upside down forks? wots it all about?

Bit embarrassing really, being an engineer as well.

But i cant figure out why upside down forks make any any difference as opposed to right way up forks?

can anyone explain, i've googled and wiki'd it, stil none the wiser!

My very basic understanding is that with upsidedownies the "thick" bit of the forks are contained within in the yokes, thus helping rigidity and the thin bits are suspended, helping with, maybe, unsprung weight.

I'm sure someone will be along soon with the professional answer.

[21QUEST]

Simply put, USD forks usually have better internals ie catridge(as opposed to SVs' damper rod internals). RWU catridge forks work just as well.


Cheers
Ben

And they look better too

They do look better, but often transmit more of an accident shock into the frame, plus don't they have a tendency to blow the seals more often?

Originally Posted by 21QUEST

Simply put, USD forks usually have better internals ie catridge(as opposed to SVs' damper rod internals). RWU catridge forks work just as well.

But there is no reason RWU forks can't have the same internals? its just a tarty thing?

Originally Posted by injury_ian

But there is no reason RWU forks can't have the same internals? its just a tarty thing?

Your right Ben is a tart

Have a look at this months Performance Bikes mag. There's a GSXR 600/1000 that's got radial brakes on RWU forks, weird but kinda cool. The guy who built it says the forks are good enough as they are, I think he's changed the internals though.

Now that most bikes have USD forks, shouldn't they be called RWU? Or would that be too confusing?

& they are more expensive to change the oil.......by a shop

[21QUEST]

Originally Posted by BILLY

Your right Ben is a tart

.

Hovi5, for a shop with the right tools/know what they are doing(....and some don't) etc, shouldn't add much more. To do most USD yourself you only need to invest about £30 for a basic kit.


Cheers
Ben