Best motorcycle suspension upgrades and tools

Yes, itu2019s pricey, but weu2019ve started with one of the very best replacement shock absorbers to illustrate whatu2019s available and what it can cost. u00d6hlins is generally regarded as the elite in motorcycle suspension and this street shock u2013 as long as you buy the model appropriate for your bike and your weight u2013 will transform the ride of your bike, its handling and controllability.

A popular suspension modification, if not exactly an upgrade, particularly for shorter riders, is a rear-suspension lowering kit. These usually operate by having specially designed, shortened linkages between the shock absorber and bike chassis, so itu2019s important to get one specific to your bike.

If your bikeu2019s too high, and a rear suspension lowering kit isnu2019t sufficient, another alternative is a fork-lowering kit, such as this one from reputable specialist Progressive. Its drop-in fork lowering kits have transformed a once messy, and time consuming install, into a cake walk.

A crucial component in how your motorcycleu2019s telescopic forks work is their damping oil and it being set to the correct level. Heavier weight oil gives more damping properties, lighter less u2013 but replacing it accurately can be difficult.

The fork seals in your motorcycleu2019s telescopic forks are crucial for preventing leaks of damping oil. Over time they also wear and need replacement, which can lead to a loss of damping, in turn affecting your bikeu2019s front suspension effectiveness. Replacing seals can be difficult but itu2019s made much easier with the use of a tool such as this.

Hyperpro is another quality replacement shock absorber brand u2013 although not quite as pricey as u00d6hlins u2013 and its multi-adjustable units, which comes with bespoke settings for your bike (this oneu2019s for a Honda VFR800Fi) come highly recommended.

Also from Hyperpro is this front fork re-springing kit, which replaces the standard springs and oil, is designed to use the maximum front fork stroke under heavy braking without upsetting front grip, is bespoke to your model of bike with a huge range of fittings available (this oneu2019s for a Suzuki SV650), is easy to fit (as long as you have basic mechanical skills) and is highly recommended.

Replacing your fork oil may sound messy but is one of the simplest u2013 and cheapest u2013 ways to improve your bikeu2019s front suspension. By using different weights of oil u2013 ranging from light (5W) to heavy (20W), also has the effect of reducing or raising the damping of your forks, depending on your usage and type of riding. This Motul oil is typical and is currently on offer, but there are plenty of quality brands and options available.