Harley-Davidson® Superior Suspension
Suspension likely isn’t your first priority when thinking about motorcycles, but a motorcycle’s suspension is extremely important, affecting bike performance on many levels. Harley-Davidson® has listened to its riders and developed new technology, and at Illinois Harley-Davidson® we’ve come up with this basic guide for anyone who wants to know more about Harley’s recent suspension innovations.
For more details and specs about Harley® suspension and motorcycles in general, drop by our dealership in Countryside, Illinois, west of Chicago off of Historic U.S. 66. Our knowledgeable floor staff and service technicians are eager to share their experience and love of Harley-Davidson® with you. We’re committed to freedom of choice, rider convenience, and offering value.
Suspension Basics
There are two systems that form a motorcycle’s suspension system. In the rear, there’s a coil over system, which tends to be the most common and is comparable to car shocks. A swingarm holds the rear axle firmly while it pivots up and down to allow the absorption of bumps. Shock absorbers can be connected to a reservoir to further increase performance. Sometimes the rear suspension can be adjusted for different types of riders, with a tighter setting for bigger riders and looser one for smaller riders.
The telescoping fork design in the front forms that iconic motorcycle shape. Rather than a coil over system, the fork coil is housed inside a metal shock absorber called a damper. The dampers have low-viscosity oil inside with a plug for controlling how much the oil moves around. This is used to reduce vibration while keeping enough suspension to handle bumps. Bumpers inside the dampers prevent bottoming out.
Performance-Focused Design
Harley-Davidson’s ideal balance in suspension design reduces bumps and vibrations, keeping your bike’s tires on the pavement and ensuring you have all the handling and control you want. If you’re used to riding a new Harley®, you’ll notice inferior suspension in other bikes. Poorly designed and old suspension systems often feel too rigid or too loose, making even the smallest bump or patch of gravel feel like a major road hazard, or else dip you up and down like a merry-go-round. A comfortable, balanced suspension will always allow you and your bike to have better performance.
Harley-Davidson® Innovation
Harley-Davidson® has a history of innovation, whether it be in engineering or design. Recent advances in suspension technology allow an even greater quality of motorcycle. Modern Harley® bikes have rear emulsion shocks, inverted designs, and other new and improved features.
Harley® takes things to the next level with their latest Softail® release. The Softail® now features a more rigid, solid frame for increased control and carrying capacity while cutting the frame weight by 13 pounds. Improved damping, increased travel and pre-load range for comfort, and easy preload adjustment to optimize handling are just some of the features you’ll find on these bikes. When it comes to innovating the modern motorcycle, Harley-Davidson® roars past the competition.
From the Street Rod™ and Road King® Special, to the Electra Glide®, Harley® tunes each model to fit its specialization, perfecting bike performance for new and veteran riders alike.
Harley® has a reputation for big, powerful engines, and the new Milwaukee-Eight® certainly doesn’t disappoint, but even engine advances can work in tandem with suspension designs, allowing for more advanced and specialized bikes. When you’re ready to check out what Harley® has to offer in terms of a comfortable and exhilarating ride, head to Illinois Harley-Davidson®, where we’re proud to serve Countryside and the greater Chicago area. We’re one of the windy city’s oldest dealers, owned and operated by riders, for riders. Why shop anywhere else? Come in today!