To brace or not to brace? Stiff is the question

[stiffsimon]

I have a 79 GSX 11 ET that I'm going to base my project on. The motor will be a bit pokier than standard and I'm planning to put on a complete USD front end with a 120 tyre and a box section swinger with a 5 1/2" rim on it.
Question is do I brace the frame or not.

There are some conflicting ideas out there, some say don't brace keep the flex in the frame and others say brace, stiffen and strengthen for a more precise ride.

Both these points of view come from respected sources both here and in the UK.

Just throwing it out there to see what people think

[bladehunter]

How are YOU going to ride it ?

[Redmohawk]

From what I heard last night on the subject I'd be going with unbraced.

[ALBI]

um maybee sitting down ??

[stiffsimon]

Yeah RMH I'm leaning towards unbraced but just wondering what peoples thoughts were, if there was a convincing argument one way or the other or wether it's just how you like your bike to feel. Personally I quite like the weave n bounce of an oldskool tubular frame but was just wondering if the extra stiffness from a USD front end, better brakes and more rubber on the road might overwhelm the frame. As I say just putting it out to see what people think.

[bladehunter]

The grip on modern tyres will twist it in all sorts of wonderful ways.

I wouldn't pay much heed to my opinions, my main ride is a 'tard.

[ralph]

If you dont brace it you'll have to change your sig to flexisimon

[TurboKat]

It's simple Simon (hehe), if you want it to handle, you need to brace the frame a bit but Mick Hone told me ages ago that the GSX ally swingarms were the biggest problem where chassis flex is concerned - he reckons the round section GS steel swingers were stiffer.
If it's just for cruising or drag racing, don't bother with frame bracing.

[Tony Nitrous]

My "ET" frame isnt braced.
Just wider 18" rim's at both end's, fork brace,
Koni-Holland Shocks and a steering damper.

F*ckin' thing's dangerous when you push it hard.
Just the way it should be !

[stiffsimon]

Ralph you shit me :D:D[^] Ha Ha Ha[8D]

TK yeah I remember that chat. I'm leaning towards unbraced.

Tony N. I think you've hit the nail on the head :D

[ralph]

yeah, I get that alot[^]