Table of Contents
What is a girder fork?
One of the earliest types of motorcycle front suspension, the girder fork consists of a pair of uprights attached to the triple clamp by linkages with a spring usually between the top and bottom triple clamps. The design reached a peak in the “Girdraulics” used on the Vincent motorcycle.
What is a fork tube motorcycle?
The fork tubes are shock-absorbing devices that hold the front wheel in place, while the triple clamps secure them to the frame, holding both in alignment. The spindle or steering stem pivots on the frame’s steering head, so the fork assembly can be turned to steer the motorcycle.
Are all motorcycle forks the same?
There are two main kinds of forks used in modern motorcycles — damping rod forks (old, simple) and cartridge forks (newer, more complex). By the way, this is independent from whether they’re conventional or inverted forks.
How does fork rake affect motorcycle handling?
The bottom line here is that the more rake and trail we have, the more stable the bike will become, although both steering and maneuverability may suffer for it. Conversely, when rake and trail are reduced, the bike will steer quicker and become more maneuverable, though it’s usually at the expense of stability.
What is a USD fork?
The term USD stands for UpSide Down. It is a telescopic fork but fitted inversely or in an upside-down position. So, in short, it’s an upside down fork. In this design, the upper tubes (fixed fork tubes) have a larger diameter than the lower tubes (immersion or slider tubes).
Why are upside down forks better?
This reduces flex and improves handling and feel. Inverted forks generally have more overlap – the amount the stanchion protrudes into the slider – than conventional forks. And the more overlap there is, the more rigid the fork – just like an extending ladder. Inverted forks also have longer slider bushes.
Can I put different forks on my motorcycle?
USD Fork swaps on motorcycles have become a staple in the custom community. With a bit of work, some careful measurement and a few hours you can completely change the way your bike handles, brakes and looks.
What is a good rake and trail on a motorcycle?
Rake and trail enhance stability, so bikes with lots of both, such as cruiser, custom or touring rigs—which typically have rake angles of close to 30 degrees or more, and a trail measurement of maybe five to seven inches— tend to be extremely steady in their habits.
Why upside-down forks are better?
What is triple tree on motorcycle?
The triple tree is the triangle like structure that connects the entire front end of a bike to the frame. Also known as a triple clamp or yoke, these set ups can be changes out for a different rake, or just to change the aesthetic of the bike.