TKAT fork brace - anyone interest in a group buy?

[tripodtiger]

I've only managed to get my XS out for one decent ride, as shown on the video over Granya Gap on Youtube.
I've now got an oil leak, I think it's coming from the pressure switch(?) over the gearbox...but back on topic.

Maybe I tightened my fork brace badly?  That was my first conclusion.
I found that at anything over about 120, the front vibrated REALLY badly.  Not to the point of wobbles, just really severe vibration.

So, I've loosened it all off, pumped the forks a few times to try & settle it and then tightened the brace up again.

I tightened the fork clamps first, then the cross brace.

Still haven't had it out to give it a whirl.  There is this oil leak that I need to look at... 

This is what happens when you use classic rego, the bike spends long periods in the garage whilst other projects get attention.
But I've now got rid of my 690.  My wife has bought her W800 and the sidecar is all fixed - removed the heated grips controller that was continually draining the battery, did the rear wheel bearings and a new battery.

The XS may get a bit of TLC shortly!!!

[steptoe]

having had the braces on since early Sept, and done a couple of 000 klm since, I thought I'd give some feedback as to the handling difference,,

                          UNBELIEVABLE   and very reassuring

have done several runs with Ev {using both bikes before the brace as a controlled variable}

before-----whilst chasing Ev,, hammering into corners {40klm hair pins} 2 up hard on braking prior to the apex, there was always that little bit of movement in the bars, then into the centre of it and out under power especially on an uneven surface, it would give several small "wallows"

even straight line riding with big sweepers I was always waiting for "the head shake" {for want of another word}

after-----{now Ev chases me,, unless he's being nice } using the same roads and corners, I new the old handling habits and where and when the handling "issues" would start,,  with the brace, nothing, but an added feeling of sure footing, lean it over even further and feed it the fat

so if any one is thinking about putting one on,,,,,,,,,,,,, my 5c, go your hardest you won't regret it, the financials are tiny compared to the rewards in handling

[tripodtiger]

I'm supposed to be painting one of the bedrooms...

4 nice shiny TKAT fork braces arrived on my door this morning.

I finished the first bit of painting (cornice), had some lunch.  Thoiught about getting back into the painting but re-considered.
My forkbrace is fitted.

Easy as.  Just remember to loosen the brace from the clamps first.  I left it all attached and slid the inner half of each clamp down the fork vertically.  Then fitted the outer clamp (making certain I got the correct halves together - they are stamped underneath).
Tightened the clamps first.
Centred the brace and tightened that.
Slid the dust sliders back over.
Done.

The Special brace is different in the height of the cross member above the clamp.  The inner clamp is a notably different shape - in frontal elevation.

One other point.  3/16 allen key is required.  Not metric threads, unfortunately.

Chiuck, Steptoe & Makzy - check your PMs.

[tripodtiger]

TKAT sent me an email.  He has received payment and will be forwarding the braces today (Monday) his time.

Could be at my door by Thursday or Friday?

[tripodtiger]

NOW you tell me.

Thanks anyway.  I very nearly went the US currency in the envelope, until the bank told me it was a week before I could get it and it was going to cost me AND they'd only do $200US.
I nearly bit the bullet to buy two braces, but then throught of the group buy.
I don't think anyone will save any money doing it this way, but there are probably a couple of blokes who've looked at it and thought to themselves "I'll get one of them, one day".  Like me, I've had that in my mind for quite a few years.  Now, I've done my bit.

Now to be Con, the Fruiterer.

[Brian]

+1

I sent Tkat his cash in US dollars in a padded envelope with some cardboard.  I didn't want to send anything that looked like a greetings card in case the postie had sticky fingers 

[B.Walker]

I realise this is too late now, but when I bought mine i just went to a travel agent and got US cash and posted it to him. Do the same thing when getting parts from Andreas. Just go get a greeting or birthday card and put the cash in the middle. Never had a problem yet.

[tripodtiger]

I've sent PMs to Makzy, Chuck & Steptoe with my bank details.

The cheque is in the mail.

The exchange rate wasn't as good as last week, but much better than a few months ago.

I'll be impatient for a few days, then forget all about it and they'll turn up and I'll go 

[tripodtiger]

TKAT replied over the weekend, too late to do anything and I was at work anyway.

I'll get a cheque and then be able to advise each of you, via PM, of the cost in AU$. 

I take it that no one else wants to jump on board at the 11th hour?

[tripodtiger]

I'm waiting for a reply from TKAT so I can get a cheque from the bank.  I'm a bit light on some of his details.

In the meantime, I'm off to Albury to get some bits for the XS.  One of which is a sump plug. I had the engine overhauled a few years back, at a bike shop that is not located in my current town, and they replaced the sump plug with a broken down spark plug.  I didn't notice for an extended period, as teh bike has been parked for a long while.

Anyway.  All the clutch plates measure up fine (3.0 or more), the pressure plates are flat and there is no sign of bluing.  The basket shows minor wear - I've never thrashed the old girl, not really anyway.  The plates are in a fresh oil bath and I'm fairly confident that it was slipoping only due to dry plates.  We'll see.  Maybe I should've ordered a spare clutch cover gasket?

Insofar as the fork brace order is concerned, when I hear back from TKAT and have a cheque issued, I will circulate my account details with the cost, at the exchange rate + $5 for postage from my place.

Standby.  Not too close though 

[Chuck]

Hi Ray

Have sent PM of address please PM  account number and I will send money

Charlie

[tripodtiger]

Got that Steptoe  (as per the pm).  I'll visit my bank on Thursday.

[steptoe]

all righty then ,, make it  standard x 2
                                        and special x 2,,

pm the bank details now so my $110 isn't so harsh on you

[tripodtiger]

What I intend is to wait until Thursday, 11th August and then get a bank draft for payment.  Once the fork braces are delivered, I can put another post up.  Send me an email with your address and I'll give you bank details for a direct deposit - cost $5 postage.
Once paid for, I'll send it on.
As it stands I'll order
standard x 2
special x1

[makzy]

I'll have one too Ray, mine's a standard, just let me know how you want the money? cheers Max.