The Complete Guide To Suspension In Bikes

The primary purpose of a suspension in a bike is to keep the rider safe and maintain balance when encountering potholes, bumps, and dips. Suspensions are an essential part of motorcycle safety and also play an important role in the comfort of the rider. Motorcycle suspensions are located near the tires and the front suspensions typically differ from the rear ones. 

As suspensions are such important parts of a motorcycle, it is necessary to understand different types of suspension in bikes, how they work, and how to set up and adjust suspension systems by yourself. Knowing how to adjust or set up your bike’s suspension can help you in tough situations and lead to a better riding experience. 

A] Components of a Motorcycle Suspension System 

1. Front Suspension

• Forks: The fork is a couple of tubes placed on either side of the front wheel. The fork is made up of damping components, such as the fork spring situated inside the tubes. The fork is basically a hydraulic tube attached to the bike’s frame.

• Triple Trees: Triple trees attach the suspension fork to the bike’s frame. It is attached to the motorcycle handlebar, which allows to steer the bike’s front tires.  

• Front Wheel: The front wheel is meant to be kept safe from uneven roads. The front suspension system works in unison to adjust the front wheel when met with uneven roads. 

2. Rear Suspension

• Shock Absorbers: Two common types of shock absorbers include mono-shocks, which are situated centrally, or twin-shocks, situated on either side of the rear tire. These are the main components in absorbing impact and maintaining the comfort and safety of the rider. Most modern bikes use mono-shocks as they reduce torque from the swingarm and provide better performance than twin-shocks.

• Swingarm: The swingarm connects the bike’s frame to the rear tire. The longer side is connected to the wheel’s axle and the shorter side is connected to the bike’s frame. The swingarm moves up and down as the wheel hits an uneven spot on the road, keeping the rider safe. 

• Rear Wheel: Similar to the front wheel, the rear wheel is kept safe by the suspension system.

B] How Suspension Works

Motorcycle suspensions use s system of dampers and springs to reduce the impact of bumps and holes on the road. When the tires hit any imperfect spot on the road, the suspension springs compress to absorb the impact. This reduces the rebound force on the rider, keeping them safe.

The front and rear suspension work in tandem to maintain the rider’s comfort and safety. Without a good quality suspension system, the rider can cause tires to get out of control and cause an accident.

C] Key Suspension Terminology 

• Compression: Compression is when the suspension shrinks to absorb the force as the tires hit a bump or pothole.

   

• Rebound: As a spring compresses, it will also release the force by expanding. This is called rebound. Rebound damping makes sure that rebound is not released too quickly or slowly.

   

• Preload: Preload is the force that is being applied to the springs, while the bike is stationary. The preload can be adjusted to optimise the suspension in motorcycle for different rider & luggage weight.

   

• Sag: Sag refers to how much the suspension compresses when the rider and/or luggage are placed on the bike. Proper sag setting according to the weight and terrain are essential to ensure proper suspension.

   

• Damping: Damping is the speed at which the suspension compresses and rebounds. Damping can be adjusted to the rider’s needs.

D] Types of Suspension Systems

1. Conventional Telescopic Forks

Conventional telescopic forks are the most common type of front suspension system found in motorcycles. It is one of the simplest suspension with two hydraulic tubes, shaped like forks attached to the steering handle. 

The upper part of the suspension is attached to the motorcycle frame in a T-clamp and the lower part is attached to the wheel’s axel. The lower part of the forks move up and down to absorb the force of impact. The tubes are internally lubricated with oil to ensure smooth movement.

2. Upside-Down (Inverted) Forks

Upside-down aka inverted forks are just traditional fork suspension set-up in a inverted position. Naturally, they are very similar to conventional telescopic fork suspension. Inverted forks have the sliders positioned at the top, connected to the steering and the thicker part at the bottom.

Inverted forks system are generally seen in high-end and off-road bikes. These suspension system reduces the unsprung weight of the motorcycle and also improves handling by increasing torsional stiffness. 

3. Monoshock Rear Suspension

Monoshock rear suspension are a modern version of the twin-shock system. A single spring suspension is placed centrally near the rear tire. Manufacturers are incorporating monoshock rear suspension instead of traditional twin-shock due to their benefits.

As monoshocks are use a linkage and are not connected to the swingarm, they can offer better damping more stable. Monoshocks can also provide a even shock absorption as opposed to to twin-shocks. They eliminate swingarm torque and provide better stability and comfort.

4. Twin-Shock Rear Suspension

Twin-shock suspension system consists of two shock abosbers on either side of upper rear wheel. These are the conventional suspension system, which was designed for off-road motorcycles in 1970s and gained popularity in the 80s. 

Twin-shocks also have a few benefits over monoshock suspension systems. They are able to absorb shocked more efficiently on account of having more absorbers, making them perfect of bumpy roads. The two shocks are also less expensive and provide a nostalgic look to the bike.

E] Checklist For Setting Up/Adjusting Your Motorcycle Suspension 

• Check Tire Pressure: The tires must be properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

   

• Measure Rider Sag: To measure the rider sag, check the suspension dip when the bike is stationary and measure how much the suspension compresses after you sit. Compare these measurements to find the rider sag and adjust it accordingly to get the best suspension bike.

   

• Adjust Preload: If necessary, adjust the preload on your bike forks to achieve the correct sag.

   

• Compression Damping: The compression damping should be set to a softer setting for on-road riding and on a firm setting for sports riding.

   

• Rebound Damping: The rebound damping should be set to a neutral setting and then gradually adjusted according to the rider’s style and setting.

   

• Fork Height and Triple Tree Position: Fork height and triple tree can affect the bike’s steering and handling. The fork height and triple trees position should be adjusted according to the ride’s comfort and safety.

   

• Test Ride: Once you adjust the bike’s suspension, it is crucial to take a test ride. Check the comfort, handling, and responsiveness of the suspension while on the ride.

   

• Fine-tuning: Fine-tune the preload, compression and rebound damping if necessary after the test ride.

   

• Document Settings: Note down the suspension settings to remember for future.

   

• Rider Feedback: After taken the bike on a few rides, make further adjustments if you still feel more fine tuning is necessary. This will ensure your comfort, control, and safety.

   

• Regular Maintenance: Regular checking and maintenance for oil levels, leakage, and the mechanical components is crucial to maintain the safety of the rider.

   

• Seek Professional Help: If you are not sure about the bike’s suspension set-up, you should ask an expert’s help. A mechanic or a experienced person from your riding group would be the right fit for getting your advice. If you are not a part of any riding group, but wish to be, you can refer to our ultimate guide to finding motorcycle bike riding group in india.

If you’re dealing with a harsh ride, it’s not only about adjusting your suspension settings. Sometimes, upgrading your riding gear can make a significant difference. A better-padded riding jacket, pants with built-in impact protection, or a bike riding gear full set can help reduce the jarring sensations you feel through your bike’s suspension.

F] Common Issues With Motorcycle Suspension 

• Bottoming Out: If the suspension is fully compressed and can not absorb any impacts, it is known as bottoming out. If the suspension bottoms out, it will send harsh jolt of vibrations to the rider when hitting the imperfections on the road.

   

• Fork Dive: If the front suspensions are fully compressed, breaking can lead to excessive compression. This causes the bike to dip in the front, reducing control and stability. Wearing a good quality helmet like Axor Apex Solid Black Helmet, in this situations can be a lifesaver.

   

• Bouncing or Pogoing: Quick rebounds can cause the bike to bounce on the road. This can be extremely dangerous for thr rider.

   

• Harsh Ride: A stiff suspension does not compress enough to absorb the vibrations. The rider can feel every imperfection of the road, putting stress on your spine.

   

• Sagging or Settling: If the suspension is getting old, the components might not provide as good of service as before. This could lead to suspension being perpetually compressed.

   

• Leaks and Seal Damage: Leaks and seal damage can be caused by wear and tear over time, exposure to harsh environmental or poor maintance. This can reduce damping ability of the suspension, making them more rigid.

   

• Corrosion and Rust: Without proper maintenance and service, corrosion and rust can render the suspension system useless.

   

• Stiction: Dirt and dust that build up in the suspension forks can increase the friction of damping process. This reduction of suspension mobility is known as striction.

   

• Inconsistent Handling: uneven suspension setting between the front and rear wheels makes it difficult to balance and reduce control. If not optimised at the earliest, this can cause an accident.

   

• Noise: Loose or damaged suspension components can cause unusual noises. These clunking, squeaking, and rattling noises should not be ignored. You must see a mechanic at the earliest opportunity and get the issues fixed.

   

• Loss of Damping Control: Over time, the suspension may loose its damping ability. This could lead to loss of control and stability.

   

• Uneven Tire Wear: Improper suspension set-up can cause tire to wear out. This reduces the tire’s service life.

Conclusion

Suspensions are an important safety and comfort component of your motorcycle. It is crucial to understand what is suspension in bike and how they work if you want to improve your riding experience. By learning how to adjust, modify, and maintain your suspension, you can ensure smooth riding in all types of terrain. 

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