Motorcycle suspension

Suspension is the system used to permanently connect the wheel system to the load-bearing system. It minimizes the impacts that occur on the road by ensuring that the vehicle remains stationary. Even on a straight pavement, shocks and vibrations are constant, and will be even more so if severe bumps and stones are encountered. The suspension's job is to provide cushioning. Its function, however, is broader than we are accustomed to: it also facilitates steering and protects the vehicle from breakdowns.

The suspension helps make driving safe, smooth and comfortable by absorbing shocks from bumps in the road and other physical factors. Without it, the driver and passenger would feel the bumps even on relatively smooth roads. The suspension is a kind of foundation from which the vehicle is built.

What does the front suspension on motorcycles consist of?

The first motorcycles were equipped with springs, used to soften shocks when negotiating bumps in the road, and attached to the steering column by a long tube that forked at the end like a rigid bicycle fork. This design required frequent repairs and was poorly damped, making good handling difficult.

Modern motorcycle models have a telescopic fork in their design, still based on the same lever fork. The disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the wheelbase of the vehicle decreases when hitting a bump, resulting in a loss of stability.

What does the front suspension on Quads consist of?

One of the parameters that "define" an ATV is the suspension design. The relationship between price and "sophistication" is directly proportional - the cheaper the ATV, the simpler its suspensions. Meanwhile, until recently, most ATVs had no suspension at all - neither front nor rear. These ATVs had small-displacement two-stroke engines and an automatic centrifugal clutch, and the suspension function was performed by.... High-profile tires that "absorbed" minor bumps. Now these models are practically unheard of and remain only in the "children's" sector, and all other ATVs have suspensions in a mandatory way: dependent or independent.

As a rule, the front suspension of all modern ATVs is independent, with telescopic shock absorbers and two triangular control arms - they mainly resemble pieces of pipe welded together with metal spacers to increase rigidity. The front suspension has a very big impact on the handling of the ATV, this design scheme is more sensitive to road irregularities and allows the front wheels to have a constant and stable grip on the ground. And the ATV itself with this suspension is much softer - it does not bounce on every pothole.

What does the rear suspension on motorcycles consist of?

Classic, two shock absorbers and a conventional swingarm. The H-shaped swingarm is attached at one end to the frame, and the shock absorbers with springs are attached directly to the swingarm. The downside of this suspension is its flexibility during extreme driving.

A single shock absorber and swingarm with a rear wheel cantilever mount, a lightweight and rigid design most commonly found on modern motorcycles. The control arm is quite solidly profiled and has several stiffening ribs and high-strength materials. The advantage is the ability to quickly change the rear wheel on the motorcycle.

Modern motorcycle suspension designs can hardly be called ideal, as they have many disadvantages, which are due to the use of compromise solutions.

What does the rear suspension on Quads consist of?

The rear suspension on the same ATV can be dependent, semi-independent (with a skewed continuous rear axle) or fully independent - structurally, the latter scheme is very similar to the front independent suspension. There are also models with a swingarm and a single shock absorber at the rear, as in a motorcycle - such a scheme is difficult to "fit" anywhere. Nevertheless, the design of the rear suspension is the simplest way to determine the purpose of the model.

If the rear suspension is independent or has a wishbone, it means, you are dealing with a sport or sport-touring model, and rather expensive.

If the rear suspension is dependent or semi-independent, such a model falls into the children's or utility category - such suspension is easier to manufacture and is most often installed on inexpensive ATVs.

However, even in an expensive model the suspension can be dependent - this is the case if this "ATV" is a "professional" off-road vehicle. Nevertheless, lately more and more "professionals", against logic, are becoming "independent" - arguably, the need for stability and comfort is greater than for cross-country skills.

How to adjust the suspension on a motorcycle?

The suspension on a new motorcycle is set at the factory to suit the average rider, and optimizing it for your weight and riding style will undoubtedly improve your riding experience. You can expect better ride quality, as well as better cornering performance in most situations, without having to worry about replacing fork springs or shock absorbers.

On modern motorcycles with adaptive suspension technology, the electronics do everything themselves, allowing the rider to simply hop on the seat and go, regardless of his or her weight, riding style or road conditions. But for classic motorcycles, you'll have to take the plunge.

Suspension adjustment tools:

• Wrenches
• Measuring tape
• Flathead screwdriver
• Cable ties

1. Write everything down - Before you start upgrading anything, it's a good idea to write down all the current suspension settings - this will allow you to return to the initial settings in case the motorcycle's behavior after your intervention is not to your liking. In addition, the manual should include the factory settings. Rebound and compression settings are usually given as the number of revolutions or the number of clicks from the extreme position, depending on the motorcycle model.
2. Adjusting the front shock absorber fork - Under the weight of the vehicle with the rider, the suspension should give way by one-third, that is, if the total suspension travel is 120 mm, it should give way by 40 mm. To measure it, put the vehicle on the footrest and fix the cable ties on the fork lashing, pressing them against the dust seals. Sit on the motorcycle and place it horizontally so that the suspension is fully loaded with your weight. Step off the vehicle and place it on a stand or center footrest. Measure the distance from the sealant to the clamp on the fork lashing.
3. Adjust front suspension tension - To achieve the required 40 mm of travel, you will need to adjust the spring preload. To raise the fork height, turn the adjuster. To increase the amount of play, turn it in the opposite direction.
4. Fork compression adjustment - Compression damping allows you to control the rate at which the fork is compressed when hitting bumps or during braking. If you feel that the front of the motorcycle kicks too hard when braking, you need to increase the compression damping. If, on the other hand, you feel that the suspension is softer over bumps, such as speed bumps, you need to reduce it.
5. Fork rebound adjustment - This setting controls how quickly the forks return to their original position after compression. If the vehicle is stiff when braking from the front or the fork becomes stiffer on a bumpy road, you need to slow down the rebound. Squeeze the front suspension with your whole body weight on the steering wheel and release it rapidly. If the fork does not settle immediately, increase the rebound resistance. Of course, the settings should be the same for both sides.
6. Adjusting the deflection of the rear suspension - In order for the rear shock absorber to work at its best, it must be set correctly. Remembering to lower the suspension by one-third under the weight of a loaded motorcycle. Use two reference points, one of which will take the edge of the control arm, and choose the other on the rear of the motorcycle strictly above the first point. This is where the help of a second person will come in handy. First measure the distance with the rear wheel removed, then load the motorcycle with your own body weight and adjust the preload on the rear shock absorber until the required deflection is achieved.
7. Rear suspension rebound adjustment - This setting controls the speed at which the rear suspension extends after compression. If the motorcycle is bumpy in corners, increasing the rebound can help. However, if on a road with many bumps, the suspension begins to compress and reacts stiffly to bumps, then reduce the rear shock absorber's rebound damping.