Fork Brace? Now With Fork Rebound Issues!!!

[sxecafe]

I took the CB550 on the fwy tonight when I went over the overpass bridge, I had a bad cases of the wobbles. Nothing to the point where it threw me but definitely enough to scare the piss out of me.

What caused that?

How do I remedy?

Background: I swapped the front end for a GL1000 and have no front fender or brace, as of yet.


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[AlphaDogChoppers]

Re: Fork Brace?

First suspect would be your steering neck bearings.

What is the tree offset of that GL1000 front end vs the tree offset of the original front end? If there is more offset to the trees, your trail, and therefore your stability, would be reduced. What else have you done that might change geometry? Did you lower the front end? Did the GL1000 have a fork brace built into the front fender. Are you running a front fender?

 

[Scruffy]

Re: Fork Brace?

Bad tire, bad wheel bearings, bad steering head bearings, no fender or fork brace... bad rake/trail numbers... any combination of the above...

Bend up a fork brace or put a fender on it, hit the same bumps and see what happens. No more wobbles? Still wobbles? Helps you eliminate possibilities. Any time you swap front ends, there will be issues that have to be sorted out.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Re: Fork Brace?

I'll add worn fork bushings to your excellent list.

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

First suspect would be your steering neck bearings.

What is the tree offset of that GL1000 front end vs the tree offset of the original front end? If there is more offset to the trees, your trail, and therefore your stability, would be reduced. What else have you done that might change geometry? Did you lower the front end? Did the GL1000 have a fork brace built into the front fender. Are you running a front fender?

I switched to tapered bearings, running no fender or brace (i was planning on getting a brace and making a new fender but haven't had time as of recently). I have no idea what the offset was/is. How would I check? Also, I used the CB550 lower tree and punched out the stem from the GL1000 and welded it up. Might be an issue there too.

Also, I'm running the Vintage Firestone tires. Could be an issue there too.

I think, like Scruffy said, the first step is to get a brace and/or fender on there and see if the problem persists. Just need to measure the distance between the forks before I order one.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Re: Fork Brace?

If you used the cb550 lower tree, then the offset must be the same.

This link explains the offset:
http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/advchoppercalc.html

Good you did the tapered bearings, but I would still check them. Sometimes they don't get fully seated during installation, and later do get seated, therefore become loose. You want no play whatever in the bearings. They need to be on the snug side.

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

When you say play, do you mean laterally (i.e. if the wheel is off the ground and I pull it backwards and forwards along the bike)?

Thanks for that link! I'll take a look at it and expand the mind.

Also, something you would know. Being the novice that I am, I naively overfilled my fork oil when reassembling them (and I'm being modest when I say "overfilled". Truthfully, I filled it to the top of the upper fork tube). When I saw that the fork seals were leaking, I read up, refilled the forks with the appropriate amount (6 fl oz.) and the ride is now MUCH better. However, now I am still weeping oil. Is it possible, or I guess even probable, to blow out seals with too much oil because the shock absorption is basically non-existent?

 

[lingo]

Re: Fork Brace?

The pressure has to go somewhere. The seals are the weakest link

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

The pressure has to go somewhere. The seals are the weakest link

Figured as much. Just had to confirm.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Re: Fork Brace?

Also, stand in front of the bike and straddle the front tire.

Grip the tire with your knees. Now grasp the handlebars and try to turn left and right. Use a bit of force. Notice that the handlebars move and the tire doesn't. The forks have some give in them. The forks are like a spring as far as twist goes. The fork brace reduces this springiness. When the tire wants to wobble, the spring of the forks can cause it to be reduced, or enhanced. the fork brace reduces the tendency to wobble.

there is an aftermarket brace called "Super Brace" that may be made for your size forks. They improve the handling more, and they look nice, being all machined and all....

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

DAMN! those aren't cheap. Cool site though, in terms of explanation.

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

I bought one of the Super Braces on Sunday night. Should be here tomorrow so I'll let you guys know how it is when I get it.

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

Got it. It's WAY bigger than I thought it would be but it makes sense as to why it is.

I'm going to try to put it on in the next night or two.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Re: Fork Brace?

Isn't that pretty too... Don't know why everyone doesn't want one..!!

Let's us know if you perceive the handling improvement..you should..!!

 

[lingo]

Re: Fork Brace?

"That could use a coat of flat black paint"

-Leon

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

I was just trying to figure out if I should powder coat or paint it.

 

[lingo]

Re: Fork Brace?

Is it polished or chrome?


WHat does the rest of the bike look like? post a pic

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

the only thing that is polished are a few bits on the motor (stator cover and tappet covers), and the top and bottom of the carbs. Whole front end it either black or titanium.

Super Brace says they're polished.

 

[lingo]

Re: Fork Brace?

you could run some 0 steel wool over it and give it a brushed look and the get a satin clear powder coat on it

 

[sxecafe]

Re: Fork Brace?

If I do anything it would be black. I just want it to blend in with the other bits. I just dont know if the move it to sand blast the thing. I guess I'm apprehensive because it's new and $200 hahaha.