Who needs a fork brace??

[2fast]

Hi, I am interested in ordering a fork brace from TKat for my 78 XS11. I think he only makes them once in a while. I would like to suggest that anyone that is interested send him an email right away, and post here after you have done so. If he sees enough interested people, it may spur him to make some up in the near future, plus I am sure it's easier/cheaper to make several at a time. I have read enough that I am convinced that I need one, now just need to get em made! Thanks.

tkat forkbrace

Brian

[Snow]

I am already on the waiting list, reminded Mr.Tkat a few weeks ago that I still want one

Not gonna even mention how long I've been waiting on Mr. Rawson.

[Bill__Woods]

TKAT Fork Brace

Hi,
I have one of TKATS fork braces on my 81 Eleven Special. I put it on before i ever put the bike on the road, so i cannot attest at the improvement. I have read that XS are sloppy handling bikes without a forkbrace. I think mine handles good for a 600lb bike. I would consider myself an average rider, not a sport rider. I also intend on installing progressive fork springs before spring.
I can give you soem good feedback of the quality of TKATS machine skill - TOP Notch! I few buddies of mine who are machinists gave it the once over and even they liked it, and thier a tough crowd when it comes to metalcraft. Very nice work, can not wait to buy one of his handmade TrailKats.
I would suggest anyone who does not have a fork brace to order one ASAP. Tkat also make awesome metal start / horn buttons.

[willy]

Hi
I've never pushed a bike hard enough that i thought a fork brace was going to make me or break me . There's no reason not put one on though , it could be the insurance that does get you out of a crack that one time . I hope i'm posting here correctly ,kinda new to this ,
willy

[Wayne]

I had been riding my XS for several years before finding Tkat and his wonder [fork] brace. I can tell you, no matter how hard or light you ride, it makes a noticeable difference.
This is especially true if you ride with a tour package as I do. The weight of the fairing can make the handling very sloppy. The brace took care of all that.

Ride Safe.

[Shack]

I am on the waiting list also...since October of 2002..I have heard many wonderful things about the brace..I am willing to wait on a product that may possibly save my life....I need a brace for my everyday riding .FWIW

Shack

[Wayne]

I do not want to take any business away from Tkat, but, if you guys need a brace sooner. (Im not sure how long Tkat has said it will be before he makes some more braces) you can try Bob Jones at Merriam Cycles I know he usually has braces.
WARNING: They are ALOT more expensive from Merriam than Tkats.
JAT

[2fast]

hang on...they're comin

I just had an email from TKat that the fork braces are under production now. I would suggest that anyone who wants one, let him know asap. If you need a horn/starter button let him know about that too. My current horn button is a part from a felt tip pen, the original puked a long time ago. I think that all he asks for the button is a donation to the charity of your choice. Cool.

[Bill__Woods]

I believe the ones Merriam cycles cycle sales are manufactured by TKAT himself! If think TKAT stated that to me in an email before i bought mine.

[Wayne]

Well Bill, that would make since that Tkat makes them, they look just like his. I'm glad to hear Tkat is in production, you shouldn't have to wait much longer then.
Ride Safe.

[sam_cg_cook]

I just placed an order w/ Tkat for mine, and he replied that they would be in production SOON. I sure hope so!!

[Ironride]

I can certainly see how the fork brace could improve the handling of a bike no matter what type of riding you're doing ,but as a mechanic I would suggest a couple of other tweaks be done before you install a brace to insure all things are equal between the two shocks. Should you have blown seals, damaged springs, or bent tubes obviously you'll need to repair that before you even think of doing anything else. With that said on to the tweaks. First of all check your fork oil level and make sure it is the same in each fork. If you can't remember or don't know when the last time the fork oil was changed…change it. Its oil not wine…it doesn’t improve with age. Next install an "air fork balance kit" that equalizes the air pressure between the two forks. Now you know that the front end of your scooter is in good shape and it should only set you back about $30 and a couple of hours of your time. OK, you got that done go ahead and install the fork brace, but even if you don't think you need a brace on your ride consider doing the other things I mentioned and I guarantee you'll notice an improvement in handling. By the way, I'm going to put one on too.

[Huron52]

Hi All

I e mailed Tkat a long time ago asking about the fork brace but I have lost track of his e mail address. Does anybody have it? I would like one if he is in production.

[sixtysix]

Tom,

Here is the info from tkats web page:

If you would like to know more about what a Trailkat is, email us at tkat@tkat.com

[yuddy]

Woo Whoo!!!!
Just got an e-mail from tkat, my fork brace is ready to ship !!!

If you guys were on his list, yours may be ready as well.

Ed.