will do nothing for that. It is an issue of air passing around you and your bike, not front fork flex. Relax, it is not a problem

 

[NightRider_imp]

That's a good way to put it Southwend. Look at it this way...it can't hurt.

There is one way it can possibly hurt: scratching your fork tubes. I have had fork braces leave indentations from tightening onto the fork lowers when they were removed. If this happens I can tell you it will really tick you off!!

That $150 part can potentially do some expensive damage.

There is one way it can possibly hurt: scratching your fork tubes. I have had fork braces leave indentations from tightening onto the fork lowers when they were removed. If this happens I can tell you it will really tick you off!!

That $150 part can potentially do some expensive damage.
Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, do I need to contact Honda and make them buy me a fork tube indentationer for the correct handling?