My GF and I made the trip out to A Vicious Cycle in New Dundee, Ontario this afternoon, to pick up a SuperBrace Fork Brace for my V-Strom (and to see what other toys we could find.)
I've been meaning to visit A Vicious Cycle for quite a while now, as they cater specifically to sport-touring bikes such as mine, as well as other bikes. First let me say that the staff there are very friendly and knowledgeable, and were able to easily answer several questions we had. They know their product very well, and were able to give me great examples of how ones such as the SuperBrace would benefit me. I can't wait to return in the near future for a few more products I've got my eyes on.
On to the product: The SuperBrace Fork Brace - V-Strom DL650 model.
The SuperBrace ("SB" from here on) comes with instructions, and installation took less than 10 minutes. The SB has a lip to help align it properly, where other models do not. There are 4 bolts which hold the two halves together; spec calls for 10ft.lbs of torque -- I don't have an appropriate wrench so just hand-tightened with an allan key, using blue Loctite to ensure the bolts wouldn't vibrate loose.
Took the bike out for a test ride, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
From my understanding, the forks in the V-Strom and many other bikes experience more "flex" than should happen, which causes the front wheel to become misaligned to the rear even when riding straight forward in some conditions. Hence the various former problems mentioned above. The brace helps to support the forks and keep them solid & aligned, which in turn stabilizes the bike, giving the rider more confidence in their vehicle.
A little more expensive than some of the others, but I'd say the SuperBrace was well worth the money. One of the first "farkles" I'd recommend to any fellow V-Strom rider.
I've been meaning to visit A Vicious Cycle for quite a while now, as they cater specifically to sport-touring bikes such as mine, as well as other bikes. First let me say that the staff there are very friendly and knowledgeable, and were able to easily answer several questions we had. They know their product very well, and were able to give me great examples of how ones such as the SuperBrace would benefit me. I can't wait to return in the near future for a few more products I've got my eyes on.
On to the product: The SuperBrace Fork Brace - V-Strom DL650 model.
The SuperBrace ("SB" from here on) comes with instructions, and installation took less than 10 minutes. The SB has a lip to help align it properly, where other models do not. There are 4 bolts which hold the two halves together; spec calls for 10ft.lbs of torque -- I don't have an appropriate wrench so just hand-tightened with an allan key, using blue Loctite to ensure the bolts wouldn't vibrate loose.
Took the bike out for a test ride, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
- I used to find that the front wheel would "track" tar snakes/ruts etc a little too much; the bike practically ignores these now.
- The front end would often feel a bit "loose" and wobbly at various speeds, especially in windy situations with buffeting etc, to the point where I've had nasty headshake/speed wobbles. It's much more stable now, and I don't find myself "fighting" to maintain lane position anymore.
- Even leaning into turns feels better. I don't find myself correcting my positioning as much, which was becoming very irritating.
From my understanding, the forks in the V-Strom and many other bikes experience more "flex" than should happen, which causes the front wheel to become misaligned to the rear even when riding straight forward in some conditions. Hence the various former problems mentioned above. The brace helps to support the forks and keep them solid & aligned, which in turn stabilizes the bike, giving the rider more confidence in their vehicle.
A little more expensive than some of the others, but I'd say the SuperBrace was well worth the money. One of the first "farkles" I'd recommend to any fellow V-Strom rider.