78 XS11E Forks

[remccool]

I took the wheels off and brought them to the shop to have new tires and tubes put on and to check the bearings. At that time I tried to wiggle things around and everything felt tight. I believe the fender was actually holding it tight enough for what I was checking at that time (2 months ago now). It wasn't until I took off the fairing and the everything else that I found the fork pinch bolts loose. I know to check those with a wrench in the future!
(I guess I should use the right name for the pinch bolts... thanks for the sublte hints. )

[Pat Kelly]

clamp, pinch.... any term the other understands is the right term .
Upper fork tube circular friction adjustable fasteners.
Thingies that hold the turny thing on.

[remccool]

I took her out on the road, the Front end feels great .... now she has other issues ..... BUT, at least her handles GREAT in the curves and corners!

[webbcraft2150]

Glad to hear it was an easy fix. Just wait till you get a fork brace. front end will really be planted. I immediately noticed the the high speed "weave" in the corners went away as well as the high speed wobble when the speedo was planted (85mph, just how fast is 7k in top gear?).

[remccool]

What is a fork brace, what does it do, and where can they found?
Also, got the other "issues" worked out yesterday (a very long, long yesterday, but the carbs are actually clean, sync'ed and working now, and the breather tube is clear of foreign objects....
As soon as I get a new air filter and in-line fuel filters (I have to wait until Wednesday payday) I will take her out (weather permitting) next weekend, probably to my brothers up in Jonestown (north side of Lake Travis). I want to make sure all of the bugs are out before I head to Galveston in 3 weeks.

[webbcraft2150]

Check the tech tips on the fork brace issue. Basically what it does is make sure both fork tubes move at the same time with no deflection. It also adds an addition brace point to keep the fork tubes from twisting under side loads. If you are cruising to Jonestown next weekend, let me know and we can hook up and ride together. I am NOT workin next weekend.

[TopCatGr58]

Brace Yourself!

Hey McRich,

TKAT makes and sells custom fitted billet aluminum fork braces, you can check out his web site for ordering info, www.tkat.com/forkbrace.html .

The XJ has an extra metal plate on the inside of the fender which acts like an external brace, but on the inside, hidden. I've been looking at the possibility of making a similar item, even though TKAT's looks and works great, IF you have some welding and metal cutting tools, then you could probably fashion the internal under the fender type yourself!?
T.C.