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.
Before changing the suspensions, it is essential to understand the components.
Motorcycle suspensions consist of two main parts:
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.
Characteristics: aggressive bends, high speeds and fast accelerations.
Suspension needs: stiffer suspensions for greater stability and precision when cornering.
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.
Characteristics: driving on uneven and unpredictable terrain.
Suspension needs: soft suspensions for better shock absorption, with greater excursion to handle roughness and depressions.
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.
The suspension adjustment involves several key elements, each of which contributes to the handling and comfort of the vehicle.
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.
It can be of two types:
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.
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.
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:
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.