TKAT fork braces

[Eveready1100]

Here's a snap of the installed unit. Fits snug as!

[Eveready1100]

Tis funny, that. After a couple of trips on it , I'm not aware of it anymore. Maybe was just phsycological, just knowing I'd bolted the brace on there. It only weighs  about 300 grams so compared with the weight of the wheels & discs etc so it was probably just me.

[steptoe]

have been thinking bout this,,, probly harsher cause they're operating as 1,, maybe,, don't have the flex that your used to anymore

[melbxs]

The proof of the valve of the emulators is that so many of the vintage racers and Vinduro guys use them.

The bike rides the bumps and potholes extremely well and I rate them highly.

Writeup by the FJ1100 guys:

http://www.fjmods.btinternet.co.uk/emulators.htm

[Eveready1100]

I fitted the brace on my last set of days off. Ended up taking less time to fit it, than the time spent contemplating the job. In total - 20 minutes, so installation really is that simple.
Took it for a few runs to work then lobbed over to my neighbors place for a bit of a workshop day today and I'm sold! It's really settled the beast down on the sweepers now with no more wallowing midcorner or other scary things happening at all. I did notice the forks seemed slightly harsher over the bumps on Goodwood road (we have BIG bumps up here!) due to increased unsprung weight, but that's a minor thing compared to the huge stability gains.I'll go lighter fork oil on the next change to try to alleviate that effect. I'll get some pics of the finished installation and post them up ASAP.
  = very happy indeed!
Makes me wonder if it'd be even better with a set of those emulator thingies in there as well?

[steptoe]

top stuff,,,, more things to pull apart and put back together

[Eveready1100]

My brace arrived today!! Looks like quality kit. It cost TKAT nearly $14 US to post it out to me so makes it an even better value purchase. I'll fit it on my next days off and I'll let you know how well it hooks up. Then I'll give some feedback after a few runs to pass on what it may do, or no do for the handling.
P.S. definitely email him direct at tkat@tkat.com. as I had nearly daily correspondance with him concerning payment methods with no problems or delays.

[melbxs]

Thanks for the advice.  I'll check out the site with the fork valves.

Did you fit them yourself melbxs?

Yep, easy to fit. Just need to drill out the holes in the damper a bit. I didn't drill em out as much as it said you should in the instructions (I figured I could drill out more later, but not put any back)and I was very happy with the results.

[Edgey]

Thanks for the advice.  I'll check out the site with the fork valves.

Did you fit them yourself melbxs?

[Jonesy]

Hey Edge
Just my 2  bob's worth......dont bother. my first XS came with one and somewhere down the track I took it off, couldnt tell the difference.

[melbxs]

Edge

I don't have a brace on mine, but I put in a pair of the fork emulator valves. They really firmed up the front end and I don't get weave.

Well worth the $100 and they can't be seen, so you keep the original look of the bike.

http://www.yss-australia.com/products_yss_pdforkvalve.php

[Edgey]

Hi Guys,
Have just had a read of this thread and thought I'd ask for your two bob's worth on fork braces. Is it worth getting one?
I'm trying to keep the XS as original as possible but I hear that the fork braces make a real difference to the overall ride, especially on the twisty stuff.
Cheers,
xsEDGE

[B.Walker]

I painted mine Satin Black with good quality Rustoleum paint. Looks great on top of a chrome guard, as it also does on a painted one.

Tkat is a top bloke. Short story with mine is that he sent it without payment, which I was to send once I received it.(first one he had sent to NZ) I'm embarrased to say that I forgot to send the MO straight away and it was some time later that I realised I hadnt payed him.(cheque was on the fridge, under a magnet with lots of other shit) I emailled and apologised, and prepared to send it straight away. He emailled back staight away and said not to worry about it, just donate it to my favorite charity, as they probably needed it more than he did. So I did, SPCA got half and the IHC (Intelectually Handicapped Children) got the other half. Top Bloke.

[petejw1966]

ive had my tkat brace fitted for a few years
now, there're a real good quality, well priced fork
brace, it also polishes up real nice.

[makzy]

Yeah i had that prob too, tried to order, no, tried to contact, no, will try again!