As a motorcycle enthusiast, you know that choosing the right motorcycle shocks is important for safety and performance. But many riders make common mistakes when choosing motorcycle shocks that can lead to a poor riding experience. From not considering riding style and weight to overlooking adjustability and spring rate, these oversights can negatively impact comfort, control, and even safety on the road. These common mistakes to avoid when choosing motorcycle shocks can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable ride and a bumpy, frustrating one.
Neglecting Riding Style
Before you even look at shock brands, take a moment to reflect on your riding style. Do you spend most of your time on smooth highways, rough city streets, or even off-road trails? Understanding common mistakes to avoid when choosing motorcycle shocks is highly influenced by your riding style. Additionally, the amount of weight on your bike, such as if you carry luggage or a passenger, also comes into play. Both of these will determine what type of shock best suits your needs.
For Street Riding
For primarily city or highway use, shocks designed for street riding are best. These typically offer a balance of comfort and performance, dealing well with potholes and other road imperfections. Additionally, they also provide decent stability at higher speeds.
For Track Use
Riders hitting the track need high-performance shocks with adjustability for fine-tuning compression and rebound damping. This allows you to optimize the shock’s behavior based on the specific demands of track riding. You will need to consider suspension settings for different aspects of riding on the track such as weight transfer under hard braking.
For Off-Roading
Off-road motorcycles benefit from shocks with longer travel to absorb the impacts of jumps and uneven terrain. You will encounter situations where tire pressure and proper tread depth become very important. This specialized design requires a completely different focus than what works best for road use.
Ignoring Bike Compatibility
Selecting motorcycle shocks without considering bike compatibility is a critical mistake. Every motorcycle model has specific suspension requirements—including dimensions, mount types, and performance characteristics—to ensure optimal handling, stability, and safety. Ignoring these specifications can lead to several negative consequences.
Overlooking Rider Weight and Luggage
Often, riders simply go with the stock shocks that come with their bikes. But forgetting to consider the combined weight of the rider, passenger, and gear is a crucial error. Overloaded shocks negatively affect handling, stability, and shock longevity. It’s just like a car’s suspension—too much weight can make it sag excessively and handle poorly.
The same applies to motorcycles. Be honest about the usual weight your bike carries, as this directly impacts which shocks are right for your setup.
Ignoring Adjustability Features
Imagine having complete control over how your motorcycle responds to bumps, dips, and turns. Adjustable shocks allow for customization according to different road conditions and passenger/gear loads. These typically offer fine-tuning of spring preload, rebound damping, and compression damping.
Spring Preload
Adjusting the spring preload helps maintain ride height based on how much weight you regularly carry.
Rebound Damping
This feature controls the speed at which the shock returns to its original position after compressing over a bump. Fine-tuning rebound damping makes sure the tire maintains constant contact with the road instead of bouncing wildly. Having proper rebound damping will improve your motorcycle's handling.
Compression Damping
This adjustment impacts how quickly the shock compresses when hitting a bump. Having this control allows you to create a balance between plushness over bumps and firm control under hard braking or acceleration. By finding that sweet spot, you enhance both handling and comfort. Getting your compression damping adjusted properly is a common thing average riders overlook and is something even experienced riders will adjust depending on what kind of motorcycle riding they are doing, such as adventure touring.
Skipping Professional Advice
Neglecting the step of consulting with professionals when choosing the right motorcycle shocks can lead to unnecessary risks and expenses. Professionals bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that can significantly benefit the selection process in several key ways.
First off, they can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific motorcycle model, riding style, and preferences, ensuring that you choose the most suitable shocks. This tailored advice is invaluable for enhancing your bike's performance and your overall satisfaction.
Professionals are adept at identifying potential compatibility issues or technical requirements that may not be apparent to the average rider. By bringing these considerations to your attention before making a purchase, they can help you avoid costly mistakes, such as buying incompatible or underperforming shocks.
Expert guidance can also directly impact your safety on the road. Choosing the right motorcycle shocks contribute to better handling and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. Professionals can help you make informed decisions that improve ride safety, making their advice an investment worth making
Choosing the Wrong Spring Rate
Spring rate measures the force needed to compress a spring by a certain distance. Selecting an inappropriate spring rate—either too soft or too stiff—compromises riding comfort and handling.
Shocks that are too soft can feel wallowy, lacking control. Stiff shocks might transmit every bump directly to the rider, turning a pleasant cruise into a teeth-rattling experience. It is for these reasons that getting the proper spring rate for your style of riding is one of the most common motorcycle mistakes riders make. Getting it wrong will lead to an unpleasant riding experience, so doing research on proper spring rates, or even consulting with an expert, could drastically improve your riding experience. Things to consider when determining your spring rate are what your typical load weight is and what kind of road surfaces you will typically be riding on.
Disregarding Quality and Durability
Tempting deals on bargain-brand shocks might be easy to find, but always factor in durability and build quality. Remember—you are entrusting your safety to these components. Shocks built with superior materials, like high-grade steel and precisely machined components, last longer, perform more consistently, and are more likely to perform well under stress. Investing in reputable brands and well-made shocks pays off in the long run, not only through safety but also through enhanced riding enjoyment.
Making the Right Choice in Motorcycle Shocks
Choosing the right motorcycle shocks is essential for enjoying the open road safely and comfortably. Your motorcycle shocks greatly impact your motorcycle's handling and stability, making them a key factor in overall safety, particularly given motorcycles' vulnerability on the road.
To avoid the common mistakes people make when choosing motorcycle shocks, focus on how shocks are going to support you best, and don't settle for anything less than the best ride your motorcycle can offer. At Brock's Performance, we offer top-quality suspension parts. Explore our full selection of suspension upgrades today, and transform your riding experience.