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05-Aug-2019
The shock absorbers on your motorcycle play a pivotal role in terms of the stability and control of your ride. As well as keeping your tires firmly on the ground, shock absorbers are responsible for the control and movement of the springs and suspension of your bike.
Shock absorbers can become worn over time, and this is incredibly dangerous for any road user if left unmanaged. Worn shock absorbers cause a dramatic loss of control and by not getting this problem fixed you could ultimately be putting yourself and other road users at risk. But how can you recognise the symptoms of bad or worn shock absorbers? Here we examine some classic symptoms you should look out for, so you know when it’s time to get them replaced.
As shock absorbers help control the movement of your motorcycle when they start to deteriorate you are likely to notice that your ride becomes more bumpy and uncomfortable. This is due to the fact that your tires are losing more contact with the road then they should. Look out for any unusual vibrations or if your rides are becoming increasingly springy.
You may notice that your motorcycle starts to swerve when you applying the brakes. Worn shock absorbers could cause your bike to swerve as well as making an unusual knocking sound in the process. If you notice any unfamiliar movements or sounds, then it could be time to get your shock absorbers replaced.
If your stopping time has become increased, this could also be the result of worn shock absorbers. This is hazardous as you need to be aware of your stopping time in order to come to a safe stop. This is especially important when riding in bad weather conditions. Therefore, if you notice this issue don’t delay in investigating the problem.
When you ride with worn shock absorbers, your motorcycle will not be able to keep the tires properly on the ground, meaning that a slight bounce will be caused as you ride over a road surface. This unbalanced contact with the road surface will eventually lead to uneven tire wear. You are likely to notice the effects of this by examining your tire tread – so check out your tires to see if any damage has already been done.
You may have noticed some leaking fluid running down the side of your shock absorbers. This loss of fluid is an immediate red flag and could indicate your shock absorbers are not functioning as they should be and there is a complication.
If your motorcycle is experiencing any of these issues then you should get in touch with MH Suspension to professionally inspect and replace your shock absorbers if needs be. Your suspension needs to be maintained and serviced on a regular basis by a specialist mechanic who knows what they’re doing.
