Fork Brace Construction

Per advice that rather than swap out forks, that I could valve 'em and brace 'em and be pretty well off and still maintain stock wheels, I am now looking into building a brace. The question I have for those with a fork brace is this: Do the fork braces have a lip that fits into the groove where the dust caps go, or do they only clamp on the round portion where the dust caps usually go?

Trying to make my own set and wanted to make sure.

Thanks,
KC

Make a "heavy duty" fender mount. Maybe you can form a 1/4 or 5/16 piece of aluminum or steel to fit inside your fender, using the bolt bosses that the fender attaches to.

www.fastfromthepast.com has a good selection of fork braces if you decide not to build your own.

MFolks wrote:

www.fastfromthepast.com has a good selection of fork braces if you decide not to build your own.

Yes I agree I like the Tarozzi braces. I have one on my GPz1150 and have one for my KZ1300 They work very well.
Here is the one for your bike.
www.fastfromthepast.com/servlet/the-533/...asaki-KZ1000,/Detail

There are a couple different variations.

The one Otakar posted is, in my opinion, the best style to use. You slide the rubber boots up and out of the way, then clamp the brace right on the metal of the fork, then the boots grab onto the brace the same way they grabbed onto the fork. The brace doesn't need to grabe the groove in the fork, but it has a groove for the rubber to grab onto.

The other type grabs onto the actual rubber boot and squeezes it. I don't think that type will be as firm of a brace. I have both types, but have been hesitant to use the latter.

Another key point is notice that the top plate is bolt-on, and not one solid piece with the clamps. That allows for fine adjustment of the width between fork legs. You snug everything up, then plunge the forks a bunch of times, then put the final tightening on the brace. Even better if you do it in stages. (Same as you would assemble the front end after a disassembly.)

Telefix has a similar brace to the tarozzi. They are the ones I use.

I was looking at the Tarozzi and trying to decide if the bolt on versus making my own was worth the time and money. Does the Tarozzi clear the front fender on the CSR?

i make my own helmets from egg cartons and bird saliva...saves money

trianglelaguna wrote:

i make my own helmets from egg cartons and bird saliva...saves money

Well, you do live in NorCal :laugh: . I was thinking more of the customization factor of making my own. Putting KZ or Kawasaki on the cross bar. It would take some machining, but on aluminum thats not that hard or time consuming. Still not sure what I would put on it or if it would be just to go with the look of finely machined aluminum.

The only work on my bikes that gets farmed out is TIG welding and painting, everything else, including machining, is done in my garage/shop. When I do it, I know it's done the way I want, and not the way someone else feels is right.

it is a great idea...i will post some pics of shapes and designs and chime in again

trianglelaguna wrote:

i make my own helmets from egg cartons and bird saliva...saves money

The wisdom on this forum is mind boggling.

trianglelaguna wrote:

it is a great idea...i will post some pics of shapes and designs and chime in again

Thanks Tri. I've seen the old school fender support type brace, but I already have the stock one. I'm looking for for a solid clamp style to give better rigidity in addition to the stock one.