Skorpion fork brace

[nickst4]

The components of the Grimeca front brake may not be the best quality, but its effectiveness in retarding is impressive, on my Tour at least. Its good to see the front end supported on a decent chunky pair of forks, but I was quite surprised to note that the front mudguard/fender is attached by what amounts to a fork brace: something that pays dividends with a single-sided front brake, because it reduces fork twist.

At least, it would function as a fork brace if MZ hadn't fitted it with those pathetic button/flange-headed socket screws, which are impossible to tighten adequately. I've swapped them for custom stainless bolts made from an inch of stainless 6mm stud, onto which I've tightened a dome-headed polished stainless nut. With a plain and spring washer, this runs the full depth of the threaded boss (don't forget the anti-seize!), and it can be tightened enough to ensure that the brace plate will not shift. With some stainless c/sunk screws and nyloc nuts holding the plastic blade (with the little steel spacer tube to take the clamping force), it all looks very neat!

NickW, UK

[nickst4]

And another thing...

It occurs to me that a shakeproof star washer between the brace plate and the fork slider bosses would give even better coupling than just the improved friction generated by the new bolt arrangement. But maybe that's getting obsessive...

NickW, UK

[handsomejackuk]

no obsession, you should see my bike, everything is stsinless steel, that i can get to and replace easily even the stainless steel is stainless steel.

been trying to get hold of a fork brace myself, as i have now fitted a low rear mudguard to my baghira ( for the winter at least )...

Jak