Hello. I have had my crank part refurbished at a company that I usually use for this type of work.

When I am now doing the assembly, I see that the connecting rods are mounted in the crank part so that the forked rod sits against the rear cylinder. In my previous renovations, I remember that I noted that the forked rod should be mounted forward.

Does it matter or just a recommendation.

/Jorgen Fritz

Hi. I already have the manual for a long time and know that it says that the forked rod should be in the front, but the question is whether there is any technical explanation why and what happens if you don't do according to the book.

Interesting question!  I understand that on a Harley VL the forked rod was designed specifically to go in front because of the way the cylinders and rod mains were oiled...the VL forked rod had a "window" in the big end that changed the way the bearings were oiled and the window also changed splash and misting actions.

So it would be good to know if similar actions happen inside a 101 crankcase when the forked rod is in front!

This topic was also discussed here:  https://www.101scout.org/discussion/4836396