ZRX Fork Brace

[zlMark]

You guys interested in this brace? If we have enough interest I will pursue getting these made for the ZL. MachIV had brought this up before on KERA and we talked about it at Mid-Ohio. We think these would be real nice on the ZL.

I snipped this from the ZRX Forums. This is what he sells them for on the ZRX.

Fork Brace for the ZRX 1200
These are a 5 piece design and install easily with a 4mm and 5mm hex head
(Allen) wrench or socket (Not included).

All the hardware is stainless.

Black anodized (Looks REALLY cool)
$118.50 delivered anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.

Installation instructions included

(Add $8.00 to ship to the U.K. - takes 5-7 working days).
(Add $10.00 to ship to Australia - takes 7-10 working days).

http://www.zl-oa.com/images/zrx_brace.jpg

[zlMark]

Toss the dice. Like the cut of the other one but like the eliminator cut into wuputt's.
Exactly what kind of flex are we eliminating here anyway. torsional,side to side, front to back etcRead more about fork braces here. Also compare prices
http://www.superbrace.com/

[zlMark]

Guys I'm gonna make this a sticky. Greg is wanting to know how many we are interested in. Looks like i will have to find out what the minimum order will be. This is a great product, with modern styling. Super braces are way more expensive http://www.superbrace.com/ and just don't look as good.

[zlMark]

With the membership growing steadily lets see if we can make this happen.



The list:
zlMark
Chris
gosupes
bacchus
acp
Elimax
tmdoth
WillyD
Texas-SS-Tornado
paulfun
Elim8u
Marty
wuputt
lowlife
bacchus 2nd
FastKatanaBoy
Prostreet
Rider68
Hellion
______
______
______
______
______
______
______

[FastKatanaBoy]

Count me in!

-Michael

[CHRIS]

C'MON GUYS,

i want to get these fork braces going ! we only need 14 more to commit

[Elimiblur]

I have a parametric 3d CAD file in UG of the fork assembly at the brace location.....actually of the entire bike (85 ZL 900) . I will check on time to produce and cost and get back to you. I can produce the same CNC milled look of the Superbrace and put the "Eliminator" into it... or the ZRX flat stock look but in two Pieces ..not 5....I should be able to do fairly low numbers...I'll let you know...Later

[Elim8u]

Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[CHRIS]

i have to be honest here fella's! i was hoping to have this fork brace by now, been waiting along time for this !!!! let's get going on this project. we need more to commit !!!! CHRIS

[wuputt]

I have a parametric 3d CAD file in UG of the fork assembly at the brace location.....actually of the entire bike (85 ZL 900) . I will check on time to produce and cost and get back to you. I can produce the same CNC milled look of the Superbrace and put the "Eliminator" into it... or the ZRX flat stock look but in two Pieces ..not 5....I should be able to do fairly low numbers...I'll let you know...Later



I like that idea! See what you can do, seems that the guys at UFO are not really wanting to help us out!

Speaking of UFO Mark, we need to get my brace back before the Indy run!

[Elim8u]

to COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WillyD]

Any idea on these braces???

Willy

[CHRIS]

i dont think this is ever going to happen !!! CHRIS

[WillyD]

I am half tempted to try and locate a piece of aluminum and take the precise measurements to my local machine shop and see if the guy could make them...

I figure if I could figure out what thickness and outside dimensions of the piece, I could get myself a chunk of aluminum and rough it out...Then it would be a matter of two holes be milled into the piece, then take those holes and cut them in half making each end into a cap so to speak..Then drill holes in the caps and tap threads into the inner piece making it a 3 piece brace...

I would think the expensive part would be if you wanted a design or words milled into the aluminum as that would have to be done on a computer aided flowjet set-up...I would think in machinist's terms shaping the outside, milling two large holes, then cutting, drilling and tapping the holes would be fairly simple...

Heck I might even try to mock one up out of wood as a pattern..

Willy

[markus56]

Have we even settled on a design yet? I like the black ZRX brace at the beginning of the thread the best. Mark

[FastKatanaBoy]

I am still in on this!

[zlMark]

I'm in too

[WillyD]

me too

[wuputt]

I am half tempted to try and locate a piece of aluminum and take the precise measurements to my local machine shop and see if the guy could make them...

I figure if I could figure out what thickness and outside dimensions of the piece, I could get myself a chunk of aluminum and rough it out...Then it would be a matter of two holes be milled into the piece, then take those holes and cut them in half making each end into a cap so to speak..Then drill holes in the caps and tap threads into the inner piece making it a 3 piece brace...

I would think the expensive part would be if you wanted a design or words milled into the aluminum as that would have to be done on a computer aided flowjet set-up...I would think in machinist's terms shaping the outside, milling two large holes, then cutting, drilling and tapping the holes would be fairly simple...

Heck I might even try to mock one up out of wood as a pattern..

Willy

Remember Willy, you would have to cut in half first, then mill the two pieces together, otherwise when the cut is made, the ID will change.

By the way, I am still in for one! get the design and price for us to see!

[tmdoth]

I'm still in for a brace.

[acp]

I'm still up for one.

[CHRIS]

i'm still in for at least 1 ! with possible Eleanor engraved. i'll check with dad (marty) to see if he still wants one !!!!! CHRIS

[Bacchus]

whats' goin' on with this item?? has it been revived?? if so let me know Ill place an order..

[lee(zl900)]

i'm in as well. but it must be quailty.i would like zl900 etched in and would like it to be black if possible! i know i'm fussy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[markus56]

I'm still in for at least one but could be three total, depending on quality of the final product. Will be waiting to see the pics posted. Mark

[tmdoth]

Demand is not established...interest yes...asking if you would buy is much different than asking you to buy...if you want to front the set up costs and the material costs...I'll give you half the profit.......asking you or others to reconfirm interest should not be a problem given the level of commitment you got from those such as UFO...I can make one for myself....no problem...you want one? send me 175 plus shipping when I get to break even about 20 orders, I'll make and ship and if you don't like what you get I'll refund 100%...put up or shut up...I don't see anyone in line to offer anything better...is this really the concensus ..that its too hard to reconfirm interest...really?
LOL

Cool, if it means there is finally a brace for my newest bike then let me know how I can help with the setup costs. I can't imagine it being as easy for you to front the start up costs as much as a large company like UFO. If you are looking for a deposit of sorts from people that want one then let me know how much. I would prefer a sample, but every once in a while you just gotta put a bit of trust in people. Nobody on this site has let me down yet and I doubt you will be the first. hell I will take two, to be quite honest I don't plan on stopping with two of these lovely machines.

[Bacchus]

a fork brace for a zl was sold recently on ebay. final bid was $255. people want these but most wont commit to it sight unseen. when will you be producing the product???????

[WillyD]

I am in still.....

Willy

[lee(zl900)]

i agree with bacchus.theres no way that i'm going to hand over cash without seeing the product/desgin.

elimiblur,have you had your one made yet? if so can you post up the pics and spec asap.

i think once this is done everyone will be willing to show 100% intrest.

just another thought if people do have trust issues we could all share the cost for 1 and it then could be sent to zlmark for inspection and if it is good we then all buy! if it works out more exspensive this way so be it. its better losing $175+shipping between 10 of us than all of us losing $175+shipping!

[gosupes]

I'm still in.

[tmdoth]

I want to see the commitment level hit 20 soon... so count me in for 2 fork braces guaranteed.

[Prostreet]

I would also like to see the product or illustration of it before I buy.

[Prostreet]

Anyone have an update on what the forkbraces will look like or ETA?? Still interested!

[Prostreet]

It looks like the Vulacan may be the same. Someone must know the demensions. I do like the ZRX ones that Mark first posted. Not gaudy and gives a nice appearance. Are they only available in black?

[Prostreet]

Anyone have a micrometer they can measure the tubes with?

[Jarney]

The tube dimensions were covered in another thread by Wold somewhere. Later.

Ok, found it, read through pages 3, 4, and 5 of the "Fork Braces" thread under ZL Talk. There are dimensions listed from a couple of people and measurements from existing fork braces. Later.

[Prostreet]

I'll look for it.

[Jarney]

Here is a link:

http://www.zl-oa.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7549&page=3&highlight=fork+braces

Scroll down towards the bottom where Wold posted and go from there. Later.

[Hellion]

I would be interested in one of these also.

[markus56]

It looks like the Vulacan may be the same. Someone must know the demensions. I do like the ZRX ones that Mark first posted. Not gaudy and gives a nice appearance. Are they only available in black?

How about us getting a concensus on this brace,( or SOME brace)and get it done. Sure seems like it would be cost effective,( dare I say PROFITABLE )!! Let's get some braces on these bikes!!!!!!! Mark

[Rider68]

i will take one

[Hellion]

Anyone heard anything new about these?

[Bacchus]

I think we are still on the "down low"

[Wold]

may be its time to order fork braces in Russia? :rotf:
my friend near Chicago, his co-workers fly there few times in months - cheap shipping :hello2:

[Elim8u]

tell me more, Wold

[WillyD]

I live fairly close to Chicago....I also work for Fedex....I could pick up the braces and get them shipped to guys at a pretty good rate as I am sure these could go in a fairly small and lightweight package..

Willy

[Wold]

http://www.zl-oa.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7549&page=3&highlight=fork+braces
look here
if you guys will make design what you like it will be cool
if you all will guess on one design - it will more cool
i think it will cost no less 130 usd, and may be 10 usd for shipping, i hope it will so
i have polished aluminium
master was advice me try titanium, but i pay about 30 usd for alu brick and dont know what price for titanium

[zlMark]

Santa Claus is coming to town.. :icon_santa:

[Prostreet]

Ok Santa, speaking for your Elves, I believe we need to know... Whats in the Bag, Bitch?

[Hellion]

Santa Claus is coming to town.. :icon_santa:

Not here I'm on his naughty list. :crybaby2:

[AZBones]

Santa Claus is coming to town.. :icon_santa:

Maybe he will bring Fork Braces and a 4-2 Exaust Sys and even a 300 rear requiring no mods for install !!! :rotf:
Merry Christmas everyone. Be safe !
Bones

[tmdoth]

Santa Claus is coming to town.. :icon_santa:

Yes he is.



Ok Santa, speaking for your Elves, I believe we need to know... Whats in the Bag, Bitch?

Candy canes and gumdrops for the nice ones... and fork braces for the rest of us.

As of today I can finally say for certainty that there are fork braces available without any commitment list needed. I would like to thank MachIV for introducing the manufacturer of the braces to zlMark so that measurements and fittings could be done on both the ZL900 and ZL1000. As well as thank you to zlMark for helping with the fitting process and the distribution. Mark has generously offered his help in distributing the braces as they were produced close to him and this allows for the costs to be kept to a minimum. The details will be posted in a new thread as this one is getting a little bit cluttered at this point.

[CHRIS]

HELL YEAH !!!!!!!!!!!! this will be a Merry Christmas !!!!!!!!! thanks for your hard work guys !!!! CHRIS

[Prostreet]

Same goes for me. Thanks for the r & D. I know first hand how time consuming this was. I made a few calls myself with very little results. The fact that I didn't want to settle for a "GPZ550" brace that had too much fender space, made me glad I waited. Kudos to Mark and all those involved !

[zlMark]

Same goes for me. Thanks for the r & D. I know first hand how time consuming this was. I made a few calls myself with very little results. The fact that I didn't want to settle for a "GPZ550" brace that had too much fender space, made me glad I waited. Kudos to Mark and all those involved !That would be Tmdoth (Richard) Thanks Richard!!!!!:thumbsup::headbang::notworthy:

[FastKatanaBoy]

WOW!! I paid on Friday and got the fork brace today!
It looks amazing!

It is as good as any, if not better than any, fork brace I have ever owned. In fact better than most, such a ATK.
I will have to wait to get it mounted and road tested since the ZL is buried in the garage waiting for Spring.

THANKS!

[texas-ss-tornado]

Made my payment today, thanks alot guys, this site is GREAT!!!!

[WillyD]

I paid for two yesterday...Today they are in route to me....Cool

COME ON SPRING DAMMIT!!!!!

Willy

[acp]

tmdoth,

Just letting you know that I got my fork brace today and it looks fantastic! I wasn't expecting it to arrive that quickly, only took 8 days to get to the UK and clear customs. I can't wait to get it on the bike, but I'm going to wait until I have the bike apart for paint in a couple of months.

I tried sending you a PM but your inbox is full.

Thanks,

Adam

[tmdoth]

FYI: I took a look at the numbers today, Mark is nearly out of braces. Price goes up if I have to ship from Canada.

[furchin]

Mark, you got mine accounted for??

[tmdoth]

Mark, you got mine accounted for??

You, Paulfun, and SoCalZL are all accounted for.

[zlMark]

Mark, you got mine accounted for??Yep got them put away for ya!

[WillyD]

Got my two today...Awesome!!

Thanks All!!

Willy

[MachIV]

1st post of this thread 08-09-2007, 05:01 PM.

Looks like a success!!!!! :headbang:

I almost wish I had stock forks.

[texas-ss-tornado]

Got mine today, lightning fast shipping, this thing is AWESOME! Great job guys!!!!!!! :headbang:

[zlMark]

1st post of this thread 08-09-2007, 05:01 PM.

Looks like a success!!!!! :headbang:



Like dealing with the government but only faster :rotf:

[tmdoth]

As of the last confirmation with Mark.... we are done. All gone as far as the ones that Mark was helping me distribute. I still have a couple more with me, first come first served. Please note, I will not be doing another run of these.

I want to take the opportunity to thank Mark and Bill and Greg for helping me out with this.

I hope you guys enjoy the braces as much as I do.

[CHRIS]

As of the last confirmation with Mark.... we are done. All gone as far as the ones that Mark was helping me distribute. I still have a couple more with me, first come first served. Please note, I will not be doing another run of these.

I want to take the opportunity to thank Mark and Bill and Greg for helping me out with this.

I hope you guys enjoy the braces as much as I do. :hello2: a big round of applause for everyone involved with making the for braces happen. :hello2: even though my finances would not allow me to buy more than one, i am very pleased with the one i have ! " THANK YOU !!!!!" sincerely, CHRIS

[gosupes]

Thanks to everyone for putting this together. I just got back from my first ride of the season. I installed the brace sometime last month but it has been too cold to ride. Definately better, holds a crisper line into the corners and even feels like the forks soak up the bumps better.
:headbang:

Thanks again, this board makes owning these bikes even better.

[Bacchus]

how many actually were produced?

[zlMark]

how many actually were produced?More than whats been sold so far :laughing7:

[CHRIS]

well, just got home from first ride on Eleanor this season, & i'll tell ya, i love the extra stability of the fork brace !!!!!! she handles like a dream !!!! now the fun part, i get to start cleaning & pollishing, but i'm happy to do it. CHRIS

[tmdoth]

More than whats been sold so far :laughing7:


But a hell of a lot less than there are Eliminators:winkcool: still left on the road...

[paulfun]

Now you guys are being like momma kaw with thier production numbers! LOL

[markus56]

Gotta' carry on the Kawasaki tradition!!!!!!!!:rotf::rotf:

[zlMark]

Now you guys are being like momma kaw with thier production numbers! LOLLOL I was thinking the same thing when I posted that :rotf:

[paulfun]

I was finnally able to pick up my fork braces this past weekend and must say they are nicely done! Also had the chance to meet Greg and talk a bit as well look at some other products he has made mostly for the zrx but some trinkets will fit the zl also and some would be usefull if you do the zrx/zl hybrid.
Gotta say after talking to him I was impressed with his entusiasum/knowledge/confidence/pride in his work/quality of the finished products!
Abig thanks to all who were involved in bringing this fine fork brace to us!
tmdoth,zlmark,machIV,greg and anyone I may have missed !

[tmdoth]

I'm curious to see how many new or old members are interested in a brace still. If there seems to be enough of a demand to entice Greg to produce another run I will pursue it further. I'm thinking I would like to look at changing up the design a little, make the second run distinct from the first.. any thoughts?

[paulfun]

What kind of changes do you have in mind?

[tmdoth]

What kind of changes do you have in mind?

Nothing really structural, I still like the basic design of the first run. I was thinking more along the lines of the cut-out sections in the middle, making it different. I haven't really played around with idea too much yet.

[blackzl9]

i'd be interested in one

[texas-ss-tornado]

I'd take another one for my next ZL9............

[tmdoth]

Can anyone provide me with fork diameters and spacing between the forks for the 1985-86 ZL600 and the 1996-97 ZL600?

Thanks in advance.

[furchin]

Richard, near as I can measure the diameter is 58mm for the '86 & '87 model years. Can't get you a measurement on the distance between the forks right now as it is trick or treat night for halloween here and I'm not going outside to see all the little moochers. I will try to get a measurement tomorrow for you.

OK, I got outside this morning to the trailer and this is what I got for measurements. Fork diameter on my '87 600 is 58.28mm and the distance between the fork tubes outer edge is 132.14mm. I feel pretty confident on the diameter measurements but had a hard time with the distance as my calipers don't fit in there real well. I'm hoping someone else can measure their bike and confirm or deny what I was able to get.

[jkgonzo]

I would be interested in one also............

[mudrunner88]

I'm curious to see how many new or old members are interested in a brace still. If there seems to be enough of a demand to entice Greg to produce another run I will pursue it further. I'm thinking I would like to look at changing up the design a little, make the second run distinct from the first.. any thoughts?

I would take one for the ZL900

[tmdoth]

Round 2 just got the green light. I'll post up when they are ready.

[Aliwelder]

I`d like one please, subject so shipping costs, last few things I`ve bought from the states have been feckin` astronomical, especially if you get hit for import charges as well.