Speedo Drive For 18" Front Wheel

[Wagner73]

Okay... Here is the BFBC-Fastec brace installed. Installs easily and fits very well. Inside of the fork stanchion brackets are beveled to miss the fender, and the cross brace is proud of the stock fender by at least 10 mm. Unladen distance between the top of the stanchion bracket and the triple clamp cover is 140 mm.

The dust cover reduces that distance to 124 mm, but the dust cover is quite flexible so don't think that's a big deal.

So, I like it, it fits with the stock fender, etc., and I think it looks pretty good too...I'm going to run with it.

Its only drawback is cost due to shipping and fees from the UK plus the stupid tariffs. I'm trying to work with the BFBC peeps to see how someone could order directly on their website and it would be shipped DHL. They can no longer sell to the US thru EB.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Okay... Here is the BFBC-Fastec brace installed. Installs easily and fits very well. Inside of the fork stanchion brackets are beveled to miss the fender, and the cross brace is proud of the stock fender by at least 10 mm. Unladen distance between the top of the stanchion bracket and the triple clamp cover is 140 mm.

View attachment 366571View attachment 366572

The dust cover reduces that distance to 124 mm, but the dust cover is quite flexible so don't think that's a big deal.

View attachment 366573

So, I like it, it fits with the stock fender, etc., and I think it looks pretty good too...I'm going to run with it.

Its only drawback is cost due to shipping and fees from the UK plus the stupid tariffs. I'm trying to work with the BFBC peeps to see how someone could order directly on their website and it would be shipped DHL. They can no longer sell to the US thru EB.

I’d roll with that. It’s a lovely piece. Since you’re paying so much, I’m happy to see that kind of workmanship.

My cousin put one on his XS1100 standard a few years ago. At the time , it was $115 IIRC.

 

[Wagner73]

I’d roll with that. It’s a lovely piece. Since you’re paying so much, I’m happy to see that kind of workmanship.

My cousin put one on his XS1100 standard a few years ago. At the time , it was $115 IIRC.

Thanks. Yeah, I'm almost embarrassed to reveal how much...$425 all in!

 

[jetmechmarty]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm almost embarrassed to reveal how much...$425 all in!

It’s far better than paying $100 for a piece of crap!

 

[jetmechmarty]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm almost embarrassed to reveal how much...$425 all in!

I went all in on my XS Eleven Special several years ago. It got custom wound straight rate springs, Race-Tech Gold Valves, the TKat brace and a whole lot of futzing and aggravation before I got it right. Talk to me before you go that route and I’ll save you the misery parts.

 

[Wagner73]

I went all in on my XS Eleven Special several years ago. It got custom wound straight rate springs, Race-Tech Gold Valves, the TKat brace and a whole lot of futzing and aggravation before I got it right. Talk to me before you go that route and I’ll save you the misery parts.

Thanks! No, this bike is gonna be ok - I'm just sayin' - with the Minton-modded forks, more good oil , better springs and this brace.

Now, my KZ1000 is going to go the RaceTech route (just ordered them) Gold valves and upgraded springs, so I would love to hear your insights!

 

[jetmechmarty]

upgraded springs

They have to be straight rate. Don’t even try with progressive wound springs. I would have told you not to order anything. Just pack the forks up and send them to Traxxion Dynamics in Woodstock, Georgia.

If you got the springs from Race-Tech I’m sure they’re straight rate.

 

[Wagner73]

Yes, the springs are straight rate and selected via their website configurator plus an email convo with their vintage tech guy...seemed very knowledgeable on 36 mm KYB forks.

Their website has a ton of detailed info, plus their tech advice seems very good & timely so far. Bunches of people have installed these themselves (I guess...) so I should be able to handle it .

But I take your point about Traxxion Dynamics as well... it's nice to get a perfect, finished assy back! I followed that exact path on the restoration of my Lester Wheels... Cal Chrome made them look better than new, and way, way better than I could (or would have the patience to do).

Thanks again for the tips and input!

 

[Wagner73]

I have a few fork assemblies. I’ll report back when able.

Ever have a chance to take a look at this? Thanks!

 

[Wagner73]

View attachment 366573

So, I like it, it fits with the stock fender, etc., and I think it looks pretty good too...I'm going to run with it.

Its only drawback is cost due to shipping and fees from the UK plus the stupid tariffs. I'm trying to work with the BFBC peeps to see how someone could order directly on their website and it would be shipped DHL. They can no longer sell to the US thru EB.

Epilogue - received another BFBC-FasTec

brace for my Kawasaki; same design as XS650 version. Price to my door came down to ~$250...still a pretty penny, but not $400+.

If anyone wants one, I suggest you contact them thru their website, they can then set up an order for you and email you a payment link. They ship Royal Mail tracked and it was 7-10 days in transit.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Ever have a chance to take a look at this? Thanks!

Theoretically, it appears the dust covers could possibly touch the lower clamp. It does depend upon just how far that clamp raises them. Even then, they will have to bottom all the way down. I’m not even sure if I’ve ever done that.