tkat vs telefix fork brace

[RS Thornton]

Anyone want to give input on either of these 2 fork braces, or any others that might be out there.

I am setting up a 78E for some longish rides which will include all the challenges of various road types and conditions; twisties, interstates and crappy.
Thanks in advance.
Scott

[GARTHXS]

I have both

And I like the tkat better

[dbeardslee]

I've got a Tkat, and I like it a lot. Installation was real easy, and it does what it's supposed to. It comes in two different flavors - one for standards and one for specials.

[crazy steve]

I'll point out one thing....

I've only seen the Tkat brace, and it doesn't appear to have any adjustment for width variation. That may not be correct. But I do know the Telefix does and have used theirs on other bikes, and that's important to me.

Basically, if you fully align your forks and front wheel without the brace, if you have to loosen any bolts to install the brace, you're throwing the alignment off. The Telefix brace can be installed without loosening any bolts.

'78E original owner

[bikerphil]

The Tkat brace does have ajustability for width variation. I run these braces and highly recommend them.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118

[motoman]

Good point Steve, problem with that is you have another "hinged" point so to speak that offers a place for flexing. Tkats brace is an exact fit for both the special and standard without repositioning anything, and of course not adjustable which is good if you want the brace to eliminate fork flexing under laterall movement. There is even debate as to direction the pieces should attach each other. Directions of load forces seems to have always caused this debate, but being adjustable would NOT be an option for most who know the forces that are trying to be counter-acted using a fork brace......counter productive IMO.

[Elevener]

Here was my reasoning. Telefix is powdercoated, nice if you have a midnight maybe. Telefix cost more.

Tkat is aluminium, looks to be at least mildly polished. Tkat is cheaper, many here use it. I may be wrong here but I dont think so.. Buying from Tkat supports an individual who is presumably also an XS enthusiast.

Tkat won with me, thats why I sent him a check this week.

[randy]

I can only vouch for the Telefix. Had one since '04. Great fit and finish. Stability is worlds away from stock. FWIW, ANY brace would be an improvement.

[Pat Kelly]

I have the Tkat on my E and my LG. I painted it black for the LG.
The cross brace has slotted holes to custom fit it to your particular bike. Each bike may have slight variances between the fork legs to sit in the caliper/disc clearance.

[Montreux_Blue]

The Tkat brace does have ajustability for width variation. I run these braces and highly recommend them.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118

They do have some adjustment from side to side, notice the oval shaped holes on the top.

[daveyg]

So... why does the special have a taller brace? Are the forks different at the top? (like at the bottom, where the special has the leading axle) I'm just asking several questions to satisfy my curiousity. The ridgidity is what makes the above argument. If a brace has several pieces that join together, it will be less ridgid than another that is solid. Another aspect is how the Special model brace will be ever so slightly less ridgid than the Std, due to the "risers" as they are called, which will allow the faintest amount of flex over the Std. Can anyone take a close up pic of a Special with the Special brace installed? (like to show any gap between brace and fender) I'm thinking the Special uses the risers to clear the fender, but if there is a 1/4 inch gap, the Std brace would be the way to go...

[TADracer]

Specials have a taller brace to clear the fender.

TKAT brace is a great piece. Comes dull but a few minutes with some sandpaper and a burffer and it will shine like chrome.

Worth every bit of the price and you will instantly notice the difference.

[Pat Kelly]

Both braces made a world of difference in the handling on both bikes. If there is a difference in the stiffness between the standard ans taller special brace it is insignificant. You would have more difference with tire pressure and road surface effecting handling than between the two braces.
Maybe if you were road racing on the razors edge at the same track everyday and wanted that .000001 of a second in consistancy. But for normal people riding in the real world there is no difference between the two.

[jwhughes3]

what does it feel like?

What is the difference in a fork that is braced - what are we eliminating?

I have never ridden a bike that was "braced" so I am unsure if it is something I would need - if the ride feels OK without it - what would prompt me to add it?

Thanks
John in San Antonio

[RS Thornton]

going with TKAT

Thanks all, I am going to go with the TKAT. I am going to have some other requests for input on aftermarket changes, but promise not to start one of the dreaded oil or tire threads.