breaking fork clamps to ski spindle

[Barsi]

Anyone else break their clamps attacking the ski spindle to the fork tube? my 2011 yamaha and my brothers 2006 ktm both cracked, we might machine some a bit tougher, but then we risk bending the fork tubes?

 

[PalousePoo]

Did you overtighten?

 

[Rush44]

I did on a tree impact once. Bent the back ears on the spindle into the shape of a V and also cracked both fork clamps. It can happen.

 

[summitboy]

Saw a nice set of clamps at the Edmonton sled show. A guy from Cycleworks machines them. They look better than the TS clamps. Its kinda a catch 22

 

[eskimojoe77]

clamp diameter

I was measuring a friend's clasps to make some copies and notice that it looked like they were only partially contracting the fork legs. When I measured them they were 48mm diameter and the fork leg diameter was 47mm so they were only contracting in the onboard and outboard edges. I built my clamps to fit my forks. I'm sure Timbersled build them to fit most models so the fit won't be perfect. So when tightening it may try to bend the cap half and cause it to crack. Check your diameters to see if that's the case.

 

[summitboy]

The clamps should fit perfect. If you have 48mm forks you should have 48mm clamps. If you have a space at the front and back you most likely have the wrong clamps. TS had sent me 48mm clamps for my CR500 46mm forks. It's wrong. Get the right clamps ! If your talking about the space where the bolt goes through that is normal. The clamp should contact chrome the whole way around. Don't over tighten.

 

[Barsi]

Im sure we weren't over tightening . One of these days ill snap a pic. Maybe ill swing over to cycle works and see what they have come up with . thanks guys

 

[CW Timbersled sales]

...

 

[vmax1200]

Last year a lot of us where making a aluminum round stock brace for the back ski spindle in between the clamp and spindle ears ,but now I see its an update for the 2014 kit being offered

 

[Rush44]

I'm a little wary of anything that strengthens the spindle too much. Having been through 2 of them I gotta say that I would much MUCH rather replace a $300 spindle than a $1200 set of forks.

 

[1dn5up]

what about running 2 brake side forks on both sides so there is more options for mounting to the spindle?