ST1100 Fork Brace

Hi,

Has anyone installed a fork brace on their ST1100? I have a 1998, and it feel sometimes like the front end has a little shimmy in it. I don't think the tires would cause that, and I'll be putting new rubber on the bike soon. It just seems like the brace would stiffen the front end, and eliminate the shimmy.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!

I put them on both the ST1100s we ride, really like what they do to the front end.

ABS doesn't need a fork brace (and I don't think anyone makes one for the ABS models so that's easy!).

Mark

Bob O'Bryan said:

...it feel sometimes like the front end has a little shimmy in it.

Click to expand...

Ever did a fork rebuild, with replacing the bushings on that mount? Condition of wheel- and head-bearings?
The ST already has a 'brace', hidden underneath the fender; proper torque on its mounting bolts as well as on the axle clamp bolts is crucially, when it comes to proper wheel guidance.

ST1100Y said:

The ST already has a 'brace', hidden underneath the fender

Click to expand...

I concur with that. Mark's observations aside, I can't see any rationale for the added cost.

As mentioned earlier, freshen up the front end of your bike FIRST! Slapping on a fork brace to take out a wiggle is only putting on a band-aid, to a potential problem.

However... Heavier / aggressive riders will need a fork brace for the best feed-back and stiffening up the front. The cheesy factory (under fender) brace just doesn't cut it....

+1 on the not required for ABS and is required for aggressive rider as there is flex in the fork tubes.

I put a super brace on my 95 ST1100 and it tightened up the front end a noticeable amount. I like the difference. I also notice a little instability in corners as my front tires get closer to their lifespan.

Have had a brace on for several yrs. now. I installed one for the reduced load/wear on slider bushings, and it also reduced somewhat the cupping of the front radial tire. In order to eliminate the shimmy(very common), replace the ball type steering head bearings with tapered roller bearings. Be a good time to service the forks since they'll be off the bike.

Some tires have been known to cause "headshake" on the ST1100.