Inner Fork Bushing External PTFE – Showa 48 mm Athena

The Athena S41TE48S Inner Fork Bushing External PTFE is a replacement sliding bushing developed for compatible Showa 48 mm motorcycle front forks.

Designed for fork servicing and rebuilding, the bushing uses a high-strength steel body capable of withstanding the repeated mechanical loads generated during suspension compression and rebound.

The external working surface is coated with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a low-friction material that reduces sliding resistance and helps minimize wear between moving fork components.

This low-friction surface supports smoother telescopic movement and helps maintain consistent suspension response as the fork moves through its travel.

The inner surface is finished with a copper coating, providing good thermal conductivity and additional protection against oxidation and corrosion.

The combination of steel, external PTFE, and internal copper is designed to provide durability, smooth operation, and consistent performance during demanding suspension use.

Each package contains one bushing, suitable for servicing one fork leg. A complete two-leg fork overhaul requires a second identical S41TE48S bushing together with the corresponding internally PTFE-coated bushings used in the Showa 48 mm fork assembly.

Key Features

• High-strength steel construction designed to withstand repeated front-suspension loads
• External PTFE coating reduces sliding friction and helps minimize wear
• Internal copper coating promotes heat dissipation and provides corrosion resistance
• Designed for compatible Showa 48 mm motorcycle front forks
• Supplied individually, with one bushing required for each fork leg

Technical Specifications

OEM Cross References

PTFE Low-Friction Surface

The external PTFE coating provides the primary sliding surface of the bushing.

PTFE is used to reduce friction between the fork’s moving components, helping provide:

• smoother compression and rebound movement;
• reduced sliding resistance;
• lower wear at the bushing interface;
• consistent fork response through repeated suspension cycles.

Maintaining a low-friction interface is particularly important in front suspension systems because excessive friction can reduce sensitivity to small bumps and affect overall fork movement.

Copper-Coated Inner Surface

The inner side of the bushing uses a copper coating.

Copper provides good thermal conductivity, helping distribute heat generated during suspension operation.

The coating also contributes to protection against oxidation and corrosion, supporting long-term durability under demanding riding and environmental conditions.

Service Quantity

Each package contains:

1 × Athena S41TE48S Fork Bushing

One bushing is required for one fork leg.

For a complete service of both fork legs, two S41TE48S bushings are required together with the corresponding Showa 48 mm internally PTFE-coated bushings.

The complementary internal-PTFE bushing should be selected according to the exact fork specification.

Application & Compatibility

The S41TE48S is designed for compatible Showa 48 mm front forks using the corresponding 47 × 49 × 20 mm bushing specification.

Compatibility should be verified from the actual fork fitted to the motorcycle, particularly if the suspension has previously been replaced or modified.