I want to learn more about Moto Suspension Theory - Anybody have any good links or articles?

yzaddict106
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COLLEGE STATION, TX, USA

Sup Vital Fam,

Like the post says, I want to spend some time reading and learning about dirtbike suspension theory, dynamics, etc. to learn how suspension works conceptually. I'm a "decent" enough rider to know what the bike is doing and how to communicate it, but I have no idea how to translate that into suspension changes.  Before I spend money and have a suspension guy come out for a day and help me at the track, I want to learn some basic knowledge on how to convert what I'm feeling into what I need to change. 

I'm sure a few folks are going to respond with "just go out and ride and a) just go three clicks at a time, or b) go all the way out and ride it and then go all the way in and ride it." I get this approach, but I don't get to ride a lot and that's just not how my brain works. Even if I get it better, I won't understand why. I'm not so much looking for the "what" as the "why" in this case. 

Thanks in advance! 

2
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FahQ
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2/2/2025 3:15pm
IMG 5092 0
10
Tyler D
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2/2/2025 4:22pm

Vorsprung tech tuesdays

Pop Shmoke
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2/2/2025 4:34pm Edited Date/Time 2/2/2025 4:40pm

 



 

The Shop

fresno_smooth
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2/2/2025 5:51pm
FahQ wrote:
IMG 5092 0

I did not know this existed. Thank you.

2/2/2025 7:56pm
FahQ wrote:
IMG 5092 0

I talked to them a few weeks ago about aftermarket parts for my 04 cr125 suspension. Like bottoming cones ,etc.  There cool 1 guy mentioned stuff like bushings not being made for older bikes . He joked about its like trying to find parts for a 86 mustang.  I laughed & said funny u say that . I had 1 of those piles a cheap 1 with a 6. Green Bay chics would b like cool car man haha.  Rad valves r available 4 my bike only in comp I think & a couple cool shock performance parts.  They will make a suspension part for you also.  I change my fork oil , springs - I polish them . I figure with all the oil going threw them why not make the oil flow smoother threw them.  Change Shock springs too , it’s easy.  I put diff ages on there spring calculator . 40+ gets much softer than a pro spring. Changes  Along with b class, expert & pro . Using the same weight.   I like the forks stiff just soft enough to corner . And the back end plush helps to soak up square chop. And a lot of sag at max just enough on the front to get good frontend grip.  That setup helps keep the frontend on top of the dirt better. Also & stability.  Run a lot of sag until the front end pushes then back it off 2mm.  And test again as soon as the front end bites good , leave it there. 

3
Village Idiot
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2/2/2025 8:23pm
OwenJakes wrote:

Thanks for the reminder.  👍

I had forgotten Borat used to do tech videos before he hit it big. 😄

4
Philo Beddoe
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2/2/2025 8:37pm

OJ has an equal amount of knowledge on this topic as he did in the sugary energy drinks thread🤣

OwenJakes
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2/2/2025 8:40pm

OJ has an equal amount of knowledge on this topic as he did in the sugary energy drinks thread🤣

You’re as dense as they come. 

shortty761
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2/2/2025 8:40pm

Just don't be the guy that reads some pages of the Racetech Suspension Bible and then tries to argue with a guy setting your sag that tightening the spring is going to make your sag go # go up. Or argue that turning your compression clickers in 3 clicks is going to make it softer. 😵

Philo Beddoe
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2/2/2025 8:58pm

OJ has an equal amount of knowledge on this topic as he did in the sugary energy drinks thread🤣

OwenJakes wrote:

You’re as dense as they come. 

Light actually bends around you, Orenthal.

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