to brace or not to brace?

[extreme10]

I have recently come back from visiting a Goldwing dealer and was discussing the advantages of having a fork brace on the 1800 when used as a trike.

his reaction was a definite NO NO. His reasoning was that the clamps around the fork legs squeezed the tubes and restricted the oil flow?

Somehow this all seems a bit far fetched to me. I can not see the metal of the Honda forks being reduced in size due to the clamping effect of a fork brace.

As anyone ever heard of this? It would be interesting to have others opinions on the subject.

 

[rmrc51]

The head mechanic (whom I trust 100%) at the dealership I use for maintenance also told me not to use a fork brace. I can't remember his reasoning which was very descriptive as I vaguely remember, but I'm sure it wasn't the same explanation your dealer told you. That really doesn't make any sense.

 

[msocko3]

One of the 1st things I did when I bought my Gl1800 is install a Super Brace, its still on as a trike also. I've never heard of a brace causing issues, the oil flow explanation is lame. IMO the brace improves the handling, mine is quick into corners.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

The person that told you that knows nothing about fork braces.
Having said that, I for one have never "felt" the need for one!
Certainly not on my trike!

 

[skuuter]

One of the 1st things I did when I bought my Gl1800 is install a Super Brace, its still on as a trike also. I've never heard of a brace causing issues, the oil flow explanation is lame. IMO the brace improves the handling, mine is quick into corners.

YES.....ThumbUp:10:

 

[kwputt]

Installed a fork brace after last years trip to Eureka. Would not go without one now. Also went from a 4 degree rake to 6, when we traded trikes last year.

 

[Trikerbobbilly]

Just installed a brace on my GL1500 and it had a very positive effect on my trike while cornering, enough so that my wife as a passenger commented that the trike seemed more stable in the corners and she doesn't even drive a bike. I plan to add one to my VTX 1300C next.ThumbUpThumbUp

 

[skuuter]

Fork Braces work...even more so on Trikes.....!!!!!...ThumbUp

 

[SMSgt]

I put a brace on mine and would never go without one again, especially on a trike. The sideways forces are so different than what they were built for with two wheels. I believe the extra strength given to the front forks is a good thing. IMHO.:laugh:

 

[SteveMac]

It's good to hear so much positive responses. I'm planning on raking, and wondered about continued brace use. I read some older threads that discouraged it. But the consensus now seems to be,, brace=yes.

 

["D"]

I have a 2010 with a 14' CSC kit. I put the Michelin Pilot Active, an anti-dive shim and a Super Brace on it and it made a world of difference. Of all the good things about the Goldwing, one bad one seems to stand out over the years. The suspension is not the best. These three things made the trike handle quicker and ride smoother. It's hard to understand the amount of pressure that is on the front end when making a hard turn. The way the forks are set up they will flex. The brace merely cuts down on the flex giving a much more stable ride and faster response time. Just my two cents.

 

[TnHeath]

I put a brace on mine and would never go without one again, especially on a trike. The sideways forces are so different than what they were built for with two wheels. I believe the extra strength given to the front forks is a good thing. IMHO.<img title="Laugh" class="inlineimg" alt="" src="images/smilies/laugh.gif" border="0" smilieid="29">

I have one on my F6B Motor Trike Raptor and it has made a real difference in the stability of the bike...much smoother on take off, and handling the curves.

 

[bikerbillone]

There's a post on another forum by Fred Harmon about the Super Brace. He's not in favor of a brace, 'could cause a restriction and a more harsh ride. Not sure if he was talking about two wheels, three wheels, or both. I've removed mine temporarily at lease to determine if I can tell difference.

 

[Trikindan]

I have one on my F6B Motor Trike Raptor and it has made a real difference in the stability of the bike...much smoother on take off, and handling the curves.

Just curious, How does the Brace make take off better??

 

[TnHeath]

Just curious, How does the Brace make take off better??

Less wobble from front end which I noticed in starting out in first gear before adding the brace...gone after the brace was installed.

 

[CyberVet65]

Probably the best mod that I have installed on the trike. I have a 6 degree rake. My wife has noticed a significant difference in the way it handles corners.

 

[Trikindan]

Probably the best mod that I have installed on the trike. I have a 6 degree rake. My wife has noticed a significant difference in the way it handles corners.

OK I'm Sold, I just ordered one for my Trike. I really don't think I have any problems, it steers great and handles great, but then again, that's my uneducated Trike mentality, It might surprise me and make a noticeable difference. Hey for 49.00 why not??:Coffee:

 

[jtilmon]

Put a Super Brace on shortly after triking my GL1800 and would not ride without it.
bike corners better and responses better anytime you need to stir around things in the road.

would not have a GW Trike with out a Super Brace

 

[cjmitch]

Painted mine black lol

 

[3 4 the road]

Trike install question

Put a Super Brace on shortly after triking my GL1800 and would not ride without it.
bike corners better and responses better anytime you need to stir around things in the road.

would not have a GW Trike with out a Super Brace

In the installation video on the Super Brace site, he recommended bouncing the front wheel on the ground before tightening the lower two fork bolts. Easy to do on two wheels with a center stand. How did you do this on a trike? Or is it unnecessary?

 

[dogman513]

In the installation video on the Super Brace site, he recommended bouncing the front wheel on the ground before tightening the lower two fork bolts. Easy to do on two wheels with a center stand. How did you do this on a trike? Or is it unnecessary?

Good Question!???

 

[Old Fard]

Originally Posted by 3 4 the road
In the installation video on the Super Brace site, he recommended bouncing the front wheel on the ground before tightening the lower two fork bolts. Easy to do on two wheels with a center stand. How did you do this on a trike? Or is it unnecessary?

I think that bouncing the front end helps to position and seat the fork tubes relative to the front axle and will eliminate binding as the fork bolts are being tightened.

Having said that, when I installed a full Race Tech Spring and "Gold Valve" system on the front end of my Trike I just lightly tightened the four fork tube screws, stood on the driver pegs and bounced up and down. I feel confident that the front axle seated well without the forks binding.

It just might be possible that this method is as good or better than the wheel center stand method. OOPS...It just dawned on me that it's pretty hard hold the two wheeler upright and bounce front end without the center stand.

My 2 cents....

 

[dogman513]

Contact manufacture of superbrace ask them???

 

[dogman513]

Cruiseman has youtube video ref install on trike.. with that being said I purchased this thinking its gotta be a plus having it on a trike with the push/pull that happens steering a trike. After the easy install took a test drive and found it to make a big difference in the ride.. Twisties a lot less effort on steering input, less harshness on front end hitting road imperfections.. glad I got it! ThumbUp

 

[skuuter]

Butt the front tire "lightly" against a wall with the axle bolts and Super Brace bolts just "slightly" snug...hold the front brake with the lever, stand on the Rider pegs and bounce, making the Fork dive. Tighten the axle and Super Brace bolts.....ThumbUp

 

[gr8phun]

Take a short ride

 

[howardg]

I have a Superbrace for sale if anyone needs one

 

[kybigmac]

I have a Superbrace for sale if anyone needs one

What does it fit & how much ?