Blackwing fork brace availability
- Swagonmaster
- Posts: 471
- Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2017 3:30 pm
- Location: Stokesdale, NC
- Motorcycle: 1990 gl1500 SE
Blackwing fork brace availability
I have heard great things about the blackwing fork brace but I find it hard to find, anyone have a line on one? I'm tired of the floppy front end.
Try to learn from the mistakes of others..... you won't live long enough to make them all yourself!
- Ivan Boring
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Dec 31, 2018 6:04 am
- Location: Sweden
- Motorcycle: 1999 - GL1500 SE
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Unfortunately, it seems like they stopped making them. This is from their facebook page:
"Hello all; I am so sad to tell you that we are no longer making the Honda 1500 fork brace. should we be able to start up again i will let you know. I want to thank all of you for your interest in our product."
You probably have to find a used one, if possible.
"Hello all; I am so sad to tell you that we are no longer making the Honda 1500 fork brace. should we be able to start up again i will let you know. I want to thank all of you for your interest in our product."
You probably have to find a used one, if possible.
There are two important rules in life:
1. Never give out all information.
2.
1. Never give out all information.
2.
- tfdeputydawg
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Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Just curious, how many miles on the bike since there was a fork rebuild and hear bearing torque checked or new head bearings installed?Swagonmaster wrote: ↑Sun Dec 30, 2018 8:01 pm I have heard great things about the blackwing fork brace but I find it hard to find, anyone have a line on one? I'm tired of the floppy front end.
I ask because I never felt a "floppy Front end" in either my 1500, nor my 1800. Springs were replaced approx. every 25K miles. Bushings at 50K. Head bearings torque checked when springs replaced.
- Swagonmaster
- Posts: 471
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- Motorcycle: 1990 gl1500 SE
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
It has 132k on it and I retorqued the head bearings about one k ago about the same time I took the rear apart to replace the d/shaft flex coupler (and a bunch of other work). I've only had the bike for a little over a year so I haven't put all of the miles on it myself. The problem is that the steering is nice and tight until I get in a very low speed tight turn like pulling out of a driveway and the front end feels as if every bolt in it is loose. Very unnerving.
Try to learn from the mistakes of others..... you won't live long enough to make them all yourself!
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Its a very heavy bike that takes time getting used to. Once you learn how to balance it at low speed you arent gonna notice it anyway. Ive had mine for about 800 miles and i still have a hard time at walking speed. Im coming from a roadstar which i can reach the ground flat footed sitting comfortably.
The wing is taller, heavier and with a higher center of mass, its a different animal from every other bike on the road. At speed though it handles like a sport bike.
The wing is taller, heavier and with a higher center of mass, its a different animal from every other bike on the road. At speed though it handles like a sport bike.
- dingdong
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1993 gl1500A
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Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
When I got my 1500 one of the first things I did was rebuild the front end and installed Progressives springs because of the slow speed handling. That improved the handling somewhat. Was told I needed a fork brace. I installed a Super Brace. I couldn't tell any difference. Some time later the Blackwing Brace came out. I read all the hype and replaced the Super Brace with a Blackwing Brace. Guess what! I still couldn't feel any difference. None! This beast just handles like a pig at slow speeds. And yes you do eventually get used to it with practice. Conclusion: Don't expect miracles. May not happen.
Oh! The Super Brace was supposed to be the greatest thing to ever happen when it was first introduced and they are still available. So if you don't find a Blackwing you could go that route.
Oh! The Super Brace was supposed to be the greatest thing to ever happen when it was first introduced and they are still available. So if you don't find a Blackwing you could go that route.
- Rednaxs60
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Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
As has been mentioned these are a heavier bike. With 132K miles on yours, do you know if the suspension has ever been renewed/upgraded? A soft/worn out suspension will give similar symptoms and at 132K miles, the original suspension is probably done. Would recommend considering a suspension upgrade to the Progressive fork springs and 416 series rear air shocks. You will notice an immediate improvement in performance. There are other alternatives but Progressive seems to be the most used. Using Progressive is a good weekend DIY project. If doing rebuild the front forks with new parts.
Other suspension systems are Traxion, Race Tech and such. Used Traxion on my ex-1800 and was quite pleased, price is an issue with Traxion. Once the suspension is renewed/upgraded then consider a fork brace. The fork brace compensates for fork twist and complements a good suspension. Cheers
Other suspension systems are Traxion, Race Tech and such. Used Traxion on my ex-1800 and was quite pleased, price is an issue with Traxion. Once the suspension is renewed/upgraded then consider a fork brace. The fork brace compensates for fork twist and complements a good suspension. Cheers
"When you write the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen"
Ernest
Ernest
- Swagonmaster
- Posts: 471
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- Location: Stokesdale, NC
- Motorcycle: 1990 gl1500 SE
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Since I have installed the superbrace without fixing the problem I guess a fork rebuild is in the bikes future. Thanks for the advice.
Try to learn from the mistakes of others..... you won't live long enough to make them all yourself!
- AZgl1800
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'02 GL1800 lives in Dawsonville, GA now.
My son is going to enjoy it for many years to come.
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
back about 3 bikes ago, I had purchased a '94SE that had terrible fork twisting at zero speed while trying to get out of my driveway at home. I had to cross a short space of flower bed to get to concrete and on my way.Swagonmaster wrote: ↑Mon Dec 31, 2018 12:55 pm Since I have installed the superbrace without fixing the problem I guess a fork rebuild is in the bikes future. Thanks for the advice.
I had the forks rebuilt, and added a Fork Brace at the same time.
The difference was astronomical for that bike.
the fork twisting disappeared completely.... so the combination of the brace and the rebuild with new sleeves, bushings, etc. did the trick.
- RockportDave
- Posts: 454
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Previous bikes:
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1988 GL1500
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
If the fork oil is old I would start by replacing it. I changed mine and it did improve the ride. I installed a Blackwing brace and it did make a big difference in slow speed handling and it responds quicker at cruising speeds.
I hope they’re able to start producing them again.
Dave
I hope they’re able to start producing them again.
Dave
1999 GL1500SE 5th Goldwing through the years
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Check carefully front wheel bearings, I had similar symptoms last summer, especially when turning bike in uneven non-tarmac.
First I retightened head bearings, no help. Then noticed right side wheel bearing having a noticeable play. Bike ran straight but was ”restless” very low speeds. I rebuilted forks and put Blackwing 3 years ago (20k km).
So, new AllBall bearings front and back.
First I retightened head bearings, no help. Then noticed right side wheel bearing having a noticeable play. Bike ran straight but was ”restless” very low speeds. I rebuilted forks and put Blackwing 3 years ago (20k km).
So, new AllBall bearings front and back.
- newday777
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Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Put your bike on the centerstand, jack front of the motor up to just lift the front wheel off the floor, slowly turn the handlebar left and right of center, do you feel a notch in the straight ahead position? If so you need to Replace the steering bearings. The race has a dent in it and cannot be retorqued to correct the problem. It effects the handling and only replacement will cure it. Get new Allballs tapered bearings and properly torque with the proper castle nut socket and torque wrench.Swagonmaster wrote: ↑Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:37 am It has 132k on it and I retorqued the head bearings about one k ago about the same time I took the rear apart to replace the d/shaft flex coupler (and a bunch of other work). I've only had the bike for a little over a year so I haven't put all of the miles on it myself. The problem is that the steering is nice and tight until I get in a very low speed tight turn like pulling out of a driveway and the front end feels as if every bolt in it is loose. Very unnerving.
- Swagonmaster
- Posts: 471
- Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2017 3:30 pm
- Location: Stokesdale, NC
- Motorcycle: 1990 gl1500 SE
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Wanted to let everyone know how the bike turned out. After rebuilding the front shocks and installing progressive springs the steering is much improved, the feel of the front end being mounted in soft rubber bushings has gone away. Thanks to everyone for the help and advice.
Try to learn from the mistakes of others..... you won't live long enough to make them all yourself!
- Swagonmaster
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- Motorcycle: 1990 gl1500 SE
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Looking back at my concluding comments I see that I forgot to mention that the front wheel bearings were replaced also. If anyone has a "looseness" problem in the front end realize that ANY play in the bearings will give a large amount of movement at the edge of the wheel.
Try to learn from the mistakes of others..... you won't live long enough to make them all yourself!
-
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Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
I bought a superbrace about 6 months ago which is basically the same thing for $75 . They are in California and at that time just started manufacturing them again.
- WingAdmin
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Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
They're not the same thing, at all.Jetfighter3 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 11:21 pm I bought a superbrace about 6 months ago which is basically the same thing for $75 . They are in California and at that time just started manufacturing them again.
I had a Superbrace on my GL1500. It was fine.
Then I replaced it with a Blackwing fork brace. The difference was HUGE. The Blackwing brace is far superior, but anything is better than nothing.
If you Google around, you can still find Blackwing braces sold here and there, but to my knowledge, they haven't been made for a while now. The last thing they posted publicly was this:
Their phone number is (909) 208-7702, if anyone wants to give them a call.11/29/2018
Hello all; I am so sad to tell you that we are no longer making the Honda 1500 fork brace. should we be able to start up again i will let you know. I want to thank all of you for your interest in our product.
It's really sad - Blackwing had a superior product, at a competitive price. Superbrace filed suit against them for patent infringement, forcing them to stop manufacturing and defend the suit - which they did, successfully. Blackwing then started selling again. Superbrace retaliated by contacting all of their distributors and telling them that they would refuse to sell Superbrace products to any distributor who carried the Blackwing fork brace. As a result, all the distributors stopped carrying the Blackwing braces, forcing Blackwing to subsist on direct sales only.
-
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- Motorcycle: 1993 gl 1500A aspencade
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
I called them for 9 months and the end result was his CNC machine broke down and was to much to fix so he decided not to make them any more, that's why I went with super brace.
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
"Patent Infringement"
Can you imagine if someone patented the letter O and everything that even remotely looks like it.
I received my Blackwing Brace recently and I agree with WingAdmin, WOW! HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Two things I noticed was in long sweeping turns with speed bumps the Wing does not wobble or wallow anymore.
The other, when following big box trucks the wind vortices has no affect, again no wobble or wallowing. But I only tested 2 trucks so far.
Can you imagine if someone patented the letter O and everything that even remotely looks like it.

I received my Blackwing Brace recently and I agree with WingAdmin, WOW! HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Two things I noticed was in long sweeping turns with speed bumps the Wing does not wobble or wallow anymore.
The other, when following big box trucks the wind vortices has no affect, again no wobble or wallowing. But I only tested 2 trucks so far.
Dreams are good. If they were real, most would not be alive.
Next time you wake up, smile, you have another fine day to live.
Next time you wake up, smile, you have another fine day to live.
- XJSRider
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2020 2:45 pm
- Location: New Britain, CT
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500A
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Blackwing Engineering on facebook they are back in production I got one about a month ago made a big difference for me. Nice tight fit but no installation issues.
- Swagonmaster
- Posts: 471
- Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2017 3:30 pm
- Location: Stokesdale, NC
- Motorcycle: 1990 gl1500 SE
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
I was finally able to get one myself with good results!
Try to learn from the mistakes of others..... you won't live long enough to make them all yourself!
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
After nearly a month of riding I can faithfully say, I LIKE IT!
Probably the worst truck to follow at highway speeds are those 'Portable Parking Lots', they throw a lot of multi-directional vortexes. I can say even those trucks have minimal affect.
Side wind gusts are still a treasure to endure but with this Blackwing Brace even those gusts are less of a threat.

Probably the worst truck to follow at highway speeds are those 'Portable Parking Lots', they throw a lot of multi-directional vortexes. I can say even those trucks have minimal affect.
Side wind gusts are still a treasure to endure but with this Blackwing Brace even those gusts are less of a threat.
Dreams are good. If they were real, most would not be alive.
Next time you wake up, smile, you have another fine day to live.
Next time you wake up, smile, you have another fine day to live.
-
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1998 GL1500 SE 50th Anniversary
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Direct Link to Facebook Page of Blackwing Engineering, Just had one sent to Australia due to the great members and information shared on this forum.WingAdmin wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2019 1:16 pmThey're not the same thing, at all.Jetfighter3 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 10, 2019 11:21 pm I bought a superbrace about 6 months ago which is basically the same thing for $75 . They are in California and at that time just started manufacturing them again.
I had a Superbrace on my GL1500. It was fine.
Then I replaced it with a Blackwing fork brace. The difference was HUGE. The Blackwing brace is far superior, but anything is better than nothing.
If you Google around, you can still find Blackwing braces sold here and there, but to my knowledge, they haven't been made for a while now. The last thing they posted publicly was this:
Their phone number is (909) 208-7702, if anyone wants to give them a call.11/29/2018
Hello all; I am so sad to tell you that we are no longer making the Honda 1500 fork brace. should we be able to start up again i will let you know. I want to thank all of you for your interest in our product.
It's really sad - Blackwing had a superior product, at a competitive price. Superbrace filed suit against them for patent infringement, forcing them to stop manufacturing and defend the suit - which they did, successfully. Blackwing then started selling again. Superbrace retaliated by contacting all of their distributors and telling them that they would refuse to sell Superbrace products to any distributor who carried the Blackwing fork brace. As a result, all the distributors stopped carrying the Blackwing braces, forcing Blackwing to subsist on direct sales only.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 527861135/
- erkmann
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2014 10:46 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 Audio/Comfort
Re: Blackwing fork brace availability
Used the FB Marketplace link above, fast shipping, beautiful machining, vast improvement over previous iteration, followed comprehensive installation instructions, their YouTube installation video is too general and needs updating. Just put 800 miles on mine, twisties/interstate/parking lots and very happy.