Earles/leading link vs telescopic/OEM fork weight

[EW57]

Greetings, all other factors aside (for now), what did the typical aftermarket earles/leading link front end weigh in comparison to the hodaka forks?

Thanks!

[hodakamax]

Good question. Leading link forks look heavier than stock conventional forks and I always assumed they were. This all dependent on several factors but generally the leading link replacement is about the same weight or even lighter than the originals. It would be interesting to weigh some examples. Notice that the bike in the avatar picture on the right has leading link forks. Maxie

[Bruce Young]

Max as a reference point, the Van Tech flyer page and info list their units at approx 16lbs, most other leading link forks, DKW and etc I think where a lot heavier.
PS the leading link fork for off road use, worked fantastic over logs, rocks and rough terrain, but did not turn as quickly as a reg. set of forks. Great desert forks. Bruce Young

[hodakamax]

When the new Model 93 Super Rats arrived at the shop, we took the first crate of two for the Shop's Moto-cross effort. I rode one. The early fork tubes proved to be weak and were quickly replaced by warranty but we had already panicked and replaced both sets with VanTech leading link forks and 21" front wheels. As Bruce said they did not turn as quickly but the problem was solved with a lengthening of the swing arms. They proved to be quite effective especially on rough terrain and both of us preferred them over the stock units. My report.

[viclioce]

Is that you Maxie??? Victor

[taber hodaka]

That is not the old man, that is the kid. ----------------- Clarence

[hodakamax]

Victor, yep, tis I, nearly fifty years ago. Somewhat fast then, somewhat slow now. All true Clarence my friend, what fun that time in life was. The best actually!

[viclioce]

Maxie. I remember being 16 and getting my 1st bike! It was a heavy pig, a Kawasaki F6 125. Long stroke and no power. Looked just like this one. Victor

[Droydx]

I've got a set of LL forks, I believe are Steens, in my pile o' stuff. I have never weighed them, but they are HEAVY. The down tubes are steel and youi've got two full size shocks on them. I can dig them out of storage and put them on a scale if you would be interested.

Andy

[EW57]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Andy, if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to take you up on your offer of weighing your steens frontend.

Take care all!

[dirty_rat]

If anyone does weigh a set of leading link forks, don't forget to weigh them with the appropriate shocks installed to get an accurate gauge of the weight difference between them and the standard forks.

[Droydx]

After comparing the forks that I have to pictures of other LL forks, I am pretty sure that mine are Van Tech's, not a Steens unit. I weighed the fork, complete with the shocks, (old Girlings it looks like) brake plate, fender brace and front axle. It came in at 22.2 lbs....not exactly svelte, but it sure is a beefy unit!

Andy

[EW57]

Andy,

Thank you sir! I appreciate the info.

[hodakamax]

Still interested in this weight comparison thing and if I ever get un-frozen, I think I have a set of 93 forks scattered around the Hodaka shed that I can weigh with equal components. Be patient. Maxie

[hodakamax]

Well, the Hodaka shed has thawed out. Here's about the same stuff off of a model 93 Super Rat, missing a brake arm and my one pound fork brace might be a bit lighter than the above fender mount. All of this weighs in at 21.0 pounds compared to the leading link at 22.2 pounds. Just as I suspected, about the same. Interesting, always argued but never actually weighed anything. There ya go. Maxie

[EW57]

Thanks again, I appreciated it!