Holeshot Fork Brace

Dale Walker recently provided some parts to Sport Rider magazine who used them to modify a new GSX1250FA. They put 300 miles on it and wrote it up, then he has sold the parts they returned to him once the review was complete.

Here's the article for those who missed it: http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_1201_project_suzuki_gsx1250fa/viewall.html

I spotted his fork brace for $120, and duly scored it off him, along with one of his T-Shirts. Good service from him as always, and this is solid and really nicely made.

It arrived in NZ today, about 2 weeks after ordering, and is as new. I will fit it this weekend and write it up with pics. I have had a couple of bikes with fork braces and think they help quite a bit with front end stability.

Here's the first pic and more to come:

Good pickup. I'd be interested in more details and a Kiwi review.

4wheelsagain wrote:Good pickup. I'd be interested in more details and a Kiwi review.

Will do. I fitted one to a V Strom 650 and it made a big difference, and I think it should be good on the Bandit

Does this mean you can not have the fork protectors fitted when the brace is on?

FUTURE aka Ross wrote:Does this mean you can not have the fork protectors fitted when the brace is on?

Correct

This is the Sport rider pic showing the fork brace on the GSX

kewwig wrote:

FUTURE aka Ross wrote:Does this mean you can not have the fork protectors fitted when the brace is on?

Correct

So would you fit a set of fork gaiters to help protect the fork seal? No hang on you could not even do that with the fork brace.

If worried about it you could put a lip on the brace, but it's no different to hundreds of other bikes without them

kewwig wrote:If worried about it you could put a lip on the brace, but it's no different to hundreds of other bikes without them

I replaced the seals on my BMW twice before I put gaiters on it. The first time as they where old and hard. 2nd time there was some pitting on the fork that was cutting into the seal.

It looks like http://www.superbrace.com/index.asp make them with fork protectors.

Can I ask you to take a couple of measurements on the brace for me if you haven't fitted the brace up already

1. inside of fork leg to inside of fork leg

O<--->O

2. outside of fork leg to outside of fork leg

O O
>---<

3. Fork leg OD (ID of the hole)

O
<>

Hope that makes sence


Reason I ask is that I have a brace on both the stroms and both me and reddog was curious if the ones I have would fit a bandit

Sorry - already fitted when I got this email. Suggest running a tape from slider to slider for width, and the diameter is the top of the fork leg just below the seal. The brace has a piece machined out to not hit the pointy bit on the top of the guard. The plastic protector pops up with some jiggling and you'd be able to measure it

OK. Easy to fit. Bike on centrestand. Seize fork protector, lift and wiggle and they pop off. Only a small lip holding it onto the fork lower:



The brace is in 5 pieces and you put the legs on finger tight, line up the crosspiece and bolt that on, then tighten the lot up:




Front end feels more stable and less squirmy over bumps. Next I will do springs and valving

At last..........

Shout yourself a rear shock while you're at it.

kewwig wrote:

Do I need counseling if I'm thinking "camera mount"?

nope

Jimcoleman wrote:nope

There could be a bit to much road shock because its before the suspension but I'd be willing to try.
It would be a great low'ish angle

i used my suction mount on the guard worked a treat but the vision was all over the place

Brace ordered today from Dale today.

I seriously promised myself I would not dress Charlotte up. Now I just can't stop!!!
Personally I blame the author of this thread
However, my rationale is that its either required for safety or to protect my investment.

I'll do a photo write up as I fit the parts.

Stay shiny side

Rustic wrote:Brace ordered today from Dale today.

I seriously promised myself I would not dress Charlotte up. Now I just can't stop!!!
Personally I blame the author of this thread
However, my rationale is that its either required for safety or to protect my investment.

I'll do a photo write up as I fit the parts.

Stay shiny side

Charlotte? Welcome to my madness

It's a good kind of madness though, eh.

Hammy wrote:It's a good kind of madness though, eh.

Not according to my wife. Fortunately she doesn't look closely at the bike....