Fork brace versus steering damper

[ndivita]

I am considering a fork brace but am not sure whether to get the more expensive Superbrace or the less expensive MCL brace. Advice? Also, and here is the dumb part, what does a steering damper do that a fork brace does not do and vice versa? Finally, I am not an aggressive rider though when on a long trip I do ride fairly fast. Will I really notice and benefit from a fork brace? Thanks for all thoughts on this....

(This is double posted; sorry about that).

 

[vectervp1]

Ive got a Super Brace fork brace right now. When I purchased it, there was no Motorcycle Larry brace out. If I were in the market today, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a MCL brace. Pick which ever one gives you a warm fuzzy and run with it.

Now on to part two of your question, the difference between a fork brace and a steering damper. It’s quite simple really. A fork brace prevents flexing of the fork tubes. This can cause the front end to not feel as planted in some turns, and according to some can be felt at both low speeds and high speeds. A steering damper is designed to help prevent tank slappers. Tanks slappers occur when the front end of the bike becomes light and causes the bars to shake uncontrollably. Contrary to popular belief (OK, just some people) this is NOT a problem with this bike. The FJR is a heavy bike and because of this will probably not suffer from a tank slapper. This device is usually on sportbikes which have very short wheel bases and are quite light, and dirtbikes which are even ligher and are running around in stuff trying to move the front wheel around.

 

[FantasticJohnR]

I know that the FJR is rated as a SPORT tourer- but using a fork brace for this fine machine is a little bit of overkill isn't it?

If you are going to do track days, you'd be better off with a 600 cc chain driven sport bike...

John

 

[tripletango]

The fork brace and wilbers shock and spring eliminate any hint of a hi speed braking wobble.

The ride with the wilbers is a little stiffer but way more comfortable when running hard.

Rear Avon ST gone in 5000 so much for supposed longevity with Avons. Trying Pirelli Diablo Stradas. First impression no slow speed vibes in bars.

 

[madmike2]

I know that the FJR is rated as a SPORT tourer- but using a fork brace for this fine machine is a little bit of overkill isn't it?
John

Except that some of us do "push" corners a bit when on the backroad twisties. I could tell the difference on mine in less than 20 miles, and I've removed it and driven the bike and could feel a "vagueness" in twisty sections of roads or even on tight city corners. YMMV, but if you are going to spend some $$, buy the forkbrace.

Maybe its overkill....maybe not. I suppose only those of us who have the brace will know for sure. Uh'course, ah ain't wun uh dem "hooley-gun types" soes ah reckon ahm not thuh wun tuh reely tell the differnse. Mebbe wun uh dem track-days fellers uhll post-up sum uh thar in-sites.

 

[Groo]

A fork brace on the FJR is in no way overkill... it makes a remarkable difference in the front end feel when you are pushing the bike through a corner... or travelling over grooved pavement...

 

[Rickster]

Aside from the technical bits -- fork brace will stiffen the forks, damper helps when the front end is 'light'... alot has to do with your personal confidence in the saddle.

If you have the $$, and it makes you feel more comfortable -- put them on (one or the other, or both).

 

[Fred H.]

Aside from the technical bits -- fork brace will stiffen the forks,

This is usually because fork brakes will induce added sticktion in the fork movements. Fork braces will limit flexing of the forks, but you pay a penalty for it in sticktion and binding. If you do install one, you need to learn the proper way to align it to minimize the binding/sticktion that they cause. A poorly installed fork brace will make the front end harsh.

I have used four different brands of braces and every single one of them induced some binding. While I do like the way they improve low speed handing and reduce flex in high speed sweepers, I don't care for the penalty I pay in overall ride quality as they always seem to make the front end feel harsh, but that is just my personal opinion. I had a friend who was complaining about how his bike seemed to sit lower in the front end than others did. I told him to take off the fork brace. When he did, the front end rose almost an inch. The brace was binding and preventing the front end from returning all the way. When he rode the bike without the fork brace, he was amazed at how smooth the front end suddenly was.

Lots of folks use em and love em. My only advice is that if you do use one, make sure anytime you remove your front wheel or do anything to the front end, you make sure the brace is not binding. Loosen the brace and tighten the axle bolts first and work your way up the forks and tighten the brace last. Bounce the front end before and after and make sure you don't detect binding and the ride height is not altered and the forks return to the same point as they did before you installed it.

 

[Mike-H]

One thing that no one seemed to mention is with a front fork brace installed correctly you shouldn't get any front tire cupping....minor point but can save you in long term tire costs

 

[SilveradoSlick]

One thing that no one seemed to mention is with a front fork brace installed correctly you shouldn't get any front tire cupping...

Guess I didn't install my Superbrace correctly. I've been happy with it but I'd probably buy an MCL unit today, since I hear he makes a fine one and the price is significantly lower.

The FJR's fork is fairly stiff so the brace isn't absolutely necessary, but it does improve the handling. Not night-and-day, but enough to make you more comfortable and confident in the corners.

I doubt you'd find a steering damper of much use unless you spend a lot of time on the ragged edge and/or are about as smooth as a saw blade. You'll get some oscillation in the bars when you lift the front wheel (it'll surprise you the first time) but the amplitude is moderate - nothing you can't live with as long as you're headed straight. If you leave black streaks through corners and loft the front wheel on corner exits you might want one.

 

[FJRMGM]

+1 to whut madmike and groo said...

I don't ride agressively but I did notice a difference on corners the first time out with the fork brace.

Heck, I notice it on sudden swerves to miss something in the road -point the bike and that way it goes.

 

[rocket]

I am considering a fork brace but am not sure whether to get the more expensive Superbrace or the less expensive MCL brace.

If you are interested, I have a black anodized Superbrace for a non-abs first generation (03 thru 05) FJR for sale. I will take $75 + shipping. It came off my 04. PM me if interested.

Ray

 

[Geezer]

I have the MCL brace on my non-ABS '05. I noticed a difference the first time I rode the bike with it on. I have a long gravel driveway and the brace made me feel more in control while riding on the gravel, even at very low speed.

 

[FJRottie]

I added a MCL brace after 2 years and it is definitely an improvement in handling and sturdiness.

My front end does not feel harder than previous, just planted.

Make sure you install it correctly. (i.e. bounce the front forks before and after)

As to which brace to get, whatever pops your kernel.

 

[ndivita]

I am considering a fork brace but am not sure whether to get the more expensive Superbrace or the less expensive MCL brace.

If you are interested, I have a black anodized Superbrace for a non-abs first generation (03 thru 05) FJR for sale. I will take $75 + shipping. It came off my 04. PM me if interested.

Ray

I have an ABS model. Thanks anyway. I ordered the MCL brace yesterday.

 

[PerfectBlueride]

I purchased the MCL, after reading how some with ABS had issues with the SB.

It arrived just before leaving for EOM last year, I did not install it until around 12:30/1am that night after we had already went for our first group rides through the Dragon.

The next day I could tell an immediate difference in the stability of the front end.

I give a thumbs up to the MCL brace.

 

[RadioHowie]

Fork brace = +1

Steering damper = +1000 (if you can find one, which will be tough, 'cause no one makes one for the FJR)

Oh, and anyone who says the FJR doesn't need a steering damper can

.

The only motorcycle that won't benefit from the addition of an aftermarket steering damper is the motorcycle that comes with one oem.