Making New Girder Fork Spindles
- Andy Marks
- Jan 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 1
This article explains how to approach making new girder fork spindles for vintage motorcycle suspension, focusing on correct material selection (EN16T or EN24T) and why unsuitable steels like free-cutting mild steel, silver steel or stainless should be avoided. It also highlights why it’s preferable to source ready-made spindles if available.
Why Buying Ready-Made Spindles Is Often Better
Making a one off set of girder for spindles can be time consuming and expensive. There is often more to it than meets the eye. If a set are readily available I would advise you to buy them. Spindles are available for most of the more common marques, if not from Kingpin Components then from other suppliers or owners clubs.
Take a look at our selection of specialist girder fork components for pre-war and vintage motorcycles, spindles, washers and nuts.
Material Choice for Girder Fork Spindles
If you can't get a set and decide to make them yourself, or commission someone else to do it for you, please ensure the correct material is used! Fork spindles are relatively small in diameter and take a lot of force. We only ever use EN16T or EN24T. Do NOT use free cutting mild steel, silver steel or stainless!
If you speak to an engineer who tries to convince you any of these will be 'OK', move on and find someone else.
Standard vs Oversize Spindles
We are sometimes asked about making oversize spindles - as a rule we recommend sticking to standard spindles and fitting bushes to take up any wear. You can see how we fit bushes to forks that didn't originally have them here.
Can we help?
If you would like any more information, or would like to speak to us about making a set of fork spindles for your bike. Please get in touch via the Contact Us page and we'll do our best to help.
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