TKAT Forkbrace on an XJ???

[madmax-im]

I'm looking for a forkbrace for my XJ1100...has any XJ owners here installed and using a TKAT forkbrace on their bike? Just wondering if it will fit and if so is it a Std bike fit or more of the Special configuration...my thoughts are that the XJ is the equivalent of a Std XS11...

[crazy steve]

I haven't actually fitted one, but a quick check of my 'stock' shows that the XJ forks are the same dimensionally in all the important places as XS forks, so a TKAT brace will fit. You'll need the 'Special' version, as the XJ forks are nearly identical to the Special forks...

[madmax-im]

I haven't actually fitted one, but a quick check of my 'stock' shows that the XJ forks are the same dimensionally in all the important places as XS forks, so a TKAT brace will fit. You'll need the 'Special' version, as the XJ forks are nearly identical to the Special forks...

ok Thanks Steve..I was thought it would be a std forks but guess not...gonn let this float around a bit more before I committ to a tkat...I'm talking to him now and he said he wasnt familiar with the XJ...kinda tells me not many...if any have done this before with tkat...

[crazy steve]

The difference in the fit between the Special and standard is the fender location caused the leading-axle forks; this shifts the fender forward/up in relation to the fork sliders, so you need more 'rise' on the brace for it to clear the fender. Now, the XJ fender is a bit different compared to the Special unit, so if there's a problem, that would be it. The fender mount points on the forks are the same, so as a worst-case you could use a Special fender in place of the XJ one...

[CatatonicBug]

The reason few XJ owners use the brace is because the XJ fender has a brace (though a small one) built into it. The XS fenders are really wimpy, but the XJ fenders have a strengthening bar added for stability.

[crazy steve]

The 'standard' fenders are flimsy pieces of tin with very little under-bracing. The Special fenders are quite a bit heavier-duty, with the XJ being a bit more so....

[madmax-im]

The reason few XJ owners use the brace is because the XJ fender has a brace (though a small one) built into it. The XS fenders are really wimpy, but the XJ fenders have a strengthening bar added for stability.

Yeah I knew that but it still could use an additional one...

[madmax-im]

Just got an email back from tkat...says that the brace for the special is the one to get...so looks like maybe I'll be the 1st XJ owner to do this?? I doubt it but ya never know

[XJkid]

I'm an XJ owner too and have the same concerns. I've heard of these bikes not handling very well going fast into a turn, but what is considered "fast"? . If it's anything over 50 mph I won't worry. If I wanted to go faster in a curve, I would have a different bike.

[trbig]

If you regularly take turns posted as 25-35mph at double whatever posted, then you'd probably improve the bike with the brace. I got used to the flex that the bike has (Many report it feeling like a hinge in the middle of the bike) in hard cornering. Yes, the front fender on the XJ is much stouter in the area around the shocks than the XS, but it still lacks in comparison to a regular fork brace.

I don't plan on riding like that much any more, so I'll stick to stock. I'm getting tired of trying to replace the 30 year old bits of the bike I break and grind off when I crash.

[madmax-im]

I'm an XJ owner too and have the same concerns. I've heard of these bikes not handling very well going fast into a turn, but what is considered "fast"? . If it's anything over 50 mph I won't worry. If I wanted to go faster in a curve, I would have a different bike.

I wouldnt worry...I dont think I'm doing any twisties that fast ...thats prolly where you'd inflict the most stress on the forks...Personally I like the way the XJ feels in the tight and twisty stuff...2 yrs ago at Suches GA XSive Riders rally at T.W.O. the bike handled some really great twisties...had alot of fun doin that...I just want some additional forkbracing because the one already with the fender is inadequate IMHO. I will also be rebuilding the front forks and such...trying to cure a higher speed vibration from the front wheel or fork/steering head in origin. Oh and I dont plan on doing any hard cornering like Tod...LOL

[trbig]

trying to cure a higher speed vibration from the front wheel or fork/steering head in origin.

There's a screw loose between the ears.

[madmax-im]

There's a screw loose between the ears.

on the steering head? or my head...LOL?

[crazy steve]

....I'm getting tired of trying to replace the 30 year old bits of the bike I break and grind off when I crash.

Yeah, that is a disadvantange of riding a vintage metric bike....

At least you know what the solution is...

[jetmechmarty]

If you regularly take turns posted as 25-35mph at double whatever posted, then you'd probably improve the bike with the brace. I got used to the flex that the bike has (Many report it feeling like a hinge in the middle of the bike) in hard cornering. Yes, the front fender on the XJ is much stouter in the area around the shocks than the XS, but it still lacks in comparison to a regular fork brace.

I don't plan on riding like that much any more, so I'll stick to stock. I'm getting tired of trying to replace the 30 year old bits of the bike I break and grind off when I crash.

Those old forks sure are flexy! You can't find that in a new motorcycle!