Fork brace

[c5cruiser]

How important is the aftermarket fork?
Does anyone here have one and is there a noticeable difference?

[NVSB4]

I don't know whether it would improve your 1800 as much as the 1500s.
I know that one helped the handling on my 1500 and others have commented such as well.
Anything that keeps the forks from twisting is going to help.

[c5cruiser]

I've been on twisters on the 1800 and didn't notice a problem. No difference between the 1800 and my VTX. I was just wondering if it made that big of a difference on an 1800.

[NVSB4]

If you don't notice a problem, I would save the money for something else.

[c5cruiser]

Thanks NVSB4. I'll spend it on gas.

[Viking]

Cruiser - did you buy the bike new? If not, do you know if the front springs have been changed? If it has aftermarket springs in the forks, such as Progressive or Traxxion, then you will not feel the mushiness found in most if not all stock Goldwings. With the GL1800, a fork brace is not nearly as good an improvement as better springs in the forks. I put Progressives in my 1800 and noticed a very large difference in handling in the twisties. I then added a Superbrace, and did not find very much difference at all. Perhaps if I had done it in the reverse order I would have noticed a more marked improvement each time. I believe Goldwings from 2012 up have better support up front, but that is only from something I read somewhere. I cannot swear to its veracity.

[FM-USA]

How important is the aftermarket fork?
Does anyone here have one and is there a noticeable difference?

An aftermarket fork brace is important if you want a more solid feel in the handlebars.
I rode (91 GL1500) for 7+ years before acquiring the 'Super Brace' (SB) and got very used to the fluid feel of the front wheels motion with the OEM fender brace. With the SB, it is truly different and I'm currently indifferent about it. Guess I need more time?

OEM fender brace vs SB is a nice feel to have solidity in the handlebars. I wonder why Honda engineered that fender brace the way they did. It's a stamped plate of steel with spaced perforations.
I've had an unfortunate accident (hit from rear) and after disassembling the forks to inspect for bent tubes, there were none. The fender brace was twisted. I think it's by design to do so, it absorbs the stress that could otherwise damage the forks inner or outer tube. BUT until then it's just a guess.

.

[charliektm400exc]

On the 1800 it's more important to replace/strengthen the bottom part of the triple clamp.

Have a look here

http://airmontdistributing.com/pro/inde ... Itemid=122

Charlie

[c5cruiser]

I've never had any kind of wobble on my bikes. They've always been strait and true.
Take a look at this video. I've never experience anything like this before.


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[NVSB4]

I've never had any kind of wobble on my bikes. They've always been strait and true.
Take a look at this video. I've never experience anything like this before.

I never had that on my Harley and glad I didn't.
That would scare the bejesus out of me.

[FM-USA]

I've never had any kind of wobble on my bikes. They've always been strait and true.
Take a look at this video. I've never experience anything like this before.

I never had that on my Harley and glad I didn't.
That would scare the bejesus out of me.

I thought there was a CHIP test on the Hardleys because of this wobble at speed and they switched from HD's to ?

[NVSB4]

I thought there was a CHIP test on the Hardleys because of this wobble at speed and they switched from HD's to ?

I guess they didn't learn their lesson.
I just googled and found this article from the LA Times in 2014 where they were replacing all of their BMW's with special Electra Glides.

[Viking]

I had wobble like that on my 1974 Harley FLH, till I totally rebuilt it from the ground up in 1987-88 and put Michelin Radial Tires on it. It changed the entire characteristics of the handling of the bike and the wobbles went away. I, to this very day, think it is the tires Harley uses on their bikes. They also use Dunslops, and if not aired up enough, I think that is what can cause the wobbles. Airing them up enough might cure the wobbles, but probably voids the tire warranty due to excessively high pressures. I have, very mildly, felt this on my Goldwing when an Avon rear tire suffered belt separation. New tire and all was well.

[FM-USA]

I guess they didn't learn their lesson.
I just googled and found this article from the LA Times in 2014 where they were replacing all of their BMW's with special Electra Glides.

IDA looked that up but trying to fix out pool leagues stats sheet,... SOMEONE messed it up baaaAAaaad.

Ya, that's what I remember, the BMW's. I guess HD made the purchase where "They couldn't refuse."
Orrrr maaAAAYbeeee.. ..
it was that moronic "The Image" thing.

I'm sure there mechanics complained about parts replacement and availability.
.

[Toy3zve]

The reason CHP switched to (or is switching over to) Harleys (and this comes from the head of the LAPD Motor Division) is that CHP requested from BMW a unilateral maintenance and repair price policy (so work done at a BMW dealership in San Diego would be at the same rate as work done at a San Fran dealership). BMW refused. Harley complied. Simple as that.

[FM-USA]

WOW, good report. No need to BILK on facility differently than another.
BUT, that almost hinges on price fixing.
One facility's costs will be slightly different than another so A LITTLE difference is to be expected.

[NKYWinger]

I put Progressives in my 1800 and noticed a very large difference in handling in the twisties. I then added a Superbrace, and did not find very much difference at all.

I did the exact same thing.....with the same results....