Durability of standard forks vs inverted forks.

[Bill Hilly]

My first Chinese bike was a Brozz 250, which had the inverted forks, and my current Chinese bike is a TBR7D that has standard,old style forks. I don't really abuse my bike, but it does see some rough, gravel, stone, and dirt roads. To me the front forks look so puny compared to the similar Chinese bikes with inverted forks. Aside from looking better, how much more durable are the inverted forks on this type bike. I see were some brace them with a U shaped bracket that they bolt on , kinda like a low mounted front fender would bolt on. Thanks

[Megadan]

Plenty of us carbed Hawk guys running around off road without issue on our spaghetti forks with no problem to speak of.

The fork brace is a worth while mod to help firm up the front end. The flex they have without it is definitely noticeable. Some flex isn't a bad thing qhen off road though, contrary to what many believe, but it also means the steering feel is very numb on road, hence the fork brace.

The standard forks also have the benefit of being easily upgraded with emulator valves for fairly cheap which helps achieve superb damping quality, something much harder to do with the cheap inverted forks.

[Thumper]

I wanted to upgrade to a fork dampener emulator on my Bashan Storm, but it came with USD forks.

However, I found that changing to good Motul fork oil stiffened them up nicely, and they don't flex noticeably. Once I changed the oil they are great! :yay:

We had a TBR7 for a while ( my son). I know what you mean about flexing. We sold it. He likes the Storm better, and it actually cost about the same.

The Templars also come with USD forks. And adjustable on the X. Very good for "cheap" forks.

[Megadan]

I wanted to upgrade to a fork dampener emulator on my Bashan Storm, but it came with USD forks.

However, I found that changing to good Motul fork oil stiffened them up nicely, and they don't flex noticeably. Once I changed the oil they are great! :yay:


Good oil in a cheap USD fork still won't feel or ride the same as an emulator valve setup in a standard fork. The damping behavior is completely opposite with those valves installed and it makes a big difference.

Preload adjustment is also much easier on the standard forks.

There are upsides to being simple lol