Fork Braces

pumps · Posted: March 4, 2009, 1:26 am Post subject: Fork Braces

I've looked at the brace Mike has on his site. I don't know that much about them except that it is supposed to stiffen up the front end and improve handling. I know there are others out there...feedback anyone? What have you used , what are you using? How much of a difference has it made?

thorshammer · Full Member Joined: Dec 12, 2008 Posts: 58

Hi pumps I have one the same style as you got it from a friend and love it definitely keeps the front wheel going where I point it. I also have a flat aluminium fork brace off an old dirt bike that will be seeing duty soon.

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

I like them spiffy, billet-aluminum monsters they got at www.tkat.com. I know they make 'em for 750 and 850 Yams. If they make 'em for 650s, I'm gonna get me one o' them!

bluebikerblan · Posted: March 4, 2009, 12:32 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

It's nice Pumps.....I'm heavy, ride on mountain roads and twisties and the brace firms things up a lot. Well worth it. You can get that "spiffy cast aluminum one" too for about triple the cost but it is way "spiffy" at $149.

www.omarsdtr.com/new15.html

Mikes does nicely for me and the "mules". 650 Central has em too.

Best, Blue

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

bluebikerblan -- I believe the spiffy ones are much cheaper at www.tkat.com/forkbrace.html

The guys over on the 850 Community were the ones who put me onto them. That tkat guy is the one who invented the things (or so I was told) and used to be the only fellow who sold them. Omar's (it seems) is selling a knockoff for a higher price.

As that may or may not be, I've sent to tkat and asked for a price. I'll let you guys know what I find out.

bluebikerblan · Posted: March 4, 2009, 3:44 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

Jimmy....thanks! Like this one I suspect. Tarozzi nice & "spiffy"

www.fastfromthepast.co...650/Detail

Best, Blue Enjoyed the story and your writing btw.

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

I never saw those black ones before. Anodized, maybe?

woodman · Full Member Joined: Oct 12, 2008 Posts: 256

Just emailed Tkat, he has them for my 78 XS650 std. They are $90 with shipping but will go up $10-15 4/1. No Paypal , no credit cards but will take personal checks

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

That's right, woodman. I got the same info.

650skull · Support Staff Joined: Jul 19, 2007 Posts: 1186

Having one of mikesXS's fork braces on my bike i think the Tkat braces will be easier to remove and install, As for the benefits, i can't help you out as the bike hasn't been on the road since i installed the brace.

pumps · Posted: March 4, 2009, 7:51 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

Quite a range of prices and products.

weekendrider · Posted: March 4, 2009, 8:58 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

Wouldn't the style you are trying to achieve have something to do with the choice. imho a brace like the one Mike sells looks better on a bobber/bratstyle style while I prefer the look of Tkat on the '79F. It comes highly recommeded by some in the society and a knowledgeable person who no longer posts on this site.

bluebikerblan · Posted: March 4, 2009, 11:12 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

Weekender......you're point is well taken. I think I agree with you and am going to order one of the Tkat's for my 78 SE and use Mike's on the Standards. Thanks, Blue

pumps · Posted: March 4, 2009, 11:47 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

I think I like the way Mikes would look on the standard...I'm gonna try to find some good pictures of one on a 77 or 78

2-Skinny · Posted: March 5, 2009, 1:10 am Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

I like the Tkat brace, and my Dad has one on his XS1100 that looks great- but no Paypal or CC- come on! A personal check, really? Get with the century... anyone who has email can use Paypal...

weekendrider · Posted: March 5, 2009, 1:52 am Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

There are those of us who prefer cash or check.

2-Skinny · Posted: March 5, 2009, 4:28 am Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

Paypal is basically cash, more so than a check...

pumps · Posted: March 5, 2009, 11:41 am Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

Paypal is an ebay company. Ebay and Paypal both have left a bad taste in many peoples mouths. If a guy doesn't want to use it I understand.
Some peoples opinions.

paypalsucks.org/

KYLEPRESTON · Posted: March 5, 2009, 1:13 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

I just wish more people made these braces for 34mm forks. oh well I will wobble on.

bluebikerblan · Posted: March 5, 2009, 1:45 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

Hey Kyle,

Go to the Tkat page..........and click on the fork brace measurement diagram worksheet page:

www.tkat.com/forkbrace/diagram.htm

From my e-mail exchanges with him yesterday, I got the distinct impression that he has and does make the brace for both standard and special diameters and for that reason he asks for the parameters described in the worksheet and supplies three versions for the 650 as well as those for the 750, 850 and 1100. E-mail to him should confirm.

Check it out! Wobble No More. I believe that these are needed inputs to a variable CAD/CAM machining program including the 34 mm tubes and receivers you need. Best, Blue

woodman · Full Member Joined: Oct 12, 2008 Posts: 256

In Tkats own words, if a mans integrety is only worth $90, he will take the hit on the bad check. Its his business, he can do it any way he wants but I do agree that hes probably losing business doing it that way. Apparently he has had some bad experiences with Gaypal. I dont see it being a huge problem to me sending the man a check.

2-Skinny · Posted: March 5, 2009, 3:26 pm Post subject: Re: Fork Braces

Well yeah, it his prerogative but just annoying that when I want to order one I have to wait on mail both ways.... too many delays as it is with these old bikes...

650skull · Support Staff Joined: Jul 19, 2007 Posts: 1186

his choice on how he wants to get payed, your choice if you want to buy it, every day you gripe about it is another day waiting..........you could always buy a new bike and have no wait at all...........

gggGary · Full Member Joined: Jan 07, 2009 Posts: 114

Little off the subject but with fleabay requiring paypal is a 1099 from paypal to the feds showing your gross receipts far behind? I think a better looking, integrated fork brace-fender would have a market also.

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