Since the intention is for one of my readers to have this brace, a fair portion of mill time was devoted to making it look better than the original. See what you think:
Using this high brightness and high contrast edit was simply irresistable if for no other reason than vivid definition of surface angles.
The process started by securing the blank to the mill table and making everything square. Next the end flanges were milled to .250″ depth.
Top flanges machined, a good start.
Next comes flipping the piece on the milling table and machining the bottom edges .125″ deep to fit tightly between the fork tube flanges. And let’s not forget drilling the bolt holes.
Bottom side with mounting holes.
Then figure a way to secure the piece at 45 degree angle to mill front and back top sides so the cover would fit well.
Methodology was anything but accepted practice (safety was not an issue) but it ended up providing good looking angled edges. Mission accomplished.
Next was the process of filing mounting holes for proper fit. This required a few removals and remounts.
That’s how it fits.
Then comes the final touch.
Top Cover Secured In Place.
At this point there really wasn’t much else I could do except go for a ride and test my handy work. The low fuel light was on and it was getting toward dinner when I got back so the ride remained short.
It was enough ride to verify there is no difference in performance between my first brace and this much prettier one.
Brace number 2 was removed and original (though not as pretty) is back on the bike. Brace number 2 is officially ready for testing by an independent GL1500 Goldwing owner.
So here’s the deal: you must live in the continental USA and send an email to admin@gl1500goldwing.com asking to test the brace on your GL1500. All email requests received before 6:00 PM CDT Tuesday, July 21, 2009 are eligible and one email will be drawn at random after that time. You will receive the brace in return for blatantly honest observations and opinions regarding how the bike handles with the brace installed. Your observations will be expected within two weeks of receiving the brace and will be published on this blog.
After fulfilling testing and reporting obligations the brace is yours to use as you wish.
