I've been talking to a couple of people who are putting Earles forks on the Christmas wish list. I have Earles, but I've also driven with regular forks. What's the big deal/ why are they allegedly better?
The two biggies are ability to adjust trail and lateral stiffness when compared to telescopic forks.
Originally written by Uncle Ernie on 5/22/2008 11:21 PM
I've been talking to a couple of people who are putting Earles forks on the Christmas wish list. I have Earles, but I've also driven with regular forks. What's the big deal/ why are they allegedly better?
I have had both...i put an earles on my 73 /5 rig, and now I have an 85 K100 rig with Unit LL's.
roadwise, there is little difference. both really added a huge amount of easier steering, AND stability with the stiffer forks. no flexing on the stock forks any more.
If you can find an earles at a reasonable price, go for it, but it depends on the bike. some adaptaptations are very hard to do, and expensive.
otherwise go for the Unit LL's, custom fitted for your individual bike...one day install by yourself.
Hello
Agree with Bob they make all the difference The GTR is almost impossible with teles with L/L a different sort of ride.
Regards
Barry
What's a GTR? Text talk?
Not familiar with that one on this side of the pond.
Lonnie
Are you guys comparing Earles forks and Unit LL with stock telescopic forks, ot those which have been modified (perhaps different triple trees or leading legs)?I didn't realize the Earles were actually adjustable? I had asked this question re: the Unit front ends, and was specifically told they were not adjustable. Did I misunderstand?
Originally written by Hack'n on 5/23/2008 4:07 PM
What's a GTR? Text talk?
Not familiar with that one on this side of the pond.Lonnie
Kawasaki Concours
Greg, BMW Earls came stock with 2 settings- one for solo use and one for SC use.
I've never understood if it makes the wheelbase longer, shorter, or what? It does affect the handling, though.
I can't speak for all unit ll but mine have two positions for the down tubes to mount the swing arm. They are about 2" apart and adjust the trail, and as a side effect also the wheelbase. You can also adjust the clamp on the downtube where the upper shock mounts. This adjusts the level of the swingarm under sag and to a lesser extent trail.
Kawasaki Concours:
Not familiar with them. I hear they are a "Cult" bike though.
Lonnie
Originally written by tkpinsc on 5/24/2008 8:14 AM
I can't speak for all unit ll but mine have two positions for the down tubes to mount the swing arm. They are about 2" apart and adjust the trail, and as a side effect also the wheelbase. You can also adjust the clamp on the downtube where the upper shock mounts. This adjusts the level of the swingarm under sag and to a lesser extent trail.
Todd,
According to Unit the different holes are NOT for adjusting trail but for manufacturing purposes.Yes, some have used them to adjust trail but that is not advised by the company.
Kawasaki Concours:
Not familiar with them. I hear they are a "Cult" bike though.
Lonnie
They have been around since 1986 Lonnie and the 2008 model is kinda cool but don't worry,,, some day you'll see one 🙂
Never had any instructions. Which holes are you supposed to use? I'm also curious how an extra set of holes helps the manufacturing process? Interesting information.
In for 2 wheels and out for 3 at least for early BMW's that come with a earls fork and sidecar mounts OEM.
Originally written by tkpinsc on 5/25/2008 7:36 AM
Never had any instructions. Which holes are you supposed to use? I'm also curious how an extra set of holes helps the manufacturing process? Interesting information.
Todd,
Sidecarists have been swapping hole sin these for a long time and there was always some discussion on wheter or not it was correct to do so. Recently Gary Haynes got a Unit leading link and moved the swingarm forward where he liked it best. When he told Unit what he had done they confiremd it to be a no no etc and are sending him another swingarm with the holes designed to suppoert th elaods etc.They said not to use the holes he was using due to structural concerns. I suppose the additional holes are for jig purposes?
Moving the front axle forward decreases trail and makes steering easier.
We have done them with adjustable trail with a different pivot mounting system. Some have also used a pinch block to hold the pivot bearing assembly that allows trail to be set just about anywhere within reason.
On the ADVrider site there is a thread about leadibng links with tons of pictures. Unit is a pop;uat brand for sure bit others make a very nice leading lkink such as Wasp, EML and of course Lowell Neff.
