The more restrictive the valving or more viscous (heavier) the fluid, the slower the fork will move. By transferring a quantity of oil from one end of the fork to the other through a series of small orifices or valves, the movement of the fork can be controlled. Your motorcycle uses fluids in motion to resist movement. Hydraulics is a branch of science that deals with the practical applications of fluid in motion. If you want to really amaze friends, you can also call fork oil 'hydraulic fluid' or 'hydraulic oil.' You will find that many of the best fork oils are labeled as a 'cartridge fluid,' but to our way of thinking that is more of a marketing move than actual fact. Within the industry it's common to use both oil and fluid in the same sentence. QUESTION ONE: IS FORK OIL AN OIL OR A FLUID? MXA's ( ) guide to fork oil will help you understand what that means to you, your bike and any hoped-for win streaks. Instead of helium, air, water or lead, forks use different viscosities of oil. Helium, air, water or lead will change the characteristics of a basketball.įork oil does the same thing to your bike's forks. Depending on what you put in it, it will bounce high, bounce low or not bounce at all. The ball is a sphere to contain and restrict its contents. See how sluggishly it returns? That's compression. Next, fill half of the basketball with water. See how quick it bounces back? That's rebound.
