While people ride their motorcycles, most are concerned with how the bike runs. However, how the bike rides and travels it possibly more important! In this segment of Corbin’s Ride On, we’ll take a look at motorcycle suspension systems and just how they work. Before we get to the heart of the discussion, here’s a word from an expert! According to Chris Reo, a suspension expert and MMI, K-Tech Chief Instructor, “If a suspension isn’t working properly, a great day of riding could turn into a catastrophe!” With that in mind, let’s begin by looking at the basic types of suspension systems.

Basically, there are three types of suspension systems. First, there is the cruiser/touring system that is built for comfort. Second, there is the sport bike system that is built for speed. Finally, there is the off-road/dirt bike system that is built to take punishment. In addition to these three systems, there are now dual-sport bikes, such as the BMW Adventurer that combine on and off-road suspensions that allow riders to experience the best of both worlds. Now, although these systems are significantly different in terms of how they are built, the one thing they have in common is to ensure that the rider or riders have the safest and most stable ride possible. So, how do these systems work? We thought you’d never ask!

Most bikes are referred to as “soft-tails.” These bikes use a swing arm that is hinged to the chassis and attached to the rear wheel by one or more springs, shock absorbers, or a combination of both. Some bikes, particularly vintage bikes or custom choppers, may be referred to as “hard-tails,” or bikes that have no rear suspension at all, just using the tires and seat to soak up the bumps! As you can imagine, the soft-tail version is the most popular! Now, the soft-tail type of suspension is designed to reduce the road’s interference with the bike’s stability. The cushy ride you receive is just a bonus! This effect is achieved by the springs that compress and then decompress when the bike encounters a bump in the road, or by the shock absorbers, devices that work on a different premise altogether. Shocks (as well as the front forks of your bike) work by the process of “damping” with the use of gas, oil, air, or a combination thereof. In reality, damping is simply the friction that is created by forcing the fluid or gas through some type of restriction. Consequently, the amount of damping force is then controlled by the speed of the fluid or gas movement. So, how can you tell if your forks are working properly? One way is that you may begin to feel a sensation of “bottoming out,” a condition where no damping is taking place at all, and the components simply slam together giving the rider quite a jolt. This also increases the chance that control of the motorcycle will be compromised. Another way to find out if your suspension may be having problems is to check for leaks. Check the forks each time you get ready to ride by conducting a pre-ride inspection. If you see that your forks have been leaking fluid, particularly if that fluid has leaked onto your brakes, Chris Reo advises that you should not ride the bike at all! In fact, he recommends that you trailer it to your dealer immediately!

Finally, Chris tells us that some riders have the opportunity to control their own suspensions in some cases as the suspension systems on many motorcycles are adjustable. This option allows the rider to set the suspension where it will compensate for load or weight, or even for the type of road that will be traveled. One of the last things that Chris advises is to change the fork oil and seals because they are not designed to last forever. When it comes down to it, perhaps the best favor that you can do for your bike’s suspension system is to keep the front forks clean and watch for any leakage from the forks or shocks. If you spot these types of warning signs, get your bike to a dealer immediately. It could save you further trouble down the road!

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