According to many mechanics, motorcycle shock rebuild is a process which riders do not have performed as often as they should.
Long periods of time often pass between overhauls, and this maintenance is sometimes never performed at all.
In this article we will take a deeper look at some important elements to take into consideration before carrying out an overhaul, and at what equipment is recommended.
Motorcycle shock rebuild: what you need to know beforehand
Overhauling a motorbike's suspension system is essential to keep the vehicle in good working order.
It is essential to perform this operation at regular intervals and not adapt your riding style to forks which are worn or no longer provide perfect performance: this can have a potentially serious impact not only on your safety, but also on the enjoyment of your ride.
The frequency that shocks should be rebuilt varies on the basis of the use of the bike:
- For bikes used on the road, the shocks should be rebuilt every two or three years
- With motorbikes for track use, on the other hand, it is recommended to carry out this procedure at the start of each season
What happens during a motorcycle shock rebuild?
Overhauling of the fork can be summarised in the following steps:
- Removal of the fork from the bike
- Disassembling the fork into its component parts
- Cleaning the individual parts
- Replacing any worn components and changing the oil
- Reassembly
Now let’s take a more detailed look at all the components of a fork
The components of a fork
The fork is a telescopic element composed of parts which slide inside each other.
We can identify two key parts:
- The fork tubes - the part fixed to the bike
- The sliders - the part which slides inside the tubes
The fork can also be divided into the following types of components
- Hydraulic - the piston
- Elastic - the spring and spacer
The fork, along with the shock absorbers, is a part of the motorbike which is as important as it is delicate, and for this reason it is somewhat risky to decide to embark on a DIY shock rebuild.
It is rather recommended to put your trust in an expert mechanic, both due to their technical expertise and the tools they have available to them in the workshop.
Focus motorbike shock absorber overhaul
Shock absorbers are crucial components of the suspension system, designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of shocks and vibrations from the road, thereby improving ride comfort and stability.
Consisting mainly of a spring and damper, these elements work together to keep the wheels in contact with the ground, reducing vibrations transmitted to the chassis and protecting mechanical components.
Motorbike shock absorber overhaul is a fundamental process for maintaining optimum motorbike performance and ensuring rider safety, and consists of inspecting and, if necessary, replacing components such as seals, oil and springs.
During the overhaul, mechanics carefully check for signs of wear, fluid leaks and structural damage.
It is important to carry out the overhaul periodically, following the manufacturer's recommendations or when symptoms of malfunctioning such as an excessively hard ride, abnormal noises or oil leaks are noticed.
A thorough motorbike shock absorber overhaul, performed by qualified personnel, can prolong the life of these components and significantly improve ride quality, while ensuring rider safety on the road.
In the event of symptoms of malfunction, it is advisable to replace the shock absorbers, generally every 20,000 to 30,000 km.
Equipment for a motorcycle shock rebuild
A thorough and successful shock rebuild requires your workshop to be equipped with the correct work tools and furniture.
First and foremost, it is essential to have a workbench dedicated to this type of procedure, composed of all the elements required to carry out an optimal job and which will ensure that the workstation and surrounding areas remain clean and tidy.
Indeed, one of the main problems that suspension technicians come up against every day is oil from the forks spreading around the workspace.
A suspension workstation should therefore look like the image here:
The workstation shown in the image contains the following components:
- Stainless-steel worktop to facilitate work with fluids
- Drawer unit for storage of work tools
- Perforated panels for hanging tools
- Hooks for hanging sprays and cans
- Stainless-steel drip tray
- Perforated stainless-steel worktop to allow oil to drain
- Two-door cabinet for the oil container or to use for storage space
- Reduced depth central worktop to allow the mechanic to work close to the bench with greater ease
- Space for vice
It is important to bear in mind that suspension workshops are highly technical environments where great attention to detail is key.
Having your shocks rebuilt by an expert could be the best possible choice for your bike.
We have seen the characteristics of the forks and those of an ideal workstation for working on them.
If you are thinking about refreshing the suspension workstation in your workshop for motorcycle shock rebuilds, KIRO could be the ideal partner to carry out the project with you.
KIRO's experts are ready to assist you in your decision: to find out more about the company's products and projects, request a free-of-charge, no-obligation consultancy session right away:
