Fork Brace and chrome Rotor Cover install questions

[windrider1983]

2 questions (this pertains to my 83 Venture) -

1. I bought one of the fork braces that Condor was so kind to arrange a group buy for us this spring, and am just now getting around to installing it. It appears to be just a bit larger than my original, and I can't get it to slip into position. I loosened the pinch bolts as suggested in Condor's instructions, but no change. I am also working on installing a pair of chrome rotor covers (see below), so i went ahead and pulled the axle and allowed the wheel to drop down an inch or so (rotors are still just slightly in the calipers). None of this has made any difference in the clearance for the fork brace. When I set the original brace over the new brace, it does look a bit larger - about the size of the bevel that runs around the outer edge of the new brace - just eye-balling it, I would guess it is about a millimeter oversize on each end . Has anyone else who purchased these had a similar problem?

2. I bought a pair of chrome rotor covers last winter on eBay and after doing some searches on this site, found that originally they came with a replacement spacer that accounted for the extra width of the covers. When I pulled the axle, I expected a spacer/washer of some kind on the right side (since the speedometer assembly is on the left). The only kind of "spacer" on the entire assembly was a single collar-type piece that butts against the oil seal. This does not look at all like the diagram in the service manual (it shows 3 separate pieces). I have attached a picture. I was planning to turn down my spacer since I did not have a replacement. So the question now is whether I turn down the outer edge of this collar? (Don't see where i have much choice). Was just wondering if anyone had any insight into this.

Windrider1983 (Mark Miller).

[mbrood]

Check this post for the different things to look for to put the fork brace in and have everything right...

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23200

 

I believe the "shouldered" spacer had the shoulder turned down by the thickness of the TWO disc covers... this keeps the overall length the same but allows for the thickness of the covers/

[bobcat]

My fork brace went right in with a little coaxing from a rubber mallet...I did use a little WD-40 in the bolt holes and along the edges of he brace but all and all it went in rather easy....

[windrider1983]

I got some PMs from a couple of folks that mentioned that they had a similar issue and simply used a drum sander to take a little off each side of the brace - that worked great. Thanks to all...

Windrider.

[Condor]

Mark, Did you loosen the pinch bolts at the top of the forks. I don't know where it is right of hand, but we had a pretty lengthy discussion about what some of the folks did to make their's fit. Some ground the brace to fit with success, but the best way seems to be by loosening the top pinch bolts. Squeeze had a very detailed method of properly doing the installation... Maybe he'll chime in with it again.

[Squeeze]

If the Brace wouldn't fall in Place. It's absolutly necessary to do the complete Procedure. Which means loosen Axle, and Pinch Bolts on the upper and lower Tripple Tree. Then Install the Brace with loose Bolts, tighten down the Axle first, then the Bolts on the Brace, the lower Tripple Tree and then the Pinch Bolts on the upper Tripple Tree. If you want to go the extra Mile, let the upper Pinch Bolts loose and manoveur the Bike with the front Wheel against a Wall or use a Stopper on the Ground and push the front Suspension down as far as you can. Repeat that 3 or 4 Time, then tighten down the upper Pinch Bolts. Do not use the Brake to stop the front Wheel while compressing the Fork, that would cause false Bindings during the Procedure.

[Condor]

If the Brace wouldn't fall in Place. It's absolutly necessary to do the complete Procedure. Which means loosen Axle, and Pinch Bolts on the upper and lower Tripple Tree. Then Install the Brace with loose Bolts, tighten down the Axle first, then the Bolts on the Brace, the lower Tripple Tree and then the Pinch Bolts on the upper Tripple Tree. If you want to go the extra Mile, let the upper Pinch Bolts loose and manoveur the Bike with the front Wheel against a Wall or use a Stopper on the Ground and push the front Suspension down as far as you can. Repeat that 3 or 4 Time, then tighten down the upper Pinch Bolts. Do not use the Brake to stop the front Wheel while compressing the Fork, that would cause false Bindings during the Procedure.

 

Thanks again Squeeze.... I just copied the above to a file for future use. For some reason I think we'll need it again.....