160 mm suspension fork: MTB newcomer KYB launches an upside-down fork on the market in 2026

Do you know KYB? Neither have we - at least not yet. The Japanese manufacturer is an established supplier for numerous international brands in the automotive and motorbike sector. Now KYB is venturing into the MTB segment and launching its first suspension fork on the market - especially for e-mountainbikes. But of course the fork also works without a motor on the down tube.

With more than seven decades of experience in the development of motorbike suspension systems, KYB is now using this expertise for the growing E-MTB market. The new fork is fuelling the trend towards upside-down designs. The advantage of this upside-down design: The oil is always at the seal - this improves the response behaviour. The disadvantage: slightly less stiffness and a higher weight. Whether a lower stiffness can really be seen as a weakness is debatable. Suspension expert Marcus Klausmann says: "In recent years in particular, it seems that many people are once again appreciating the advantages of more flex. The bike finds its line more easily and the rider's arms are spared."

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Motorbike technology for the trail

The new E-MTB suspension from KYB utilises proven technologies from the motorbike sector and transfers them to the specific requirements of mountain bikes.

There is a conventional steel coil spring in the left fork leg. As is also common in the motocross sector. This has the advantage of a clean and linear response behaviour. The damping cartridge is located in the right-hand fork leg. The technology of the cartridge was also derived from motocross and should deliver the same performance. In addition, the special arrangement of the bushings also ensures increased performance, according to the manufacturer.

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The suspension was designed for demanding areas of use such as trail and enduro riding and is intended to deliver consistent performance even in rough environments. With 160 millimetres of travel, the fork offers sufficient reserves for technically demanding trails and larger drops, while the damping properties have been specially adapted to the higher speeds and additional weight of e-mountainbikes.

Customisation options for individual needs

Another feature of the KYB suspension is its adaptability to different rider weights and riding styles. The fork has interchangeable steel springs and air support, which should enable precise adjustment of the suspension behaviour. The following adjustment options are therefore available: Rebound and compression. Spring preload via air pressure and the exchange of springs.

>> Is this the triumph of upside-down suspension forks?

Impeller sizes

Compatibility with both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels further increases the versatility of the suspension and makes it suitable for various MTB models. The installation height of 579 millimetres (measured from the crown to the axle) and the 1.5-inch tapered steerer tube with a length of 200 millimetres ensure compatibility with common E-MTB frames. The fork is designed for disc brakes with a post mount (7 inch/160 millimetres), which corresponds to the current standards in the E-MTB sector.

Robust construction for E-MTB requirements

The design of the KYB suspension fork has been specially adapted to the loads that occur in the E-MTB sector. The stanchions with a diameter of 41 millimetres are made of butted aluminium from the 7000 series, while the 32-millimetre-diameter stanchions are made of the same high-quality material. This choice of material is intended to ensure an optimum stiffness-to-weight ratio. With a 20 x 110 millimetre thru axle, the fork offers a stable connection to the wheel, which is particularly important with the higher forces caused by the additional weight and motor support of E-MTBs. The total weight of the suspension fork is 2,850 grams, which is slightly higher than conventional forks. In comparison: The Fox Podium upside-down fork weighs approx. 2700 grams with a 160 millimetre stroke.

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KYB suspension forks: The facts at a glance

• Field of application: E-MTB, Trail, Enduro
• Design: Inverted (Upside-Down)
• Wheel sizes: 27.5 inch and 29 inch
• Spring travel: 160 mm
• Axis: 20 x 110 mm
• Steerer tube: 1.5 inch tapered
• Fork steerer length: 200 mm
• Installation height (crown to axle): 579 mm
• Setting options: Compression stage, rebound stage
• Suspension: Steel spring with adjustable air support
• Brake type: Disc brake
• Brake mount: PM (7 inch) 160 mm, post-mount
• Standpipe: 41 mm butted, aluminium 7000 series
• Immersion tube: 32 mm, aluminium 7000 series
• Weight: 2.850 g

KYB is currently planning and organising the expansion of its sales and service network. The first suspension forks are due to go on sale from 2026. According to our information, KYB is already in talks with various bike manufacturers. So perhaps we will soon see the first production bikes equipped with the new Japanese fork.