Upside down front forks

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Feb 9, 2015
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So I was just comparing photos of 961's and I see that some have the forks inverted. What's the story?
Just for reference my 2014 sport dual seat has the cylinder portion (the shiney gold bit) on the lower portion.
 
The sport has the right way up forks and the SF and CR models have the USD up side down forks. The USD forks are used in the higher spec models CR and SF. They are considered an upgrade and usually more expensive , this is part of the higher cost of the CR and SF models. I am surprised you weren't told about that when bought your 961.
 
Upside down forks are reported to be better (stiffer) however I doubt most people can tell the difference. They look "cooler" and cost more, so I guess that makes them better! ;-)

A Trivia Note on Canadian 961's
My Sport came with Upside down forks and radial brakes because Norton Canada originally sent an SE to Transport Canada for import approval and they are stock on that model. Getting a motorcycle approved for import into Canada is a slow and expensive process and Norton Canada didn't want to go to the trouble of getting each version of the 961 approved. As a consequence all 961's imported into Canada come with upside down forks and radial brakes.
 
roofus said:
Upside down forks are reported to be better (stiffer) however I doubt most people can tell the difference. They look "cooler" and cost more, so I guess that makes them better! ;-)

A Trivia Note on Canadian 961's
My Sport came with Upside down forks and radial brakes because Norton Canada originally sent an SE to Transport Canada for import approval and they are stock on that model. Getting a motorcycle approved for import into Canada is a slow and expensive process and Norton Canada didn't want to go to the trouble of getting each version of the 961 approved. As a consequence all 961's imported into Canada come with upside down forks and radial brakes.

The Olin Right Way Up (RWU) forks are superb as well, and for normal street/highway use, more than adequate for any rider. They also provide a more Classic appearance to the 961. They provide the look that Dreer originally intended the bike to have.
Upside downs were the idea of Garner's boys later on. They impart a different, sportier quality to bike.
Variety is the spice of life.
 
BritTwit said:
roofus said:
Upside down forks are reported to be better (stiffer) however I doubt most people can tell the difference. They look "cooler" and cost more, so I guess that makes them better! ;-)

A Trivia Note on Canadian 961's
My Sport came with Upside down forks and radial brakes because Norton Canada originally sent an SE to Transport Canada for import approval and they are stock on that model. Getting a motorcycle approved for import into Canada is a slow and expensive process and Norton Canada didn't want to go to the trouble of getting each version of the 961 approved. As a consequence all 961's imported into Canada come with upside down forks and radial brakes.

The Olin Right Way Up (RWU) forks are superb as well, and for normal street/highway use, more than adequate for any rider. They also provide a more Classic appearance to the 961. They provide the look that Dreer originally intended the bike to have.
Upside downs were the idea of Garner's boys later on. They impart a different, sportier quality to bike.
Variety is the spice of life.

I agree. I haven't ridden a 961 with "normal" forks but I am willing to bet I couldn't tell the difference. Mind you when I am showing the bike off to my friends I always stress that it has Upside Down Forks and Radial Brakes. :)
 
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