Simplified: Telescopic fork vs Upside-down fork - Which one’s better? | PowerDrift

Simplified is a new series on PowerDrift that aims to make automotive concepts, technology and ideas as easy to understand as possible. These short videos take the questions you have and clear the air around the what, how, why and when. In this episode, Shumi is answering one of the more popular of the questions we get -- the difference between a right-side-up, or normal telescopic fork and an upside-down fork. And to be honest, the difference is smaller and more nuanced than you think!
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[@powerdriftofficial]

Hey #PDArmy, we hope this clarified your doubts! Hit that Like button if it did! And let us know below what more you'd like us to cover!

[@abhishekghosh177]

Next video on bike gears why do we need to change gears (upshifts and downshifts) what is the ideal speed to keep a particular gear or change a gear

[@mehulpatel891]

Can we have a video on break and clutch adjustable livers how does it work and what difference it makes with normal non adjustable once...

[@rohanjaison106]

Hub Center steering ( motorcycle) Vyrus , pls do a episode on this topic, pls......

[@65-adityamhaiskar92]

Can u make the next video on engine cooling systems (like air-cooled, liquid cooled, etc.)

[@kumarsbalu]

Neatly explained, great video

[@WarriorOfTheSunset]

Every School needs a Teacher like Shumi... ❤️

[@Heisenberg_747]

@@jayakrishna2305 stupidity level of this comment 9999999

[@saurav-sky55]

Well I am ok if this comment seems to be stupid

[@shu_mar]

@@jayakrishna2305 What’s wrong with becoming a mechanic?

[@pg282]

People who are have a passion for motorcycling and does go for long hauls on their motorcycle or do tracks or do off-roading need to have this knowledge on need-to-know basis. This knowledge sharing and understanding is not for all. Its not for the average joes or jayakrishnas (as it seems here)

[@WarriorOfTheSunset]

@@jayakrishna2305 What Shumi explained was something abt Spring Action n Fluid Mechanics... Well that brings me to a question... Are you an Arts/Commerce Student?

[@7rahe13]

Hey PD, could you please make an episode on different types of motorcycle chassis - trellis and perimeter frames, single and double downtube, etc. It would be interesting to understand their pros and cons. Thanks.

[@sagarkhatri3156]

Good idea

[@AbhishekBalagaon]

+1

[@lutenic6111]

Good Topic!

[@riturajbalaji3328]

Yes

[@doncorleone9297]

Definitely interested

[@Rajukjha007]

As expected shumar is that friend who teach you 10 mins and pass you the exams. thanks

[@XchildofhateX]

These segments remind me of Ari Hennig's MC Garage videos that he used to do a couple of years ago.

[@Thegeekishnerd13]

he still does that with revzilla. called as "the shop manual"

[@vaibhavhalgekar914]

He still does those series... Very informative 🙏

[@XchildofhateX]

@@Thegeekishnerd13 Yeah I know but most Shop Manual videos feel a bit more technically inclined than both Simplified and MC Garage. Just a feeling. Cheers.

[@notorious1921]

Yes this is our indian version of that and I always like to hear from Shumi.

[@SwaRRo]

suggestions for topics 😂: 1.2 ,3,4 valve engine 2.rider triangle 3.sprockets

[@igorpietak937]

You missed very important part: upside down forks installations have much less unsprung weight. This is crucial for better handling, turning and response for road imperfections. Both steering and comfort will benefit from USD.

[@Aditya-bu3xj]

When is the next part of Holy shift coming???? Absolutely loved the last one.

[@mhasekotso]

Yes please

[@maharshipratap9609]

Shumi please provide us the regular bike reviews more often. We just adore the way you explain everything to noobs like me❤️

[@prameethprabhu]

There is another reason for USD forks on performance motorcycles. The part that moves about is the stanchion which weighs less than the female part (containing oil, springs and the weight of the fork itself). There fore, the weight of the moving component is lesser giving a better performance improvement.

[@shu_mar]

More importantly the lighter part is farther from the CoG as well as mounting points. So performance is better

[@kj_mdn]

Need an explanation about the differences between a box section Swingarm and an aluminium swingarm. And why swingarms are related to handling.

[@KarteekRakshit]

Yes

[@AbhishekBalagaon]

+1

[@lutenic6111]

Good Topic!

[@manthenvashishth3769]

Swingarms directly are related to handling. They are vertical pivot one end of which has the rear wheel of bike connected with it and the other end is connected to Frame of bike. Swingarms can be one sided and 2 sided. Weight of swingarm, it's construction etc affects the handling in either way be it good or bad. An aluminum swingarm is better than box section swingarm cuz it's a cast or forged part which is lighter than the box section swingarm and will imply lighter and easy controls and thus better maneuverability and improving handling, moreover a forged aluminum swingarm will have more structural integrity than the cast swingarm cuz of the arrangement of the aluminum particles in it and will be lighter too. A carbon fiber swingarm will be even better than aluminum cuz it's lighter than aluminum and more stronger than aluminium . That's the reason why forged alloy wheels of cars are better than die cast wheels (only on the asphalt). The arrangement of particles while forging gives them more structural integrity than the cast where the metal is just melted poured in a die and then made. Hope you got your answer pal.

[@kj_mdn]

@@manthenvashishth3769 thanks I got it 🙌

[@AchintyaPandit]

Very clearly explained! I hope this clears up the heads of those R15 and MT15 owners who keep complaining that their bikes are inferior to ones sold overseas.

[@drsreerag]

Explained really well …. All these years of doubts based on this topic just got erased after seeing this video.. thanks a lot..

[@prasadkalekar1163]

This series is really informative. Just a suggestion discussion on drum brakes and disc brakes. It also can feature advantages of ABS

[@UnShEeP924]

I completely agree with the cooling method comments and the suspension comments. The particular means of cooling or suspension is given on a bike for optimum performance. Everything should not be about just asthetics, looks or spec bragging rights.

[@acescok]

Being an engineer myself, it was just a breeze watching through and understanding every bit of what you just explained, much like reading through a well written book. Good Job

[@nabeelpa2564]

Also what I have read is that component of unsprung mass is lesser for upside down forks , making the overall job of suspension unit easier .

[@nabeel5757]

👍👍👍

[@shu_mar]

Yes but explaining unsprung mass in itself is a whole Simplified episode

[@afletra]

a little misunderstanding that seems like all the people in the world did is, and upside down front fork is actually a telescopic fork too, but inverted. so saying "telescopic vs upside down" or "telescopic and upside down fork" differences is actually wrong.

[@Shreyas.Gune28]

how does suspension plays major role in racing? Not only bikes but cars also. Would you explain it?

[@kitchugeths]

I have a little dilemma up here... "MC garage" on the other hand, does have a completely different opinion, stating that aesthetics is the major difference. I'm confused.

[@mks2822]

As a motorcycle enthusiast what I like is how you explain at engineering level in very simple form. Thank you brother.

[@arvindkrishnan5816]

I have listened to all your podcasts till now Schumi. Thanks for clearing my doubts. Keep rocking bro.

[@ashutoshnath8209]

Telescopic forks are better for Indian roads and hence we don't see a litre class bikes often in India we don't need USD forks but now companies started using USD forks as a gimmick

[@suhashg8664]

Guys let's request them to do on ... when air cooling makes sense and when oil cooling actually makes sense..

[@baravinds]

Explained very clearly, precisely and kept it simple with basic explanation👌🏼

[@ShreyasKa92]

Very good series. Dumb people wont believe normal experienced folks, But if it comes from a good influencer, Its great !

[@AK-gg6bg]

It's funny he says "500cc commuter lol". Only RE 500s are considered commuters. At least for me.

[@emmanuvel.j5237]

Please make a video on why the pillion seat on bikes are raised and even if they are flat why they are not long and wide like scooters

[@nikhileshwarjakka1316]

Why should we prefer front brake more than the rear

[@1123phoenix]

Great explaination! Plz make something Engine working. Block, crankshaft, compression ratios etc

[@Antony_Shamarjit_Lee]

Came here after Hero's media ride launch of Mavrick 440, as they provide USD for Harley x440, whereas Telescopic (RSD) in Mavrick.

[@aravind1264]

Suggestion - normal clutch systems & hydraulic clutch systems Single & multiple cylinder engines

[@Ghost-pr9bm]

tank god the series is free lol

[@AMVideoViewer]

I had a question. Why did bike manufacturers switch to monoshock suspensions for the rear passenger when a telescopic suspension seems like it would be more comfortable? Also, am I wrong in thinking it would be more comfortable? Seems 2 is better than one.

[@Finnv893]

That's a very faulty assumption, telescopic forks have two legs therefore requiring two sets of wiper which will give twice the stiction, many times more if they are gummed up by dirt. The reason why the motorcycle industry hasn't switched to linkage forks (either one or two-legged) is because of economy of scale and consumer perception, most bikers care so much about looks they want the manufactures to sacrifice improvement in function to keep the aesthetics; you don't see telescoping shocks for the front wheels of cars, unfortunately MTBs followed in motorcycles footsteps because telescopic forks came first on motorcycles. A well designed linkage is always better than two giant sliding tubes, it can offer less brake dive, less unsprung weight, more small bump sensitivity, be virtually maintenance free and make use of the plethora of different rear shocks already on the market.

[@varun_wadekar]

Great video Shumi sir!!! Please talk about different types of *swingarms* in next video

[@daneshmaximus3707]

Prof. Shumi always rocks....

[@mickeysblitz7283]

way you elaborating is really very effective for the viewer , which don't have much technical knowledge .and my question is difference between spokes wheel and alloys ? like even bigger bikes use spokes like africa twin many more!

[@pmichaeles]

What's the idea behind having open chain rather than a covered one like the commuters.. any advantage apart from asthetics

[@samkanish1987]

4:32 OH shit 🤣🤣🤣

[@vaibhavjadon8008]

Thank you so much sir, people are so much focused on having USD forks, disregarding their requirements and jump to costlier motorcycles on basis of that. It cleared up that we don't necessarily need USD forks on a minor 200cc motorcycles.

[@karthikk3867]

Best best best way of explaining bang on points 🙏

[@johnjeferson5818]

Can you make a video about best oil to run your motorcycle on , the best tyres to run a motorcycle on and DIY service pack to help riders maintain their motor cycles (pretty please)

[@Jatin878]

about oil there's already a video made by them open the channel its 6-7th video

[@osamaaijaz4055]

Shumi you missed out to speak about unsprung weight. An advantage Upside-down fork over conventional forks..

[@shu_mar]

Missed it? Unsprung weight has to be its own episode!

[@osamaaijaz4055]

@@shu_mar thanks for the quick turnaround! Awesome content & good pieces of knowledge shared.👍👍 Looking forward for more..🙏

[@Moto_India]

One more important thing USD provided more aerodynamic efficiency

[@shu_mar]

Not true. The mudguard shrouds are more to prevent dirt from falling on the stanchion than for aero

[@tusharj40]

Please let us know difference between radially fitted brake calipers and normal fitted brake calipers?

[@suneelkumar-ri5uh]

Shumi teaching like IIT professor

[@krishthenivallu3421]

Differences between dry and wet clutch shumi

[@RAXITH_playz]

Types of swing arm and chain driven or belt driven and Why?

[@rahulsakunde9431]

You have a good teacher in you Shumi.

[@nikhileshwarjakka1316]

Explain Ride by wire and others

[@programmed509]

You should be a professor Shumi!!

[@onkargadale]

How traction control works and what is exact use of that?

[@anuragsharma9132]

What's the difference between a Single cradle frame, a double cradle frame, a perimeter frame and a trellis frame

[@mrohith241]

I think you have missed one point. It reduces the unsprung mass.

[@shu_mar]

Not missed as much as left for later. Unsprung mass itself needs a simplified video

[@chakri1vr1]

I can't stress this enough, best and most concise explanation ever !!

[@vilaskulkarni3147]

Simply terrific explanation! Every school needs a teacher like him. Bravo! Thanx

[@obviouslynotagentleman5831]

Beautifully explained 👍👍 .

[@DBomber_24]

That's a grade school level of explanation, easy to understand. Thank you so much.

[@thatsarider5585]

Make a video on Compression ratio

[@yashgaglani9990]

Can you do a video on rear suspension too...there are many mono shock...dual shock and then adjustability terms like front load and pre load

[@mechcoder_93]

Shumi need your explanation. On clutch less upshifts and downshits. And is it okay. To go clutch less in motorcycles without quickshifter

[@barannoor1188]

Aluminum swing arm and Normal swing arm

[@Rahul_21697]

I want to buy Apache 310rr and really want to talk with shumi on this. Being my First Bike.

[@Connectjoelfernandes]

Can you make a video about difference in coolant type and colour

[@seekter-kafa]

in the old days all forks truncheons were covered with rubber protection, but ppl thought it marred the looks so now the

[@ameyaborgaonkar5033]

Plz make video on Liquid cooled engine vs Air cooled engine vs Oil cooled engine

[@46rise]

I wish my biology class was this easy.

[@mandalorian1992]

What a teacher... Absolutely awesome! Can you please do a video on how exactly does a cornering ABS work and how different it is from a conventional ABS?

[@drphanindranathv6784]

Can we get an understanding of single cylinders and multiple cylinders engines..... how they are different and how they make difference in power delivery and ride qualities

[@GauravDeshmukh7]

As always...great work...can you make a video explaining the torque and horsepower aspects? How do producers measure them?

[@powerdriftofficial]

Thanks Gaurav! That might be a good idea; we shall try!

[@krishthenivallu3421]

Stock silencer and after market upgrade similar air filter

[@ranapal4324]

Please explain engine types vs performance requirements for various types of bike such ass offroader, sports tourer, cruiser and racebikes

[@br1pres8]

Also, with upside down forks the bigger and heavier part is “steady” while the smaller and lighter part is traveling up and down with the wheel... therefore, it’s less mass to get it’s movement absorbed by the springs and dampeners (and ultimately by the chassi)

[@Shaival24]

Awesome coverage on front suspensions........ Would be great if sensei shoomi would have covered rear suspensions as well

[@bitbutmusic1406]

Please do a comparison between oil cooling vs liquid cooling 🙏

[@umakantd.109]

Hard seat vs soft seat

[@aakarshagnihotri1053]

Can you tell us difference b/w parallel twin and inline and l twin engines

[@dineshsinghkachave132]

I have xpulse 200 it is having 10 step adjustable rear suspension but i don't know where to use (highway , city and off-road ) what stiffness level ?

[@powerdriftofficial]

Check out rider sag settings.

[@dineshsinghkachave132]

@@powerdriftofficial ok

[@adv.krishnanbalakrishnanna4243]

Hey Shumi...Are Mono shocks better than dual shocks...

[@bobbinvarghese4966]

Let's talk about quick shifters and auto blippers..

[@chris5k132]

Unless you're on a tight budget, an USD is simply the better fork. If that's not true, all these high-end Superbikes would have telescopic forks😂

[@arslanalam4325]

Shumi sir pls make a simplified video on GEAR RATIOS AND SYNCHRONISATION OF GEAR AND RPM , REV MATCHING AND WHY BIKE STOPS SUDDENLY

[@johnjeferson5818]

With 2022 comming there are new stage 2regulation norms comming up how do you think that these will impact the already available under powerd engines of all the Cars sold right now (note - I say they are underpowered according to their international and foreign spec counterparts)

[@TheDashmesh]

Great video as always PD! Can we expect more of Shumi and Varun’s podcasts ?

[@ashishhegde6040]

Shumi should start speaking on meaning of life and life lessons as well... Powerdrift podcast have nothing but life changing...!! Kudos..👍👍

[@shalinhotshot]

Wouldn't USD have lower unsprung mass helping performance

[@shu_mar]

It’s not as much unsprung mass as the idea that the heavier components are closer to the mounting as well as the CoG of the bike compared to a RSU fork

[@rishijaiswal1]

Shumi I have recently started watching your videos and I am hooked !! You are probably the most sensible and knowledgeable motorcycle reviewer I have seen ! Like your philosophy and way of thinking and also your ever so sensible advice. If more bikers took your advice roads would be much safer. Respect !

[@prabhu200519]

Wish you also talked about unsprung mass and the benefits in handling that comes when you reduce it. USD helps in that as wel.. also it's normally a challenge to keep the CoG low when you use a USD at the front.

[@anuragtomar1826]

There a lot of myths on after market exhaust ( free flow ) . I a continental GT650 owner and I are damn confused about it. Should i put after a market exhaust on bike or not . And if i get one what will be the change i will se on my bike . I’ll be very thankful if you guys will make a video on that too.

[@Janmenjay]

Hi Shumi, This playlist is amazing and the way you explain it, well I wish you were my school teacher for every class. From the topic of USD and telescopic suspension systems, I would request you to also shed some light on rear suspensions: Mono and the dual set up. Second topic I can think of would be lights: halogen, LED and projectors. Also since LEDs generally blind the oncoming traffic even when their throw isn't that great from a rider's perspective. Generally LEDs are very powerful. Please also explain use of auxiliary lights. 3rd and the most important : With riding schools out of reach and knowledge of most people, how can we improve our skills.

[@luckmiller2000]

Gr8 explanation regards from Turkey :)

[@HarshSingh-iu3xs]

N3xt one mono shock vs dual shock for rear side. Good video this.

[@sandeepbl4748]

Hi shumi Nice to see and hear such content for new generation bikers pls make content on disk brake and drum drake and abs on both the brakes

[@StOrM_JU]

The explanation was very clear as compared to any other videos out there

[@harshaokin8064]

gosh!! splendid video!! I really had this doubt about forks and had no clue on what precisely to google. you people made my day, PD!!! thank you for this series, powerdrift Shumified

[@akhil453]

Would you recommend after market fork covers on right-side-up forks (bike used for touring)?

[@shu_mar]

Can’t hurt. But utility isn’t very high

[@akhil453]

@@shu_mar Thanks 😊 that helps

[@shreeramhegade9008]

Great info pd, Can you explain the different engine setups ? Single , double cylinder, inline four, Vtwin etc ?

[@entertainmentknowledge122]

Thank you for explaining the terminologies in a simplified manner

[@kj_mdn]

Need a video about engine braking and rev matching

[@AbhimanyuSingh-tj8mb]

Please do Air cooled, oil cooled and liquid cooled. Or DOHC SOHC engines Or Long stroke engine for more torque vs short strokes.