Deathgrip Forkbrace & Squire Scales Fork Protector Kit Installation

The Deathgrip Forkbrace is designed to provide additional structural rigidity to the front forks and suspension. Under heavy load the forks may flex and reduce the solid feel and plant required for proper control of the motorcycle during high lean angle turns.

The Deathgrip Forkbrace is a product designed by Bill Jinks of the Owners Association. The cost of the Aircraft Grade T-6 Billet Aluminum Forkbrace depends on the model. Mine is polished non-anodized aluminum with a mirror finish. The price is $125. Other models are available clear anodized and in a black anodized finish. I also ordered the 'Squire Scales' Fork Protector Kit. This is $25 when ordered with this model of the Forkbrace and allows you to adapt the stock fork protectors for integration with the Forkbrace. Also available are the 'Dragon Scales' layered carbon fiber fork protectors designed to bolt right onto the Forkbrace.

Update: Bill is not currently accepting any orders.

Here are the components of the Forkbrace and Squire Scales Kit:

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To install the Forkbrace and the Squire Scales Fork Protector Kit:

Remove Stock Fork Protectors:

  • Cut a Slit in the Back of the Stock Protectors
  • Lift the Stock Protectors Higher Up the Fork
  • Spread the Protectors and Pull Off

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Fabricate Squire Scales Fork Protectors:

  • Trim the Ends of the Stock Protectors
  • Smooth Down Inside Surface
  • Drill Center Bracket Attachment Hole
  • Attach Mounting Bracket to Fork Protector with Center Rivet
  • Drill Remaining Attachment Holes
  • Apply Remaining Rivets
  • Trim and Smooth Inside Rivet Ends
  • Round the Fork Protector Ends Corners and Sand Ends Smooth

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Mount Forkbrace:

  • Clip Notched Bracket (Notch Side Up) on Back of Fork. Do This for Both Left and Right Forks
  • Rotate Notched Bracket to Inside of Fork. Do This for Both Left and Right Forks
  • Attach Outside Clamp Halfs With Button Screws Finger Tight Only. Finger Start Each Screw, Do Not Cross Thread
  • Install Bridge Plate on Top and Into Notched Area with Logo Facing Forward
  • Fasten Bridge Plate Using Cap Screws on Rear Two Mounting Holes Only Each Side, Finger Tight Only
  • Square All Components to Equal Tolerances on All Sides by Shifting Pieces and Adjusting Screws
  • Snug All Screws
  • Starting With the Eight (Four Per Side) Button Head Clamp Screws then the Four Cap Screws on Top (Two Per Side), Remove Each Screw One at a Time, Apply Blue Loctite, then Replace and Tighten 1/4 to 1/2 Turn Past Snug
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Attach Fork Protectors:

  • Apply Blue Loctite to Button Head Screws and Place In Holes on Fork Protector Mounting Brackets
  • Place Right Fork Protector On Right Side and Left Fork Protector on Left Side Using Hanging Screws (Two Per Side) as a Guide to Mounting Holes on Bridge Plate
  • Tighten Screws Using 3 mm Allen Wrench. This is Not Easy As There is Little Room To Work. Continue Until Fork Protectors are Securely Attached To Forkbrace.

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Some Pictures of Finished Installation:

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Last Updated: 02-19-2003

Copyright © 2001-03, Patrick Glenn, All Rights Reserved.
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This site is not affiliated in any way with the Yamaha Motor Corporation.

The information presented here reflects solely my personal experience with my motorcycle and is presented for entertainment purposes only. No information presented here is to be relied upon for issues of rider safety nor to replace the services of a qualified service technician. Any attempts to follow or duplicate any of these procedures are done so completely at your own risk. By reading the information on this site, you agree to assume complete responsibility for any and all actual or consequential damages that may arise from any information presented herein.