Aftermarket Triple Clamp: Keep or Sell?

[j2x]

Folks,

I’ve been away for a long time, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been riding. Just a lot less adventure these days now that I have a daughter.

Anyway, I’ve been given an opportunity to sell the Two Brother’s Triple Clamp on my Valkyrie for about twice as much as it’d cost to have my mechanic replace it with the Honda OEM part, which came in a box with my bike when I bought it years ago.

I have been told that the Two Bros clamp I have reduces rake which makes the enormous Valkyrie handle better in the twisties. Now, I’m not a racer by any stretch, but I certainly do love carving me some canyons. Most of the miles are spent in a more or less straight line (highway or commuting), but most of the time spent in the saddle is spent ripping up mountain single-lane roads and rural highways.

I’m torn between the perceived performance value earned with the aftermarket clamp and the extra cash. As an amateur rider, will I even notice the difference with the OEM clamp? Any other reason not to grab the cash and loose the nearly unobtainable Two Bros clamp?

Thanks,
James

[Canadian Bird]

I don't regret any after market handling and performance mods to my BlackBird. How long do expect to be an "amateur"? The more you ride that monster the better rider you'll be. I don't care how big ones bike is, it's all about the corners.

[Turkus]

Originally Posted by Canadian Bird

How long do expect to be an "amateur"? The more you ride that monster the better rider you'll be. I don't care how big ones bike is, it's all about the corners.

James is far from "amateur status".....I should know, I've tried to chase him through some winding Oregon back-roads
Of course that was on his Kwaker DS, but he takes that beast of a Valk just about anywhere he can get traction, too.
I'm even thinking of getting him some BMW GS emblems for that LandBarge as a Christmas present

James, if that part is as scarce as hen's teeth I'd put it on the bike and ride some miles to evaluate it's worth to you.
If you're not impressed then take it back off, sell it, and spoil that darling baby girl of yours
(Saw the latest pics on FB....wow has she grown )

[j2x]

Bruce, you're too kind.

Though, perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post. The Two Bros triple clamp is on my Valkyrie currently. It was there when I bought the bike six or so years ago and so I don't have any perspective of what the Valkyrie is like with a stock clamp. When I bought the bike I was given several boxes of parts and stuff, one of which contains the OEM clamp.

My family is earning enough these days to squeak by, but there are certainly a few things, like rebuilding my front shocks (too many miles of washboard gravel) and replacing the Regulator/Rectifier on my KLX that have been put off for lack of a few hundred extra dollars.

I'd love to keep the tree, but I'm just doubtful that I'd notice a real difference in handling after a month or so. Bike rides like a freakin spaceship as it is and I think I'll still think it's pretty stellar even without that extra 5% of handling, or whatever the Two Bros clamp effectively adds.

Of course, I'd really hate regretting the decision. Dang...