Anti-dive
front forks
Many high performance machines are fitted with anti-dive
front forks which lock when the brake is applied. In these
cases the front wheel will need to be placed against a solid
object when checking the damping.
It is important to distinguish between play in the forks
and that in the wheel bearings.
Light rubbing contact between a fork leg or damper body
and its shroud is acceptable.
Some smaller machines are not fitted with dampers on the
front suspension.
Some fork arrangements rely on the bracing incorporated
in the mudguard fixings to maintain their alignment. A mudguard
insecurely fixed to the forks may therefore adversely affect
the handling of the machine.
Light misting of the stanchion is
acceptable but if evidence of oil running down the fork
leg is apparent the reason for rejection would apply.
Pitting of a fork stanchion is not a reason tor rejection
unless damage to damper seals has occurred. It may be necessary
to pull back any rubber gaiters to conduct this examination
if it is possible without dismantling or damage but they
must be correctly refitted.
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1.
a. Check the condition, alignment and security of the front
fork assembly.
b. Check condition of suspension springs
c. Check shock absorbers for oil leakage due to seal failure
2. Check for wear in the front fork assembly by one of the
following methods:
a. whilst the machine is held upright grip the front wheel
firmly and attempt to turn the handlebars from side to side
looking for free play in the forks;
b. on leading or trailing link type suspensions, with the
wheel raised, attempt to move the swinging fork from side
to side and look for play in the pivot bearings or bushes.
3. With the front wheel raised check that the wheel and
its associated fixing and locking devices are present and
secure and that the wheel bearings are not excessively tight
or do not have excessive free play. Spin the wheel and listen
for roughness in the bearings.
4. Observe the freedom of movement and the effectiveness
of the damping by applying the front brake and depressing
the forks several times as far as possible. (see information
column).
5. Check the security of the front mudguard and look for
evidence of it having been in contact with either the wheel,
the tyre or any fixed part of the machine.
6. Check condition of steering and suspension with regard
to corrosion. distortion and modifications.
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1.
a. a fork assembly component which is missing, loose, cracked,
or excessively bent, misaligned or corroded.
b. a road spring:
(i) incomplete, cracked or fractured
(ii) worn or corroded so that its cross sectional area is
reduced such that It is seriously weakened;
(iii) repaired by welding.
c. Oil leakage indicating failure of the seal.
2. Excessive free play between the sliding members of the
forks or in the pivot bearings, (see information column).
3.
a. a loose wheel spindle or securing nut(s) or locking device
missing or insecure
b. Excessive roughness, tightness or free play in the wheel
bearings
4.
a. fouling between the fixed and moving parts which affects
the movement of the forks, (see information column)
b. excessive stiffness in the movement of the forks
c. Forks with inadequate damping effect. (see information
column)
d. an insecure fork brace
5. An insecure mudguard or one able to easily contact the
wheel, tyre or any fixed point of the machine.
6. deliberate modification which significantly reduces the
original strength, excessive corrosion, severe distortion,
a fracture or an inadequate repair of a load bearing member
or its supporting structure.
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