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  • Fork brace

    Does a front fork brace make a noticeable improvement in handling? I put Metzlers on last year, that has made a huge improvement in handling over Dunlaps that I've run for years.
    Thanks for the help.
    79 XS1100SF
    79 XS1100SF parts
    79 RD400F Daytona Special

  • #2
    That's a good question - wish I had a good answer. I've got one on Betsy, but I'm not sure about how noticeable the handling improvement is. What I am sure of is that the front ends on these bikes aren't the strongest in the world, and I like having the brace there. I figure every little bit helps.
    I think I have a loose screw behind the handlebars.

    '79 XS11 Standard, Jardine 4/1, Dyna DC1-1 Coils, 145 mains, 45 pilots, plastic floats - 25.7mm, XV920 fuel valves, inline fuel filters, speed bleeders, Mikes XS pods, spade-type fuse block, fork brace, progressive fork springs/shocks, manual petcocks, 750 FD, Venture cam chain tensioner, SS brake lines

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    • #3
      Tarcozzi

      Fitting one this weekend if it turns up in time? Will let you no.
      79SF
      xjr ohlins shocks, tarozzi forkbrace, bsa handlebars, bsm exhaust

      Comment


      • #4
        Tarrozzi

        Sorry think it's spelt tarrozzi
        79SF
        xjr ohlins shocks, tarozzi forkbrace, bsa handlebars, bsm exhaust

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Roncoach70 View Post
          Does a front fork brace make a noticeable improvement in handling? I put Metzlers on last year, that has made a huge improvement in handling over Dunlaps that I've run for years.
          Thanks for the help.
          Where does everyone get their fork brace?

          Bill
          1980 XS1100 SG
          Jardine Spaghetti with Harley Mufflers

          Comment


          • #6
            Fork Brace

            Originally posted by BowlingSS View Post
            Where does everyone get their fork brace?

            Bill
            From TKAT. Very nice product made by him.

            http://www.tkat.com/forkbrace.html
            1981 XS1100H Venturer
            K&N Air Filter
            ACCT
            Custom Paint by Deitz
            Geezer Rectifier/Regulator
            Chacal Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
            Chrome Front Rotor & Caliper Covers
            Stebel Nautilus Horn
            EBC Front Rotors
            Limie Accent Moves On In 2015

            Mike

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by MPittma100 View Post
              From TKAT. Very nice product made by him.

              http://www.tkat.com/forkbrace.html
              Do you have to remove the forks for the special? I see the standard is a two piece that clamps around the fork.

              Thanks.
              Bill
              1980 XS1100 SG
              Jardine Spaghetti with Harley Mufflers

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by BowlingSS View Post
                Do you have to remove the forks for the special? I see the standard is a two piece that clamps around the fork.

                Thanks.
                Bill
                There are five pieces. You pull the dust caps up, and then there's two half semi circular pieces that go where the dust cap was on each fork. Then you put the center piece on which has kind of oblong holes that allow for a little fudge factor. Tighten 'em down, pull the dust caps back down over the fork brace, and start riding. And no, you don't have to remove the forks. It's a ten minute job.

                This what the standard model looks like. The special type is almost identical, but it's "jacked up" a little to accommodate the front fender -

                Last edited by dbeardslee; 08-21-2015, 08:20 AM.
                I think I have a loose screw behind the handlebars.

                '79 XS11 Standard, Jardine 4/1, Dyna DC1-1 Coils, 145 mains, 45 pilots, plastic floats - 25.7mm, XV920 fuel valves, inline fuel filters, speed bleeders, Mikes XS pods, spade-type fuse block, fork brace, progressive fork springs/shocks, manual petcocks, 750 FD, Venture cam chain tensioner, SS brake lines

                Comment


                • #9
                  I have an extra TKAT for a Special that never got used. $90 shipped to US.

                  Just PM me if someone needs it.

                  John
                  John is in an anonymous city with an Alamo (N29.519227,W-98.678980)

                  Go ahead, click on the bikes - you know you want to...the electrons are ready.
                  '81 XS1100H - "Enterprise"
                  Bob Jones Custom Navy bike: Tkat brace, EBC floating rotors & SS lines, ROX pivot risers, Geezer rectifier, new 3H3 engine

                  "Not all treasure is silver and gold"

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                  • #10
                    Fast from the Past in Atlanta sells Torozzi braces for the standard and Sport. The Sport brace fits the Special. It's and option. I have a Tkat on mine.

                    FWIW, I don't think it makes much difference on a stock front end. I flog mine pretty good and I didn't notice much improvement, but I'm pretty sure there has to be some. Once I modded the forks with heavy springs and emulators, the brace became necessary. The tight front end really loads the forks. It's now part of the package. As always, YMMV.


                    Torozzi

                    Marty (in Mississippi)
                    XS1100SG
                    XS650SK
                    XS650SH
                    XS650G
                    XS6502F
                    XS650E

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Tarozzi

                      Just took for a spin and can confirm it's better around the twistys over here with my setup
                      79SF
                      xjr ohlins shocks, tarozzi forkbrace, bsa handlebars, bsm exhaust

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Roncoach70 View Post
                        Does a front fork brace make a noticeable improvement in handling? I put Metzlers on last year, that has made a huge improvement in handling over Dunlaps that I've run for years.
                        Thanks for the help.
                        To cover what everyone else has stated........you'll notice the difference with a 5mph left or right turn. Support of upper fork tube IS highly important and eliminates unnecessary wear on bronze bushing at top of fork tube.........this from 34 yrs. of experience, for whatever that's worth. Besides replacement fork tube bushings are NA my friend.
                        81H Venturer1100 "The Bentley" (on steroids) 97 Yamaha YZ250(age reducer) 92 Honda ST1100 "Twisty"(touring rocket) Age is relative to the number of seconds counted 'airing' out an 85ft. table-top.

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                        • #13
                          Tkat made a huge difference on my SG.
                          80 SG
                          81 SH in parts
                          99 ST1100
                          91 ST1100

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by jetmechmarty View Post
                            Fast from the Past in Atlanta sells Torozzi braces for the standard and Sport. The Sport brace fits the Special. It's and option. I have a Tkat on mine.

                            FWIW, I don't think it makes much difference on a stock front end. I flog mine pretty good and I didn't notice much improvement, but I'm pretty sure there has to be some. Once I modded the forks with heavy springs and emulators, the brace became necessary. The tight front end really loads the forks. It's now part of the package. As always, YMMV.


                            Torozzi

                            Another good optiion that works.
                            81H Venturer1100 "The Bentley" (on steroids) 97 Yamaha YZ250(age reducer) 92 Honda ST1100 "Twisty"(touring rocket) Age is relative to the number of seconds counted 'airing' out an 85ft. table-top.

                            Comment

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