Tie down fork support

[trees182]

I have seen these fork supports for the bikes that keep the front suspension from moving when you tie it down. They say to Place between front fender and tire; pressure from tie-downs is against fork support, not internal components of front suspension. My question is are these really needed? I pulled my bikes around for years without them but that was the old style forks,so maybe this is an issue with the inverted forks? Any feedback is appreciated.

[KKXR400R]

its a good idea but not necessary. When the forks are compressed the air can build up especially if you driving to higher elevations. After I unload the bikes I make it a habit to bleed off the air that built up. I made one out of a 4 X 4 and a saw-zaw. Just cut the end in a half circle so it didn't slip off the tire. Cost me a little over 5 bucks.

-Kevin-

[Grieby54]

A 2x4 works well...

[ccnut]

Yep 2x4 is all I use,works great

[trees182]

Thanks for the replys, do you compress the forks any or just cut the board to fit with full extension?

[brucem]

maybe i am not too smart, but i am unsure of what putting a piece of wood in between the tire and the fender when i tie down the bike in the back of a truck or trailer prevents??

[Grieby54]

Originally Posted by trees182

Thanks for the replys, do you compress the forks any or just cut the board to fit with full extension?

Cut it a couple of inches short so that you compress the suspenion those couple of inches. It allows for a snugger fit.

Originally Posted by brucem

maybe i am not too smart, but i am unsure of what putting a piece of wood in between the tire and the fender when i tie down the bike in the back of a truck or trailer prevents??

It keeps you from having to compress the forks to secure your bike in the bed of your truck. If you put a block between your tire and fender, then tighten the straps, it's just as secure as compressing the hell out of your forks, without the damage to your forks. Make sense?

[KKXR400R]

Acerbis sells one. not sure how much but it looks like this...

[brucem]

thanks grieby54 - i think i had a small brainfart there.....

[Freak]

I see way to many people hauling bikes with the forks compressed all the way down. If you don't have the wood, or the time, put your bike in side ways. It does not compress the forks and the bike is very stable. I love it when I see one bike in the back of a truck, right smack in the middle. Turn it sideways and take the pressure off your forks.

[Miles711]

I use a plastic one so I don't feel bad about tightening my bike down so tight that I rock the truck when I push on it. My bike aint going nowheres! The plastic and wheel are more than capable of handleing the load, but its something I wouldn't want to do to my fork all the time.

[Pretendo]

when tying down the bike and constantly keeping the fork components under a heavy compression load, the fork components will fatigue. the bushings, fork seals, and wipers will have to constantly hold a high volume of pressure. its not the smartest idea. i mean, its not the worst thing ever, but its not ideal.