What is a triple tree? Why are they called triple clamps? What are the benefits of triple clamps? What does triple clamp offset mean? Also, What do raked triple trees do? What are triple trees made of? How do you use a triple tree stand on a motorcycle? How do you remove a triple tree from a Harley? Find all necessary details about a bike’s triple tree or clamp.
What is a Triple Clamp on a Motorcycle?
Triple Tree, Triple Clamp, or Triple Yoke are all the same things. So, if you watch the term triple tree or clamp, don’t get confused. Why is it called a triple tree? Because of 3 contact points the name has obtained the term “triple.” Indeed, there are two connecting points for each fork leg and the other for the frame’s steering stem. However, there remains a debate as to why it is called “tree”. Some Reddit answer suggests the term “tree” here arrived from the fact: “hitch horses to wagons.”
What is a Triple Tree on a Bike? Triple trees serve as the ligament between the bike’s front wheel and the rest of the motorcycle. It connects the forks to the motorcycle. Triple Clamp is a common term, especially for dirt bikes. The part actually takes input from the front wheel. Then it relays that to the rider. It also works the opposite way as well.
What Material is a Clamp Made of?
Aluminum is the primary element to make the clamp of the bike. However, the strength of the Aluminum varies based on available types. Steel might be also used as well. There are major differences between stock and aftermarket triple trees, both in material as well as the process. They manufacture the stock clamps by forging. KTMs and Husqvarnas produce the clamp with the CNC machine. While, brands like Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and GasGas use the aforementioned away. On the other hand, the Aftermarket yoke is often CNC machine-made. The forged aluminum clamps make the rider feel more flexible on the track. While the CNC-machined one offers more feedback to the biker’s hand.
What Do Triple Clamps Do?
It is an important element in controlling the bike’s behavior and has a massive effect on the motorcycle’s overall handling. One reason is the thickness of the metal. The other fact is the position of the two openings for the fork tubes, which actually has a meaningful relation with the central opening for the steering stem. The thickness of the triple clamp or its materials makes the biker feel the road beneath the bike. The triple clamp. The steering system connects the bike’s handlebars to the front fork as we’ve already revealed. And the triple clamp actually houses the steering system. It secures the front fork to the motorcycle’s frame.
What is the Purpose of a Triple Clamp?
The major purposes provided by the triple trees are:
- Attaching the fork to the frame guarantees stability during acceleration, braking, and cornering. All 3 of those are crucial factors and the rider must ask for the stability of his motorcycle during those processes.
- Housing the steering system, the triple clamp enables the rider to steer and control the bike.
- Some adjustability features might be offered by some aftermarket clamps allowing to customize the riding experience.
- Helps to better the handling of the bike.
- Ensuring a better and more precise steering system helps obtain accurate cornering.
- It lets fine-tune the bike’s ergonomics and handling characteristics.
- It also holds the bar mounts responsible for taking much abuse during a crash.
What is Triple Tree Offset?
It is the distance between the horizontal center line of both fork tubes and the center of the steering axis. in other words, the term actually depicts how far the front axle is “offset” from the steering axis. The front wheel stays closer to the chassis due to a less offset. It doesn’t only decrease the trail but also the front end receives more weight. Thus the bike is able to make sharper turns. On the other hand, an enhanced offset provides more stability. It rakes out the front end. Increased offset actually gives advantages to bikes that are twitchy at higher speeds, for ex: the Honda CRF450.
