4Strokes.com - Suzuki DRZ 400
- You may have read our review on the SuperBrace Honda XR400R Fork Brace. This review is on the SuperBrace Fork Brace for the Suzuki DR-Z400. The exact model bike in this review was a 2002 Suzuki DR-Z400S. Again, the benefits of a fork brace, according to the experts at SuperBrace, are as follows:
- Reduced low- and high-speed wobble -- improved stability
- Reduced tire cupping wear -- improved tire life
- Decreased sensitivity to rough roads, rain grooves and harsh trails
- And now, competition proven by world class racers
- SuperBrace Fork Brace for the Suzuki DR-Z400
- The SuperBrace Fork Brace for the Suzuki DR-Z400 is machined out of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and hard anodized in black for a long lasting finish. (Please check with SuperBrace to see if the DR-Z400 Fork Brace is available in any other finishes.) Like most of its Fork Braces, the SuperBrace DR-Z400 Fork Brace is a two-piece design which allows for easy installation. The DR-Z400 Fork Brace comes with four stainless steel allen-head bolts to secure the two pieces together.
The DR-Z400 Fork Brace has integrated flanges on top to allow reattachment of the original fork boots, which may or may not need to be cut shorter to eliminate bunching. Like all SuperBrace Fork Braces, the DR-Z400 Fork Brace is designed to fit securely to the top of the lower fork legs, allowing them to work as one.
Installation of the SuperBrace Suzuki DR-Z400 Fork Brace
Installing the SuperBrace DR-Z400 Fork Brace was extremely easy, thanks to its two-piece design. It fit perfectly and securely. After installation, our fork boots did bunch up a bit so we opted to cut them a little shorter so they would fit better. When cutting the fork boots, remember to cut them at the top so they retain the original lip on the bottom where the OEM metal fork boot clamp is located. An alternative method to cutting the fork boots would be to use an aftermarket fork tube covering, like the covers made out of neoprene (wetsuit material).
Evaluation of the SuperBrace Suzuki DR-Z400 Fork Brace
As with the SuperBrace Honda XR400R Fork Brace, we were very impressed with the results of the DR-Z400 Fork Brace. There was a big difference in the feel of the bike with the Fork Brace, especially on trails and soft sand. The steering felt rock solid all of the time. Ruts were no longer an issue and going from a hard-pack to sand or vice-versa was a smooth transition. At 60 MPH on the highway, the DR-Z felt much more stable, which was a huge plus. The front-end was also less affected by the lines on the street when changing lanes.
Cost and Availability on the SuperBrace Suzuki DR-Z400 Fork Brace
At the time of this review, cost on the SuperBrace DR-Z400 Fork Brace was $157.95 (USD). The part number for the 2001-2005 DR-Z400 is 3302, and can be ordered directly from the SuperBrace Website. Please do not forget to check the latest pricing, application and availability information.
4Strokes.com Rating - 1 2 3 4 5
The SuperBrace Fork Brace for the Suzuki DR-Z400 was extremely easy to install thanks to its two-piece design. It incorporates mounting flanges for reattachment of the stock fork boots, which may or may not need to be shortened. The DR-Z400 Fork Brace is a high quality product designed to rid most of the flex found in conventional forks. We would not have a problem recommending the DR-Z400 Fork Brace to anyone, and gave it a great rating of 4 out of 5.
Credits: The SuperBrace DR-Z400 Fork Brace Review was done by Tom Kennedy and edited by 4Strokes.com. Originally published on or about 9/1/2005.
Other SuperBrace Reviews:
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