RichlandRick's Forkbrace

[Juvecu]

Yay! My RichlandRick fork brace just arrived, it was shipped from the US on the 2nd of March, 7 working days isn't bad at all

The brace finish could have been a bit better, but it's not bad at all, I might give it an extra coat or three of Hammerite. Otherwise the brace looks solid and like it will do the job. I'll be fitting it this weekend along with my new springs

For those interested, it cost £58.71 ($93) and here's a link to a post on the VSRI forums by RichlandRick.

[jonH]

I have RichlandRick's mirror extenders - the finish has proved durable over the last year or so with a little rust attempting to take a foothold in the allen screws (acf50 is keeping it at bay) I also have his satnav mount to install once all my new spangly bits have landed

your wait is significantly less than my fork brace from Berndi which was shipped just over a fortnight ago (24th) and has yet to arrive

[Juvecu]

There are some places on the brace where the spray missed and you can just see the metal showing below. This is also the case in the little holes in the brace (they are used for machining hold.) I'm not complaining, for ~£60 including shipping this will suit the purpose I need it for, even if I have to give it a few extra coats of paint to satisfy myself.

[Countrysailor]

I bought and fitted Richlands brace. As far as I remember its coating was fine. It was a good tight fit, bit of a wiggle & jiggle to get it on but solid. Not sure of the benefits as fitted it not long after I got my Wee, before the first service. Reading here on this site was assured it was a must have and probably the first aftermarket that should be fitted. Anyways Its a lot cheaper than the ones offered on here from Austria and its on now, good luck with yours Juv.

[Juvecu]

I think I found out about the RichlandRick fork brace from one of your posts I don't think I will feel much of a difference in normal motorway riding, but when the wind picks up on the motorways I can feel the front doing a bit of flexing and I'm hoping it would make the bike more manageable/stable feeling in these situations.

I'm now considering putting just the brace on this weekend. That way I get to ride around a bit with it, but without the new springs. I have the last Friday in March off so I can do the springs that weekend. If there is a bit difference with just the brace on I will notice a difference this way, decisions, decisions. The weather is looking like it might be nice and the wife has hinted that she wants to test her new topbox backrest... *looks thoughtful*

[jonH]

I recommend only changing 1 thing at once, even if you don't do it this weekend

[Sven]

I recommend only changing 1 thing at once, even if you don't do it this weekend

I recommend only changing the fork brace & doing it this weekend. Then you can let us (ie. those thinking about buying one) what its like & if it makes a difference.  

[Countrysailor]

I was out on the motorway yesterday and whilst doing overtaking, get clear of those lorries speed ( bit above the regs )
The front end was weaving ( brace fitted ) I think it might be that I have my winter screen on ( a big 'one ) as don't remember it  doing that with the standard screen.

[ADV.john]

I also have rich's fork brace fitted. I found the paint OK. It was a very tight fit. I feel that it does make a differance when on the Motorways. It makes the bike more stable, More so when its windy. Also makes mine feel more stable in the corners too.

[73bm73]

 It makes the bike more stable, More so when its windy. Also makes mine feel more stable in the corners too.

Yes, that's the big advantage of a fork brace! It makes the bike much more stable on twisting roads/turns or at bad road surfaces.
The problem is, the DL-fork is a real low-budget-fork and it is relative weak even though it's a 43mm one.
My opinion is, a fork brace is one of the best technical improvements you can make to your DL. High effect for low costs.
As for me it's a highly recommended improvement!

[Oldie]

Well, I've just ordered one. Thought that I'd try it out before my mini European tour next month as I'll be on a variety of motorways and twisties.

[jonH]

My fork brace from Berndi just arrived (no duty to pay, yay!) and the finish looks excellent  

[Juvecu]

Only done one trip to work and back, but I can feel a definite difference. Particularly in the wind and when cornering. The front wheel feels much more solid on the road. Unfortunately, with the harsh damping of the Wee's front forks, I now feel the road much harsher. I can see my light vibrate on the road when I go over mildy uneven road surface (like B roads and some older parts on the motorways.) The new springs, oil, bushes and seals are all here and ready to be done on the weekend of the 25th of March so this should sort out the harsh suspension. As a preliminary verdict I can say it was definitely worth getting a fork brace. I'll post later this week if I have anything else to add (after a few trips between home and work and in different conditions.)

[Sven]

Thanks for the feedback, Juvecu. I'm very tempted to order one as well. Seems good value at that price.
But still haven't fitted my Hagon shock & fork springs yet, so really should do that first.    

[stew1200]

I got one of ricks forkbraces for my DL1000 about a month ago & I can honestly say that its the best mod I have made to date (& I've made a few), It transformes the handling of the bike that much Its like a different bike, much better road holding, much better feed back from the front wheel, solid in side winds & less vibration through the handle bars.
If you only make one mod to this bike, fit a forkbrace.

[Oldie]

Mine has been posted. Just wondering why it's such a good mod. Do the forks actually flex much in a crosswind? I got blown about pretty badly yesterday up in the hills (very gusty) and can't really see what difference a brace will make, but here's hoping.

[Juvecu]

Motorcycle forks all flex to some degree, on the Stroms the flex is quite noticeable in wind. In wind the sideways forces causes the front wheel and axle to exert force on the forks which in turn flexes them. This also happens in some degree in other scenarios such as cornering. If you add a fork brace you make the fork assembly more rigid and it resists the flexing forces better. Normally you then notice that wind has a lesser effect on the bike (this could be perceived as it being easier to steer the bike in wind) and that when cornering the bike feels more planted (front feels more connected to the road.) I notice a difference particularly when riding in the wind and when going around roundabouts. I've also noticed that the bike feels better in corners, I guess you could say it's more sure footed than before. The feedback from the road is improved too, but currently this is translating more harshness as I still need to redo the forks to get rid of the over damping. This is definitely one of the better and most noticeable mods I've done to the Strom. I think anyone would notice and be happy with the benefits for the relatively low price.

[Oldie]

Ordered mine last Sunday night and it arrived on the following Saturday - not bad. Took less than 10 mins to fit so now keen to try it out.

Edit: now had a couple of 45 min runs on the bike and I have to agree that it keeps a straight line when the wind blows. I can't really fault this bike and, whilst I've only done 750 miles since I got it, I can't think what else I need from a motorcycle, especially when you look at how inexpensive they are