A Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycle Suspension Systems

There are tons of moving parts when it comes to motorcycles, but one of the players is the suspension system. Not all new riders are familiar with suspension because it’s not talked about as much as other major components, but it does play a major role in your bike’s performance. Read on to learn more!

Suspension Parts

Speaking of moving parts, the suspension alone has quite a few that come together to form a system. In the rear, you’ll often have a coil-over system that’s similar to the shocks in a car. There’s also a swingarm that holds the rear axle in place and allows it to move vertically so the suspension can absorb bumps in the road. Sometimes, there are shock absorbers connected to a reservoir for increased performance. 

The rear system is usually adjustable to some degree, which can create differing conditions for a variety of riders. For example, if you’re a smaller rider then you might prefer a looser suspension and a bigger rider would benefit from stiffer settings.

In the front, it’s common to have a telescoping fork design. The fork coil sits inside a metal shock absorber or damper, which is filled with low-viscosity oil to reduce vibration and ensure there’s enough suspension to handle any bumps while riding. Bumpers inside the dampers prevent the suspension from bottoming out. There’s also a plug and orifice to control the amount of oil and its flow.

Performance

Motorcycle suspension may not be the talk of the town, but most riders still experience the effects of its performance each time they hit the road. 

A suspension that’s too loose can leave you feeling like your bike might go flying into the air with every single bump you encounter. 

On the other hand, a suspension that’s too stiff can make you feel like you’re riding a motorized brick. 

When a suspension is perfect, it’s one of those things that isn’t talked about or noticed as much. When something is off, you’ll be rushing your bike in for service to fix the problem because you will notice a major difference in how your bike rides when the suspension is too loose or too stiff.

The goal of every motorcycle suspension is balance, smoothness, and flexibility. Balance isn’t just for comfort, either. It directly affects performance on multiple levels. The power of a motorcycle isn’t worth much if it can’t be ridden comfortably. In addition to affecting your bike, it also affects your ability to enjoy a high-quality ride. You may not realize it at first but once something is off with your suspension, you’ll start to see what a major role this system plays in your bike’s performance quality.

If you’re in the market for a motorcycle with a suspension that perfectly fits your style of riding, check out the models at Windy City Motorcycle Company. Our friendly staff is happy to help you find your perfect match. We serve those in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chicago, Illinois, and Detroit, Michigan.