MOTORCYCLE RESOURCES
MOTORCYCLE LINKS
LATEST MOTORCYCLE NEWS
|
Why Its Important to Check Used Motorcycle Suspension
Checking for suspension integrity is important for anybody who is considering buying a used motorcycle. Suspension allows you to enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride. Although there is no substitute for a professional diagnosis, it's up to you to evaluate suspension performance prior to buying the motorcycle.
Before you buy the used motorcycle, ask the owner how long it's been since the fork seals have been changed. Fork seals need to be changed almost every 15-20 thousand miles. Getting replacement fork seals installed is not difficult, but only if you have the correct equipment to do the job.
While sitting upon the motorcycle, grab the front brake and push down hard on the forks a few times. Some resistance is normal as they come back up. The suspension should be silent-noise is a bad sign. Binding on used motorcycle suspension is even worse. Upper forks should be smooth and scratch-free and completely free from oil drops. Some dirt rings are okay, but no oil allowed on upper forks! Sure, scratches can be polished off but if the nicks are too deep, a replacement chrome fork can come with hefty cost. If the fork pipes are bent, the motorcycle may have been in a crash.
Don't forget to ask the seller how long its been since the suspension fluid was changed. Over time suspension fluid weakens, therefore it should be exchanged every year or two. Professionals are usually the only people to gain access to the suspension fluid in the rear shock of the used motorcycle.
Get someone to stabilize the front of the motorcycle as you heavily push down on the grab-rail or passenger seat. The used motorcycle should pop back up with just a little bit of resistance. No resistance at all means it's time to replace the rear shock. Sometimes no resistance is the result of deteriorated oil or faulty seal. You can get a good feeling of a healthy rear shock by testing out new motorcycles at a dealership.
If you would like to upgrade the performance of your used motorcycle suspension, there are a number of aftermarket units of premium quality (manufactured by Penske, Fox, Race Tech, Ohlins to name a few) and which are completely rebuildable. Of course the price for these units are elevated, but they do tend to last longer than the stock parts for used motorcycles.
Used Motorcycle Suspension RELATED ARTICLES
Motorcycle Repair You Can Do Yourself
Believe it or not, you can do much of your motorcycle repair work by yourself. Motorcycle repair services are exceptional in many cases, but if you are looking to save money try doing some repairs yourself....
|