Fork Brace Issue : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Hedghog · 09-21-2009, 11:11 AM

I recently picked up a used Kuryakyn Fork Brace pt# 8620 (41mm). When I installed it, after about 15 minutes I was wiping off my fingure prints with a soft cloth and one of the outside fork clamps popped, snapped in two just above the clamping bolt. Have any of you heard of this problem or experienced it yourself? I don't think I wrenched on it too much, but they don't give a torque spec, at least one I have been able to find. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks for your help,
Hedghog

rkt88403 · 09-22-2009, 10:06 AM

I have the same fork brace on my Softail with no problem like that. Kind of tricky installation due to the multi piece design. Need to tighten each clamp bolt gradualy keeping each side as even as possible.

rickr01 · 09-22-2009, 10:16 AM

Yes I have one also. Evenly torqued with the same width gap between the outside clamp and the actual brace. I believe mine did have a torgue value with it though? It wasn't much either. Kury Akyn has pretty good customer support for the most part. I'd try giving them a call.

Hedghog · 09-22-2009, 10:55 AM

Thanks for your replys.

When I bought the brace (used) the guy told me he bought it at the begining of this summer (2009) but decided later to change the front end on his bike and couldn't use it. I did call Kuryakyn and they were very nice and said, no problem and they would replace it at no cost, but they needed the reciept showing it was less then 1 year old, so I called the guy I bought from and he says he can't find any reciept and is now not sure when he really did buy it???? I guess I'm just out of luck.

Thanks,
Hedghog

fafcpa · 09-22-2009, 01:20 PM

You have his name, address, and phone number so ask Kuryakyn to check there customer records. Maybe they can detrmine the date of purchase that way.

Fred

rickr01 · 09-22-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedghog

Thanks for your replys.

When I bought the brace (used) the guy told me he bought it at the begining of this summer (2009) but decided later to change the front end on his bike and couldn't use it. I did call Kuryakyn and they were very nice and said, no problem and they would replace it at no cost, but they needed the reciept showing it was less then 1 year old, so I called the guy I bought from and he says he can't find any reciept and is now not sure when he really did buy it???? I guess I'm just out of luck.

Thanks,
Hedghog

Ugh. I wish you had the 39mm. I have two extra clamps for that model.

Hedghog · 09-23-2009, 07:48 AM

Thanks everyone for your response, but I think the bottom line is the guy bought it at the begining of LAST SUMMER, so thats why he can't find the reciept, it's out of the one year warranty.

rickr01, thanks very much for the offer I wish I could use them too.

Thanks again,
Hedghog

ripsass · 09-24-2009, 02:43 AM

Guess it's OK for their stuff to just snap in half, as long it's at least a year old.

BMoscato · 09-24-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripsass

Guess it's OK for their stuff to just snap in half, as long it's at least a year old.

I was thinking the same thing. Nothing like standing behind your products!

rkt88403 · 09-24-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripsass

Guess it's OK for their stuff to just snap in half, as long it's at least a year old.

I've had the brace on my bike for over 5 years with no problems outside of the chrome going to hell. But I ride year round and don't have a problem with winter road salt getting on my bike.

Hedghog · 09-24-2009, 03:33 PM

Thanks everyone for your responses. I agree, I think Kuryakyn should still stand behind it, but you know, it's the "Golden Rule" the man with all of the gold makes the rules. I'm just glad I wasn't going down the road when it happen, I have no idea if it would have any affect or not on handling. I'm also glad that when it did pop it didn't hit the front fender, because it would have made a big chip.

Thanks again,
Hedghog

scottq60 · 10-02-2009, 09:30 PM

Had my fill of Kuryakyn....bought an adjustable highway bar off ebay...overtightened the clevis bolts (didn't take much)...and cracked the clevises...talk about some CHEAP pot-metal.

It gets better...contacted Kuryakyn...bought two new clevises...quite pricey too I thought...well, they sent me two for the same side. I tried 3 times to get the one for the other side...each time, they kept sending me the WRONG replacement clevis...so I finally just gave up.

When mounted properly, the bolt goes through the clevis in the same direction (front to back or vice-versa) regardless of right or left side. That's only possible if the "ledge" is different on each clevis. Anyway....after trying numerous times with photos exchanged back and forth...never could get on the same page with the sales person or whoever actually put the part in the box for shipping. So now...my bolts go in from opposite sides cause they kept sending me the same clevis for both sides.

I know that probably seems like a petty complaint...I just wanted to get the right parts...

Hedghog · 10-03-2009, 08:27 AM

Scott,

I hear you loud and clear and agree. I have been very dissappointed in the quality of a lot of the parts I have bought, and I'm talking about NEW PARTS not used ones, plus I have had several run in's with the so called "Excellent Customer Support" that they all brag about. I guess the world of motorcycles hasn't caught up to the auto industry, because they would never get away with this crap.
I actually bought a windshield from a local dealer and had it sent back three times and it's still not right, I just got tired of driving the 40 miles round trip and accepted it, probably my bad.

Take care,
Hedghog
Go fast, have fun, but stay safe.

drocko3 · 11-17-2009, 01:40 PM

I've got the same problem,Now I need the outside peace.Did you find one?GARY

Hedghog · 11-18-2009, 11:17 AM

drocko3,

No, I never did find a replacement clamp. I just figured it was a lesson learned and went out and bought a complete new brace from the local HD dealer, it's the same brace as the Kuryakyn one, but less money (if you can beleive that). They had a 25% off sale, so it was about $110 w/tax.

Take care and I hope you have better luck,
Hedghog