Fork Brace, or not?

[rmrc51]

I was all set to get a fork brace for my, 'new to me' trike. I asked my service manager at the Honda dealer I've used for years his opinion. ( And I do value his opinion) I mentioned that from many posts I've read, the fork brace is even more effective for trike applications. I was kinda surprised at his comment below;

cant really comment on the improvement of a super brace on a trike or a 2 wheeler. Have not been a big fan of them as they can actually bind fork /suspension operation if they fit poorly.

So, I'm throwing this out to the forum as to your experience for those of you who have installed a fork brace. Fire away! ThumbUp

 

[jtilmon]

To brace the forks or not to brace the forks? I have been running a Superbrace for 1.5 years now 2008 GW / Roadsmith and have experienced several advantages. Helped to stabilize the front end in corners, maked the steering more positive and helped to take out the famous Goldwing front end bounce along with an even tire wear. Would I buy another Superbrace if I traded or bought a different trike? Yes, it would be the first acessory I would purchase.<br />
By the way there is no binding in the forks on our trike with the Superbrace.<br />
Hope this helps<br />
Ride safe and oftern

 

[americanbadass]

You will definatly have a stiiffer front end(no pun intended) with the brace , however, I do not think it is nesessary with a stock length front end. I have used fork braces several times on two wheeled bikes, and once on a choppertrike with 40 inch over stock in the tubes. You might not even notice a different feeling, with a brace on your front end. From a structual integrety stand point-yes it will make your front end flex free.<br />
Your Tour Captain<img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />pepper

 

[rgw5944]

+1 - what jtilmon said. I bought a used Kuryakyn brace and it has help stabilize the front end on turns.

 

[Nana]

This thread from a year or two ago may give you some helpful answers:

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/honda-trikes-8/super-brace-gold-wing-1800-trike-report-thread-4000/


.

 

[rmrc51]

Thanks for all of the replies and information. ThumbUp

Nana, that thread you included really had some good information. My only concern at present is that my Wing has a 6 degree rake. All of the posts mentioned a 4.5 rake. Not sure if the 6 degree rake is an issue with the Super Brace or not.

 

[Konrad]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>rmrc51</strong>
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<div class="message">Thanks for all of the replies and information. <img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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Nana, that thread you included really had some good information. My only concern at present is that my Wing has a 6 degree rake. All of the posts mentioned a 4.5 rake. Not sure if the 6 degree rake is an issue with the Super Brace or not.</div>

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</div>That's an interesting thought and I have not seen anything written about the effect of the SuperBrace on any particular degree of rake. I have a '06 GL1800, Roadsmith, 4.5 rake - and Superbrace. That brace removed a bit of squishiness from the front end in turns. On a more pronounced degree of rake that may be even more important and I'm hoping someone with an engineering background will chime in.

 

[rmrc51]

The one thing I did find out from Roadsmith regarding the degree of the rake is that due to their longer wheelbase, they offer a 5.5 degree as a standard option. They said a 6 degree would still be no issue but anything beyond a 6.5 would cause problems. The Roadsmith's tech didn't have any recommendation either way regarding the benefit of a brace. He felt that it wasn't needed.

So,, judging by the fact that my 6 degree rake should be what my trike conversion calls for, I'd imagine that I would get the same benefits from a fork brace that the rest you you have experienced. :AllGood:

 

[skuuter]

The Degree of Fork Rake really has no bearing on the Function and Benefits of a Fork Brace. The Fork Brace's Primary Function (if You read the entire Thread Nana linked, there are others...ThumbUp) is to rid the Trike/Motorcycle of un-wanted Fork Leg/Tube Flex. In a Trike, this is even more pronounced due to You actually having to "STEER" it, and the Trike already has more weight sitting on the Fork than a 2-wheeler to begin with. I am a Firm Believer in Fork Braces, and Their Benefits.....pepper ThumbUp

 

[rmrc51]

The Degree of Fork Rake really has no bearing on the Function and Benefits of a Fork Brace. The Fork Brace's Primary Function (if You read the entire Thread Nana linked, there are others...ThumbUp) is to rid the Trike/Motorcycle of un-wanted Fork Leg/Tube Flex. In a Trike, this is even more pronounced due to You actually having to "STEER" it, and the Trike already has more weight sitting on the Fork than a 2-wheeler to begin with. I am a Firm Believer in Fork Braces, and Their Benefits.....pepper ThumbUp

Thanks Dave,

I was already leaning towards getting the brace and what better source of reviews can one get then the actual real life experience of so many here on Trike Talk. I'm convinced. I'll be ordering the brace today! ThumbUp

 

[msocko3]

The Degree of Fork Rake really has no bearing on the Function and Benefits of a Fork Brace. The Fork Brace's Primary Function (if You read the entire Thread Nana linked, there are others...ThumbUp) is to rid the Trike/Motorcycle of un-wanted Fork Leg/Tube Flex. In a Trike, this is even more pronounced due to You actually having to "STEER" it, and the Trike already has more weight sitting on the Fork than a 2-wheeler to begin with. I am a Firm Believer in Fork Braces, and Their Benefits.....pepper ThumbUp

That very thread Nana referenced sealed the deal for me putting a fork brace on my Wing. I choose the Superbrace and it seems to have made a difference with the low speed handling and made it quicker into the corners. Its a hoot how that sucker just loves to run the twisties, lot more nimble than my 06 Ultra in the corners and the Wing is about 200 lbs heavier.

 

[top roman]

I have a new 2012 motortrke, Had the Traxxion system with fork brace done at 350 then rode back home on same highway. World of difference, no flex, roads where much smoother, handling in general was significantly better. Money well spent!

 

[triwinggirl]

The front forks move separately when you hit something. since removing mine thinking it was the cause of fork leaks. my front fender is twisted broken from the movement of the forks being more intense.

i would like to have another i would not remove it ever again.

recently i replaced a tire and discovered the fender damage. Also after change the fork oil and stiffening up the forks it is now obvious that when entering parking lots and going over things from one side of the tire to the other. the trike conversion puts extra strain on the forks to move separately. It's not a lot put there is some i did not feel this when i had my fork brace.

There also seems to be some twisting in the front when turning hard.

 

[mhgoldwing]

I have the Traxxion adjustable fork brace. Being adjustable it will not put the forks in a bind should any dimension be off a little bit. Superbrace or any other non-adjustable cannot compensate for any difference and can therfore put the forks in a bind.

 

[Chazzman]

I put a fork brace on my 05 two wheeler. I didn't see much difference, maybe slight in parking lot maneuvers. I went to GMD Computrack and had Race Trac
Front and rear suspension installed. They showed me when re installing the front axle how the brace was causing the axle to bind, I told them to leave it off.

They set up Lee Parks race bikes and know their stuff.

I already had installed steel tapered steering head bearings, after the suspension upgrade, it handled unbelievably in parking lots, twisties and rode like a Cadillac on the slab.

I will never use another fork brace...

 

[nucseal]

Ok I am convinced that I have to install a fork brace but which one is the best?
Why are are some sold on the SuperBrace over the Traxxion Fork Brace and vice versa?

Nuc

 

[Konrad]

PRICE !

 

[nucseal]

Was convinced by reading all of the above posts to install a superbrace on my 06 Goldwing Hannigan.

Well I was just about to install it when I read the instructions to loosen the pinch bolts prior to installation.

Question:

Is it really necessary to loosen the pinch bolts to install the superbrance? And if so, what possible could be the reason behind it.

Thank you for the help,

 

[rgw5944]

Loosening the pinch bolts lets the fork tubes re-adjust and align to the pressure the fork brace puts on them. It's very easy to do with a 12mm socket. I believe it is also recommended to bounce the front a couple times with the pinch bolts loose. If you have a torque wrench, retighten to 12 lbs. If not, tighten the bolts snug but do not tighten as much as possible. You can get away without loosening the pinch bolts but, the trike will likely handle better in the turns if you do.

 

[nucseal]

Loosening the pinch bolts lets the fork tubes re-adjust and align to the pressure the fork brace puts on them. It's very easy to do with a 12mm socket. I believe it is also recommended to bounce the front a couple times with the pinch bolts loose. If you have a torque wrench, retighten to 12 lbs. If not, tighten the bolts snug but do not tighten as much as possible. You can get away without loosening the pinch bolts but, the trike will likely handle better in the turns if you do.

I going to install today! Appreciate the help, thanks.