AE Fork Compression Control — How it Works
AE Fork Compression Control™ — How It Works
First production run received: 25 KYB units and 25 Showa units are available for compatibility-reviewed orders. The product is designed for confirmed closed-cartridge applications with original-equipment (OEM) pistons. AE verifies exact fork fitment before invoicing.
What changes when you turn the adjuster?
AE's Mid-Valve Travel Control (MVTC) design changes how far a leaf-spring shim element in the midvalve can deflect. Instead of having to open the fork and change its internal valving each time you want a substantial compression change, you can vary this midvalve response externally over a much broader adjustment range. The system maintains a fixed bleed path.
One adjuster or two?
| Configuration | Hardware price | Typical tested compression adjustment span | External rebound |
|---|---|---|---|
| One fork leg | $399 | Approximately 5× stock across the fork pair | Retained on the untouched leg where equipped |
| Both fork legs | $699 | Approximately 10× stock across the fork pair | Neither original external rebound adjuster remains |
The approximately 10× comparison refers to a measured tuning span around 35% versus 3.5% stock in AE's test setup; actual results depend on internal valving and the fork model. This is a damping-adjustment comparison, not a promise of additional suspension travel or a guaranteed ride improvement.
Important rebound-control tradeoff: Each Compression Control unit replaces that leg's stock external rebound adjuster. A single-unit installation retains rebound adjustment on the other leg if originally fitted. With two units, rebound damping must be set internally because both original external rebound adjusters are replaced. AE will discuss the right choice based on your riding and current valving.
What comes with the hardware?
Every adjuster includes the physical rider-specific shims and recommended configuration for its installation side, based on your motorcycle, skill level, typical terrain, weight and desired fork behavior. Recommendations may include base-valve, midvalve and rebound shim-stack settings.
Optional $100 non-adjuster fork shim package: When purchasing only one adjuster, you can keep the other fork leg's original valving. If you want both sides coordinated, AE can supply additional physical shims and a specific recommendation for the leg without an adjuster for $100. This is optional and is not required to use the product. A two-adjuster order already includes the recommended shims for both adjuster legs.
Why don't both forks need the same modifications?
The two fork legs contribute together to the damping felt at the front wheel. AE can adjust the starting configuration on the Compression Control side and use the external adjuster to move overall compression support up or down from that point. We also use in-house simulation and analysis tools backed by suspension dyno data to compare combined damping and help recommend settings. Many OEM fork configurations are represented in our test database. Dyno verification can be arranged if your application requires it.
If you already have a revalve or custom stack you like, share the details with us. We may be able to preserve much of that setup while recommending midvalve changes needed to maintain the useful adjustment window.
Fitment and installation
Verified OEM pistons only for the initial release: We have not confirmed compatibility or performance with aftermarket piston designs. KYB or Showa branding alone does not guarantee fitment for every model or year. Contact AE if you have modified cartridges or aftermarket valving components.
Installation labor, additional revalving, oils, springs, wear parts and shipping are not part of the adjuster hardware purchase. Local customers can bring their loose forks to AE in Belle Plaine, Minnesota; remote customers can ship their forks to AE or request hardware shipment to a qualified suspension technician. Professional installation is recommended for the first release. AE will quote service labor before work begins.
How to buy
For this limited first release, we are arranging personalized Shopify invoices after confirming compatibility and setup. Email kyle@adrenalineengineering.com with your year/make/model, fork type, riding discipline, riding level, weight with gear, whether your forks are stock or revalved, current setup complaints, quantity (one or two), and whether you'd like installation at AE or shipment.
Once the details are reviewed, we will provide a secure online payment link and coordinate shipping or installation. We welcome riding feedback and technical questions after installation.