So I've been looking around for Fork Braces. I've so far been in Contact with Teleflex, and SuperBrace.
My last response from Teleflex was this:
Quote
many thanks for your email.
For Honda VFR 750 work forkbrace no 65.15.95.
Please tell me where do you come from.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Weigl Metall GmbH
I answered: "Canada" and I have yet to hear back. :huh: They may be trying to find it on a Globe.
I also heard back from Superbrace and they said this:
Quote
We manufacture over 100 different braces including alot of early - mid 80's Hondas however we don't have your bike on file. Do you know if your bike is exactly the same as any other Honda (forks, triple trees, etc) ? Considering we don't have your bike on file, can you measure the the fork diameter in mm (approx. 1/8 of an inch below the fork seal = where the brace wraps around), distance center to center and verify any clearance issues (fenders, horns, etc). I have also attached a template for your reference. Any pictures would also be helpful.
Does anyone have an answer to the above questions before I try measuring stuff on my bike?
Any other bikes with the same Fork setup?
I'm assuming there isn't an easier way to get a Fork Brace for the 86 VFR?
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 13 August 2010 - 06:46 PM, said:
I'm sorry I cant help you with this topic, but what does a "Fork Brace" actually do?
Fork braces minimizes flex between the two fork legs that results in fork stiction. I had it on my Hawk GT and now on my 95 VFR, and it definitely helped the front end stability and let the front wheel track over rough patches and bumps much better. I also notice that slow speed manuevering is easier after I added the braces on my bikes. Some do not believe that fork braces help at all, but all it takes is to put it on your bike and find out for yourself. In short, the fork brace will help your front suspension work better by minimizing flex and stiction.
Thanks Beck. I can see the advantage to having the fork brace I can surely detect some instability at times with my stock forks. Maybe we can set up a group buy if Slow can get somewhere with these companies...
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 14 August 2010 - 02:53 PM, said:
Thanks Beck. I can see the advantage to having the fork brace I can surely detect some instability at times with my stock forks. Maybe we can set up a group buy if Slow can get somewhere with these companies...
Hi Jeff,
Last year I introduced 4th gen owners to a fork brace I found at eBay, made byt the Japanese company named "Coerce".
We lucked out that the product they meant for a VTR1000 fits the 4th gen forks perfectly. Here is the one I got installed on my bike. What we liked about it was, it was nicely made (CNC'd from Aluminum billet) as you can see in the pics. A few 4th gen owners also bought the Coerce brace and as fara as I know, they are also happy with it on their bikes. [image: Posted Image] [image: Posted Image]
I think you are looking for a brace for smaller diameter fork tubes (37mm?) on your earlier model VFR. and I think Telefix makes some of the better ones out there for earlier bikes with smaller fork tubes. I had a Telefix brace on my Hawk GT in the 80's/90's and it worked brilliantly and introduced me to the benefits of fork braces. The Coerce brace I have on my 4th gen works just as good and I will not ever own a bike with right side up forks without a fork brace again. :fing02:
Yes, they're 37 mil forks, but they take the measurement from right below the fork seals, so I suppose the diameter is better than 37 mil. I've been doing some research and it seems that Telefix's American Distributor is called "Spec II," out of California. I called they're contact number and, in words, the message said that the gentleman who handles orders is extremely busy and he can't answer the phone due to how backed up he is, to please leave a message and we'll get back to you in a "timely fashion." So, I guess they're busy and I wont be hearing from back form them in a little while. But, on Spec II's website, that have a Brace # for an 86 VFR750, so they must carry the brace that all of us looking for. Brace #= FS95. Heres the web address = http://www.spec2.com/clips.html#apps. Guess I'm waiting for a call back... Slow, have you gotten anywhere with this?
Just got a call back from Spec II, much faster than expected. They want 160 :dry: for the Fork Brace, and must order it form Germany. 160 seems hella steep, so I want to call him and present a group buy deal and see what he can do on the cost per Brace. Anyone want in on this? Let me know and Ill call him back, but I want to know how many ppl are actually interested in it before I call him.
[image: View Post]slowbird, on 16 August 2010 - 01:17 PM, said:
No I havent gotten anywhere.
I saw that SpecII website but there was no e-mail addy and I'm not going to call Cali.
I have to measure the diameter of the fork just below the dust seal. (I guess I'll use a string)
....and then I have the measure the distance between the 2 forks from the center of each tube. (Don't know how I'll do that)
If Jamie makes them he might have the measurements. If he has some I'd buy one....though I haven't heard of him selling Fork Braces.
Spoke with the guy from Spec II, he has the measurements on file and has a part number for our bikes. You could always just measure diameter of fork, below dust seal, take the inside distance between the forks, right under the dust seals. Then add 1/2 diameter + 1/2 diameter + distance between forks = distance from center to center of forks. Could use that formula for someone to fabricate them, because 160 is a lot of money for a couple peieces of billet aluminum. They do look pretty though, anodized black and all....
I must also note that Spec II has the same part # on file for 86 VFR750, 700's, VF500's, and 87 and up Hurricanes so all yous that have these other bikes can get in on this too. Fire it up!
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 16 August 2010 - 01:32 PM, said:
I must also note that Spec II has the same part # on file for 86 VFR750, 700's, VF500's, and 87 and up Hurricanes so all yous that have these other bikes can get in on this too. Fire it up!
I'm down for a group buy.
You sure it's the same part # for the VF500?
If so I can try and get some 1st gen guys interested?
EDIT: You may want to call him first. "Is there a price reduction for bulk orders?"
Most companies will give you a number right there. Order x amount you save x amount etc etc
[image: View Post]slowbird, on 16 August 2010 - 01:36 PM, said:
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 16 August 2010 - 01:32 PM, said:
I must also note that Spec II has the same part # on file for 86 VFR750, 700's, VF500's, and 87 and up Hurricanes so all yous that have these other bikes can get in on this too. Fire it up!
I'm down for a group buy.
You sure it's the same part # for the VF500?
If so I can try and get some 1st gen guys interested?
EDIT: You may want to call him first. "Is there a price reduction for bulk orders?"
Most companies will give you a number right there. Order x amount you save x amount etc etc
According to the website, 84 and up VF500's have the same exact part number as our VFR750s. I believe Vf500/700's share the same Showa front end so it should bolt up to those as well? But I believe the answer to your question is yes.
Just got off the phone with the guy, Gary, from Spec II. Hes a complete A$$hole and actually told me he would rather not sell us the Fork Braces, due to the fact that what we want is a "niche" market and hes too busy with other things. I couldn't believe how impersonal he was and how lacking he was of people skills, so I will never be buying anything from this guy. Still awaiting an email back from Tarozzi in Italy...
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 18 August 2010 - 12:18 PM, said:
Just got off the phone with the guy, Gary, from Spec II. Hes a complete A$$hole and actually told me he would rather not sell us the Fork Braces, due to the fact that what we want is a "niche" market and hes too busy with other things. I couldn't believe how impersonal he was and how lacking he was of people skills, so I will never be buying anything from this guy. Still awaiting an email back from Tarozzi in Italy...
Sorry to hear that. :mellow: ...Niche market?? Just considering how many CBR F1s* (corrected, Thnx ' Franko!) are still on the road with the 37mm forks, I wouldn't call it a niche market. Telefix also have braces with adjustable fork leg spacing (as they did for the Hawk GT), so they should have something presently that would work.........maybe that's why Spec II never rose above the back of magazines for their sales ads. They do have good products, but if they aren't willing to ineract with their potential customers properly, they might just continue to fade away in the future. I would think that they would make a better effort to sell their products, specially that right side up forks are dissapearing on new bikes..... : :huh:
BTW, IIRC, the Japanese company called "Daytona" also made braces for older bikes. check them out at eBay and google. Also try "Superbrace".
Slow, I'm very interested to see what Telefix has to say about our experiences with Spec II. I'm in customer service myself, am a very polite person, was very nice in my message to Gary and while I spoke to him on the phone, and I was treated downright bad by this guy. Its very unfortunate that Telefix has only one U.S. supplier, they're fit and finish is the best I've seen so far in my search for Fork Braces. I found a few UK suppliers that carry Telefix's line, but they want $213 + shipping :blink: These SuperBraces look pretty good, and its American made, which will keep us away from dealing with companies that have poor US suppliers or paying and arm and a leg for overseas parts... I gotta tell you guys this too, this guy Gary even went on to say, verbatim, "I won't even give you a bulk discount price till I see some money." I'm in car sales and even I have never heard of or would think to say this to a customer...
[image: View Post]Beck, on 18 August 2010 - 01:04 PM, said:
...Niche market?? Just considering how many CBR F2 are still on the road with the 37mm forks, I wouldn't call it a niche market. I think you mean to say the CBR 600 F1 has 37mm. F2/F3 have 41mm
For anyone who may want to get in on a group buy on the Tarozzi Fork Brace/Stabilizers, if we can get 10 orders, the price would be $59.04 per brace, and $64.18 for shipping to the States. If we have less than 10 in the lot, then it would be $80.86 per brace, and if we use PayPal instead of bank transfer, then add 3% surcharge... This part fits 84- VF500's, and 86-89 VFR750/700's. The link below shows a good picture of what they look like and the fitment. Scroll down to the Fork Brace section.
Slow, have you emailed these guys (Wild Hair Acc.) yet? I will if you haven't already, they're website shows they have fork braces, but doesn't look like a comprehensive selection. Let me know..
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 19 August 2010 - 03:10 PM, said:
Slow, have you emailed these guys (Wild Hair Acc.) yet? I will if you haven't already, they're website shows they have fork braces, but doesn't look like a comprehensive selection. Let me know..
I have not. I am at work and haven't gotten around to it.
If you could contact them, that would be super. :cheerleader:
Heard back from Fast From the Past. Retail, they're price for Fork Braces (Tarozzi) is $99. If we get 10 together, he'll give us a 20% discount. So thats $80 bucks for brand new braces, plus shipping. Sounds like the right deal to me. Only issue is Tarozzi manufacturer is off for the month of August, returning in Sept, so orders are expected by the end of September. I've heard that from every dealer that carries Tarozzi parts..
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 20 August 2010 - 10:34 AM, said:
Heard back from Fast From the Past. Retail, they're price for Fork Braces (Tarozzi) is $99. If we get 10 together, he'll give us a 20% discount. So thats $80 bucks for brand new braces, plus shipping. Sounds like the right deal to me. Only issue is Tarozzi manufacturer is off for the month of August, returning in Sept, so orders are expected by the end of September. I've heard that from every dealer that carries Tarozzi parts..
All we need is 10 people on board now...
they look like they are cast alum.... wonder if they will be as strong then? is the group order have to be all for the same model year, because I see they have one for the 4th gens, also...
[image: View Post]Jakobi, on 20 August 2010 - 05:48 PM, said:
[image: View Post]ss_burns, on 20 August 2010 - 02:47 PM, said:
they look like they are cast alum.... wonder if they will be as strong then?
They are and they're fine(Linky). I've heard nothing but good things from anyone that uses one.
-Jake
IIRC, the Telefix brace I got for my Hawk GT was also cast with machined surfaces where the bolts go through to adjust fork spacing and where the fork clamps go. It worked wonderfully, so I don't think there's an issue if cast aluminum pieces are used as long as they are engineered correctly. Remember, most aluminum wheels are cast and they go through tremendous loads.
[image: View Post]Beck, on 14 August 2010 - 07:51 PM, said:
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 14 August 2010 - 02:53 PM, said:
Thanks Beck. I can see the advantage to having the fork brace I can surely detect some instability at times with my stock forks. Maybe we can set up a group buy if Slow can get somewhere with these companies...
Hi Jeff,
Last year I introduced 4th gen owners to a fork brace I found at eBay, made byt the Japanese company named "Coerce".
We lucked out that the product they meant for a VTR1000 fits the 4th gen forks perfectly. Here is the one I got installed on my bike. What we liked about it was, it was nicely made (CNC'd from Aluminum billet) as you can see in the pics. A few 4th gen owners also bought the Coerce brace and as fara as I know, they are also happy with it on their bikes. [image: Posted Image] [image: Posted Image]
I think you are looking for a brace for smaller diameter fork tubes (37mm?) on your earlier model VFR. and I think Telefix makes some of the better ones out there for earlier bikes with smaller fork tubes. I had a Telefix brace on my Hawk GT in the 80's/90's and it worked brilliantly and introduced me to the benefits of fork braces. The Coerce brace I have on my 4th gen works just as good and I will not ever own a bike with right side up forks without a fork brace again. :fing02:
Beck
95 VFR
I wonder if that would also fit the 5G? Is the fork spacing the same?
[image: View Post]ss_burns, on 20 August 2010 - 02:47 PM, said:
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 20 August 2010 - 10:34 AM, said:
Heard back from Fast From the Past. Retail, they're price for Fork Braces (Tarozzi) is $99. If we get 10 together, he'll give us a 20% discount. So thats $80 bucks for brand new braces, plus shipping. Sounds like the right deal to me. Only issue is Tarozzi manufacturer is off for the month of August, returning in Sept, so orders are expected by the end of September. I've heard that from every dealer that carries Tarozzi parts..
All we need is 10 people on board now...
they look like they are cast alum.... wonder if they will be as strong then? is the group order have to be all for the same model year, because I see they have one for the 4th gens, also...
Take a look at Fast From the Pasts website. I can ask the guy there if he would mind if we mix matched some braces, I dont see why he wouldn't do the same deal. Let me know if you're in, and I'll inquire. Heres the link: http://www.fastfromt...a-VFR750/Detail
Yes, the Tarozzi Braces are cast aluminum. If ya think about it, the brace is meant to reduce the twisting and bowing of your forks while under load. How much strength do you really need to prevent this from happening? Cast aluminum is some pretty strong shit, I don't know exactly what the alloy contents are of the Tarozzis but even if it's straight aluminum (which most likely it doesn't, for cost, they usually add in Silicon, Copper, or Magnesium, which only strengthens it) it is at least 1/3 the strength of steel. Aluminum is obviously best for weight reasons as well. But these braces aren't load bearing, they just reduce twist and bowing, making your front end more rigid and handling more exact in heavy cornering, and also aid in keeping a straight line over ruts, bumps, etc, on the road. I say its def strong enough.
[image: View Post]vfrcapn, on 20 August 2010 - 09:35 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Beck, on 14 August 2010 - 07:51 PM, said:
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 14 August 2010 - 02:53 PM, said:
Thanks Beck. I can see the advantage to having the fork brace I can surely detect some instability at times with my stock forks. Maybe we can set up a group buy if Slow can get somewhere with these companies...
Hi Jeff,
Last year I introduced 4th gen owners to a fork brace I found at eBay, made byt the Japanese company named "Coerce".
We lucked out that the product they meant for a VTR1000 fits the 4th gen forks perfectly. Here is the one I got installed on my bike. What we liked about it was, it was nicely made (CNC'd from Aluminum billet) as you can see in the pics. A few 4th gen owners also bought the Coerce brace and as fara as I know, they are also happy with it on their bikes. [image: Posted Image] [image: Posted Image]
I think you are looking for a brace for smaller diameter fork tubes (37mm?) on your earlier model VFR. and I think Telefix makes some of the better ones out there for earlier bikes with smaller fork tubes. I had a Telefix brace on my Hawk GT in the 80's/90's and it worked brilliantly and introduced me to the benefits of fork braces. The Coerce brace I have on my 4th gen works just as good and I will not ever own a bike with right side up forks without a fork brace again. :fing02:
Beck
95 VFR
I wonder if that would also fit the 5G? Is the fork spacing the same?
You could always find out what your dimensions are and see if they match up with any other bikes, specifically the 4th Gen.. Dimensions needed are: diameter of forks, diameter of forks directly below fork seals, and distance between forks right below fork seals, all in Millimeters. Then, you need to look at the diagram of the actual fork brace, and your bike, and make sure the brace will clear your fender.
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 21 August 2010 - 10:29 AM, said:
[image: View Post]ss_burns, on 20 August 2010 - 02:47 PM, said:
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 20 August 2010 - 10:34 AM, said:
Heard back from Fast From the Past. Retail, they're price for Fork Braces (Tarozzi) is $99. If we get 10 together, he'll give us a 20% discount. So thats $80 bucks for brand new braces, plus shipping. Sounds like the right deal to me. Only issue is Tarozzi manufacturer is off for the month of August, returning in Sept, so orders are expected by the end of September. I've heard that from every dealer that carries Tarozzi parts..
All we need is 10 people on board now...
they look like they are cast alum.... wonder if they will be as strong then? is the group order have to be all for the same model year, because I see they have one for the 4th gens, also...
Take a look at Fast From the Pasts website. I can ask the guy there if he would mind if we mix matched some braces, I dont see why he wouldn't do the same deal. Let me know if you're in, and I'll inquire. Heres the link: http://www.fastfromt...a-VFR750/Detail
I saw them listing one for the 4th gen, that's why I asked... if he doesn't mind the mix-and-match, I'm in.
[image: View Post]ss_burns, on 25 August 2010 - 03:23 PM, said:
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 21 August 2010 - 10:29 AM, said:
[image: View Post]ss_burns, on 20 August 2010 - 02:47 PM, said:
[image: View Post]V4Jeff, on 20 August 2010 - 10:34 AM, said:
Heard back from Fast From the Past. Retail, they're price for Fork Braces (Tarozzi) is $99. If we get 10 together, he'll give us a 20% discount. So thats $80 bucks for brand new braces, plus shipping. Sounds like the right deal to me. Only issue is Tarozzi manufacturer is off for the month of August, returning in Sept, so orders are expected by the end of September. I've heard that from every dealer that carries Tarozzi parts..
All we need is 10 people on board now...
they look like they are cast alum.... wonder if they will be as strong then? is the group order have to be all for the same model year, because I see they have one for the 4th gens, also...
Take a look at Fast From the Pasts website. I can ask the guy there if he would mind if we mix matched some braces, I dont see why he wouldn't do the same deal. Let me know if you're in, and I'll inquire. Heres the link: http://www.fastfromt...a-VFR750/Detail
I saw them listing one for the 4th gen, that's why I asked... if he doesn't mind the mix-and-match, I'm in.
If you still have your 84 VF700 thats listed in your garage, the one for the VFR700 will fit that too. I'll inquire about the mix and match and let you know.
I know the thread's gone cold, but I just got my VFR700F and I want a brace if the order ever goes out. If it doesn't, I'll pay the $99 anyway. I've never had a bike where a fork brace didn't make a very big difference....
A VFR700/750 fork brace was something I was planning on making, I've just been too busy this year to get around to it. If you guys are still interested I'll push it to the top of the list and make it happen. When I get a final design I can provide a cost, but I think the $100-125 range is a good guess.
I know what I think: I think a fork brace brings the whole front end of this bike ALIVE!
I rode lots yesterday, installed the brace last night, and rode lots today. The difference is marked. The feedback from the front forks is just way different, it's more solid and stable. '
I have fork braces on my other Honda and on the Kawasaki, and I had one on the Harley. Each time the install made a night and day difference.
I got lucky on this one for the Hornet but I sure would have ponied up the bucks to get one, no matter what. It's just something I don't want to NOT have.
End of thread · 44 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 4 Jun 2011
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/BeckVFR/DSC01860.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/BeckVFR/DSC01866.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://a.imageshack.us/img705/9499/vfr700forkmeasurements.jpg){kind=link}