Garry's Fork Brace, VN1500 Nomad

[gv550]

I have for sale a custom designed fork brace for the 1500 Nomad. The brace is CNC machined from 6061T6 aluminum.
This brace will fasten the top of the fork sliders together to provide a much stiffer assembly that reduces fork flex and twisting and allows the suspension to move more freely. Since the brace moves with the slider, the stock chrome protection sleeves can no longer be used. You can choose to leave your fork tubes exposed or install rubber boots to protect the tubes. Installation is not difficult but does require a lift, proper tools and some mechanical ability.
This brace will fit the 1500 Nomad only, not the classic nor other Nomads.
The price is $255US, includes the brace, fasteners, install instructions and shipping within USA lower 48. I accept Paypal, check, EMT, bank transfer.
PM me gv550 from this forum or email gardar(at)wightman.ca
The brace is made to order, please allow 7-14 days for delivery.
Feel free to post questions or comments here.

[Iamriding]

I wasn't happy with the way my '03 Nomad 1500 cornered even though I really like my Nomad in other ways. I was jealous when I heard words like "it rides on rails" and "it feels like a new bike." I thought I would just have to accept the way my Nomad handles in corners.

I bought one of these fork braces from Garry after reading the reviews of the Voyager fork brace and I am very happy with the results. It really does feel like a different bike, and the difference in the corners is significant. From corners to lane changes while passing and even in crosswinds the bike is far more stable.

This fork brace is a fantastic upgrade for the 1500 Nomad. I now feel that I have a bike that rides on rails. Thanks, Garry.

[ringadingh]

We installed the fork brace on my bike, its a beefy looking one piece aluminium brace thats beautifully made, and the results are significant, it does provide a much more stable feel to the bike. Riding in crosswinds is much better than before, and cornering has a much more positive feel to it. I wish these had been available years ago.
Over the winter I hope to replace my tired fork springs and rear shocks, and shim the swingarm, after these are installed I'm sure the bike will handle better than it did when it was new.

[Bud2rat]

Hey guys, is there any way to trim the chrome fork covers and keep the factory look?

[ringadingh]

Not really, you would have to literally cut about 4" or more off the bottom of the chrome sleeve, as that sleeve travels up and down as the forks move. I don't think it would look very good in my opinion. I'll probably get some rubber boots for mine, but it looks ok to me as is for the time being.

[gv550]

Originally Posted by Bud2rat

Hey guys, is there any way to trim the chrome fork covers and keep the factory look?

There wouldn't be much left of them by the time you allowed for 5+ inches of suspension travel. What you could do is screw a small chrome protector to the top of the brace to help protect the tubes from bugs and stones, I believe Superbrace sells them.
Most street bikes run with exposed fork tubes with good success but I agree the chrome sleeves do add a nice finished look to the bike.
It's a choice between good looks or significant improvement in handling, most cruiser riders will choose to keep the chrome sleeves and live with the stock handling.
I've loaned my bike to a few riders and they all have returned completely amazed with the performance, one guy even asked how I was able to reduce the weight by 2-300 lbs, it handles that much better. (it still weighs 900 lbs).
I've driven mine 50,000 kms with the brace, and recently test rode a new Vaquero and I was shocked at how heavy and mushy it felt compared to my 'old and worn out' bike.

[Jeepster09]

Looking at pictures above....fork brace appears to be made like the Superbrace with 2 haves bolted together? Is this true? I have installed many a Superbrace and have really liked them. [Nice not having to pull forks off bike.] Reading other write ups on forum the brace requires disassembling forks. A simple "bolt together 2 halves would be sweet and simple.

[gv550]

My brace is one piece plus 2 capscrews. The fork tubes have to be dropped to remove the chrome sleeves, so no need for a 2 piece brace. One piece is stronger and lighter.

[gv550]

I have in stock one (only one) fork brace for 1500 Nomad. Sales of these have dropped off significantly in the past year so from now on I will only be making them to order.
These normally are $255, this one is $225 until November 30.
PM me here to order.
This brace will not fit 1500 Classic nor any other Nomad.

[gv550]

I still have one 1500 Nomad fork brace in hand, special price of $225 for this one only. When sold, future price will be $255 and made to order only.

[gv550]

Bump....
I still have this one brace in hand, $30 off regular price.