Girder Forks.

[hornet6]

Yeah....but do they work as good as girders...or worse ?

[morrag]

An "Earles" type fork is probably the best solution to a trikes steering probs. Girders, whilst they may be a personal preference for cosmetic reasons, are very limited in function, on a trke or solo However, that in no way detracts from the excellent workmanship of the set "Olds" is manufacturing, but thems the facts I'm afraid!.......Morrag

[Olds]

Morrag is correct. Girders for example tend to have short travel and are prone to excessive wear and high maintenance compared to teles.

You don't state the application they are to be used in. The use of 'short leading link' forks works well on lightweight bikes such as the Honda C50 etc. For a trike of any size I'd say that Earles are probably the best function wise. You could  make an Earles/short leading link hybrid by joining the links together around the back of the wheel, similar to those use on some Greeves. Sure there must be a name for these but can't think of one.

One thing I'd like to say is, one of the reasons that I'm making these forks, is to see if I can. If they don't look right or work well once fitted I'm quite happy to scrap them. It's all a learning experience.

[morrag]

From what I can tell from the pics, they will certainly work at least as well as this type of fork is able, and should you decide not to use them, I'm absolutely sure there will be a line of prospective buyers!! so scrapping will not enter the equation. For trike purposes I'm sure they will be fine, as the horizontal plane is not their problem, and excessive suspension travel is unnecessary for the application, so it will be interesting to see how they perform. They will be at the very least as serviceable in a trike application, as the more traditional, at least these days!! telescopic fork. when used at the excessive rakes seen on some builds, where the only real suspension action is the "bending" moment in the stations!! ho, hum....Morrag

[Olds]

  Thanks for the vote of confidence morrag.
The point I was trying to make is that if you want to try something different, such as 'short leading link suspension', there is not a lot to lose in trying, if you accept that it may not work from the start and just enjoy doing it .

[ByzMax]

Girders are great on trikes if set up correctly. I've built a few sets over the years now and they work fine.

The problem is they need to be designed for the vehicle they are going to be fitted to and don't suit being swapped to another.

The biggest issue is find the right damper and spring set up but with trial and error you can get it.

The wear problems are down to poor design of links, shafts and bearing housing. Alignment is a problem too as welding distorts parts that have just been machined to a fine tolerance.

Nice work ON

[hornet6]

I agree with what you all say....I was,nt trying to stir things up, your skills and knowledge are amazing. I only wanted to find out as I was considering trying to make a set of girders,but when I saw those other forks on the yam xs650, well it gave me an idea weather to try and make a set of those instead. Only because they seem easy to make {famous last words} for someone like me   

[morrag]

Well, I must tell you Hornet , whatever fork you decide to make will not be "easy" as it requires an excellent level of engineering skills,as witnessed by the build in this thread, coupled with a comprehensive "tool kit" ie, Welding gear, lathe, pedestal drill etc. or access to same, so if you don't have these, then for safety sake, try something else!! Your building process must include a form of reliable 'Gig' to ensure accuracy and conformity, so if you have all those things.........................off you go! but if not, keep viewing "Olds" project, as an alternative, or at least until you do   Morrag

[Olds]

This is getting sort of embarrassing  but thank you.
 True, I'm lucky enough to have a lathe, small pillar drill and basic welding equipment. But trying to make these forks at home, is pushing the limits for me.
That is what makes it fun.
The wife thinks I'm nuts, she may be right

[scannerzer]

you make it look easy ON

[morrag]

Perish the thought I should contribute to anyones embarrassment!! however, it happens to to be the focus of this thread, so.....it is worth being reminded that on a Forum such as this there are all types of contributor, and with very widely ranging engineering abilities, and rightly so, however, we should also remind those contributors not to over stretch their capabilities or It can become a dangerous hobby!so be cautious in your targets.And with that I shall retire from the discussion, but shall watch with interest ....Morrag

[ByzMax]

Well, I must tell you Hornet , whatever fork you decide to make will not be "easy" as it requires an excellent level of engineering skills,as witnessed by the build in this thread, coupled with a comprehensive "tool kit" ie, Welding gear, lathe, pedestal drill etc. or access to same, so if you don't have these, then for safety sake, try something else!! Your building process must include a form of reliable 'Gig' to ensure accuracy and conformity, so if you have all those things.........................off you go! but if not, keep viewing "Olds" project, as an alternative, or at least until you do   Morrag

Very wise words Morrag.

[Olds]

Slow progress but have made the headlamp stirrup mount. Managed to blend it in with the lower shock mounts so should look like  one piece once fully finished.
Will need to make another stirrup as the existing one has a different mounting arrangement and is slightly the wrong shape.

[steven brock]

Great job... Starting to rethink mine now .. Lol

[andyrennison]

The quality of these forks is fantastic. Sets a standard for sure