Fork flex - to say the least!

[11Rider]

Hi guys, I was eyballing Beastly last night as I gather my thoughts for upcoming winter projects. I remembered that someone here said if you put the front wheen between your legs, hold the bars and twist that you'd see flex in the forks. Well let me tell you, there's flex alright! It takes hardly any force at all to get the front edge of the tire to move a half inch in one direction or the other and with a little muscle, it' looks to me like you could get almost an inch! Granted, I'm eyeballing this so my figures might be off somewhat, but these forks clearly flex very easily. So besides my progressive springs, the T Kat brace will be ordered Tuesday. I'll try to get some way to measure the actual flex/force before and after the brace to try and help with the controversy over whether or not the brace does much if anything.

[DGXSER]

That does seem like alot of movement, are you certain it was all in your forks? Have you changed your front wheel bearings recently? Now I am pondering checking my own.

[crazy steve]

You might want to check all the fasteners for tightness...

[Elevener]

I didnt realize there was any controversy over a fork brace? Must come from the people who dont have one.

[fredintoon]

I didnt realize there was any controversy over a fork brace? Must come from the people who dont have one.

Hi Elevener,
the controversy is between those who can't afford one and those who are too cheap to buy one.
But they don't work magic. If your fork is in good shape, not worn anywhere and all it's fasteners are torqued up properly, a brace will improve it's function.
If it ain't, not so much.

[jetmechmarty]

I have a fork brace and emulators. With everything set to tight (too little sag) my front end doesn't soak up the bumps. In that condition, I can see the forks flex all over the place. I can look down and actually see it as I ride. The visual goes away with the forks set up properly.

Marty (in Germany)

[11Rider]

As far as bearing and tightness of the bolts, I would think the bearings are OK since the bike doesn't even have 8k miles on it and when the front wheel is off the ground everything sounds and feels right as it rotates. Bolts are definitely tight. It will be interesting to do my before and after tests.

[natemoen]

Just cause it has low miles doesn't mean the bearings are good. Most likely they are still 30 year old bearings and that greasy gets dry and thick and chunkie.

[11Rider]

^^^^ True dat!^^^ I will do a closer exam as I spruce Beastly up this fall and winter.

[natemoen]

the front 2 and right rear wheel bearings are super cheap! Got the three for under $10, as long as the outer seals are good, even with the seals I think people have said.the kit for that is under $30.

[11Rider]

Good to know. Is there any special thing to look for other than the obvious such as a visual check and a check for free play that can be felt by hand?

[natemoen]

Stiffness, notchiness, rust. Most likely they are going to be sealed bearing so you won't be able to see in them anyways unless you remove the seal and then you might as wee replace them. The front on mine I couldn't even remove without hitting on the inner race and i wouldn't reuse it then.

[11Rider]

OK thank you.

[jetmechmarty]

Bearings. Where do you source them?

[Rickrod3]

I went to my local bearing supply and gave the counter person these numbers

Frount B6303 2RS

Rear B6304 2RS this is not the expensive on.
They had these in stock so no waiting.
Make sure they are double sealed. I think that is what the 2RS means.

As I inderstand the other rear bearing will last 75K. and can be greased in the bike.

Wheel bearings especially front are a safety concern. If you are unsure of their age; I would replace them. Will also rule them out when you trooble shoot your frount end.

HTH.
Rick