vintage motorcycle shock absorbers

Vintage motorcycles often used shock absorbers that were different from the modern ones we see on motorcycles today. Here are some of the most common types of vintage motorcycle shock absorbers:

• Spring shock absorbers: These are the most basic type of shock absorber, consisting of a spring that compresses and expands in response to bumps in the road. They were commonly used on older motorcycles.

• Girder fork suspension: This is a type of suspension system that uses a pivoted fork that is attached to the frame of the motorcycle. The pivoting action of the fork helps to absorb shocks from the road.

• Telescopic shock absorbers: Telescopic shock absorbers consist of two tubes, one inside the other. The inner tube slides up and down inside the outer tube, and is connected to the wheel hub. The outer tube is attached to the frame of the motorcycle. These shock absorbers were commonly used on motorcycles from the 1950s onwards.

• Plunger-type shock absorbers: These consist of a cylinder that is filled with oil, with a piston inside that is attached to the wheel hub. As the wheel moves up and down, the piston compresses and expands the oil, absorbing shocks from the road.

• Earles-type fork: This is a type of suspension system that uses two short, wide-based forks that are connected to the frame of the motorcycle. The design helps to improve stability and handling, but provides limited shock absorption.

These are just a few examples of the types of vintage motorcycle shock absorbers that were used in the past. The specific type of shock absorber used on a particular vintage motorcycle will depend on the make and model of the bike, as well as the era in which it was manufactured.