Fork brace
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 61
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From: MD
Has anyone installed their Tour Trac yet? I'm still on the cusp of doing this as I want to redo the front forks and these bad boys come with new fork tubes. I have a 2005 and I want to rid my bike of the cartridge in the left side fork.
It is funny how HD made all these changes to the front end over the years, going from conventional forks to the goofy cartridge on the left fork, back to conventional, then on to the real fix to the problem found on the 2014s.
I'm doing the Brembo brake conversion and am hoping to do the forks, brakes and triple tree all at the same time when the bike is in pieces.
It is funny how HD made all these changes to the front end over the years, going from conventional forks to the goofy cartridge on the left fork, back to conventional, then on to the real fix to the problem found on the 2014s.
I'm doing the Brembo brake conversion and am hoping to do the forks, brakes and triple tree all at the same time when the bike is in pieces.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I have my kit, just waiting for some other parts like bushings and seals, however it will be some while before I get to test ride my 'new' bike. The longer tubes are - well, longer chrome tubes! The new top tree is an impressive profile-milled billet alloy part, with chrome clamping screws. Mine is black and comes with chrome clamping screws.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 61
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From: MD
It is really looking like this is the best bang for the buck. I started looking at the American Suspension setup and it looks like a whole new front end is like $2600. That is for new top and bottom triple trees, new fork tubes and new guts for the forks. It looks really sweet, but WAY out of my budget. The CCE part is pushing it!
I can't wait to hear your results.
I can't wait to hear your results.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I don't see anything appealing in the AS forks, not least because I'm not convinced by air suspension of any sort, for serious touring. To add to the CCE budget, I have added Ricor Intiminators and single-rate Race Tech springs, in an attempt to get the best out of the original forks.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 61
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From: MD
What I did like about the AS setup was the quality of the triple trees, but in looking further and calling the company, they really specialize in custom large front tire builds, not "sport bagger" builds. I am trying to do more of a sporty bagger and it seems that there are not a lot of parts out there for that. I keep coming back to the Tour Trac as being the best choice without buying a new bike. My wife yells at me for not being able to make a decision. That is not really true, it just need to know what the best choices are.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I share your frustration! Howard at Motorcycle Metal can supply us with high spec upside down forks, but not only are they darned expensive in their own right, they need other expensive stuff to make them work. Now if you would like lightweight wheels as well, he is the man!
I've come to the same conclusion as you. I would like to keep my stock look and as many stock parts as practical and the CCE kit achieves that. Surprise your wife and just buy one! I could also do with the back up......
I've come to the same conclusion as you. I would like to keep my stock look and as many stock parts as practical and the CCE kit achieves that. Surprise your wife and just buy one! I could also do with the back up......
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 61
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From: MD
I would LOVE to go build a full bore sport bagger. Inverted forks, 107 or larger engine, baker 6 speed, real Brembos (not the stock HD Brembos), light weight wheels. I think that is as far as I could go without getting nuts. I have even thought about re-engineering the frame to make it lighter. As of right now, I think I will have to settle for reality and beef up the front suspension, get the transmission and retrofit the HD Brembos.
I would love that inverted fork setup Howard has, but I just don't have the time or money to go that crazy right now. Maybe one day...
I would love that inverted fork setup Howard has, but I just don't have the time or money to go that crazy right now. Maybe one day...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,134
From: Western South Dakota
Put progressive mono tubes in.
That'll stable up the front end if that's your intension?
If just for looks, then your on your own in that dept.
That'll stable up the front end if that's your intension?
If just for looks, then your on your own in that dept.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: MD
The monotubes are better than stock, but that isn't saying much. I do have them in and compared to the JRI shocks I have on the rear, the front end still needs work. I do almost nothing for looks. These bikes will never be crotch rockets, but I want mine to be as good as it can for me.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
The monotubes are better than stock, but that isn't saying much. I do have them in and compared to the JRI shocks I have on the rear, the front end still needs work. I do almost nothing for looks. These bikes will never be crotch rockets, but I want mine to be as good as it can for me.