The suspension system of your motorcycle helps it in tackling poor roads and outrageous terrains

 

Motorcycles are manufactured of several parts that support the motorcycles to perform various functions. When it comes to enhancing the overall ride quality and comfort of the motorcycles, it is the suspension setup that plays an imperative role. In layman terms, the suspension setup of the motorcycles helps them to deal with inferior highways and outrageous terrains. In short, it grants any rider to pass through potholes, bumpers and broken tarmacs without breaking a sweat. 

 

Since suspension setup is a fundamental part of the motorcycles, it is imperative to learn as much as possible about the system. Therefore, in this column, we have forged an analysis of the front suspension setup. To begin with, there are two types of front suspension setup. One is called a telescopic, and the second is called an upside-down fork.

 

Telescopic fork- In a telescopic fork, the external chamber is fitted near the front wheel whereas an internal rod is linked to the handlebar of the motorcycle. When the motorcycle goes over a bumper or a pothole, the internal rod gets pushed inside the external chamber and swallows the jolt. 

 

Upside-down fork- The construction of an upside-down fork is identical to that of a telescopic fork. However, the way it is equipped on the motorcycle is different. As the name suggests, the external chamber of the setup is strapped to the handlebar of the motorcycle whereas the internal rod is joined to the front wheel. In short, an upside-down fork is basically a telescopic fork that is fitted in an upside-down fashion. 

 

The mechanism- Inside the forks, there are various parts such as valves, springs and shims. The spring of the setup enables the front wheel to move up and down freely when it runs over a bumper or a pothole. When it goes over the bumper or the pothole, the internal rods get pushed inside the external chamber, which is called compression damping. Once the impact is absorbed, the spring then pushes back the internal rods to their original position, which is called a rebound damping. 

 

The better choice- Both the setups execute the same duty and therefore, there’s not really much contrast between the two forks. However, the difference exists in the construction of the forks. Upside-down forks are designed to endure massive forces and therefore, they are seen on motorcycles with bigger engines. In motorcycles with lesser cc engines, telescopic forks are frequently employed.