Full Suspension Services

Full suspension services for motorcycles are essential for maintaining optimal performance, comfort, and safety, particularly for riders who frequently tackle rough terrain or aggressive riding styles. A well-maintained suspension system ensures better handling, stability, and control.

Here’s a breakdown of the main full suspension services for motorcycles:

1. Suspension Inspection

  • Visual Inspection: Checking for any visible damage to the shock absorbers, forks, linkage, and other suspension components.
  • Leakage Check: Inspecting for oil leaks, which can indicate damaged seals or other issues.
  • Play and Movement Check: Evaluating the suspension’s overall feel, ensuring there are no abnormal movements or excessive play in the forks or shock.

2. Fork Services (Front Suspension)

  • Fork Oil Change: The fork oil should be replaced regularly (typically every 10,000–15,000 km or after heavy use). Old oil can degrade, losing its damping properties.
  • Seal Replacement: Fork seals wear out over time and may allow oil to leak, leading to reduced performance.
  • Fork Spring Replacement/Upgrade: Depending on the rider’s weight, riding style, or use case, upgrading or replacing fork springs may be necessary.
  • Suspension Setup and Tuning: Adjusting the compression and rebound damping settings based on the rider’s preferences, riding style, and terrain.

3. Shock Absorber Services (Rear Suspension)

  • Shock Oil Change: Like fork oil, the oil inside the rear shock can degrade over time, affecting performance. Regular oil changes are crucial.
  • Revalving: Rebuilding or adjusting the internal valving in the shock to alter the damping characteristics. This is particularly important for riders looking to optimize the shock for specific terrains or riding styles.
  • Spring Replacement/Adjustment: Rear shock springs come in different ratings, depending on the rider’s weight, the motorcycle type, and the riding environment. Adjusting or replacing the spring can improve ride quality and handling.
  • Linkage Check & Lubing: Inspecting and lubricating the suspension linkage to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
  • Shock Seal Replacement: Over time, seals can wear out, causing oil leaks and reduced suspension performance. Replacing the seals restores proper function.

4. Suspension Geometry Adjustments

  • Sag Setting: Setting the rider sag is crucial for ensuring that the suspension operates in its optimal range. This is usually done by adjusting preload on the fork and shock springs.
  • Ride Height Adjustment: Tweaking the front and rear suspension to adjust ride height, which can affect handling, cornering, and stability.
  • Rebound and Compression Tuning: Adjusting rebound (how fast the suspension returns after compression) and compression (how fast the suspension compresses under load) to fine-tune handling characteristics.

5. Rebuilding and Customization

  • Rebuilding Shocks/Forks: In cases of severe wear or performance needs, forks and shocks can be completely rebuilt with new seals, oil, springs, and valving.
  • Custom Tuning: Some riders may want a suspension that is specifically tuned to their riding style, weight, and terrain. Suspension shops offer custom services to tailor the suspension for these needs.
  • Upgrades: Riders looking to enhance performance can opt for high-performance aftermarket suspension components, such as upgraded forks or shocks from brands like Ohlins, WP, or Fox Racing Shox.

6. Pre-Race or Track Preparation

  • Final Tuning: Riders preparing for races or track days may require fine-tuning of suspension settings to adapt to specific track conditions (smooth vs. rough, tight corners vs. long straights).
  • Suspension Setup for Specific Conditions: Adjusting for aggressive riding, dirt tracks, motocross, or trail riding, depending on the bike and event.

7. Spring Rate Calibration

  • Weight-Based Calibration: Replacing springs with ones that suit the rider’s weight and riding style. Incorrect spring rates can result in poor ride quality and handling issues.
  • Specialty Springs: For riders looking to maximize performance, some suspension services offer custom spring options, including progressive rate springs for a more controlled ride.

8. Suspension Component Upgrades

  • Upgrading to High-End Suspension Kits: For performance enthusiasts, suspension specialists may offer high-end suspension kits with adjustable damping, compression, and rebound to suit specific riding conditions.
  • Hydraulic Preload Adjusters: Some suspension setups come with hydraulic preload adjusters that make it easier to adjust suspension settings without needing to remove components.

9. Specialty Suspension Services

  • Dirt Bike/Motocross Suspension Services: These services focus on the extreme demands of off-road riding, where fork and shock performance can make a big difference in handling and comfort.
  • Touring and Adventure Bike Suspension: For longer-distance riders or those on adventure bikes, suspension services focus on comfort and handling over various terrains, adjusting to handle both on-road and off-road conditions.

10. Suspension Setup and Tuning for Specific Riding Styles

  • Street Bikes: Focus on comfort, stability at high speeds, and responsiveness on smooth roads.
  • Track Bikes: Tuning for aggressive cornering, stability, and handling under high-speed and high-acceleration conditions.
  • Enduro or Off-Road Bikes: Setup for maximum traction and control on rough, uneven terrain.

When Should You Service Your Suspension?

  • Regular Intervals: If you ride frequently, plan on having your suspension serviced every 10,000–15,000 km or at least once a year.
  • After Hard Use: If you’ve been off-roading, racing, or riding aggressively, it’s good to have your suspension checked sooner.
  • When Handling Deteriorates: If your bike starts to feel less stable, bouncy, or rough during rides, it’s a clear sign that suspension maintenance is due.

By having your suspension serviced regularly and properly tuned, you can significantly enhance the overall riding experience, ensuring both comfort and safety on the road or trail.

Contact us today for more information