The Trial is one of the disciplines where the classic motorcycle has the most prominence, even reaching the number of registrations of the regional classics surpassing that of the modern motorcycles.
This consolidated passion for returning to the origins, motivated in large part by the wide range of events adapted to these bikes, has also led to an avalanche of fans who have chosen to improve their bikes with more technically evolved components.
In this way, the most common thing to do is to start by changing the handlebars and footrests. Then, even before addressing mechanical improvements, the suspensions are optimised. Traditionally, users put an emphasis on looking for a good pair of rear shocks in search of more traction, performance, and strength. In addition, the offer is rather wide and it is easy to find alternatives with excellent quality/price ratio.
Curiously, once the rear end is improved, most people tend to think about the engine, tiptoeing over the front axle, settling for even a simple oil change. Some of us forget the importance of a front end in Classic Trial, a specialty where the line prevails, the wheel lifts much less and where precision is needed to draw the trajectory well.
In this report we offer you an effective, reliable and easy-to-assemble solution to significantly improve the performance of your classic motorcycles, also allowing a range of adjustment to adapt the response to the demands or particularities of the rider.
From Trialworld we contacted HFS and asked for a team to test it on a Honda TLR, which until now had the entire front end completely original and thus draw tangible conclusions about the differences in performance.
HOW HFS SUSPENSION WORKS
The HFS suspension kit works with a hybrid oil-air system. It consists of two gas cartridges, one for each fork bottle, and two other springs.
In the HFS package, in short, we find the internal components required by the front suspension, all fully prepared to mount easily and with an outstanding finish. Optionally, a pump that pressurizes the air-gas from an external valve is also available.
This pressure will condition the degree of hardness and behavior of the bike, so by playing with other variables, such as the density of the fork oil, we can have a behavior practically a la carte.
ASSEMBLING THE HFS SUSPENSION KIT
Installation work is easy and can be completed in less than 30 minutes. What’s more, you don’t even need to disassemble the fork bars. In the case of the TLR, it was enough to remove the original top plugs and proceed to the extraction of the internal springs.
Once this is done, you can choose to remove all the oil from the fork or, with the help of a syringe, extract the amount indicated in the instruction manual as a requirement to receive the new HFS assembly. We opted to carry out the complete operation and took the opportunity to replace the oil, mounting one with a density of SAE 7.5.
The most important thing is that the front wheel is lifted off the ground, so that it does not put any pressure on the fork. Subsequently, the kit is assembled as indicated in the instruction manual, the oil is filled, the new top caps are placed and the air pressure is adjusted through the external valve.
TESTING IN THE ZONES
The virtues of the HFS suspension kit start to be noticed from the first moment, even when stationary. At this point you basically see that the performance in the first third of the travel, which in the standard fork was practically lost as soon as the wheel touched the ground, is now usable. The first perception is that there is greater firmness and the fork comes back smoother, without such a “fast and crazy” bounce.
It is true that at this first moment it is convenient to take the air pump and set the setting to your liking. Once you get the right pressure for your weight, all that’s left to do is go to the areas to check the difference in performance in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re an amateur rider or a high-level rider, the HFS suspension kit is the perfect complement to a good rear damping package. Basically because you can easily adjust the performance of the fork depending on the terrain and level of riding, satisfying both those who are looking for a front end with a hard setting, and for those who prefer a softer and more comfortable response.
In our case, the main virtue we saw in the Honda TLR was that the new system improves performance throughout the range of travel. In the first third of the route it is more usable and sensitive, increasing, on the other hand, the capacity for overexertion in large receptions where with the standard system it was easy to make a stop.
We also see a dynamic improvement in terms of piloting effectiveness. The recovery in the extension is more controlled and smoother, positively affecting the poise of the bike, especially when the rider faces several obstacles consecutively.
HFS SUSPENSION KIT PRICE. SPECIAL PROMOTION SUBSCRIBERS TRIALWORLD
The price of the HFS set for the front suspension is €190. Those readers subscribed (free of charge) to Trialworld will be able to benefit from a 10% discount if they make the purchase in the next 30 days, leaving a final price of €171.
The air pump is supplied separately and is priced at €29.
To place an order for HFS you can contact Eduardo Gómez de Salazar at eduardo@suspensionhfs.com, indicating that you are subscribed to Trialworld.
