A good and proper suspension works like a key to keep balancing between the bike and the rider. While you think about four issues like comfort, safety, vehicle handling, and braking, you need to focus on your bike suspension.
Here, we will introduce you to the solution to most of the common dirt bike suspension troubleshooting.
A bike suspension system is a way of absorbing bumps and vibrations. To get good handling and braking control, bike suspension is needed right away.
However, you will go through the different functions of bike suspension on our dirt bike suspension troubleshooting guide today. You will learn the definition, types, how it works, and a dirt bike suspension troubleshooting adjustment. So, let’s begin!
What Does Bike Suspension Mean
Bike suspension is a system that suspends the rider and the vehicle from the roughness of the terrain. Usually, you can consider a bike suspension for mountain bikes. But, still, you can use it on your bike for regular riding. And you will get
- Better Control
- Better Traction
- Faster Riding
- High Comfortability
Types of Bike Suspension
We can consider the bike suspension in two basic types
- Upside-Down Fork
Upside-down you can choose for the bike that is not ready to ride in a harsh zone. it will give you maximum performance while on a smoother road. Usually, the bike riders do not use this fork as it is costly to afford.
- Telescopic Fork
All the normal or general functioning bikes are ready to run using a telescopic fork. The telescopic fork is much cheaper to afford for your general use.
How Does a Bike Suspension Work
The suspension works by helping the wheels move up and down and controls the small bumps. To make a great control, it keeps the tires connected with the ground.
What is more, it will help you absorb shocks while jumping. The most significant part of a suspension is its spring and damper.
However, as there are two types of bike suspension, it works in two ways as well. Let’s learn how suspension works now.
- Upside-Down Fork Suspension
While you use an upside-down fork suspension to increase the steering capability while at high speed, it means you will get excellent handling in terms of Upside-Down Fork Suspension. Let’s see how-
The slider in Upside-Down Fork Suspension keeps connected near the handle. And, the fork tube keeps attached near the bike wheel. As a result, you will get excellent handling while riding your bike at high speed.
Also, it gives more strength to the front wheel. It is easy to save the bike from an accident while getting pushed in front of other vehicles.
Upside-Down Fork Suspension is very popular among the rider. It is well suitable only for costly bikes.
But, not everyone can afford this suspension due to its high cost. Even it is not suitable to give you an excellent outcome on a harsh road.
- Telescopic fork Bike Suspension
On the other hand, Telescopic Bike Suspension plays a vital role while you use a general bike.
And, Telescopic Bike Suspension works well no matter on a harsh road. Besides, it costs little to maintain while you compare it to the upside-down fork suspension.
But it doesn’t mean the telescopic suspension works poorly. It is not at all. To understand the
Dirt Bike Suspension Troubleshooting
Now, in this section, you will know the most common problems and solutions-
- Headshaking
If you feel a head-shaking problem, be aware of the fork oil. If the amount of fork oil is too low, it can cause a head-shaking problem. Also, tire pressure is another reason for the head-shaking problem.
It is better if you keep the tire pressure around 15 psi. Also, we recommend you increase the fork-oil level to 5 mm.
- Inconsistent Fork Compression
This problem happens while the fork clamps seem out of position. Also, if the clamp bolts are tight, you can easily solve this problem right after fixing these two problems.
- Front-End Bottoms
Some problems happen while you don’t maintain the oil level properly. For example- soft damp mid-valve compression, soft fork spring, etc.
So, you have to increase the oil level up to 10 mm. to solve the problem.
- Fork-Shaking over Downhill
While the fork tubes get old or out of balance, it keeps shaking at your downhill riding time. Repair the fork tube, and it will not do the same anymore.
- Too Much Fork Diving
Here again, the low oil level will create a forking diving problem. You have to replace the fork springs as well, besides increasing the oil level.
- Shaft Wear and Scratches
Such a type of dirt bike rear shock problem happens while the oil starts leaking oil. In this case, you have to rebuild the shock to keep extra wear on its shaft.
- Sag Issue
While there is excessive sag, it will create a problem on your ride. But, if the sag is much less, then again, it will create the same. So, we ask you to keep a balance that means neither too much nor too little.
Adjust your sag by tightening or loosing the spanner ring according to the sag adjustment. Also, you have to tighten the jam nut.
Gentle Reminder
- Note a record of your present suspension before fixing your problem.
- To bring an excellent balance to the dirt bike suspension, you should start from the sag first.
- Do not go to fix two problems at a time.
- If you make a mess after making the changes, we suggest you do as the previous settings and meet an expert.
Conclusion
Before bringing some changes, you must study well on the dirt bike suspension troubleshooting. Or else, it can make a big hamper to your bike. If you think that you are confident, go fix the bike suspension problem yourself.
But, we don’t ask you to do so while you’re not ready to fix this. However, we hope our bike suspension troubleshooting guide will be helpful to you. All the best for your next go!
Read more: How To Setup Dirt Bike Suspension
