Hawk Fork Brace Mod

[wamey]

Here are the mod pictures:
http://imgur.com/a/PamSn

I ordered this harley brace and drilled holes in it:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252955960539

All in all I'm happy with the front suspension being a bit stiffer! I only have an hour of riding on it thus far so I'll get back to you all once I've field tested it a bit more!

[Rangerscott]

Thats a poor design.

https://www.google.com/search?client...0XAZEQvwUIXigA

[wamey]

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

Thats a poor design.

https://www.google.com/search?client...0XAZEQvwUIXigA

Both designs are used to brace front forks, scroll down on your search...

The reason the aluminum clamp is more difficult here is because the tire/wheel would interfere with a straight across clamp so you'd have to machine a much larger block of aluminum.

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by wamey

Both designs are used to brace front forks, scroll down on your search...

The reason the aluminum clamp is more difficult here is because the tire/wheel would interfere with a straight across clamp so you'd have to machine a much larger block of aluminum.

I've had three similar to yours on my old, stripped Yamaha Enduro's I used to race (way back when) and there was a serious difference in front end rigidity.
I think yours looks cool and it appears to fit very well.

[JerryHawk250]

Nice job. Looks like the only option you have. The other style wouldn't work because the 21" wheels is higher than the lower fork housing. No way to mount it.

[Rangerscott]

You would put it up higher on the forks.

[wamey]

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

You would put it up higher on the forks.

That would interfere with suspension travel, and not brace the parts I want braced.

The reason I want the lower part of the fork assembly braced is because these were rotating ever so slightly, allowing the wheel to turn about +/- 2 degrees from the handlebars. At higher speeds on uneven ground this manifested as a slight "speed wobble". The brace I used prevents lower fork twisting which helps to minimize wheel flop.

[ben2go]

On thin forks and light bike, anything to stiffen the front end is helpful.

[2LZ]

Originally Posted by ben2go

On thin forks and light bike, anything to stiffen the front end is helpful.

This is, by far, the biggest benefit to USD forks. With the fat tubes being in the clamps and very long, it is far more rigid than a standard fork.

[Megadan]

I am still on a quest for a clamp style that may work, There are a couple of possibilities, but if they don't pan out then I am going this route. Many older hondas used a similar idea to integrate a fork brace with the front fender, and trust me it makes a difference! For 20 bucks and some time drilling a couple of holes, can you really complain?

[Weldangrind]

Good idea! The TW200 uses a similar brace as a fender mount, to contend with skinny forks and a 4.00-18 front tire.

[elevatorman]

I like this idea and really appreciate the poster.
Immediately I went over and ordered one for my Hawk 250.
Whereas it might not be the best it is certainly something and
very affordable.

[pcspecialist]

I wonder if they produce them in-house? I just asked if I could get one without the mounting holes, preferably without the ears too. If they get enough requests, maybe they'll say yes if they initially say no.

[Kdburtch]

awesome write up, thank you. Does it completely clear the knobbies, or is there some rub?

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Kdburtch

awesome write up, thank you. Does it completely clear the knobbies, or is there some rub?

It clears with plenty of room around the tire. Take a look at his pictures and if you go to the 5th one down you see a straight on shot showing plenty of air gap around the tire.