Suspension is one of the most familiar components found on motorcycles and automobiles. It plays a crucial role in a vehicle’s handling, stability, and riding comfort. When the factory-installed suspension can no longer meet a rider’s expectations or specific riding needs, understanding the fundamentals of suspension systems can help you select the most suitable setup for your motorcycle.
The information below is based on the general functions and types of suspension systems.
What Is a Suspension System?
A suspension system primarily connects the vehicle body to the wheel assembly. Its main functions are to provide support, maintain stability, and reduce vibrations transmitted from the road surface.
The key components of a suspension system include:
- Upper and lower mounts
- Spring
- Shock body
- Damping system
What Does a Suspension System Do?
A high-quality suspension system should effectively deliver three essential benefits:
Handling
Whether riding on public roads or racetracks, the suspension responds to steering inputs, acceleration, and braking forces, providing the rider with precise control and feedback.
Stability
When encountering uneven road surfaces or off-road conditions, the suspension absorbs and reduces excessive impacts and vibrations, helping to protect the motorcycle and its components from damage.
Comfort
A properly tuned suspension minimizes uncomfortable vibrations while still providing enough road feedback for riders to make accurate riding decisions.
Understanding Suspension Adjustments
Hydraulic suspension systems commonly feature the following adjustment functions:
Preload Adjustment
Preload refers to the amount of compression applied to the spring before the suspension begins to move.
- More preload increases the suspension's load-carrying capacity.
- Ideal for riders carrying additional weight, passengers, or luggage.
Compression Damping Adjustment
Compression damping controls the suspension’s resistance when it compresses.
- Increasing compression damping provides greater support under load.
- Damping force is generated by hydraulic fluid flowing through the suspension system.
Rebound Damping Adjustment
Rebound damping controls the speed at which the suspension returns after being compressed.
- Increased rebound damping slows spring return movement.
- Improves stability by reducing excessive bouncing and oscillation.
The more adjustment features a suspension offers, the more precisely it can be tuned to individual riding preferences and conditions. Naturally, additional adjustability is often reflected in the product’s price.
When Should You Replace Your Suspension?
Suspension replacement should be considered when:
- The spring no longer provides sufficient support.
- Excessive rebound causes instability or discomfort.
- Ride quality noticeably deteriorates.
- The suspension can no longer effectively absorb road impacts.
These symptoms can negatively affect handling, comfort, and safety.
How to Choose the Right Suspension
Selecting the right suspension starts with choosing the correct spring rate.
A properly matched spring provides adequate support and helps prevent bottoming out during riding, resulting in improved comfort and control.
After selecting the appropriate spring, consider the adjustment features that best suit your riding needs:
Adjustable Preload
Allows the rider to adjust spring compression and increase load support.
Adjustable Compression Damping
Enables fine-tuning of compression resistance for more precise support characteristics.
Adjustable Rebound Damping
Allows adjustment of rebound speed to counteract spring force and improve riding stability.
RPM Suspension: Built from Decades of Racing Experience
Driven by a passion for motorcycle performance and innovation, RPM brings nearly 40 years of experience in the research, development, production, and manufacturing of motorcycle suspension systems.
Drawing upon extensive suspension tuning data collected from both domestic and international motorcycle racing events—many resulting in podium finishes—RPM has developed a comprehensive range of suspension products for:
- Scooters
- Sport motorcycles
- Heavyweight motorcycles
- Specialty and custom-built motorcycles
With a variety of models tailored to different riding styles and applications, RPM offers suspension solutions designed to meet the demands of every rider.
Find the perfect suspension setup for you and your motorcycle today.
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