Have you ever experienced your bike swaying when cornering, bouncing uncontrollably over speed bumps, or feeling a harsh ride that causes back pain? These symptoms don't necessarily mean you're a bad rider, but might be because... “"Motorcycle shock absorbers"” (Shock Absorber) Yours isn't performing efficiently yet, or it hasn't been properly adjusted to your weight and riding style.
The suspension system is the "unsung hero" that bears the heaviest burden in big bikes today. Showpow This video will introduce you to the working mechanisms and technical terms such as Preload, Rebound, and Compression, explaining what they are so you can get the maximum performance out of your vehicle!
Many people mistakenly believe that shock absorbers are responsible for bearing weight, but that's actually the function of... “"Spring"
spring: Absorbs impact and the weight of the vehicle.
Shock absorber (Damper): Has a duty. “"Delay"” The spring action prevents the car from bouncing constantly, ensuring the wheels maintain constant contact with the road surface. This directly affects traction and safety.
If you switch to... Custom shock absorbers for big bikes (For example, YSS, Öhlins) You'll find many different adjustment knobs. Let's look at what each setting does:
This involves adjusting the spring stiffness (basic adjustment) to support the rider's weight and luggage.
Corrected: When sitting in a car, it should sag within a suitable range; it shouldn't bottom out or become so stiff that it doesn't sag at all.
It's about adjusting the damping during the shock absorber's rotation. “"Stretch yourself."” (Returns to its original shape)
Low viscosity (Fast): The shock absorbers rebound too quickly, causing the car to bounce, wander, and lose traction.
Very viscous (Slow): Slow rebound shocks result in a stable but harsh ride. The suspension may become stiff after continuous driving. (Pack up)
It's about adjusting the damping during the shock absorber's rotation. “"Collapsed"”
Very important: It helps counteract the pressure when braking hard or cornering aggressively, preventing the front of the car from diving or the rear from swaying and losing control.
Why do big bike riders often change their shock absorbers?
Original (Stock) shocks: Designed to be "middle ground" for average riders, it usually only offers preload adjustment and tends to become wobbly at high speeds or when carrying heavy loads.
Performance shock absorbers: It uses better materials, dissipates shock absorber oil better (with a sub-tank), and most importantly... “"Finely adjustable"” To suit the physique and riding style of each individual owner.
Shock absorbers also have a lifespan. Pay close attention to these symptoms:
There is an oily stain: The shock absorber shaft shows a broken seal, causing oil leakage (very dangerous if oil drips onto the brake discs or tires).
The car kept bouncing: If the bike bounces up and down repeatedly when you ride over a hill, it means the damper system is broken.
Tire wear in ribbed patterns: This is caused by abnormal wheel movement, resulting in uneven tire contact with the ground.
Adjusting the suspension is a delicate matter. If you adjust it incorrectly, the bike might become harder to ride!
at Showpow We are a distributor of world-renowned shock absorber brands, including... YSS, Öhlins, Showa For all big bike models, installation service is available. Setup By expert technicians, to give you the "smooth, grippy," and safest" suspension possible.
Looking to solve your suspension problems or find your perfect aftermarket shock absorbers? Feel free to contact us for advice.
Based on information from: www.superbikemag.com
