KlR650 fork brace question

[fergie]

I read somewhere that you need to trim the front fender when you install a fork brace,for clearance when you bottom out?. Is this true? Iwas thikingof getting one for my 06 but I don't really want to start cutting up my fender. how much material is removed anyway? does itaffect the strength of the fender?any info is appreciated. cheers, fergie.

 

[Backcountryboy]

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Yes, you do have to trim the fender back a bit. I bought my fork brace from Dual Star (I think). It came with a template to use to ensure you cut the right place and amount.

Once the fender is reinstalled you can't even see where the cutouts are, unless you look close. Was easy to cut too. I just used a fine toothed jigsaw to do the cut. You cut out a piece on each side of the fender, nearest the fork tube. I don't remember the exact amount but roughly a piece 1 inch by 1.5 inchs come out on each side

I worried about having to do it too, but since doing the installation I have put another 10,000km on the KLR without any issues with either the brace or the cut fender.

 

[Yak_KLR650]

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No you don't - yes you do. Depends on the brace. I installed a Kytech brace and did not cut the fender at all and have no clearance issues. and it's Canadian made!

 

[Spiceboy]

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Hi Fergie;

I bought mine from Robert at [email protected]or 604.838.4733. It is the same brand "Studebaker" model that is advertised on http://www.KLR650.com. There is no trimming required and has a riser on the brace that the fork boots fit over.

Instalation was easy and Robert was great to work with.

Spiceboy

 

[Norm]

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I also bought one from Robert and am pleased with the fit, improvement and that no trimming was needed. Maybe someone is competent to compare various braces but, subject to that, I'm happy.

Norm

 

[ZED]

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I installed the K-9 fork brace from happy trails. No trimming required with the stock fender in the stock possition.

 

[VIMike]

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Ok so much talk about how it went on, but I'm now curious what you noticed afterit was on? Either I haven't riden my 05KLR in places or inways that I would have noticed a need, so what motivated you guys to get a brace?

VIMike

 

[Yak_KLR650]

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VIMike wrote:

so what motivated you guys to get a brace?

VIMike

several reasons:

1. it's a farkle

2. it stiffens up the front end on hard cornering on the street

3. it's a farkle

downside is that it can make the front end too stiff on very rough ground - the whimpy forks actually soak up some of the bumps, but I find the bike goes where I point it now - I don't always point it in the right direction but...

 

[ZED]

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VIMike wrote:

Ok so much talk about how it went on, but I'm now curious what you noticed afterit was on? Either I haven't riden my 05KLR in places or inways that I would have noticed a need, so what motivated you guys to get a brace?

VIMike

I end up riding on a lot of highway to get to the more fun roads. I put it on hoping to make it handle a bit better on the road. I think it feels a little more confidence inspiring in the corners. Some people notice a huge difference.

 

[VIMike]

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Thanks guys. Hmmmmmm a fork brace eh????????

 

[fergie]

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Yak_KLR650 wrote:

No you don't - yes you do. Depends on the brace. I installed a Kytech brace and did not cut the fender at all and have no clearance issues. and it's Canadian made!

actually the kytech brace was the one I was told (by the manufacturer) that you do need to cut the fender. have you had it off road since you installed it?