Fork Brace

[Bronson512]

I have recently been thinking about adding a Fork Brace. In theory I can see where these could possible benefit BUT they also could cause or create problems if done wrong ie. installed incorrect or machined incorrect. Give honest opinions please. If it's not against some board rules brand names would be helpful.

 

[TwoBye]

The trike I currently own is also the first trike I have ever owned (or ridden for that matter) so my remarks are ONLY for my experience as compared to absolutely nothing else.

The trike is a `1999 GL1500SE with a CSC kit installed with a rake kit (I don't know how much rake though). When I first got it I spent several weeks trying to get used to the steering being so much different from 2 wheels. After a few months, and approximately 1000 miles I figured I was good to go with it. It always bothered me that the front end felt (for lack of a better term) "squishy". I installed a fork brace made by Superbrace. I have ZERO regrets! It made a huge difference in the cornering and it even feels more stable riding two up at highway speeds. I hope this helps and I am quite sure you will get other responses that may or may not agree with what I have told you. But it is what it is.

I love mine.

 

[Gold Rush]

I have recently been thinking about adding a Fork Brace. In theory I can see where these could possible benefit BUT they also could cause or create problems if done wrong ie. installed incorrect or machined incorrect. Give honest opinions please. If it's not against some board rules brand names would be helpful.

What you say is true Dennis. I was concerned about that myself when several members started talking fork brace pros and cons. That is why I decided to go with Kuryakan adjustable braces. You mount them static and then tighten them with the fork in their natural position. This lets the brace do it's intended job without forcing the fork tubes into what might well be a position that will cause premature ware.

On a positive note. You will not regret adding the fork braces.

There is a definite handling improvement and suspect also improved tire life.

:xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[Haste Maker]

If you do decide to try a fork brace I have a used Kuryakyn Gen 2 brace, I will sell for $100 plus shipping cost..

 

[mhgoldwing]

Traxxion also makes an adjustable brace which what I have. The key is adjustable. When installed correctly it will allow the forks to seek their "natural" position and then you lock the brace in.

 

[scribe5]

I've been using the Kury Gen II brace for about 3 years now with no problems and good results. It's fully adjustable, so no worries about putting it on wrong. I noticed immediately a positive change in how the steering handled and a large decrease in wobble.

 

[Bronson512]

I know some GL 1800's owners have an issue with the front fender (B) rear portion breaking. I know this for a fact as I just broke one and in discussing this issue with 1800 owners at a rally several others have had the same issue. On my fender 3 out of the 4 tabs broke and the 4th one was cracked, and 2 out of the 4 bosses broke. I call the parts that are molded and threaded into the ABS fender bosses although there may be a more appropriate name. I have heard and read from others the "fender extension" theory being blamed for the problem. Personally I have never bought in to this theory even thought, YES, I do have a fender extension. My fender extension weighs ounces so I don't think that amount of weight added would break something that has 8 mounting points.

I have checked and measured all mounting screws and washers to make sure the fenders mounting hardware is installed correct to rule out an installment problem. I bought the trike used thus this step was performed.

I don't want this to happen again soI'm trying to think of why it happened in the first place. Could it be the movement or flex between the fork tubes is the actual culprit or at least a contributing factor.

Like I mentioned the fender is mounted 4 places on each side and if the fork tube(s) are not moving exactly together would that not put flex onto these fenders at the mounting points?

Of the members who have had this fender issue did you have a fork brace installed?

Forgive me if this does not read very well as I'm in a hurry.

Thanks

 

[scribe5]

I have had the Fenda Extenda--that's the long curvy black one---for about 5 years--a couple years before the Kury fork brace was installed. The fender is uncracked---can't say for certain that the fork brace prevented it from cracking--but I would think the less flex the better when it comes to plastic.

 

[Ayatolla of Rockin' Rolla]

Have had a superbrace on my 90 1500 since before I converted it to a trike (Roadsmith) without any issues,made cornering much better,took care of the flex,especially with 2 up.

Remember having to raise the bike off the ground & loosen the front axle in order to get the brace to fit between the forks.

 

[Bronson512]

.........................

Remember having to raise the bike off the ground & loosen the front axle in order to get the brace to fit between the forks.

Help me a bit with this post Ayatolla, is getting the bike off the ground and loosening the front axle needed for all brands fork braces? 1500 & 1800? This is not a problem as I have plenty of tools and space but was just curious. Thanks for the help.

 

[Gold Rush]

Dennis, this is exactly why the adjustable brace is better (IMHO). If you have to force the forks to conform to the brace then they will not be in natural position and therefore I believe being exposed to undue ware. :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[JaysGone]

You shouldn't have to raise the front end to install a brace.
It may help though if its a tight fit. Giving you some more flexing of the front forks with the weight off them.
Reminds me I should check mine. Its been awhile since Ive made sure everything is still tight and right under there.

 

[Goldrush]

I installed the Super Brace on my 2007 GWT without having to raise the front axle. Fit just perfectly snug in between the forks, no forcing at all. It has been on the Trike for 5 years with zero issues. What a great add, improved cornering and over bumps.

 

[Bronson512]

I took a look over on a YouTube video of a fork Brace install. I think it was a Superbrace and there was no mention of having to raise front off the ground. Thanks

I really feel that like others on here I'll experience some positive handling results from the addition of a fork brace however as I mentioned in one of my earlier post does anyone have any thoughts whether a fork brace could help prevent the front fender breaking that seems to be a fairly common problem on some 1800's

 

[Gold Rush]

I took a look over on a YouTube video of a fork Brace install. I think it was a Superbrace and there was no mention of having to raise front off the ground. Thanks

I really feel that like others on here I'll experience some positive handling results from the addition of a fork brace however as I mentioned in one of my earlier post does anyone have any thoughts whether a fork brace could help prevent the front fender breaking that seems to be a fairly common problem on some 1800's

Dennis, as I recall the fender breaking/cracking was caused by increased strain when owners installed the larger fender extension. They do a good job of keeping some debris off the lower cowl but add a lot of extra stress to the back half of the front fender. As to your question I doubt seriously if the fork brace will help that situation one bit. :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[Bronson512]

Dennis, as I recall the fender breaking/cracking was caused by increased strain when owners installed the larger fender extension. They do a good job of keeping some debris off the lower cowl but add a lot of extra stress to the back half of the front fender. As to your question I doubt seriously if the fork brace will help that situation one bit. :xszpv: :xszpv:

Gold Rush, bear with me one more time. I have my old fender & my new just fresh from Japan fender. Their is a lot of difference in the mounting points between the old & the new. So much I was wondering if it would bolt up. Sure makes me think Honda knew their were issues. I also removed my fender extension from the old fender hoping to weigh it an have that info for you. Did not get that done but it's only plastic an very lightweight.

Both old & new fenders have 4 mounting tabs and 4 molded in bosses. That's 8 rigid mounting points for a 1-2 lb. (just guessing) plastic piece. Given the fact that it's mounted so rigid if one fork leg moved just a little different than the other it has to apply a stress on this fender. Many Goldwing riders have felt the need to add a fork brace and most noticed a marked improvement in front end stability. A fork brace job is to make things more rigid with less flex.

So much so I was wondering if it would bolt up.

Deer season starts tomorrow so I might be away for a few days. Take it easy on me till I get back.

Cheers

 

[Red Wing One]

Gold Rush, bear with me one more time. I have my old fender & my new just fresh from Japan fender. Their is a lot of difference in the mounting points between the old & the new. So much I was wondering if it would bolt up. Sure makes me think Honda knew their were issues. I also removed my fender extension from the old fender hoping to weigh it an have that info for you. Did not get that done but it's only plastic an very lightweight. Both old & new fenders have 4 mounting tabs and 4 molded in bosses. That's 8 rigid mounting points for a 1-2 lb. (just guessing) plastic piece.

Given the fact that it's mounted so rigid if one fork leg moved just a little different than the other it has to apply a stress on this fender. Many Goldwing riders have felt the need to add a fork brace and most noticed a marked improvement in front end stability. A fork brace job is to make things more rigid with less flex.

So much so I was wondering if it would bolt up.

Deer season starts tomorrow so I might be away for a few days. Take it easy on me till I get back.

Cheers

I'm with you Bronson, I've had my trike for two seasons and last year I noticed

cracking around the mounting bosses as described.

Prior to putting a brace on (after discovering the cracks) the front end was all over the place when hitting rail road tracks or other rough surfaces!

The brace has stabalized most of the twisting I was experiencing!

There is no dought in my mind that the twisiting going on in the forks caused the cracking in the fender.

BTW.......I do not have a fender extender!

I also used the Kuryakyn brace because of it's adjustability!

 

[Bronson512]

Red Wing Thanks for jumping in a participating and I would say that even if you didn't agree.
Now I have to decide if I want to really test my thinking by putting another fender extension on the new fender.

 

[Gold Rush]

Red Wing Thanks for jumping in a participating and I would say that even if you didn't agree.

Now I have to decide if I want to really test my thinking by putting another fender extension on the new fender.

As I have mentioned several times, I do not have any formal Goldwing training but have wrenched many of them over the years. What I say is based completely on personal experience sprinkled with bits of information from trusted fellow wrenches.

I have yet to see my first cracked fender. My '01 had 68,000 fun miles when I traded it in and my '06 had 120,000 pretty hard miles on it when I sold it. Both front fenders were fine. I do personally know of guys that installed the big sail looking fender extensions resulting in cracked mounting points.

I have always had the short (4" I think) extension on each of the three GL1800s I have owned with no ill effect. What Red Wing One says could certainly be a contributing factor so my advice is Kuryakan adjustable fork brace for sure and if you have have the shorter extension I'd put it on... :xszpv::xszpv:

 

[Bronson512]

Gold Rush, don't run off, I'm not trying to argue just wanting to throw an idea out. From what I can find out this fender thing is on later models. I'm not going to say what years but I have a 2012 and when I googled it I got several 2012 hits.
The fender extension that was on my trike has the rubber lower portion. I don't know why but I kind of like that idea. Do you or anyone know what brand that would be? I do now have a brace installed but haven't put a extension on. Thanks!