Hawk Fork Brace Mod

[wamey]

Originally Posted by Kdburtch

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

Totally clears! If rub happens, I've got other problems

[hertz9753]

Is that a soft terrain off road tire?

[wamey]

Originally Posted by hertz9753

Is that a soft terrain off road tire?

It's the tire the hawk came with. I'm planning on switching over to kenda's after these wear out.

[hertz9753]

My Hawk front tire looked like that.

[mj435]

So I just got my new hawk and the fork is horrible? I can move the front wheel back in forth in the forks and it makes me feel like I'm riding with two flat tires.

[kirbo7106]

Thanks Wamey! Great post with pictures! I bought the same brace, but I haven’t mounted it yet.

Enjoy the Ride!

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by mj435

So I just got my new hawk and the fork is horrible? I can move the front wheel back in forth in the forks and it makes me feel like I'm riding with two flat tires.

Your stem nuts are probably loose. The front tire needs to be set properly and the axle nut torqued. The triple clamp bolts need to be torqued properly as well. None of these should need thread locker as long as they are torqued properly. If you're not very familiar with motorcycles and their mechanical workings, you shouldn't have bought into the China bikes.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by mj435

So I just got my new hawk and the fork is horrible? I can move the front wheel back in forth in the forks and it makes me feel like I'm riding with two flat tires.

If the wheel is sliding back and forth between the forks I would start by making sure you didn't forget the left side axle spacer that sits between the wheel and left fork.

[LaGwAgOn6040]

Anyone have any other links where to buy that fork brace? Seems the eBay seller doesn't have them for purchase anymore.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by LaGwAgOn6040

Anyone have any other links where to buy that fork brace? Seems the eBay seller doesn't have them for purchase anymore.

This is their actual website listing. They are out of stock here as well, but you could contact them and see if they have any on order. https://www.demonscycle.com/chrome-s...ide-front-ends

Otherwise, there are other fork braces made for the same bike that would also work.

Here is an example for about the same price, just unpainted/plated. http://www.wpsracing.com/ulfobrrawkok.html

[roundhouse]

I bought one right after reading the original post and just have not drilled holes in it and installed. Maybe this weekend.

[surfhawk]

I know this is an old thread, but i'd like to add something. First, thanks so much for the great idea including part details. Made it very easy.

I painted mine black to make it blend in with the tire more.

Also, if you raise the front wheel and loosen the axle nut, you can get the brace in and use slightly longer bolts to coax the brace in place enough to then sneak in the original bolts at the other bolt hole. No need for ratchet straps or removing the front fender. Looks great and bike feels more stable. Thanks for the idea!

[surfhawk]

oops, i guess pic didn't attach first time. Sorry

[Megadan]

I didn't have to even use longer bolts to get mine into place. I think my only complaint is that the brace puts outward pressure on the forks. I used my vice to try and tweak the ends together a little bit to reduce that. Another option would be to drill your new holes a bit higher up than the original holes and have less air gap over the tires. This would reduce the interference with the widest part of the fork and make it a bit easier to install. Then you could trim off the bottom to reduce the size and weight.

[surfhawk]

with your vice were you able to squeeze the round part at the top? That's the widest part on mine putting outward pressure on the forks. The ends are actually easy enough to bend with my hands, but that didn't help the top round part. Thanks.