PD Simplified : Motorcycle Suspension Explained | Part 1

Contrary to popular belief, comfort is motorcycle suspension's secondary job. Its primary job is to ensure that the tyres are in firm contact with the road surface. This allows the rider's inputs to make a difference on what the motorcycle is doing. A suspension has two major components - springs and dampers. The dampers control the compression and decompression of the springs. That gives suspension 3 properties - compression, rebound, and preload. In part 1 of a four-part series on suspension, Shubhabrata Marmar explains how motorcycle suspension works, and why you need to set it right.
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[@powerdriftofficial]

Hey #PDArmy, we hope this helps you better understand suspension! There are more episodes coming up soon, until then, if you have any queries or doubts, Comment below! Share the video with a friend, or two, to help them as well. Hit that Like button if you loved it!

[@sachinrana1541]

Please make one video on taller gearing and shorter gearing concept...

[@sanketjain9320]

How much of a differences does preload adjustability for front suspension bring, say for a rider who is at either ends of the spectrum - 60kg or 85kg. I know this would also depend on the motorcycle but some perspective on this would be great.

[@shu_mar]

@@sanketjain9320 if you’re in the weight range of the average rider then it’s more fine tuning that dramatic changes. But every little bit helps

[@silentroyale7160]

He boss do the video of how to adjust the suspension both front and back based on height and other circumstances

[@vikramlohar8172]

@@sachinrana1541 l

[@bosu1855]

Next pd podcast fitness training for riders.

[@saqlainsiddiqui2043]

Nice

[@duke96650]

Yes

[@shu_mar]

Lose weight. Build your core. That's 90% done!

[@bosu1855]

@@shu_mar sounds easy but that's hell of a lot of work 😅

[@saqlainsiddiqui2043]

@@bosu1855 what else there is to do in life but stay healthy wealthy and wise

[@arunalexander6389]

Thank you Shumi, I always argued with my buddies that suspension is the one that makes all the difference while going fast compared with an ECU or Cam profile changes.A Suspension which is setup perfectly will make a hell a lot of difference compared to bumping up the power by a few ponies.

[@powerdriftofficial]

Amen!

[@shu_mar]

Also: Most people don't have the skills or the space needed to fully use the power (standard or extra)

[@bamelaaidkhar6310]

@@shu_mar rrre I ❤️😀😀😀😀

[@mondaldipti1377]

@@shu_mar I'll

[@seedevkrishna]

Could you tell me a few after market brands

[@TearfulNight]

This content is Gold .. we are so blessed to have these kind of content providers in india

[@sumit6972]

Cant get enough of this quality Content, 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@powerdriftofficial]

Oh yeah! Afterburners on!

[@shu_mar]

Amen!

[@banuprakashkb120]

I've been following PD for more than 6 years now but till date this is the best video series of PD. Thankyou shumi and the team for coming up with Simplified series 🎉

[@preetigupta8316]

A

[@gopalaraju8939]

Would you believe me that this video has some crucial information than my automotive suspensions subject. As always schumi rocked it with your excellent teaching skills and that video graphic teaching helped me understand better than my classroom teaching

[@shu_mar]

Thank you Gopala!

[@deepakkumarswain7293]

As a mechanical and automobile engineer, I have the knowledge about suspension and spring. But shumi sir, you explained in a more better way that can be digested by all viewers so easily. Thank you so much and keep simplifying the automotive parts for everyone. 👍👍👍

[@shu_mar]

Thank you Deepak!

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodguy]

Attending online classes: 😴 Watching Shumi's video: 💪

[@shu_mar]

Awwwww! Thank you very much!

[@playking07]

Sproing Sproing is the new word in my dictionary. Amazing content! Kudos to PD and Shumi ! Keep Sproinging

[@saishashaunktr6089]

Finally......!! The KT session we always wanted

[@shu_mar]

Haha! Thank you very much!

[@samudragupt473]

Much needed ! And much awaited

[@shu_mar]

Cheers!

[@sdas7731]

Excellent explanation. Loved it.

[@JohnDoe-zj6xf]

PowerDrift is Powering up and grinding out better and better content.

[@shu_mar]

Thank you very much!Would you share this with your friends? It would really help us!

[@paraagshah4153]

Fantastic video Shumi and PD team to simplify this topic and help lay people to understand and implement it practically. On a related topic, on my Aerox where there is no option to adjust the rear shocks, accidentally discovered that increasing the tyre pressure to 40 psi as against manufacturer recommended setting of 33 psi vastly improved ride comfort and even handling/grip at rear end. Maybe the 33 psi setting is for colder climates, and also maybe the side wall flexes more than required, this increasing pressure solved the issue. Also need to adjust tyre pressure for rider weight, sort of adjusting preload?

[@theredpulsar_]

Brilliant as always

[@hemant-sathe]

Great timing. I am about to get my new cb350 and was wondering what setting should I keep for the suspensions as I am on heavier side and drive mostly in city. Cleared some concepts but will look forward to some advice.

[@shu_mar]

Have a good ride! More details coming soon!

[@sathishmechy]

Nice video as always! Looking forward to the next episodes 👍

[@powerdriftofficial]

Thank you Sathish! Hit that Like button, and we'll have the next ones up in no time!

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Satish, coming soon!

[@shridharpp]

What a timing to watch this episode. I will be receiving my YSS front suspension kit for INT650 this week n this series gonna help me a lot. Thanks PD for awesome content. N schumi, you Rock man.. Thank you once again.

[@shu_mar]

Cheers! Have fun with the suspension! 😀

[@lalitkhopade6747]

Same here buddy. I’m also thinking of getting YSS front suspension for my Interceptor. Please share your experience and guide me about it. Thanks 🙏

[@shridharpp]

@@lalitkhopade6747 Sure buddy..

[@shridharpp]

@@shu_mar And you were spot on when you said suspension should be the priority update over ecu, exhaust.

[@pravesh736]

Suspension upgrade for the road is a waste of time and money. Just tuning it is enough if tunable. Yss won't last long in Indian roads.

[@beingCuriousRider]

Very true suspension is the most important mod anyone should make if they love riding. I have upgraded my dominar with fully adjustable fork and shock and really happy I did so

[@shu_mar]

Excellent! What brands did you use?

[@beingCuriousRider]

@@shu_mar adventure 390 front gs310 rear

[@ronniepatil7953]

My doubts are clear now 😀👍🏻 thank you so much sir 💛

[@rohanautee7567]

Thanks Shumi!! Sproing sproing is my new favourite word..

[@yash_kambli]

After completion of this series next series do on a Torque curve and it's significance on engine behaviour. What i have seen so far is that folks are so obsessed with horsepower and torque numbers but they didn't noticed how and at which rpm does engine has producing it. High hp at high rpm might gave good high end performance but felt lame in acceleration and throttle responsiveness on the other hand engine having good low n mid range torque but so so peak power would be surprisingly more fun to ride with great pickup. eg. Yamaha fz25(very relatable) .

[@shu_mar]

Agreed! You're spot on! Can do a video on this

[@BharathKumar-zm2fi]

Thks for the useful content! 💗

[@shu_mar]

Cheers 🍻

[@gauravwaghmare]

@shumar @PowerDrift please start similar kind of episodes for cars as well. It is helping me alot for my motorcycle driving experience. Thank you.

[@maruti_rakshit9867]

You people are enlightening a whole generation of India with contents which are vague yet unknown to most. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom..

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Akshaya!

[@maruti_rakshit9867]

@@shu_mar keep enlightening us master 😁👍

[@holefer]

Very well explained thanks 👍

[@suryateja2k11]

Rushed towards the video♥️

[@powerdriftofficial]

Oh yeah! Liked it, Surya?

[@suryateja2k11]

@@powerdriftofficial liked the video before even watching it. Thank you shumi for having these kind of content which is necessary for a biker. ♥️

[@shu_mar]

And I thank you for that! :-D

[@karthikd03]

Finally! I guess this video was made due to my comments asking for the same in a lot of your videos

[@powerdriftofficial]

We are always listening to the #PDArmy! ;)

[@shu_mar]

More coming!

[@karthikd03]

@@shu_mar looking forward to it

[@VivasvanParekh]

Beautifully explained even though its a very complicated topic! Fortunately we have learnt a bit of this in the Level 1 training with Shumi and team at Indimotard's TWO school :D

[@shu_mar]

Doc! Good to see you here! And there also, of course!

[@md.farooqpeerzade2717]

As always nice & very informative. .. How & with which ADV Bike should I Start of long touring Rides... ......

[@shu_mar]

Make a list! It's the most fun part!

[@EternalInfinity8]

Love it !

[@shu_mar]

Thank you very much!

[@lalitkhopade6747]

This is like motorcycling enlightenment for me. Thank you Shumi sir 🙏

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Lalit! Would you share this with your friends? It would really help us!

[@sninfotainment9480]

Excellent content as usual Shumi Sir....following you since your stories on overdrive magazines ...please come up with all technical content here...We Indian public need more such know -how 🔥🔥

[@shu_mar]

Thank you very much! On it!

[@anindyac10]

Great info, but request you a hands-on job video for the same 👍🙏

[@user-fi7zn7jj8g]

I've requested this before but I would love to see an episode of what why when how etc of blipping the throttle while shifting down. Thanks.

[@shu_mar]

Can do!

[@madihalli]

Would be great if there is like a 1 hr podcast on this. May be in a one off episode discuss some books on the same topic. Definitely would be lengthy but for the oned that are interested, it would be like a good video for understanding.

[@shu_mar]

Can do! Let me think about this!

[@machinima891]

Thinking of adjusting my pre load since I am on the lighter side. Once I have pillion rear mono shock seems to behave much better

[@shu_mar]

Sounds right. Reduce preload

[@a7818k]

the rear of my 220 bouces on corners, but glides very smoothly over bad roads.

[@MrSiddharth25]

Great, eagerly waiting for the complete set of these videos. Will help me quite a lot with the RR310

[@powerdriftofficial]

Coming up soon!

[@shu_mar]

Done! Coming soon!

[@MrSiddharth25]

@@shu_mar shumi, is that really you 😳 I can't believe you commented man! Big fan!🙌🏼

[@christianpaulroldan4010]

Tnx dude❤

[@kapilbhardwaj16]

Fitness is one issue i have seen many motorcyclist struggle with , not to make anyone feel bad about their body , but i think the more agile ur in ur dynamics the more easily a person will be able to flick the motorcycle in traffic and tricky situations on highway.

[@powerdriftofficial]

True that!

[@shu_mar]

Also helps concentration which is a HUGE gain!

[@kapilbhardwaj16]

@shumar it does very much , personnel experience.

[@ramvigneshganesh4030]

Feels like good mechanical professor, very informative 👌

[@Mk_the.unknown]

Very very nice explanation Sir

[@jestonfernandes5324]

Thank you Team PowerDrift For this informative video 🔥❤️

[@shu_mar]

Cheers!

[@jamie55555]

hi thanks for the great video i am still trying to figure out when rear shock is moving the swing arm is also moving,the swing arm pivot point id fixed then how is the swing arm movingup and down? thanks

[@yashkhanna3044]

Great video series on suspension. Can we have same on brake oil change

[@raw_enduro]

Much need 😍😍

[@shu_mar]

Cheers!

[@vishalmhatre7651]

Wow thats awesome information

[@powerdriftofficial]

Glad you think so! Do Like and Share the video with your buddies! Would help us a lot.

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Vishal! Would you share this with your friends? It would really help us!

[@keshavpandey6417]

Amazing

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Keshav!

[@JeffDiaz-xx8gn]

I don’t even own a motorcycle but I feel smarter after listening to this…

[@AviAeroAsis]

Thank you.

[@ajasmohd3473]

Explained Simple and Neat 👌🏻

[@powerdriftofficial]

Thank you Ajas! Hope you've hit the Like button!

[@ajasmohd3473]

@@powerdriftofficial Always 😂😉🤟🏻

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Ajas!

[@zorbaway]

Excellent 👍

[@powerdriftofficial]

Thank you!

[@shu_mar]

Thank you Vipin!

[@subramanya2165]

Finally my request come true... 😍

[@shu_mar]

🥂

[@sidharthsathyan3728]

Damn Shumi! That was very well explained. I wish you were among the lecturers during my engineering days! The timing of this video though, I am eyeing the YSS suspension for my Thunderbird 350 but couldn't find any reviews or opinions anywhere online. I have a fear of it being an overkill. I'd love to know your opinion.

[@shu_mar]

YSS is very good for the budget suspension brand that they are

[@sidharthsathyan3728]

@@shu_mar Thanks man

[@anupamghosh4914]

Very much Informative and helpful it was ❤

[@powerdriftofficial]

Happy to hear that Anupam!

[@shu_mar]

Thank you Anupam!

[@anupamghosh4914]

@@shu_mar areeh Professor Shumi.. 😁 thanks to you for all of these!! ❤ You're such a gem

[@MyRideDiariesTV]

Thks 😊

[@puri_akshatt]

Question- why do companies market the "shockers" as a feature to us when it is only to installed to make sure the tyres are in closed and secure contact with the ground?

[@shu_mar]

Because it does do other things in the process of doing its primary job. Like your phone plays music, or shows you videos

[@abhijeetwani56]

What a way to explain the the most neglected aera of motorcycle... Especially the preload adjustment... Don't know the actual educational qualification of Mr. Shumi... But surely you are P.HD or even Post Doctorate for me.. when it come to motorcycle 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@shu_mar]

Just a bachelor's degree and a very open mind

[@abhijeetwani56]

@@shu_mar 👍🏻 You replying to my comment.. it just made my day man.. Happy New Year to you and PD army.. And one more thing to mention.. KZbin with quality content like yours has replaced my screen time over Netflix in recent times. Fan of PD simplified 🥳

[@unboxhappiness1838]

Sir plz tell which is best monoshock for ultra comfort

[@RajanSingh-wi1fd]

My 2020 duke 390 has very very hard monoshock at rear, any suggestions how can I make it soft

[@akhileshmangipudi3145]

One word Bravo

[@shu_mar]

Thank you very much! Would you share this with your friends? It would really help us!

[@akhileshmangipudi3145]

@@shu_mar Already shared to my riding groups. That is a default action on these videos.

[@ninadmestry315]

Great video as always sir!! Humble request to also do explanatory series of Cars too!!

[@powerdriftofficial]

Thank you! :D We'll ask Cyrus and Rohan for that!

[@shu_mar]

Ill tell Cyrus!

[@cksajeevkumar]

Thank you very much for the info. For the past one month, I ride my new Yamaha Aerox 155, and yes - it has a stiff suspension setup. While it improves the way the machine rides and the way it corners, it surely creates some problems while you ride through a bumpy patch of road. is there a solution, by which one can improve the comfort levels of riding through bad roads, while not affecting the ridability and cornering? Hope you'll cover this point in one of your coming episodes.

[@paraagshah4153]

Hi Sajeev, what a coincidence. I discovered something accidentally today to improve the ride quality. Not related to suspension but tires. My Aerox rides better on higher pressure, around 34 psi for front but more importantly 40 psi for rear. I am 82 kg, so you can adjust for your weight. Almost like adjusting the preload, isn't it? I figure the tire sidewalls are flexing too much at manufacturer recommended pressure, and the higher pressure is allowing the tire sidewall to soak up the bumps. Try and let me know.

[@shu_mar]

Try reducing tyre pressure by 2-3 PSI it should help

[@cksajeevkumar]

@@paraagshah4153 , Thank you. My bodyweight also is 82 kg :) I will try these and inform you about my experience. Btw, will this cause any problems to the tyre?

[@cksajeevkumar]

@@shu_mar , Thank you.

[@paraagshah4153]

@@cksajeevkumar I am not sure if it will cause any immediate problems to the tires. Shumi is actually suggesting to reduce the pressure about 2 to 3 psi and he was concerned if the tires can support the higher pressures. A couple of days ago, noted that my tire pressures were about 3-4 psi less than the recommended ones, and the stiffness/jerkiness was worse. That led me to think that the side walls are actually bottoming out when going over bumps or bad roads and that the higher pressure was actually aiding comfort levels. I was reading on another blog that one can or should change the tire pressure depending on climate, body weight, riding style, riding distance, etc. So your experience will vary, but would love to know about it.

[@yuthis16]

Tell us about the different types handlebar

[@shashankrao6202]

❤️❤️❤️ PowerDrift

[@powerdriftofficial]

Welcome Shashank!

[@shu_mar]

❤❤❤

[@deepakkumarv.s9951]

Please share a in detail about pre load adjustment

[@shu_mar]

Coming soon!

[@sambitsarkar4310]

What are a good pair of aftermarket rear suspension for bullet 350 ?

[@shu_mar]

I would go to YSS - talk to Indimotard.com

[@Don_Mitchell]

The only competition for @shumar is @shumar, outdoing himself with each new video 🙌🏼

[@Joy_oishee]

Moto God

[@shu_mar]

Where? Where?

[@roshaneshwar9228]

Please also do some videos related to suspension dynamics and vehicle dynamics of car and bikes in future

[@asishm3703]

Can someone also explain the difference between monoshock suspension in Himalayan and Yamaha tenere vs ktm adventure 390. Basically, the orientation of the rear monoshock is different.

[@saoner1]

The echo made it sound like god is teaching me basics of motorcycle suspension. /j

[@niharpatil3844]

How can I fit pulsar 220f swingarm in a 2005 old pulsar 150? Is there a way to attach oip cooling on old pulsar 150?

[@tilakmaharana8164]

Would like to know and learn about clutch and clutch plates

[@shu_mar]

Can do!

[@Ram-ev7pb]

Shumi please make video about clutch plates how does it work ND what happened when they expired please 🙏😔

[@shu_mar]

Can do!

[@tusharkantisen1592]

My R15 V3's front forks have become harder over time. My bones starts to shatter as I go over broken surfaces. Wondering what the problem is 🤔

[@shu_mar]

Get them serviced! The oil's probably destroyed inside

[@vincibenlot9375]

can i use RE Classic bs3/BS4 Rear Nitrox suspension to Jawa 350 ?

[@janekdevner9934]

Suspension goes sproing sproing. Anyways, such an informative video. Also please make one for gear shifting.

[@aniketpal2420]

Day 130 of asking PowerDrift to bring back Holy Shift Season 2.

[@adeebchand]

Niceeeeee

[@powerdriftofficial]

Thank you Adeeb!

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Adeeb

[@shreyashasane9100]

Any one with a Honda Hornet 160, pls help/guide...my suspension is very stiff, even slightest of irregularites on the road resonate to my back (on softest setting) what could be done apart from a setup change? Or is it possible to replace monoshock of anyother same league bike?

[@sujitmanandhar7584]

Your suspension might possibly be a faulty one. Make sure you check other hornet's damping before replacing it

[@shu_mar]

Should not be like that. It is stiff but not that stiff. Get it checked. Unless you weight 40-45kg, in which case you need a completely different spring

[@shreyashasane9100]

@@shu_mar thankyou for your response, means a lot to us fans!

[@yugjoshi3773]

Finally this happens after 8 time comments in other simplified videos.

[@shu_mar]

Ahahahahaha! Sometimes it takes us time but we’re always listening!

[@rakesh3967]

Brilliantly explained 👌🏻. Keep it coming shumi and PD army.

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Rakesh!

[@bishalroy4024]

Shumi da great content. Toh I don't comment much still I see each video

[@shu_mar]

Thanks Bishal! Please do comment! It's a feedback loop for us!

[@bishalroy4024]

Definitely I shall from now on. Hoping to see a video on safety precautions to be taken for group touring i.e riding long distances with fellow riders

[@shu_mar]

@@bishalroy4024 there is a video on this. Search for “group riding PowerDrift”

[@bishalroy4024]

Just saw it thanks

[@bishalroy4024]

Will see the whole video later on in office now

[@rajdeepchelsea]

My whole life is now a lie. Thanks for expalining the actual purpose of suspension.

[@shu_mar]

Hahahahaha! Glad it helps!

[@rashsoni7262]

I didn't get the answer to my question about, why most adventure bikes feel jerky on low gears, like 1st n 2nd gears at low speed, I've got Himalayan bs6 2021

[@shu_mar]

That's the engine producing less than optimal torque until revs reach some critical point (usually 2500-3000 rpm)

[@Akash_Sharma19]

Shumi sir one simplified on "Horns and Honking" 🙏🏼

[@shu_mar]

Simplified: Don’t use the horn at all 😂

[@Akash_Sharma19]

@@shu_mar This was really simplified 😂

[@giftedtravellers]

I want to watch about car suspension in detail

[@abhishekfoujdar9895]

Can we also have some podcasts on supercars please?

[@shu_mar]

I'll ask Cyrus!

[@abhishekfoujdar9895]

@@shu_mar Thank you sir

[@nileshkokane9934]

👍👍👍

[@devendracabral6146]

❤❤❤

[@RajarshiBanerjee2508]

Shumi and the cameraguy were probably losing their shit at "Sproing Sproing"

[@shu_mar]

Ahahahahahahhaha

[@168ankitsingh3]

Do one video on how to maintain the milage of the bike

[@yipman214]

Suchmi is the best!

[@AmbitiuosBasilisk]

I want to upgrade my front 30mm forks to 40mm, can I??

[@Bharadwajbs]

how differential works...may be when you guys cover cars...

[@musicsoul78]

I specifically watch this video to clarify my doubt...so that i can buy a right bike

[@shu_mar]

I hope it helped!

[@kapaleshwarC1]

Suggestion: try to show us what you mean practically..like with a bike or something...makes understanding much easier