When it comes to achieving a perfect ride, the importance of motorcycle suspensions cannot be underestimated.
These components are at the heart of the handling and comfort of a motorcycle. Their tuning, to suit the riding style, can transform a motorcyclist's on-road experience.
But how do you get a perfect customised fine tuning?
Let's find out in today's article.
The role of motorcycle suspensions in riding style
Before changing the suspensions, it is essential to understand the components.
Motorcycle suspensions consist of two main parts:
- the front forks
- the rear shock absorbers
These elements work together to absorb road shocks and maintain contact with the tyres, which is essential for smooth and safe driving.
Since different riding styles require different needs of the suspension system, it is crucial to understand your own to customise the suspensions of a motorcycle.
Here are some of the most adopted.
Sporty driving
Characteristics: aggressive bends, high speeds and fast accelerations.
Suspension needs: stiffer suspensions for greater stability and precision when cornering.
Tourism
Characteristics: long distances often with passenger and luggage.
Suspension needs: a balance between comfort and support, with adjustable preload to adapt to the extra weight.
Off-Road
Characteristics: driving on uneven and unpredictable terrain.
Suspension needs: soft suspensions for better shock absorption, with greater excursion to handle roughness and depressions.
Commuting
Characteristics: regular journeys in varying road conditions.
Suspension needs: comfort-focused configuration, adaptable to both flowing motorways and the bumpiest city streets.
By identifying a main riding style, it will be possible to tune the suspension to meet your needs, improving both performance and fun.
Key adjustments for customising motorcycle suspensions
The suspension adjustment involves several key elements, each of which contributes to the handling and comfort of the vehicle.
Adjusting the preload
It consists of setting the initial compression of the spring based on the weight of the rider and the load.
It influences the operating height and the lowering of the suspension, which is essential for correct handling.
Damping adjustment
It can be of two types:
- compression damping: it controls the way the suspension compresses
- damping in extension: it controls the way in which it returns to the original position and determines the way in which the bike reacts to the irregularities of the road and the rider's inputs
Extension adjustment
It controls the return speed of the suspension after compression.
It is essential to maintain the tyre's contact with the road and general stability.
Understanding and adjusting these settings in harmony with each other, ensures that the suspensions are optimized for both rider comfort and motorcycle performance.
Essential tools and equipment
The right tools are essential for effective suspension tuning and, in addition to basic tools, specific equipment may be required.
For this reason, even if do-it-yourself can be a temptation, turning to a professional for motorcycle suspension overhaul is essential, especially for more complex adjustments.
Professional mechanics are highly experienced and can provide a level of precision that is difficult to reach at home.
This is where the importance of a specific workbench becomes evident in a motorcycle workshop.
Ideal characteristics of a motorcycle suspension maintenance bench
The essential basis for efficient suspension processing is a dedicated work bench, which ensures order and cleanliness in the area where the work takes place.
In fact, oil leakage is the main problem that mechanics must manage during these suspension maintenance operations.
For a workbench intended for suspension maintenance, the following elements are indispensable:
- stainless steel work surface to work smoothly with fluids
- tool drawer unit
- shallow depth bench, equipped with drip-collector, ideal for forks maintenance
- perforated surface for oil drainage
- door module for the containment of the eco-tank for oil collection
- perforated panels for draining forks and hanging tools
- a space to house specific machinery
Having a specialised workbench is not only a matter of comfort, but also of precision and safety.
The fine tuning of the motorcycle's suspension involves precision adjustments that can significantly affect the handling and performance of the motorcycle. A dedicated workbench in a professional environment ensures that these adjustments are made precisely and safely.
If you are looking for professional and high-performance equipment for your workshop, contact KIRO.
Download the catalogue to discover our range of products dedicated to the suspensions sector.
