| Motorcycles and Twowheelers: Bike maintenance - "Installing a Motorcycle Fork Stabilizer" Wednesday, 20 August, 2008 | Home | Suggest a Link |
Formula 1 Fantasy LeagueYou may ask yourself, what is a motorcycle fork stabilizer and why do I need one for my motorcycle? These are very reasonable questions to ask, especially since you have expected the motorcycle manufacturer to have given your motorcycle the highest performance suspension components available. I hope to answer these questions and many more within this motorcycle fork stabilizer article.
I first became aware of motorcycle fork stabilizers from the Cycle Solutions (www.CycleSolutions.net) motorcycle forums. Several members of the forum suggested that this was an aftermarket part to install on your motorcycle. Being both curious and ignorant I asked questions. Is this just a cosmetic "Bling" piece or does it actually serve a purpose? I received responses from some skeptics saying fork stabilizers were snake oil, and did not add any added performance handling to your motorcycle. The majority of responses were from seasoned riders and racers that swear by the performance handling improvements of a fork stabilizer. So now this peeked my curiosity even more, since credible motorcyclists were endorsing this aftermarket suspension part.
I decided to check out the available fork stabilizer products on the market. With the help of the Cycle Solutions forum, I received several options of manufacturers. Of which, the majority of people highly recommended the Superbrace Motorcycle Fork Stabilizer. I personally never heard of Superbrace and kept asking questions and receiving advice, testimonials, and photos concerning the Superbrace. I have compiled the following information from my research with the intent to help the reader become more informed as a consumer.
Essentially, the SuperBrace motorcycle fork stabilizer is designed to stop the forks from flexing and vibrating. The brace provides better stability, superior aerodynamics and a more streamlined look than other multi-piece braces on the market. Once you install the Superbrace you will have unbelievable handling. It's a night and day difference. The best part of having a Superbrace installed on your motorcycle is the long-term effect. You will then get 20,000 miles out of your front tire. It is an investment that will pay you every year.
Now my research led me to trying to understand exactly what was meant by fork flex. How could these strong front forks bend and flex? Being very doubtful that this was possible, I discovered the following about fork flex: Fork flex is the main reason why a rider incurs speed wobbles, unstable handling, road sensitivity problems and tire cupping. Superbrace eliminates fork flex and allows the fork assembly to cycle in a straight line.
Now I understood fork flex and how the Superbrace would help to eliminate this issue. Ok, so what? I install my Superbrace and the forks stop flexing. What exactly does this mean?
By eliminating fork flex, you will immediately notice the following performance suspension benefits:
So how does it work? The purpose of a fork brace is to reduce "fork-flex". Fork flex can lead to poor suspension performance, poor steering accuracy, and headshake. A fork brace can significantly reduce these issues.
The reasons and benefits stated above are what convinced me to get a Superbrace for my Kawasaki ZZR-1200 sport touring motorcycle. Some of the non-performance related issues which helped me decide to purchase this brace were:
Now if that was not enough, I found out that the manufacturer, Superbrace, stands behind their product with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. Enough said, I order my part from my friendly online store and wait for the UPS man to arrive.
Now I am thinking, how do I install this part? Surely it has to involve removing the forks, wheels, etc. I read up on the installation for this particular product and was very please to find the installation would be a quick 10-minute task. Even given my average wrenching skills. The following describes the basic installation procedures for the Superbrace fork stabilizer:
IMPORTANT: Before riding, bounce the front end of motorcycle and cycle the suspension to insure brake lines and horn Do Not contact the brace. It may be necessary to move or purchase after market brake lines and horn.
Once I received the item via UPS. The install went as planned. I was first impressed with the simple ease of installation on the fork. It was only a few minutes and I was ready to take the bike out for a test ride.
After riding with the Superbrace all summer, I could not get over how much the Superbrace improved the handling and riding of my motorcycle. The bike felt firmly attached to the road, it held a line so much better, a lot less vibration and wandering. The steering was noticeably crisper. I also noticed the steadiness of the bike in braking. I did notice the front used to howl at speed. With the fork stabilizer on, the howling ceased. It is a completely different feel. Overall a very positive effect on the motorcycle.
I highly recommend the Superbrace fork stabilizer if you want an instant performance item on a motorcycle. Too many times I see people throwing money away on items for looks only and not investing in a tested peformance accessory that can add not only to the looks, but to the handling, performance and to riding stability.
Do just about anything to your motorcycle, but forget the most basic and fundamental additive - Oil - and your wallet could be hanging loose for a long time.
How often you change the oil, the level you fill it up to and the kind of oil you use all make the difference between a bike that lasts and a bike that doesn't!
These are a few of the most basic tips when it comes to oil and motorcycles...
Over time and with prolonged use the integrity of the oil breaks down. Varies forces at work within
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I strongly believe that knowledge is power. Especially when it comes to motorcycle maintenance. Why go to the stress and expense of having your local motorcycle shop perform your maintenance and upgrades when you can learn to do it yourself? And you know that if you do your own maintenance, that you will give the extra attention required to do a competent job. I doubt you can say the same for the underpaid and over-worked motorcycle service mechanic.
The other benefit of doing your own
motorcycle maintenance is that you learn more about your bike.
This has many benefits. You will be able to tell when
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The most common types of bearings are wheel bearings. Motorcycle wheels have them, so do skateboards. The bearings help give you a smooth ride.
It was no less than Renaissance man himself, Leonardo Da Vinci who described a type of wheel bearing in his studies in the beginning of the 16th century. The invention of the wheel bearing, alongside the other inventions of the rebirth, is one of the most significant heirlooms of the era that have changed little over time. Leonardo da Vinci is said to have described a type of wheel bearing around the year 1500.
If you're wondering what
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There is much to learn about motorcycle spark plugs. Actually, there is more than meets the eyes.
First, let us distinguish the important difference in spark plugs' threaded ends. They come in four diameters and lengths. They come in nominal 14, 10, 12 and 18 millimeters diameters. previously, there was a slight difference in thread configuration especially in different countries. However, the international standardization of the thread forms made it uniform. These new dimensions are now being followed by motorcycle parts manufacturers.
There can be lots of error in selecting the best motorcycle
parts, especially in the case of spark plugs. The very usual
error is using ¾-inch plugs in ½-inch
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Many years ago when I got hooked by motorcycles, I started to hear a lot about two and four stroke engines... It seemed there were (and there still are) strong opinions in pro and con of each of the engine types.
As Internet wasn't available, and as I was worried about other aspects or motorcycle riding back then, I left that question unanswered for a long time.
If this is your case or if you are interested in these two kinds of internal combustion engines, in the next few lines I hope to give you a few fast answers and some resources
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