Cb350 fork twist and brace question.

[ChadLatta]

Hey guys. My CB350 build is back in action after a little break and I have a few new questions.

I purchased the bike in boxes with various cb/cl parts, I've built this up from scratch, and I'm getting near the end. It rolls!!! But, I have no "working model" to compare it to.

My question involves the front forks. When I brace the front wheel between my knees and turn the bars left and right, I get a little twist. This doesn't surprise me, but I am wondering how much play is "normal". It doesn't twist easily, I have to put a fair amount of pressure on the bars, and after testing it, the wheel and forks remain centered.

This isn't going to be a high performance machine by any means, but I still want to be safe.

Also, I only have a CL fender, which I prefer. I've modified the mount to fit the angled CB forks, but the right front fork fender mount is broken on then rear screw mount, leaving me with three total mounting bolts. So the front left is attached front and back and the front right is only attached to the front mounting bolt.

Does this affect the twisting at all? It holds fine, and I always assumed the fender braced the forks "up and down", not necessarily side to side.

Thanks for the help.

Chad

 

[Barnburner]

It should be fine running that fender as-is but theoretically not as good as one with all four mounts. Fork braces increase the rigidity of the front end, which should help dampen twisting forces left and right. Less flex means more accurate and responsive steering and (hopefully) less serious consequences in the event of sudden maneuvers or an accident. Lots of people ride without any fender or aftermarket brace, but they are compromising their handling and safety for looks IMO.

 

[crazypj]

You need the fender brace at the minimum, proper fork brace would be a lot better.
The handling is noticeably improved with a brace (which generally means at least 10% improvement)