Good Old Bandit
Smooth your ride and sharpen your skills by identifying and fixing suspension problems like a pro.
The Unsung Hero Beneath You
Why Suspension Deserves More Respect Than It Gets
Let’s kick this off with a truth bomb: your suspension isn’t just there for comfort—it’s the difference between control and chaos. Between a bike that sticks to the line and one that wobbles through every turn like a confused duck.
Your suspension—front forks and rear shock(s)—is doing the heavy lifting every time your wheels hit a bump, dip, or pothole. It affects braking, acceleration, and even how long your tires last. Yet, for some reason, we tend to overlook it unless something feels off.
Let’s change that, shall we?
The Feel Test
Your Hands, Feet, and Butt Know Before You Do
Motorcycles talk. Not with words (obviously), but through vibrations, jolts, and the way they respond when you roll into a corner or grab a fistful of brake.
Suspension issues often whisper before they scream. Are you feeling chatter through the handlebars? Does your rear feel like it’s bouncing after every bump? Does the bike dive like a submarine under braking?
Yeah, those are symptoms. It’s not your imagination.
Common Red Flags:
· Excessive fork dive under braking
· Rear-end squat when accelerating
· Harsh, jarring ride on rough roads
· Uneven tire wear (often overlooked!)
· Mid-corner instability or wallowing
· Fork oil leaks (you see this one)
Each of these is a hint that your suspension might be out of tune, worn out, or just plain wrong for your style or weight.
Sag Isn’t Just a Mood
Why Rider Sag is the First Thing You Should Set
Let’s talk numbers—but stay with me. Rider sag is how much your suspension compresses under your weight. Too much sag? You’re bottoming out. Too little? You’re not using the travel you paid for.
Ideal Sag Range:
· Street Riding: 25-30% of total travel
· Track/Racing: 30-35% for rear, slightly less for front
· Adventure/Off-Road: Can vary, but similar logic applies
How to Check It:
· Get a buddy. Or a paddock stand.
· Measure the fully extended length of the suspension (off the ground).
· Sit on the bike in full gear.
· Measure the compressed length.
· Subtract and compare.
Adjust the preload if you’re outside the target zone.
This is your baseline. Your foundation. #RiderSagMatters #SuspensionTuning
Damping Isn’t a Dirty Word
Compression and Rebound Make or Break Your Ride
Once sag is dialed, damping is next. This is the sauce that keeps your bike from pogo-sticking through life.
Compression Damping:
Controls how fast your suspension compresses when it hits a bump. Too soft? It bottoms out. Too firm? It kicks you.
Rebound Damping:
Controls how fast it returns to normal. Too fast? It’s unstable. Too slow? It packs down and gets harsh.
Tweak one click at a time. Ride. Feel. Adjust again. Suspension is an art as much as it is science. #DampingDialed #ClickByClick
When to Service, When to Replace
Knowing When It's Time to Call in Reinforcements
No shame in getting help. Even the best suspension needs love.
Signs You Need a Service:
· 20K+ km without an oil change? Time.
· Oil on fork legs? Seal time.
· Bouncy ride despite correct sag? Internal wear.
· Clicking or clunking? Something’s loose or broken.
Fork oil degrades. Bushings wear. Springs fatigue. Shocks leak. It happens. That doesn't mean you're doing it wrong—it means you're riding. And riding is living.
Get a rebuild or replace with quality parts. Performance goes up, confidence goes through the roof. #SuspensionService #RideConfident
Tuning For You
The Best Suspension Is the One That Matches Your Ride Style
Stock suspension? It’s made for averages. And you, my friend, are anything but average.
Tuning suspension to your weight, riding style, and terrain transforms the bike. Suddenly, corners make sense. Braking is sharper. Traction is better.
Dial it in. Experiment. Write down your settings. Adjust for different rides.
Adventure riders? Softer damping, longer travel. Track day junkies? Firm settings, less dive. Daily commuters? Comfort wins.
It’s all about matching the setup to your soul. #SuspensionSetups #RideYourWay
Let’s Talk Tools and Toys
Gear That Makes Suspension Tuning Easier and More Precise
Want to get precise? Get the right tools.
· Sag measuring tools (or a buddy with a tape measure)
· Suspension spanners or preload wrenches
· Zip ties (for fork travel tracking)
· Torque wrench (don’t strip bolts!)
· Notepad or an app for logging settings
Bonus toys? Upgraded springs, gold valve kits, or aftermarket shocks like Ohlins or Race Tech. #ToolsMatter #MotorcycleUpgrades
Wrapping the Ride
Smooth Suspension Equals Rider Confidence
Here’s the thing: fixing suspension isn’t just about the bike. It’s about YOU.
When your ride feels right, you ride better. Safer. Faster. More confident. You start hitting apexes like a surgeon and gliding over rough patches like you're flying a magic carpet.
And once you feel that difference? You’ll never go back.
So, get in there. Check your sag. Tweak your damping. Listen to your machine. And share your setup stories with your crew—we’re all wrenching and riding toward better days. #RideSmooth #SuspensionMatters #MotorcycleLife #GoodOldBandit