Motorcycle suspension is a critical component that affects the bike’s handling, comfort, stability, and overall performance. It consists of various parts designed to absorb shocks from the road, maintain tire contact, and ensure a smooth ride. Here’s an in-depth look at motorcycle suspension:
Key Components of Motorcycle Suspension
1. Front Suspension (Forks):
Telescopic Forks: The most common type, consisting of inner tubes (stanchions) that slide into outer tubes (fork sliders) with a damping mechanism inside. They provide a smooth ride by compressing and rebounding with road irregularities.
Upside-Down Forks (USD): Similar to telescopic forks but with the stanchions at the bottom and the sliders at the top, providing better rigidity and performance, particularly in sport and high-performance bikes.
2. Rear Suspension:
Swingarm: A pivoting arm that holds the rear wheel, allowing it to move up and down with the suspension.
Shock Absorber: Mounted between the swingarm and the frame, it dampens the motion of the swingarm. It can be a single shock (monoshock) or dual shocks.
Linkage Systems: Used in some motorcycles to connect the shock absorber to the swingarm, providing a progressive suspension response
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Types of Suspension Systems
1. Conventional Telescopic Forks:
Standard on most motorcycles, offering a good balance of performance, comfort, and cost.
Easy to maintain and adjust.
2. Inverted (USD) Forks:
Found on sport and high-performance bikes.
Provide greater stiffness and improved handling, especially during aggressive riding.
3. Monoshock Rear Suspension:
Offers better control and stability.
Allows for more complex linkage systems, which can improve the suspension response.
4. Twin Shock Rear Suspension:
Common on older and some cruiser motorcycles.
Simpler design but generally offers less performance compared to monoshock systems.
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Functions and Importance of Suspension
1. Comfort:
Absorbs road imperfections, providing a smoother ride and reducing rider fatigue.
2. Handling and Stability:
Maintains tire contact with the road, crucial for traction and control.
Balances the motorcycle during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
3. Safety:
Prevents excessive bouncing and bottoming out, which can lead to loss of control.
Helps in maintaining the motorcycle’s geometry for predictable handling.
4. Performance:
Enhances the bike’s ability to handle various terrains and riding styles.
Allows for adjustments to match rider preferences and conditions.
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Adjusting Motorcycle Suspension
1. Preload Adjustment:
Changes the initial tension on the suspension springs.
Adjusts ride height and sag, ensuring the suspension operates within its optimal range.
2. Compression Damping:
Controls the speed at which the suspension compresses.
Helps in managing the bike’s response to bumps and impacts.
3. Rebound Damping:
Controls the speed at which the suspension returns to its original position after compression.
Prevents excessive bouncing and ensures the tire remains in contact with the road.
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Common Suspension Issues
1. Bottoming Out:
Occurs when the suspension fully compresses, causing a harsh impact.
Can be addressed by increasing preload or compression damping.
2. Excessive Bouncing:
Indicates insufficient rebound damping.
Can be mitigated by adjusting the rebound damping to slow the suspension’s return.
3. Harsh Ride:
Often caused by too much compression damping or insufficient preload.
Adjusting these settings can improve comfort.
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Maintenance and Upgrades
1. Regular Inspection:
Check for leaks, worn components, and proper alignment.
Ensure all settings are within manufacturer specifications.
2. Upgrades:
Aftermarket suspension components can enhance performance.
Upgrading to adjustable shocks, higher-quality fork oil, or stiffer springs can tailor the suspension to specific needs.
Properly maintained and adjusted suspension is essential for the optimal performance, safety, and comfort of a motorcycle. Understanding how your motorcycle’s suspension works and making necessary adjustments can significantly enhance your riding experience. Regular maintenance and thoughtful upgrades can further improve handling and stability, ensuring your motorcycle performs at its best under various conditions.
Why Not Book Your Motorcycle Suspension or Fork Service Now...
Amazing and quick service for such a tedious process, recently did my Daytona 675 USD forks spent the time to get them right and didn’t keep me in the dark , told me what exactly was wrong etc Recommend will be using again
Jacob Elson
Excellent service of my WP forks on my CCM404, a very quick turn around. It transformed my bike. Thanks once again Harry
Daniel Hutton
I can't quite articulate how or what in particular but the bike handled so much better especially under breaking and in the corners! I felt like I had more control and feel! So overall definitely needed doing. Really pleased mate, thank you
Frank Hymas
Thanks for turning around my forks so quickly. I managed to make the race at the weekend, which meant I came third in my local centre championship.
Ben CRF250R
I didn't realise how bad my shock had got until i rode it after you serviced it! Best money i've spent on the bike in years. I will send you the forks when we get back from our euro road trip.
Dan VFR800
Just a quick note to say thanks for sorting the forks and shock on my mini twin. It’s gone from feeling like an old commuter bike on track to a proper race bike, and I went 3 seconds a lap faster at Snett!
