A motorcycle needs different components and parts to be able to ride comfortably and safely. The fork is an essential element for this. It makes it possible to stabilize the conduct in all circumstances even in types of terrain which are quite difficult. Currently we can see that there are a few types of forks. In this swerve, you may be lost when choosing the latter. To a normal person even this word may be unfamiliar. You should know that we do not refer only to the beautiful design and the beautiful colors of it. It is really necessary to know its characteristics. This will optimize the performances of your motorcycle.
To choose your motorcycle fork efficiently, you have to consider three factors, function, size and shape. To this end, it is quite normal that a fork model could not be compatible with all motorcycles. Knowing that not everyone would want to break the bank, it pays to choose the one that offers good value for money. This means a fork that fully performs its functions of shock absorption, steering for your motorcycle and holding the wheel when you apply the brakes. All this set that will protect your engine and your frame.
Before embarking on the choice of the motorcycle fork you are going to install. It deserves to give you in a few points the different types of forks.
The different types of forks
The telescopic fork
This kind of fork is made up of two similar tube-shaped pieces that are installed on both sides of the front wheels of your motorcycle. To ensure its work, it is equipped with several internal elements. First, we have the plunger tube which will be placed inside the sheath. Apart from said dip tube, the sleeve contains other materials and components such as oil or the spring depending on the damping system present on your fork. On this subject there are two damping systems, the hydraulic system which takes care of the management of the fluid and the spring system which is a more classic version. Finally, we have the spinnaker seal which has the role of sealing the tube and the sheath.
The advantage with this type of fork is that it is inexpensive and easily found in the market. However, you should know that it wears out quickly, for this purpose, the fork cannot be used for sporting purposes or for extreme activities.
Our recommended products:
Here is a selection of telescopic forks for your motorcycle that might interest you.
Black telescopic fork for Peugeot 103 SP / SPX type motorcycle.
Gray telescopic fork by the Motodak brand for PEUGEOT 103 moped 145 ST560.
26 mm black telescopic fork of the generic brand for Peugeot type 50 or 105 SP.
See all telescopic fork models available on amazon
The inverted fork
This type of fork is an inverted version of the classic fork. We saw its appearance in the early 80s. Roughly speaking, it has the same operating mode as this one. Only the location of the dip tube differs. For this purpose, for this type of fork all the parts are reversed. The sleeve is attached to the triple trees, then the plunger tube will join the axles of your wheels.
You can enjoy sportier and off-road use with this type of fork. It is more rigid and more resistant. However, this rigidity could be a handicap in certain types of terrain.
Our recommended products:
Here is a selection of inverted forks for your motorcycle that might interest you.
Inverted fork tube with a length of 770 mm for dirt bike or pit bike type motorcycle.
735mm inverted fork tube for 15mm wheel axle. Ideal for dirt bike type motorcycles.
Inverted fork tube for dirt bike motorcycle. Length of 735 mm. Ideal for wheel axle with a diameter of 15 to 20 mm.
See all inverted fork models available on amazon
The cartridge fork
This type of fork may well be a telescopic fork which is the most classic version or an inverted fork. Notwithstanding, it uses another system which allows to gain in longevity and durability. A cartridge is installed there to contain the oil. This has two systems provided by these two pistons. One is in charge of the compression and the other is in charge of the rebound. To this end, the adjustment is made more fluid and easier.
This type of fork is ideal for sports or off-road use. The cartridge system allows easier access to the oil. Which makes maintenance easier.
Our recommended products:
Here is a selection of cartridge forks for your motorcycle that might interest you.
Fork cartridge for Guzzi motorcycle. For compatible models, T5 850 or V 1000.
Fork cartridge adjustable up to 30 mm. Ideal for cafe racer or roadster.
Motorcycle Guzzi fork cartridge for T3 and V model year 1975 to 1984.
See all cartridge fork models available on amazon
The characteristics of a good motorcycle fork
You have to take into consideration a few factors, the type of use you are going to make of it. Is your motorcycle intended more for sports, off-road or roadster use? After that you have to choose between the type of damping. As a reminder, there are two including the oil suspension or the spring suspension.
The spring
You are therefore faced with two choices for the propulsion system of your motorcycle and for the shock absorption system. We therefore have the constant pitch spring and the progressive pitch spring. For the first, the flexibility system is continuous. in this way he can withstand small shocks. However, it deserves to note that this one is on the heels. For the progressive pitch spring, each element of the spring plays their respective role in the compression. In this way the system easily adapts to any type of difficulty and any kind of shock.
The suspension system
As we have seen previously that the type of suspension of your fork is divided into two. For this purpose, we will see the first one that uses the spring. The latter makes compressive movements when moving your motorcycle on the road. In this way, all the shocks are absorbed and this allows you to propel your motorcycle at the same time. Currently, we can still find this kind of system, it is still effective.
Then we have the oil suspension system or hydraulic suspension. This provides propulsion for good road holding and comfort. It is as if the latter compensated for the various oscillations present in this type of difficulty. The hydraulic system will decrease the oscillations using the energy it draws from the springs. during this time the oil will circulate inside the fork and the valve will slow down.
Our selection of the 5 best motorcycle forks
Sharplace Shock Front Forks For Super Dirt Mini Bike
Front motorcycle fork manufactured by the Sharplace brand for the 47 to 49 CC 2-stroke. Made with a resistant material based on aluminum, in gray color. Ideal for super bikes or mini dirt. The length of this is 510 mm. As for the diameter of the wheel axle, it is 12mm.
Classic Fork Tubes - 650mm - Dirt Bike
This new motorz motorcycle fork is 650mm in length and is ideal for dirt bikes. The diameter of the compatible wheel axle is 15mm. As for the weight of it, it is 4,6 kilograms. The diameter of the sleeves is 33 / 33mm. Metal material in two colors black and gray.
Wai Danie Motorcycle Shock Absorber Front Fork
This pair of front motorcycle forks is made by the Wai Danie brand. The material used is mainly aluminum.Ideal for Yamaha PW 50 motorcycle models from the years 1981 to 2015. The total weight of the fork is 2 kilograms. The length of the fork is approximately 50 cm.
Fully black fork for moped
This type of fork is telescopic, designed with black dyed aluminum material. Made by the 2 extreme brand. ideal for moped maxi moped type motorcycles. The length of it is 100 cm. As for its weight it is 5,58 Kilograms. Compatible with puch maxi moped fork.
Moto Guzzi Bitubo Nitro Fork Cartridges
This product is a fork cartridge model for Moto Guzzi type V1000 or T3 850. Manufactured by the BItubo brand, it is completely new. Built to last with the material it is made from which is mostly made from aluminum. The weight of the item is a total of 2 kilograms.
Maintaining a motorcycle fork
In order to keep your fork in good condition over a long period of time, it is necessary to assign it three types of maintenance.
Relaxation
This consists of regulating the quantity of oil inside the calibrated hole. This type of adjustment makes it possible to act directly on the fork by putting it in its initial position.
The constraint
For this it is necessary to adjust the quantity of oil which arrives in the valve. The purpose of this is to adjust the speed of contraction or depression of the fork.
The prestressing
To proceed, we will compress the spring until it hardens. Reference should be made to the adjustment screw which is usually found on the lower part of the fork leg. It should be noted that on type motorcycles the spring must be hard enough, on the other hand on roadsters it must be fairly soft.
The tools needed to maintain a motorcycle fork
Fork oil
This fork oil is compatible for a wide range of motorcycle forks. It protects your forks from possible wear with its anti-friction and anti-emulsion technology. This Ipone brand lubricant is ideal for the maintenance of your two-wheeled vehicle by ensuring good performance in all circumstances. The capacity of the latter is 1L.
A syringe for dosing or adjusting the oil level
You will need this tool so you don't get confused in the ideal dose of oil. This will also make it easier to maintain your fork. There is a measurement allowing you to see or measure the amount of oil to be injected into the dedicated element of your fork. The weight of the item is only 300g.
Rubber coating for forks
You need this tool to protect your forks from messy elements that can lead to wear and tear. This will increase longevity and prevent you from changing forks for a certain period of time. The advantage with this one is that it is made to last, the rubber that composes it has been specially designed to be waterproof in all circumstances. This will protect you from dust and oil.
