In a motorcycle, the suspension is a mechanism made primarily for the comfort and safety of the order. Every person requires different adjustments according to their needs and own personal preferences. Sometimes, the suspension can feel too stiff and hence does not provide adequate stability. Here’s how to go about adjusting your bike suspension properly.
1. Why it is important to have good suspension
As no two riders are alike in terms of habits and needs, there is no standard for suspension in terms of measurements. To achieve the best possible comfort during a ride, make sure to go step-by-step as you follow the process below. Making small changes and testing after each is the ideal way to go.
2. Checking the sag
The ‘sag’ is the amount the motorcycle compresses under its own weight and the rider load combined. This can be measured by placing the bike on the stand, sitting on it and having another person measure the difference in the suspension’s length. It is recommended that you do this while wearing all your riding gear and kit to maximize the accuracy.
3. Adjusting the preload
This is where the stiffness or laxness of the bike suspension arises from. The preload is the amount which the suspension is compression while static. If it is too stiff, you cna go ahead and reduce the preload by simply turning the preload adjuster . This lowers the spring tension and results in a more responsive suspension.
4. Checking compression damping
After checking the preload, it is necessary to adjust the compression damping too. This essentially controls how fast the suspension compresses when you hit a bump. If it is too much, the rider can feel as though the suspension is too taut or harsh. The adjuster for this is often a knob or screw, which you can turn anti-clockwise to reduce the damping.
5. Checking the rebound damping
The rebound damping affects how quickly the suspension returns to its original position after compressing. Again, if this is too slow it can lead to a stiffer feel. To loosen the rebound damping, turn this adjuster anti-clockwise too, which allows the suspension to revert faster.
6. Adjusting the ride height
Of course, the ride height can be customized to every rider specifically. However, this works beyond personal comfort for steering dynamics as well. Lowering the rear will make the bike feel more stable, though the steering may become a bit vague. Raising the rear, on the other hand, has the opposite effect—sharper steering but less stability.
7. Checking the tire pressure
Sometimes, the issue may not lie in the suspension itself but in fact, the tire pressure. Too high of pressure in the tires can mimic stiff suspension and give the feel of an uncomfortable ride. Make sure that your tires are inflated only to the recommended pressure for your weight, riding conditions and motorcycle type.
8. Consider softer springs
Another aspect to take into account is the kind of suspension spring your bike has. Sometimes, if the suspension is still too stiff even after making the adjustments, the springs might be too firm for your weight. In this case, you it may be better to install softer springs which are more suited to your body weight.
9. Check your owner’s manual
Every motorcycle has some guidelines depending on what kind of vehicle it is- street bikes differ from off-road bikes which differ from mud bikes and so on. Depending on the terrain and rider weight, you can consult the owner’s manual for guidance on adjusting the suspension to cater to your needs.
10. Keep notes
It may seem as though your suspension settings, once set, will not need re-adjustment again. However, this is not a one-and-done situation and suspension will need to be changed from situation to situation. That’s why it is important to keep track of your preferences and go back to these notes every time you need to re-adjust. Note-keeping will make this entire process easier and faster.
Taking into account the various conditions in which you will be riding, keep in mind that the purpose of the suspension is to be appropriately responsive and quick. If that is not the case, it’s time to make some changes.
