# Front fork

> The front fork is the twin-tube telescopic assembly that holds the front wheel and provides front suspension with springs and oil.

- **Also known as:** Ön çatal, Ön süspansiyon, Telescopic fork, Maşa
- **Turkish term:** Ön maşa
- **Category:** [Front Forks & Seals](https://motorsikletparcasi.com/en/category/front-forks-and-seals)
- **Page:** https://motorsikletparcasi.com/en/glossary/front-fork

There are two main designs: **conventional** (thin tubes at the top) and **upside-down (USD)** forks (thick tubes at the top, stiffer). The fork is clamped to the steering stem by the upper and lower yokes (triple clamps).

- **Fork oil:** provides damping; its viscosity and level are in the manual, and it degrades over time.
- **[Fork seals](https://motorsikletparcasi.com/en/glossary/oil-seal) and dust seals:** an oily film on the inner tube means a leaking seal.
- Scratches or rust pits on the inner tube will quickly ruin a new seal too.

## Related terms

- [Shock absorber](https://motorsikletparcasi.com/en/glossary/shock-absorber): A shock absorber combines a spring and a damper to soak up bumps and keep the wheel in contact with the road.
- [Oil seal](https://motorsikletparcasi.com/en/glossary/oil-seal): An oil seal is a lipped seal on a rotating or sliding shaft that keeps oil in and dirt out.
- [Steering head bearing](https://motorsikletparcasi.com/en/glossary/steering-head-bearing): Steering head bearings are the upper and lower bearings that let the front fork turn smoothly in the frame's steering head.

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- Source page: https://motorsikletparcasi.com/en/glossary/front-fork
- Last updated: 2026-10-09
- Türkçe sürüm: https://motorsikletparcasi.com/sozluk/on-masa.md
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