Suspension & Handling
About Suspension & Handling
Suspension keeps the tires on the road over bumps and sets how a motorcycle feels in corners and under braking, so worn or mismatched parts show up as a harsh ride, a bouncy rear, leaking forks or vague steering. Riders shop here to rebuild worn parts, to fit a stiffer or softer setup for their weight, or to change ride height.
The section divides the job by location and by part. The front end is in Fork Suspension & Parts. The rear is covered by Shocks & Coil Overs, Suspension Springs and Swingarms. Pivots and seals wear out in Suspension Bearings, Bushings & Seals and Steering Bearings. Ride height changes live in Lowering & Lift Kits, and Steering Stabilizers & Dampers calm handlebar movement. Anything else is in Other Suspension & Handling. Rider weight, load and riding style decide the spring rate you need.
Brands listed here include FOX, COLONY, Drag Specialties, Arlen Ness and ACERBIS. Suspension parts are made for a specific model, year and fork or shock size, so pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. Our guide to avoiding fitment mistakes covers what to check.
FAQs on motorcycle suspension and handling
How do I know if my motorcycle suspension is worn out?
Common signs are an oily film on the fork tubes, a rear end that keeps bouncing after a bump, the suspension bottoming out on ordinary roads, a nose-down feel under braking and vague steering. Check the manual for service intervals, and inspect the seals and linkages.
What is sag and why does it matter?
Sag is how far the suspension compresses under the bike's own weight and then with you aboard. It shows whether the spring rate and preload suit your weight. Measure it as the manual or the suspension maker describes, then adjust preload.
Should I upgrade front and rear suspension together?
Usually it is best to keep them balanced. A much stiffer rear with the stock front, or the reverse, can change how the bike feels and handles. If you only upgrade one end, change it modestly and check how the other end responds.
Does lowering a motorcycle affect handling?
Yes. A lower bike is easier to reach the ground on, but ground clearance and lean angle go down, and steering feel can change. Lowering one end more than the other changes the geometry, so most kits drop both ends by similar amounts.
Do I replace springs or the whole shock when the ride feels wrong?
It depends on the cause. A spring that is too soft or too stiff for your weight can be replaced alone. If the shock leaks or no longer controls the bounce, the damper needs service or replacement, and you may need a shock instead.
