Fork Brace

[redcar]

I know this thread has appeared a number of time lately under mods, but I was wondering specifically about the Eagle brace.

1. Is it the same one that Happy Trails has or where can you get it?
2. Can you lower/mount the stock fender to it?
3. Do you need fork tube protectors or anything for installation?

Sorry for all the questions. Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!!

[Eaglemike]

I'll post some pic's tomorrow, with a list of features, ok?

Fender can be mounted below or above the brace, with spacers needed for some fenders or depending on how you want to set it up.

It works with the standard fork boots, nothing special needed.

Not the same as the original K-9, but looks similar. Not available anywhere else at this time.

all the best,

Mike

[nxtplato]

I love my fork brace, and would like to order another one for my brother's KLR. Not to open a can of worms, and forgive my ignorance if this is a dumb question, but can they be anodized in different colors? The black looks good on my black / silver '07, but he's got that slow red one... A dark red might help him deal with being a few mph slower..... ???

[Eaglemike]

p.m. sent......

[Eaglemike]

I didn't have time to take the pic's last night, I'll try to get them tonight.

all the best,

Mike

[Swiftbow]

Originally Posted by Eaglemike

I'll post some pic's tomorrow, with a list of features, ok?

Fender can be mounted below or above the brace, with spacers needed for some fenders or depending on how you want to set it up.

It works with the standard fork boots, nothing special needed.

Not the same as the original K-9, but looks similar. Not available anywhere else at this time.

all the best,

Mike

Mike, I have the original K-9 with the HT logo on it. I'm curious, what's different with the new model?

Doug

[michaeln]

Mike, how can I buy one of your fork braces?

BTW, I sure hope it doesn't have a big ugly logo in white on it like the K9.

[Eaglemike]

Michael, I'm pretty sure that logo in white was only for the pic's. All of them I made in the past for Happy Trails had the logo engraved before anodize, so it was black. On my brace you have a choice of a bare plate, or with "Eagle" engraved prior to anodize. I'll p.m. you about purchase.......

Doug, I've changed several dimensions, lightened it a bit, and added some features. I'm still working on some better shots and getting them on my site and then link them to here. I'm having to completely go through my site and clean up a bunch of stuff. Sorry it's taking so long......

You can see my 2006 with the brace and lowered fender in the thread here http://www.klr650.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32930

I just re'cd a couple of fenders to try on the 2008 tonight. Lowering the fender down to the brace makes a huge difference in highway stability. If the fender is on top of the brace, you also don't lose any tire clearance.

all the best,

Mike

[michaeln]

OK, I'll purchase when you tell me how and how much and how to pay you.

[KaribKLR]

Originally Posted by Eaglemike

Michael, I'm pretty sure that logo in white was only for the pic's. All of them I made in the past for Happy Trails had the logo engraved before anodize, so it was black. On my brace you have a choice of a bare plate, or with "Eagle" engraved prior to anodize. I'll p.m. you about purchase.......

Doug, I've changed several dimensions, lightened it a bit, and added some features. I'm still working on some better shots and getting them on my site and then link them to here. I'm having to completely go through my site and clean up a bunch of stuff. Sorry it's taking so long......

You can see my 2006 with the brace and lowered fender in the thread here http://www.klr650.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32930

I just re'cd a couple of fenders to try on the 2008 tonight. Lowering the fender down to the brace makes a huge difference in highway stability. If the fender is on top of the brace, you also don't lose any tire clearance.

all the best,

Mike

Hi Mike, I installed the brace last week and what a difference. The bike tracks much better at speed through bumpy, potholed corners, and is much more predictable on rocky dirt roads. If I hit some sand or gravel in a corner, the front wheel finds traction more quickly and keeps the line much more reliably.
A question: had anyone mounted an additional headlight using the 4 threaded holes in the top plate? Or would this be too much for a filament? Seems like a good place if it would hold up. Thanks for the great service and a much improved KLR!

[Legend]

Originally Posted by Eaglemike

I just re'cd a couple of fenders to try on the 2008 tonight. Lowering the fender down to the brace makes a huge difference in highway stability. If the fender is on top of the brace, you also don't lose any tire clearance.

I tried to mount my stock fender on top of my proud new "Eagle" brace the other night, and I couldn't get it to quite fit down on it. Do you have to trim the fender or use spacers or something? I couldn't get the side of the fender to slide down between the brace and the fork.

[foxy]

Eagle Mike

Went to the Eagle Mfg Website and clicked the KLR page but didn't see the fork brace only the balance lever. Would be interested in purchasing the fork brace. How do I do so?

Foxy

[Eaglemike]

It's not on the site at this point. Purchase through paypal or personal check - I've had good luck with the KLR crowd, so no problem with checks! Price $109, plus shipping. Hard anodized black. Your choice of a plain top plate of with "Eagle" engraved before anodize.

all the best,

Mike

[KaribKLR]

Originally Posted by Eaglemike

It's not on the site at this point. Purchase through paypal or personal check - I've had good luck with the KLR crowd, so no problem with checks! Price $109, plus shipping. Hard anodized black. Your choice of a plain top plate or with "Eagle" engraved before anodize.

all the best,

Mike

Get the "Eagle" engraved one.

[michaeln]

Originally Posted by KaribKLR

Get the "Eagle" engraved one.

That's how I ordered it. Hopefully I'll see it early in the week, San Diego to San Francisco being pretty quick even for the USPS.

[KaribKLR]

Originally Posted by michaeln

That's how I ordered it. Hopefully I'll see it early in the week, San Diego to San Francisco being pretty quick even for the USPS.

The engraving is not offensively evident when clean and holds mud and dirt real well when my bike is in its "natural" state.

[KrazyaLexandeR]

Hi Mike,

Sent you a PM.

AA

[motorat]

could you send me the info on how to order the brace.....thanks. joe

[willb]

Installed an Eagle fork brace this weekend.
First: unabashed commercial...Eagle Mike rocks!. This is the first thing I purchased from him and the transaction could not have been better! Thank you Mike!

The Eagle Fork Brace is really well engineered and the quality is outstanding. Installation is maybe ten minutes if you take your time. Mike sends an instruction sheet that walks you through installation and gives information on installing a lowered fender.

I remounted the original KLR fender above the brace (looks great). To get a good fit, I notched out the sides of the fender about one inch up and wide enough to match the front to back dimensions of the brace. I used four 65 mm long bolts and put a plastic block cut to fit in between the bolts to support the fender. The #6 metric bolts fit the pre-drilled and tapped holes in the brace. The holes are spaced to match the original fender holes.

Please let me explain why I think this mod is so worth doing. At highway speeds the KLR front wheel gets very light and unstable. This is because the stock fender works like a hang glider and creates lift. Combined with long shocks and standard tires you get a front end that can be pretty scary at 70 mph or higher, especially when rain grooves are involved.
If you doubt this just take the fender off and go for a ride. Takes about 5 minutes, you won't believe the difference.
Install an Eagle Fork Brace, replace or remount the front fender and you will have a bike that feel and handles much, much better.

Please forgive the length of this post, obviously I am stoked about this mod.

Want more info just twist my arm..........