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San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

SDCR
Posts: 132
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2022 7:50 am

San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by SDCR »

Anyone have experience, good or bad, with using a San Jose fork brace?
Just wondering if it’s a worthwhile accessory, or a waste of money. I believe that my 1983 R100 has the 38mm forks.
1983 R100
2000 R1100

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schrader7032
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Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by schrader7032 »

From what I remember, the San Jose brace is a fairly rough casting. Something that works better is a product made by Toaster Tan. Google that name and you should see plenty of info.
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.

SDCR
Posts: 132
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2022 7:50 am

Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by SDCR »

“Toaster Tan”, OK.
1983 R100
2000 R1100

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srankin
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Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by srankin »

My last visit this year to the San Jose website didn't list a fork brace for airhead BMW bikes for sale.

The do have a billet upper triple clamp for sale.

Toaster Tan does not list a fork brace for sale either, they also have billet upper triple clamps. They also sell a very well made top nut for the fork stem that works very well with their upper triple clamp to add more support.

If you are talking about the tubular fork brace San Jose once made, Flat Racer in the UK, is about the only place I have seen who still sells them. They are good to deal with, I just bought a brace this spring when I converted my RS from ATE brakes to Brembos. I had to change forks and braces in the process.
Is this the brace you are talking about? St.
flatracer-bmw-late-series-7-81-84-tubular-steel-fork-brace---top.jpeg
Owner of a 84, R80RT and 78, R100RS

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srankin
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Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by srankin »

Way back in the 80's I bought both the billet upper triple clamp and tubular fork brace from San Jose to fit my 83RT. I also bought each for my 78RS when I bought it in 97/

Fast forward to winter 21/22, I converted the RS to Brembos brakes and the San Jose brace did not fit anymore on the forks. I ended up buying the new brace from Flat Racer.

looking at the braces as well as the billet upper clamps, I would have a hard time determining which was sold by San Jose or by Flat Racer or Toaster Tan. All of the product these companies sell are very well made and reasonable in price. St.
Owner of a 84, R80RT and 78, R100RS

SDCR
Posts: 132
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2022 7:50 am

Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by SDCR »

This is the used SanJose brace I’m looking at. It does nor list the actual size though.
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1983 R100
2000 R1100

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schrader7032
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Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by schrader7032 »

The big issue will be getting it installed so that it doesn't add stiction to the front travel. Takes some tweaking...best to install with springs out so you can feel for stiction.
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.

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srankin
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Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by srankin »

LOL, I chose the other style because it looked prettier.

Actually, I agree with Kurt looking at the design, I would be very worried about over tightening or improper alignment causing issues. I would also worry very much that in time, this brace perhaps might work loose. There is a lot of stuff going on with the front suspension during riding. Clamping as it does to the tubes looks like a bad idea. At least in the case of the brace I use, if a bolt should work loose, the brace will still work and not change position on the forks or bind. As I say, this is all supposition.

As I have NO experience with these braces, I am basing my comments on observation as well as knowing how I ride and maintain my bikes.

It is a first look opinion, and to be honest, with my experience I feel strongly enough I would never install one of them on my bike. If the brace I use was not available, I would find another way to brace the forks. St.
Owner of a 84, R80RT and 78, R100RS

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Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by schrader7032 »

Reminds me of the Telefix fork brace IIRC.
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.

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srankin
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Re: San Jose fork brace for an ‘83 R100

Post by srankin »

Who knows, maybe Telefix makes them for San Jose? There are a few variations on the market at different sites. St.
Owner of a 84, R80RT and 78, R100RS

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