Can you still get a fork brace for Commando?

Anybody still making/selling fork brace for the Commando? The Hyde one looked good but I can't find it for sale anymore.

Thanks - BrianK

Below is a link for Britcycle that gives their catalog number for the Hyde fork brace for Norton forks. I don't know if they still offer it, but it is in their 2005 catalog.

I have one on my 850. It's a substantial piece. The fork braces I've used on other bikes have been welded chrome moly steel assemblies that bolt up to the fender mounting holes. The Hyde unit has machined extensions that screw into the top of the sliders and there's also an eccentric adjustment that you perform to get the fork legs in exactly the proper alignment with one another. With the extensions effectively lengthening the sliders and the brace keeping the fork legs in alignment, it does make your forks work better.

It can be a real pain to get the fork legs in exact alignment, and if they're not aligned properly your fork action will be noticeably compromised. Or, if one of your fork legs is tweaked a little it may actually make your forks work worse because it takes out most of the flexing. However, if the fork legs are straight and the fork system is set up right, the forks operate very smoothly and work well under braking (I've got a single-sided disc with a racing caliper). I think it looks pretty cool too.

I never rode the bike without the fork brace so I've nothing to compare it to, but I'm real happy with the handling and compliance of my forks.

http://www.britcycle.com/Products/546102AForkBrace.htm[/url]

Thanks mgrant

Fork Brace

Try RGM Motors, Cumbria, UK

I just received the latest price list from Britcycle...looks like they still have the Hyde fork brace. It's $356.00. Ouch.

$356?!? All of a sudden, my unbraced fork handles JUST FINE!!!

I've been running a upgraded front brake that is a heck of a stopper. I've not noticed any problems with the stock fender/fork brace. Mine is SS. I've been thinking of going with a thicker material to replace the brace. Has anyone done so? Like to hear some input.

Brace

Hi Jim
hav'nt got a photo but one of the lads altered his by using two steel straps bolted to the fork legs with a loop over the mudguard front & rear in 3/8th tube. Only six inches long a bit like looking at an arch.
Stops the forks twisting.
There is not much room under the mudguard to do anything much else, other than use a thicker piece of metal for the brace.
Chris

Hi BrianK,

I bought the one pictured below off e-bay last year for use on my long term project.
I was told it is an RGM one so you could try them.




Regards Hursty.

hursty said:

I was told it is an RGM one so you could try them.

Click to expand...

That does look like the RGM 050024 brace, but I don't think they sell them anymore?
I don't think the Norman Hyde Commando brace is available any longer either? As Hydes appear to be concentrating on selling special parts for the Hinckley and Meriden Triumphs.

L.A.B. said:

I don't think the Norman Hyde Commando brace is available any longer either? As Hydes appear to be concentrating on selling special parts for the Hinckley and Meriden Triumphs.

Click to expand...

I sent them an email several months ago asking about this. The complete reply was:

Sorry, but currently we are not making the Norton brace.
Regards
Norman Hyde

Click to expand...

Tony

I contacted British Cycle Supply a couple weeks ago and was told they did not have any Hyde braces but that Hyde is supposedly planning to make a batch. However they do not have any time frame. British Cycle is also pursuing another possible source.

Cant understand why you would need a fork brace especially if its a road (sorry,street) bike as none of the factory race bikes ran with fork bracing.
Set it up properly working from top to bottom on the front end and it will be fine even with a big brake fitted.

Hursty

i love that brace, i think its an early style RGM one, i could be wrong but think they changed their design at some stage. If anyone has a spare in the shed i would be happy to help find a home for it :lol:
I've contacted RGM a couple of times in the last couple of years to be told they were not sure when they would have more braces in stock. Now I can't even find one listed in their latest catalogue. :cry:

On the standard drum-braked Commandos, the mudguard itself acted as a very effective fork brace, Most of the disc brake models have at least one of the mudguard struts missing and some modified systems have no struts, aftermarket mudguards often offer little in the way of bracing. So, given our never ending quest for safe and effective braking for old bikes under contemporary circumstances, many owners feel that a fork brace is a useful addition. I recall reading that in the cafe-racer culture of the 60s many aspiring street racers rendered their Triumphs almost unrideable by the substitution of a fibreglass front mudguard with no structural rigidity and a fibreglass tank, where the solidly mounted original steel tank acted as a frame stiffener. A salutory lesson that sometimes the designs of our old bikes were more holistic than we might appreciate and we should consider this when carrying out piecemeal modifications on our machines.

Moving moving

I ran my race bike with roadholder forks & a fibreglass mudguard.
You could watch the legs walk!
I had the pinch bolt clamp area crack a few times. The bike stayed on line & handled very well.
I then ran a home made brace & did'nt have anymore problems with the clamp area. I cant say with honesty that the handling improved but the forks did'nt walk as much. This was a very light bike, I would have thought the benefits on a heavier bike like a Commando might be more pronounced.
Chris

Most of the disc brake models have at least one of the mudguard struts missing and some modified systems have no struts, aftermarket mudguards often offer little in the way of bracing

Click to expand...

Exactly my problem. The Harley Superglide fender (aftermarket) has a pretty weak bridge and no stays. With the 4-pot Brembo, I can see it twist when I hit the brake hard.

Ron L said:

Most of the disc brake models have at least one of the mudguard struts missing and some modified systems have no struts, aftermarket mudguards often offer little in the way of bracing

Click to expand...

Exactly my problem. The Harley Superglide fender (aftermarket) has a pretty weak bridge and no stays. With the 4-pot Brembo, I can see it twist when I hit the brake hard.

Click to expand...

same fender and brake as me so I'm pretty much sold on a fork brace after reading this comment.

Can someone post a photo of a Commando with the Hyde brace? i would really like to see one installed. Thanks to any who do.

I've got some photos I can post that shows the Hyde unit. If I can figure out how to post a photo I'll have it on the forum tonight.