ALIGHT SOLUTIONS & Kawasaki Fork Seal Breakthrough: Keeping Riders Smooth & Safe

Chicago, IL – October 26, 2023 – ALIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC, a leading provider of innovative engineering and materials science solutions, today announced a significant advancement in motorcycle front-end suspension technology. We’ve been working behind the scenes with Kawasaki, and we’re really excited to share that we’ve dramatically improved the lifespan and performance of Kawasaki fork seals. For riders, especially those pushing their bikes to the limit, fork seals are a big deal. They keep the oil in the forks – that oil is what gives you smooth suspension, control, and ultimately, your safety. Leaky seals mean less control, a bumpy ride, and a potentially dangerous situation. Traditionally, fork seals wear out pretty quickly, especially with aggressive riding or if you hit a lot of dirt and grime. Riders end up replacing them way more often than they’d like. That's where ALIGHT SOLUTIONS comes in. We’re a small but mighty team of materials scientists and engineers based right here in Chicago. We love solving tricky problems, and motorcycle suspension was one that really grabbed our attention. We weren't looking to just make another fork seal; we wanted to build one that genuinely lasts longer and performs better, giving riders more confidence and less hassle. “We realized there was a real gap in the market,” explains David Miller, ALIGHT SOLUTIONS’ Chief Engineer. “Existing fork seals were often relying on materials that just weren’t up to the task. They'd break down quickly, especially with the increased demands of modern bikes and more aggressive riding styles. We thought, ‘Let’s apply some cutting-edge materials science and see what we can do.’” So, what did we do? The secret sauce lies in a completely new compound we’ve developed for the seal itself. It’s a proprietary blend of high-performance elastomers, specifically engineered to resist wear, abrasion, and the damaging effects of oil degradation. Forget the old rubber mixes – this stuff is different. Here’s the breakdown of how it’s better: Increased Wear Resistance: We’ve run extensive testing, simulating years of real-world riding, and our new seals consistently outperform traditional seals by a significant margin – we're talking up to three times the lifespan in some tests! That means less time wrenching, and more time riding. Superior Oil Retention: The new material forms a tighter, more reliable seal, minimizing oil leakage. This keeps your suspension working exactly as it should, providing consistent damping and control. No more oil slicks on your forks! Enhanced Abrasion Resistance: Dirt, dust, and grit are the enemies of fork seals. Our new compound is incredibly resistant to abrasion, meaning it can handle even the toughest off-road conditions without wearing down. Improved Chemical Stability: Modern fork oils are more advanced than ever, but they can also be harsh on seal materials. Our compound is designed to withstand prolonged exposure to these oils without degrading, ensuring long-term performance. Kawasaki’s Involvement and Why It Matters We didn't just develop this in a lab. We worked closely with Kawasaki engineers throughout the entire process. They put our seals through rigorous testing on various Kawasaki models – from the Ninja sportbikes to the rugged KLX off-road machines. Their feedback was crucial in fine-tuning the design and ensuring it met Kawasaki’s demanding performance standards. “Kawasaki is committed to delivering the highest quality products to our customers,” says Kenji Tanaka, a Kawasaki engineer involved in the project. “ALIGHT SOLUTIONS’ innovative approach to fork seal technology aligned perfectly with our goals. The results speak for themselves - a significant improvement in seal longevity and performance.” What Does This Mean for Riders? In short, these new fork seals offer a major upgrade for Kawasaki riders. Here’s what you can expect: Longer Intervals Between Seal Replacements: Spend less time and money on maintenance. More Consistent Suspension Performance: Enjoy a smoother, more controlled ride, in all conditions. Increased Confidence: Ride with the peace of mind knowing your suspension is reliable and performing at its best. Better Resale Value: A well-maintained suspension is a major selling point for any used motorcycle. Availability and Future Plans The new ALIGHT SOLUTIONS-designed fork seals are now available as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts on select new Kawasaki models. They are also available as aftermarket replacements through Kawasaki dealerships and select motorcycle parts retailers. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Kawasaki on this project,” says Sarah Chen, CEO of ALIGHT SOLUTIONS. “It’s a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and our commitment to delivering real-world solutions. We’re already working on expanding this technology to other motorcycle brands and exploring new ways to improve suspension performance.” ALIGHT SOLUTIONS is committed to pushing the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create products that enhance the riding experience. We believe these new fork seals are just the beginning. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from ALIGHT SOLUTIONS. About ALIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC: ALIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC is a Chicago-based engineering and materials science company specializing in the development of innovative solutions for a wide range of industries. We are dedicated to solving complex challenges and delivering high-performance products that exceed our customers’ expectations. Learn more at [website address - insert here if available]. Contact: David Miller Chief Engineer ALIGHT SOLUTIONS LLC 320 S Canal St Fl 50 Chicago, IL 60606-5707 413-238-4251 [email protected]