I honestly thought Yamaha’s GTS heralded the beginning of the end of telescopic fork front suspension. Yet here we are, 22 years later and besides BMW’s Telelever and Duolever technology (and the Bimota Tesi… -Ed.), the telescopic fork remains de rigueur for motorcycle front ends.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from htob.
Depending on who you ask, the telescopic fork made its first appearance in undamped fashion circa on a Scott motorcycle. The experiment didn’t last, as later models used the more contemporary girder suspension. BMW and/or Nimbus, circa , are credited with producing the first motorcycles with a hydraulically damped telescopic fork. Using that date as an anchor, hydraulically damped telescopic forks have been in development for 81 years.
The most recent advancement in fork technology is electronically damped, semi-active suspension. No longer must motorcyclists make concessions to settings that are either too stiff or too soft, without kneeling on the ground, making adjustments to hard-to-reach knobs and screws. Electronic suspension is currently reserved for higher-end models, but it’ll soon trickle down.
For the everyday rider, maintaining or upgrading your analog suspension is the practical means for smoothing bumps and potholes, or attaining a quicker lap time. John Burns looked at a variety of motorcycle suspension topics in his Suspension Buyer’s Guide, but here we take a closer, specific look at motorcycle forks.
Factory Connection exists in the world of dirt bikes and off-road competition. FC services forks at its five locations across the U.S., as well as selling its own line of fork spring kits, fork valves, spring seats, etc. They also have tuning tools such as an air pump/gauge designed to work with the KYB Pneumatic Spring Fork. You’ll also find Factory Connection providing trackside support at MX races on most weekends.
AMA 250GP class podium finisher, Ed Sorbo, knows how to circulate a race track quickly. Combining his knowledge of speed with the tutelage of LE founder Jim Lindemann, Sorbo offers a variety of fork services at Lindemann Engineering in Southern California. From lengthening forks internally to customizing fork springs for your weight, your bike’s front end will be better for it. To take advantage of the fork service, schedule a coaching day with Sorbo, and let him school you on everything from bike set-up to proper line selection.
As one of the best-known suspension manufacturers in the world, Öhlins needs no introduction. Adorning everything from MotoGP bikes to factory motocrossers, as well as breaking new ground with progressive products such as the electronically damped, semi-active units seen on many production motorcycles. Öhlins USA offers new forks as well as providing fork services such as custom setup and installation of FGK kits, and re-valving OEM forks with Öhlins piston kits.
Not only does Race Tech manufacture aftermarket fork components for nearly every type and discipline of both on- and off-road motorcycle, the company is also offering their own G6 Custom Forks. Race Tech also services suspension components at its vast network of nationwide Race Tech service centers. Race Tech owner, Paul Thede, hosts Suspension Theory classes at the mother ship in Corona, California. For those who like to read, Race Tech’s Motorcycle Suspension Bible is also available.
Tom RoderickA former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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Choosing the right oil seal kit for your motorcycle is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. Oil seals, also known as shaft seals or radial lip seals, play a vital role in keeping the engine oil from leaking and ensuring that contaminants do not enter the engine. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right oil seal kit for your motorcycle.
Oil seals are designed to protect various parts of your motorcycle by sealing gaps between stationary and moving components. They prevent oil leakage, maintain lubrication, and keep out dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Common applications of oil seals in motorcycles include the engine, gearbox, and forks.
The first step in selecting the correct oil seal kit is to know the exact make, model, and year of your motorcycle. Oil seals are designed to fit specific models, so having this information will ensure you get the right fit.
Oil Seal Kit
Different parts of your motorcycle will require different types of oil seals. Common seals include:
Fork Seals: Prevent oil from leaking out of the forks.
Engine Seals: Prevent oil from leaking out of the engine and keep contaminants out.
Gearbox Seals: Ensure smooth operation of the gearbox by preventing oil leakage.
Check your motorcycle's service manual to identify all the seals you need.
Oil seals are made from various materials, each suited to different conditions and applications:
Nitrile Rubber (NBR): Commonly used for general-purpose seals. Suitable for temperatures up to 120°C.
Fluorocarbon (Viton): Ideal for high-temperature applications and exposure to harsh chemicals. Suitable for temperatures up to 200°C.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Fork Oil Seal. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Silicone: Good for high-temperature applications but not suitable for high-pressure environments.
Polyacrylate: Used in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. Suitable for automotive applications.
Choose a material that matches the operating conditions of your motorcycle.
Accurate measurements are critical for a proper fit. The three main dimensions to consider are:
Inner Diameter (ID): The diameter of the seal's inner opening, which fits around the shaft.
Outer Diameter (OD): The diameter of the seal's outer edge, which fits into the housing.
Width: The thickness of the seal.
Use a caliper or refer to the specifications in your motorcycle’s service manual to get these measurements.
Oil Seal Kit for Your Motorcycle
Different seal designs offer varying levels of performance:
Single Lip Seals: Suitable for general applications with moderate contamination levels.
Double Lip Seals: Provide additional protection by having an extra lip to keep out dirt and contaminants.
Spring-loaded Seals: Include a spring to maintain constant pressure on the sealing lip, ensuring better performance in dynamic applications.
Opt for oil seal kits from reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Brands like SKF, NOK, and OEM parts are generally recommended.
Check reviews and ratings to ensure the kit you choose is durable and performs well under various conditions.
Buy from authorized dealers or trusted online stores to ensure you get genuine and high-quality products. Avoid low-cost alternatives that may compromise performance and longevity.
Preparation: Clean the area around the seal thoroughly before installation to prevent contamination.
Lubrication: Lightly coat the seal with oil or grease to ease installation and prevent damage.
Proper Tools: Use the correct tools to install the seals without causing deformation.
Check Alignment: Ensure the seal is properly aligned and seated to prevent leaks.
Choosing the right oil seal kit for your motorcycle involves understanding your specific needs, selecting the appropriate materials and designs, and ensuring accurate measurements. By following these steps, you can maintain your motorcycle's performance and extend its lifespan. Always prioritize quality and compatibility to keep your ride smooth and leak-free.
For more information on types of oil seals, please get in touch with King Seal.
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