Motorcycle Shock Absorbers & Struts

All modern motorcycles are equipped with suspension parts that help improve handling and provide comfort for riders and passengers by absorbing vibration and the energy of impacts caused by road irregularities. The front suspension consists of a pair of telescopic fork tubes, while the rear section includes a swingarm suspended on single or double shock absorbers or rigid struts. By changing and adjusting shock absorbers, you can fine-tune your suspension so that it can provide the quality of ride that you want. Almost all hydraulic or high-pressure gas monotube shock absorbers on motorcycles, which are also called “shocks” or “dampers,” come with coil-over springs. Hydraulic shocks may have internal or external oil reservoirs.

By choosing and installing new shock absorbers on your motorcycle, you can change the stance of your machine, its ride height, and handling. Also, you might want to replace your dampers if your old parts are worn or damaged. Most riders prefer to make their vehicles ride as smoothly as possible without losing their handling quality. One of the simplest and most affordable ways of upgrading a motorcycle suspension is the installation of performance shock absorbers with velocity-sensitive damping and quick pre-load adjusting capabilities. You can fine-tune the quality of the ride on the fly depending on the load and riding conditions.

Today, you don’t even need tools to adjust the compression rate of your shocks. You simply flip the switch or turn the threaded pre-load adjusters to achieve noticeable changes in ride quality and handling. You may want to make an adjustment or install new dampers if you feel that the ride is too harsh, and the suspension is too rigid or is not using full travel. Also, you may experience excessive body roll or bottom out completely on large bumps or landings after jumps on a dirt bike. The installation process is fairly simple, and the job could be done with only basic hand tools.

The only "advanced" thing that you will need to swap your twin shock absorbers is a motorcycle jack or lift stand. You have to find a safe way to elevate the rear side of your bike and then support the weight of the rear wheel assembly to eliminate the pressure on the shock fasteners. You can use wooden planks and wedges to keep the wheel from falling down when you remove bolts holding the shock absorbers. If you have decided to install taller shocks, make sure you lift your bike high enough to lower the swingarm to fit new parts.

There are only two bolts for each damper – the upper one on the frame, and the other one on the swingarm. Remove the bottom bolts first. That way the shocks will safely hang on the upper fasteners without crashing on your hands when you take out one of the bolts. For the same reason, put on the upper bolts first when installing the new shocks. If new dampers are longer or shorter, remove or add planks under the rear wheel and adjust the wedge to align mounting points on the swingarm and the bottom of new shocks. Check your service manual and use a torque wrench to tighten shock absorber bolts according to the factory specifications.