Funtional or just a Farkle. . . . ? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

C2W? · 03-13-2006, 05:09 PM

I installed the "Murph's DL650 Forkbrace kit" last week on my little 6Fiddy. . .

The only reason I bought it was to find out if the front wheel shudder/chatter I occasionaly get on really hard braking
can be reduced or eliminated.

Here's the "report"

Function or Farkle Day 1

In between high gusting winds and thunder showers I managed to sneak in a handful of laps on my favorite local roads.

I wasn't really expecting much in the way of a noticeable difference when I started as I'm pretty happy with the feel and
feedback with the 020s and the Wilburs. I chose roads that I ride on a regular basis (2-4 times weekly) that offer
a pretty decent variety of pavement types/surfaces and speeds.

On smooth pavement higher speed turns (70 and up) and high speed transitions the little 6Fiddy now seems to tip in
and/or turn a tad quicker. I ran a set of really fast S bends (entrance speed about 75 and if you can make the right to
left to right to left transitions quick enough, you accelerate all the way thru the series) three different times just to
make sure it wasn't my imagination.

With the 020s and Wilburs I was pretty happy with high speed transitions. . . .The brace makes it better.

The biggest difference came on very bumpy pavement and/or irregular and/or patched surfaces. The difference is very noticeable!

Entering medium speed (40-70mph) turns on "cobbly" surfaces the front end feels much more "direction secure"......that
is to say that the feedback from the front wheel is more precise and there is much less of the squirming feel that irregular
road surfaces normally transmit without the brace on these roads at these speeds and lean angles.

Leaned over and accelerating on the above mentioned surface(s) I got more or better "feedback" as I approached the
limits of adhesion. The irregular surfaces didn't seem to upset or unsettle the front wheel under hard acceleration nearly
as much as without the brace. The extra feedback was also very noticeable leaned over braking on the "less than
smooth" surfaces. Medium speed "quick" transitions on the aforementioned "cobbly" surfaces seemed to be equally
improved. Before the bike felt pretty secure, it now feels really "Planted" regardless of the pavement inconsistencies.

More feedback, reduced "squirmy" feeling and more bite on continuously irregular surfaces!

Never found a place that I could safely and/or adequately test the difference in high(er) speed braking as pavement
conditions (intermittent wet, muddy, dirty, puddly, slow moving cages, etc) were working against me this afternoon.

Tomorrow should be another good riding day in "sunny" SoCal so I'll do a longer "checkout" of the brace.

Function or Farkle Day 2

Took a 100+ mile "jaunt" this morning on some faster roads. About a 50-50 mix of "well paved" and "less than well
maintained" Cruising speeds from 70 to triple digit++.

Hard braking (very near lockup) from 100+ speeds seems more controlled & less "skittish" especially at the verge of
lockup. Even on fairly uneven surfaces at higher speeds the additional control (as a result of better feedback) was
discernible under hard braking conditions.

Never did really get the front end to dance nor did I manage to induce any wheel-hop (But I did give it the old school
try). I also noted that during high(er) speed transitions my ability to put the front end precisely where I wanted it
seemed improved.

My take-a-way from two days of riding on a variety of different roads under a variety of conditions is simply this. . . .

Not only is the Murphskits Brace a well made and good looking "farkle", the sum%%%%% really does work and the
improvement in the front end is certainly worth the $132

QuacktheDuck · 03-13-2006, 07:13 PM

excellent review! Argh...yet another "functional" mod to add to the list. I already ordered givi engine guards last night...

Rickster · 03-14-2006, 02:35 AM

What all have you done to your suspension?

C2W? · 03-14-2006, 12:39 PM

Front - 15W BelRay Fork Oil & Wilburs progressive springs
Rear - Stock

Rickster · 03-14-2006, 04:30 PM

I knew Wilburs was making shocks, and springs for the rear, but I didn't know they made anything for the front. What do you think of the upgrade? Is it a straight wound, or progressive spring?

C2W? · 03-14-2006, 07:42 PM

Progressive. . . . And imo the oil change and the front springs were the best thing I've done to my 6Fiddy in terms of daily "real-world" driveability. No where near the amount of NOSE-DIVE under extreme braking conditions. Cobbly surfaces are tamed....Feedback to the rider is improved 100% imo!

C2W? · 04-08-2006, 10:34 PM

700 Mile update

After 700 miles of "spirited riding on pavement ranging from (both wet and dry) "billiard table smooth" to "pothole-hell" and just about everything in between I'm 100% convinced. Most of these roads I have been riding for the past two years so I figure I'm pretty comfortable with "consistent riding for comparative purposes".

It's not my imagination . . . With the brace the front end is more precise, more supple and more controlled. What pisses me off is that I didn't find/make/install one of these 18K ago.

The little 6Fiddy with decent tires, decent fork oil, stiffer progressive springs and the brace is just plain "fun" to ride on any kind of road. Bumps, broken pavement, irregular grading, traintracks, bricks etc just doesn't phase the front end. What a "giggle" to sweep thru a set of bends with broken or choppy or irregular pavement and have the front end never lose it's poise regardless of the speed or lean angle.

Woulda - Shoulda - Couldas. . . . . I wish I'd changed the front fork springs and oil and added the brace about 18K miles ago. This is the "front end" that Suzuki should have put on the 6Fiddy in the first place.

The rear shock/spring combo has not given me any concern todate. I don't have much preload dialed in and lots of dampening. . . Seems to work well with the "modded" front end.

Someday the rear shock will begin complaining and I'll have to fork out some serious change to "upgrade" the rear end, until then I'm a "happy camper" in the suspension department.

Rickster · 04-08-2006, 11:47 PM

I put the brace on my He Strom, and I have to agree, it does feel more planted. I haven't done the springs, and oil yet. It's on the list.

**Clint** · 04-09-2006, 11:06 AM

Awesome thread, C2. I've been largely in the dark about fork braces until now. Thanks!

stp1971 · 04-09-2006, 08:45 PM

So how much does this brace cost??? Does it improve it alot with just the addition of the brace or will I need to change the springs as well???

Rickster · 04-09-2006, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

So how much does this brace cost??? Does it improve it alot with just the addition of the brace or will I need to change the springs as well???

I haven't changed the springs, or oil in mine yet, and I did notice a difference. The bike seems more planted, and seems to hold a line better. The best way I can explain it, is the same feeling you get if you have been running with 7 to 10 lbs low air pressure in your tires, than pump them up to normal.
$35.00 comes to mind on the cost, but don't quote me on it. Install is very easy, and took about 10 min.

stp1971 · 04-10-2006, 07:01 AM

Can you guys post a link to it??? $35.00 bones I will buy it. Does it cause any deceleration wobble with it on???

tlwisner · 04-10-2006, 11:40 AM

I put one of Murph's fork braces on my Concours and it was a noticeable improvment, especially on grooved roads. The front end felt more solid, probably because it was. Murph's also a great guy!

Here's his website: http://www.murphskits.com/

C2W? · 04-10-2006, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

Can you guys post a link to it??? $35.00 bones I will buy it. Does it cause any deceleration wobble with it on???

It doesn't "cause" anything except a better, more planted feel in the front end. and btw mine was $ 132. Well worth the bucks imo.

stp1971 · 04-10-2006, 01:05 PM

Cool!!!! Thanks!!!! I will have to wait a bit before I order that bling "Necessity"!!!! LOL!!!!

C2W? · 06-08-2006, 06:42 PM

Murph's has a group buy deal . . .

Details here: http://11109.rapidforum.com/topic=101175026879

stp1971 · 06-09-2006, 07:18 AM

I am going to bite.

C2W? · 06-14-2006, 11:52 PM

Got this email from Murph's today. . .

Hey Bob!

I'm off to lower the price of the braces on the website. We have pretty
much cleared out the 650's, I think there is two left, and about 6 1000's.
We have them on the production log, and it looks like the new batch will be
ready to ship in a little under 30 days. Please pass the word along. I also
have some have some Shad top and side boxes in stock, along with the
mounting brackets for both Stroms if any one is interested.

Thanks,

Murph

murphskits.com

stp1971 · 06-15-2006, 07:16 AM

I had emailed him and asked him to call me on several occasions. He has yet to call me back. Wonder why he won't???

stp1971 · 06-15-2006, 07:48 AM

Well I'll be dang. No sooner than I posted the above he called me. So I got the order placed and $120.00 total shipping included.

So I should see it within the next couple of days. Probably by Monday, no later than Tuesday. Loooking forward to trying this puppy out!!!

03-13-2006, 05:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
C2W? In Training Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: "Little" 6Fiddy Location: Carlsbad (Not NM) Posts: 124	Funtional or just a Farkle. . . . ? I installed the "Murph's DL650 Forkbrace kit" last week on my little 6Fiddy. . . The only reason I bought it was to find out if the front wheel shudder/chatter I occasionaly get on really hard braking can be reduced or eliminated. Here's the "report" Function or Farkle Day 1 In between high gusting winds and thunder showers I managed to sneak in a handful of laps on my favorite local roads. I wasn't really expecting much in the way of a noticeable difference when I started as I'm pretty happy with the feel and feedback with the 020s and the Wilburs. I chose roads that I ride on a regular basis (2-4 times weekly) that offer a pretty decent variety of pavement types/surfaces and speeds. On smooth pavement higher speed turns (70 and up) and high speed transitions the little 6Fiddy now seems to tip in and/or turn a tad quicker. I ran a set of really fast S bends (entrance speed about 75 and if you can make the right to left to right to left transitions quick enough, you accelerate all the way thru the series) three different times just to make sure it wasn't my imagination. With the 020s and Wilburs I was pretty happy with high speed transitions. . . .The brace makes it better. The biggest difference came on very bumpy pavement and/or irregular and/or patched surfaces. The difference is very noticeable! Entering medium speed (40-70mph) turns on "cobbly" surfaces the front end feels much more "direction secure"......that is to say that the feedback from the front wheel is more precise and there is much less of the squirming feel that irregular road surfaces normally transmit without the brace on these roads at these speeds and lean angles. Leaned over and accelerating on the above mentioned surface(s) I got more or better "feedback" as I approached the limits of adhesion. The irregular surfaces didn't seem to upset or unsettle the front wheel under hard acceleration nearly as much as without the brace. The extra feedback was also very noticeable leaned over braking on the "less than smooth" surfaces. Medium speed "quick" transitions on the aforementioned "cobbly" surfaces seemed to be equally improved. Before the bike felt pretty secure, it now feels really "Planted" regardless of the pavement inconsistencies. More feedback, reduced "squirmy" feeling and more bite on continuously irregular surfaces! Never found a place that I could safely and/or adequately test the difference in high(er) speed braking as pavement conditions (intermittent wet, muddy, dirty, puddly, slow moving cages, etc) were working against me this afternoon. Tomorrow should be another good riding day in "sunny" SoCal so I'll do a longer "checkout" of the brace. Function or Farkle Day 2 Took a 100+ mile "jaunt" this morning on some faster roads. About a 50-50 mix of "well paved" and "less than well maintained" Cruising speeds from 70 to triple digit++. Hard braking (very near lockup) from 100+ speeds seems more controlled & less "skittish" especially at the verge of lockup. Even on fairly uneven surfaces at higher speeds the additional control (as a result of better feedback) was discernible under hard braking conditions. Never did really get the front end to dance nor did I manage to induce any wheel-hop (But I did give it the old school try). I also noted that during high(er) speed transitions my ability to put the front end precisely where I wanted it seemed improved. My take-a-way from two days of riding on a variety of different roads under a variety of conditions is simply this. . . . Not only is the Murphskits Brace a well made and good looking "farkle", the sum%%%%% really does work and the improvement in the front end is certainly worth the $132 __________________ Experience is a hard teacher because the test is first, the lesson afterward. Last edited by C2W?; 03-13-2006 at 08:40 PM.

03-13-2006, 07:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	excellent review! Argh...yet another "functional" mod to add to the list. I already ordered givi engine guards last night... __________________ Quacktheduck is one lucky duck. Miss my v-strom...06/14/06, the best i ever had...

03-14-2006, 02:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,914	What all have you done to your suspension? __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

03-14-2006, 12:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
C2W? In Training Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: "Little" 6Fiddy Location: Carlsbad (Not NM) Posts: 124	Front - 15W BelRay Fork Oil & Wilburs progressive springs Rear - Stock __________________ Experience is a hard teacher because the test is first, the lesson afterward.

03-14-2006, 04:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,914	I knew Wilburs was making shocks, and springs for the rear, but I didn't know they made anything for the front. What do you think of the upgrade? Is it a straight wound, or progressive spring? __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

03-14-2006, 07:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
C2W? In Training Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: "Little" 6Fiddy Location: Carlsbad (Not NM) Posts: 124	Progressive. . . . And imo the oil change and the front springs were the best thing I've done to my 6Fiddy in terms of daily "real-world" driveability. No where near the amount of NOSE-DIVE under extreme braking conditions. Cobbly surfaces are tamed....Feedback to the rider is improved 100% imo! __________________ Experience is a hard teacher because the test is first, the lesson afterward.

04-08-2006, 10:34 PM	#7 (permalink)
C2W? In Training Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: "Little" 6Fiddy Location: Carlsbad (Not NM) Posts: 124	700 Mile update After 700 miles of "spirited riding on pavement ranging from (both wet and dry) "billiard table smooth" to "pothole-hell" and just about everything in between I'm 100% convinced. Most of these roads I have been riding for the past two years so I figure I'm pretty comfortable with "consistent riding for comparative purposes". It's not my imagination . . . With the brace the front end is more precise, more supple and more controlled. What pisses me off is that I didn't find/make/install one of these 18K ago. The little 6Fiddy with decent tires, decent fork oil, stiffer progressive springs and the brace is just plain "fun" to ride on any kind of road. Bumps, broken pavement, irregular grading, traintracks, bricks etc just doesn't phase the front end. What a "giggle" to sweep thru a set of bends with broken or choppy or irregular pavement and have the front end never lose it's poise regardless of the speed or lean angle. Woulda - Shoulda - Couldas. . . . . I wish I'd changed the front fork springs and oil and added the brace about 18K miles ago. This is the "front end" that Suzuki should have put on the 6Fiddy in the first place. The rear shock/spring combo has not given me any concern todate. I don't have much preload dialed in and lots of dampening. . . Seems to work well with the "modded" front end. Someday the rear shock will begin complaining and I'll have to fork out some serious change to "upgrade" the rear end, until then I'm a "happy camper" in the suspension department. __________________ Experience is a hard teacher because the test is first, the lesson afterward.

04-08-2006, 11:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,914	I put the brace on my He Strom, and I have to agree, it does feel more planted. I haven't done the springs, and oil yet. It's on the list. __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

04-09-2006, 08:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,775	So how much does this brace cost??? Does it improve it alot with just the addition of the brace or will I need to change the springs as well??? __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

04-10-2006, 07:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,775	Can you guys post a link to it??? $35.00 bones I will buy it. Does it cause any deceleration wobble with it on??? __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

04-10-2006, 11:40 AM	#13 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	I put one of Murph's fork braces on my Concours and it was a noticeable improvment, especially on grooved roads. The front end felt more solid, probably because it was. Murph's also a great guy! Here's his website: http://www.murphskits.com/ __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

04-10-2006, 01:05 PM	#15 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,775	Cool!!!! Thanks!!!! I will have to wait a bit before I order that bling "Necessity"!!!! LOL!!!! __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

06-08-2006, 06:42 PM	#16 (permalink)
C2W? In Training Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: "Little" 6Fiddy Location: Carlsbad (Not NM) Posts: 124	Murph's has a group buy deal . . . Details here: http://11109.rapidforum.com/topic=101175026879 __________________ Experience is a hard teacher because the test is first, the lesson afterward.

06-09-2006, 07:18 AM	#17 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,775	I am going to bite. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

06-14-2006, 11:52 PM	#18 (permalink)
C2W? In Training Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: "Little" 6Fiddy Location: Carlsbad (Not NM) Posts: 124	*Got this email from Murph's today. . .* Hey Bob! I'm off to lower the price of the braces on the website. We have pretty much cleared out the 650's, I think there is two left, and about 6 1000's. We have them on the production log, and it looks like the new batch will be ready to ship in a little under 30 days. Please pass the word along. I also have some have some Shad top and side boxes in stock, along with the mounting brackets for both Stroms if any one is interested. Thanks, Murph murphskits.com __________________ Experience is a hard teacher because the test is first, the lesson afterward.

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06-15-2006, 07:16 AM	#19 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,775	I had emailed him and asked him to call me on several occasions. He has yet to call me back. Wonder why he won't??? __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

06-15-2006, 07:48 AM	#20 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,775	Well I'll be dang. No sooner than I posted the above he called me. So I got the order placed and $120.00 total shipping included. So I should see it within the next couple of days. Probably by Monday, no later than Tuesday. Loooking forward to trying this puppy out!!! __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________