Fork Brace

[clonmore1]

What's the general feeling on fork braces?

A worthwhile addition on a "65"?

[Bob_Roller]

Most experts say that the triple tree and triple clamp on the R65, negate the need for a fork brace, it's a much 'beefier' design than the larger bikes had .

[clonmore1]

Thanks Bob

[Barry]

Agree with Bob and in addition unless it is a perfect fit or adjustable a fork brace can introduce alignment/stiction problems.

[montmil]

Note that some of the "other" Airheads have a steel plate for the top triple clamp. This is not nearly as good as the cast and machined chunk of aluminum we R65'ers enjoy.

Spend the fork brace money on something else as it'll be wasted on the R65.

Monte

[steve hawkins]

If you are running the standard front fender then you effectively have a forkbrace there - especially when coupled with the beefy 'triple trees' or yokes as we like to say in 'Olde Blighty'.

I am running a fork brace however, but then I have a non-standard front mudguard/fender.

a Tarrozzi item that even gives my gaitors something to grip on.

Rev. Light

[Julio A.]

I put a universal/adjustable fork braces on my R65, removed it after a while. As It did cause problems with the alignment.

About the R100 vs R65 triple clamp:
First picture shows the R100 version while the second one shows the one from the R65.

The one from the R65 is more than 5 times thicker  

[clonmore1]

Thanks to all for your advice & wisdom, appreciated as always!!!!
 

[Ed Miller]

Steve, you managed to make an R65 look like one of the fastest things around.  That's a great looking bike.

[Dave 2]

Steve, What a great job you have done, a beautiful bike [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] Dave 2

[Dave 2]

Steve, what are those silencers that you have on your bike? and where did you get them? Thanks, Dave2

[steve hawkins]

The silencers come from a firm called 'Armours' in the UK.  They are BSA styled items and are quite noisey without being too offensive.

Actually the old girl is in need of a 'refresh'.  The powder coating on the frame has not stood the test of time  - it was put on too thick and has subsequently cracked as the frame has flexed.  Also, it has faded from its original colour.  Not only that, but the powder coating on the lower frame rails does not like oil and has reacted to it.  

Lesson Learned.

Oh and the fuel tank has a dent in it where my side stand collapsed......

[nhmaf]

That just gives it that patina of gentle usage, Steve!
 

Still a sharp looking bike from a couple steps away, I'm sure!

[Dave 2]

Steve, I still think you have a sharp looking bike  [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] Thanks for the reference on the silencers. This is getting off the thread and maybe a new one should be started, but,

The powder coating on the frame has not stood the test of time  - it was put on too thick and has subsequently cracked as the frame has flexed.  Also, it has faded from its original colour.  Not only that, but the powder coating on the lower frame rails does not like oil and has reacted to it.

How common is it for a powder coated frame to crack and or react to engine oil? I have been thinking of getting the frame powder coated but maybe paint would hold up better? Dave 2

[steve hawkins]

At the time I was recommended a local powder coater by the chap who blasted the frame.

However, when the frame, sub frame and swing-arm were returned to me I was so appalled at the finish I did not even bother to complain or have them try to remedy it - it was that bad.  It was put on far too thick and had rippled in places.  I made good with some emery and wet and dry where it was really bad.

The frame was originally going to be sprayed - but the local sprayer wanted to much and the wife put here foot down

Just goes to show with these things though, if you do it right, you only have to do it once.

Here endeth the lesson.....

Rev. Light