Got to ride with my new setup today. Pretty darn comfortable. The flat bars made it feel a lot more sporty, and angles ya a little into the wind. Doesn't feel like you have to hold on as much.
The fork brace really tightened up the front suspension. A very noticeable difference in my opinion, and a lot more corner friendly.
Pretty happy with the results overall.
Got to ride mine last week when there was a warmup. I have the same brace and yes it felt better. Hard to explain how other than it feels more solid.
Ron