Somehow, I went into the garage and pulled the bike out, and noticed this fork bridge/bracket had cracked in two spot. No idea how it could have happened. Anyway, the part isn't made anymore and I'm having minimal luck on ebay, any suggestions on website to check out? or is anyone parting their VT500 out (no one in the classifieds is)?
I've seen that here a few times, must be a common problem. Here's one of many threads on the topic. Sorry I don't have a solution, but I use a very good metal fabricator that I would challenge with that issue if it were my bike. I'd also consider using a material more able to handle stress than aluminum. I am a believer in fixing something once and right. http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/72-technical-discussion/74579-front-fork-stabilizer-cracked.html
Mine cracked just before Thanksgiving for my vt700. The part looks just the same as mine not sure if it actually is same fitment buy I found another one on eBay for $19 free shipping. It's worth a quick search on eBay for the parts by year and modle of your bike.
Here is a part that is supposed to prevent the brace from cracking by reinforcing it below. But I wonder if it could be used instead of the broken piece to keep the strength ? It is made from Stainless Steel.
Here is a part that is supposed to prevent the brace from cracking by reinforcing it below. But I wonder if it could be used instead of the broken piece to keep the strength ? It is made from Stainless Steel.
The link from jpr are the same used by most Magna owners.They will act as a replacement if needed. Altho they are meant to fit under the stock brace. This will fix you bike even if your aluminum one is cracked. Almost all of the V65 Magnas have the problem of a cracked brace. This was the first mod I did to mine. They are thin but strong as hell. You should be able to find plenty of pictures of magnas with these plates under the stock cracked ones. Had my brace been cracked. I would have ran one under the brace with out thinking twice.
I got this one for my 1986 VT500. It's stainless steel and fits under your existing cracked brace. Don't even bother looking for a used one--they are all cracked or are about to crack as originals where a cast aluminum and very brittle. Honda Fork Brace Support V30 Magna VF500C VT500 Shadow CB550 Nighthawk | eBay
The piece arrived and it's pretty heavy duty, this thing's not gonna crack, It's about 5/8" thick! It doesn't fit as snug as the original, but it seems like it'll do its job.