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Re: [St] Fork Stabiliser?



As it happens, I am building another bike (a Honda Magna) and have a few spare parts I posted on some Magna-related yahoo groups and Atlanta Craigs List.  One of the respondents needs a... fork brace, or stabilizer.  Seems the one on the Magnas and Sabres from back in the day (factory item) tend to crack across one or more of the 3 mounting bolts.  Thus, they are ineffective.  The guy told me the first symptom of the cracked brace was the steering got a bit sloppy.  When you turn, the forks do not get compressed the same, and the bike tends to steer it's self a little.  The brace transfers much of that force to the other fork, thus reducing the steering effect.
 
About 99% of all bikes come with some sort of fork brace, even if it is only a heavy-guage section of metal that the fender hides.  AFtermarket bracks strenghten the weakest point along the front fork.  
 
Are they needed?  SOMETHING is needed there (right above the front wheel/tire.)  The V45 brace sometimes cracks just from stress, so that is proof that it is doing something.  Are aftermarket, stronger bracks needed?  I dunno.  I can tell you that I would not ride a bike very far without some kind of fork brace, but I also have never spent the money on an aftermarket brace, either.

Steve Boudreaux


--- On Mon, 8/4/08, st-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <st-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


> I've never heard of these devices. Anyone know how they work? WHat do
they do that a steering damper doesnt?
>
> Brett.
>
>
Whats the point of adding another clamp to the fork assembly?

The concept is that, while the upper forks are braced together in two spots,
the lower legs are not and may not necessarily slide up and down in parallel
with the upper legs.
The brace fixes the lower legs together so they move in unison.  I've never
ridden a bike with and without the brace for comparison but my guess is that the
results are not very noticeable unless you're on the track.


      
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