When to Change Your Motorcycle Suspension: Signs of Wear and Replacement Options

You are a motorcycle enthusiast and you take care of your two-wheeler like the apple of your eye. But have you ever thought about the condition of your suspensions ? These essential elements of your motorcycle can have a direct impact on your safety and driving comfort . In this article, we will explain how to recognize the signs of wear in your suspensions and guide you in choosing their replacement.

Why are suspensions so important?

Suspensions play a vital role in the handling of your motorcycle. Their function is to absorb shocks and road irregularities, in order to offer you a stable, safe and comfortable ride . When in good condition, suspensions allow you to better control your machine, brake safely and lean into turns with more precision.

Conversely, faulty suspensions can have serious consequences. They can cause loss of control of your motorcycle, uncontrolled rebound phenomena, or even accidents. This is why it is essential to regularly monitor their condition and replace them as soon as necessary.

How to recognize signs of wear on your suspensions?

Here are some indicators that will allow you to detect premature wear of your suspensions:

1. Oil leaks

The role of suspension oil is to lubricate and dampen movements. If you notice traces of oil on the telescopic tubes, this means that the seals are damaged and the oil is leaking. This is a sign of aging suspensions.

2. Jerky movements

When you ride, your suspension should slide smoothly and smoothly. If you feel jerky, jerky, or irregular movements, your suspension is no longer working properly.

3. Excessive bouncing

After going over an obstacle or pothole, your suspensions should return to their initial position gradually. If they bounce excessively, it is a sign of worn shock absorbers.

4. Sagging of the motorcycle

Over time, suspension springs can lose their elasticity and sag. This results in a visible lowering of the front or rear of your motorcycle.

5. Unusual vibrations and noises

Squeaking, cracking or clicking noises may indicate that suspension parts are worn and need replacement.

If you notice one or more of these signs, do not hesitate to consult a motorcycle professional to have the condition of your suspensions checked. Prevention is better than cure !

What are the replacement options?

When your suspensions are too worn, you have several options for replacing them:

1. Original suspensions

The simplest solution is to replace your suspensions with parts identical to the original ones. This will guarantee perfect compatibility with your motorcycle and an equivalent level of performance.

2. Improved suspensions

If you want to optimize the performance of your motorcycle, you can opt for high-end suspensions , offering better shock absorption and better road holding. These replacement suspensions are often adjustable, which will allow you to adapt them to your riding style.

3. Custom suspensions

For the most demanding bikers, it is possible to have suspensions specially designed for your motorcycle installed. These custom suspensions will allow you to obtain a configuration perfectly adapted to your needs and your riding style.

Whatever your choice, do not hesitate to seek advice from a motorcycle professional to choose the suspensions best suited to your two-wheeler and your practice.

Maintenance and regular monitoring

Once you have replaced your suspensions, it is important to maintain them regularly to extend their life. Here are some tips:

• Check the condition of the seals regularly and have them replaced if necessary.
• Clean the telescopic tubes to prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust.
• Have the suspension oil pressure and level checked at each service.
• Strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations in terms of maintenance and replacement.

By following these few recommendations, you will be able to take full advantage of the performance and safety offered by suspensions in perfect condition.

So don't wait any longer, go to a specialist to have the condition of your suspensions checked and consider replacing them if necessary. Your safety and driving comfort depend on it!