Difference between revisions of "Hatta fork"

From CycleChaos
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:1971 Kawasaki F7.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Kawasaki F7 showing Hatta forks]]
[[Image:1971 Kawasaki F7.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Kawasaki F7 showing Hatta forks]]
[[Image:Hatta Fork02.jpg|thumb|190px|right|Hatta fork capable of increasing rake]]
[[Image:Hatta Fork02.jpg|thumb|170px|right|Hatta fork capable of increasing fork offset]]
[[Image:Hatta Fork01.jpg|thumb|180px|right|Hatta fork capable of decreasing rake]]
[[Image:Hatta Fork01.jpg|thumb|160px|right|Hatta fork capable of decreasing fork offset]]
'''Hatta forks''' were a unique design of forks utilized by [[Kawasaki]] motorcycles from 1971 through 1975. These forks allowed the rider to customize the rake, spring tension, and fork length.  
The '''Hatta fork''' was a unique design of fork utilized by three [[Kawasaki]] motorcycles from 1971 through 1975. These forks allowed the rider to customize the rake, spring tension, and fork length. The base of the fork tube ended at the axle. The axle was then kept in place by a retaining cap and three fastening bolts.
==Adjustments==
===3 way axle===
The bottom of each leg of the fork have two positions for the axle. By placing the axle in the auxiliary position forward of the standard position increased the '''fork offset''' thus giving the motorcycle better road qualities. By rotating the legs 180° so the auxiliary axle position is behind of the standard axle slot, decreased the rake. This gave Hatta forks a total of three positions for the axle.
===Spring tension===
The spring tension rate and damping was adjustable via an adjusting screw at the top of each leg under rubber caps. This enabled the rider to customize the motorcycle for the conditions he was riding in.
===Fork length===
The upper and lower triple clamps were designed to permit even more adjustment. Both triple clamps had straight through holes as opposed to tapered at the top. This permitted the fork tubes to be raised or lowered to the rider's comfort.
 
 
Kawasaki models with Hatta forks:
Kawasaki models with Hatta forks:
*[[Kawasaki F7|Kawasaki F7 175cc Enduro]] (1971-1975)
*[[Kawasaki F7|Kawasaki F7 175cc Enduro]] (1971-1975)
*[[Kawasaki F5|Kawasaki F5 350cc "Bighorn"]] (1970-1971)
*[[Kawasaki F5|Kawasaki F5 350cc "Bighorn"]] (1970-1971)
*[[Kawasaki F8|Kawasaki F8 250cc "Bison"]] (1971-1972)
*[[Kawasaki F8|Kawasaki F8 250cc "Bison"]] (1971-1972)
==3 way axle==
The bottom of each leg of the forks have two positions for the axle. By placing the axle in the auxiliary position forward of the standard position increased the rake. By rotating the legs 180° so the auxiliary axle position is behind of the standard axle slot, decreased the rake. This gave Hatta forks a total of three positions for the axle.
==Spring tension==
The spring tension rate and damping was adjustable via an adjusting screw at the top of each leg under rubber caps.
==Fork length==
The upper and lower triple clamps were designed to permit even more adjustment. Both triple clamps had straight through holes as opposed to tapered at the top. This permitted the fork tubes to be raised or lowered to the rider's comfort.


[[Category:Kawasaki motorcycles]]
[[Category:Kawasaki motorcycles]]

Revision as of 17:44, 15 March 2009

Kawasaki F7 showing Hatta forks
Hatta fork capable of increasing fork offset
Hatta fork capable of decreasing fork offset

The Hatta fork was a unique design of fork utilized by three Kawasaki motorcycles from 1971 through 1975. These forks allowed the rider to customize the rake, spring tension, and fork length. The base of the fork tube ended at the axle. The axle was then kept in place by a retaining cap and three fastening bolts.

Adjustments

3 way axle

The bottom of each leg of the fork have two positions for the axle. By placing the axle in the auxiliary position forward of the standard position increased the fork offset thus giving the motorcycle better road qualities. By rotating the legs 180° so the auxiliary axle position is behind of the standard axle slot, decreased the rake. This gave Hatta forks a total of three positions for the axle.

Spring tension

The spring tension rate and damping was adjustable via an adjusting screw at the top of each leg under rubber caps. This enabled the rider to customize the motorcycle for the conditions he was riding in.

Fork length

The upper and lower triple clamps were designed to permit even more adjustment. Both triple clamps had straight through holes as opposed to tapered at the top. This permitted the fork tubes to be raised or lowered to the rider's comfort.


Kawasaki models with Hatta forks: