Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Suspension

Ever wondered how your Harley bike's suspension works? To many riders, it seems a foreign concept. It does something to affect your ride, but what? Well get ready to answer that question with our following guide below. If your suspension needs any adjustments, bring your motorcycle to Texas Harley. We proudly serve those in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

The Parts of Harley® Suspension

Harley suspension systems are lean mean performance machines. It'd be too complex to fully break down how they work in an article. But we cover the basic parts so you can gain some familiarity.

Let's start with the front wheel. You'll see a telescoping fork design. A metal coil inside a tube will absorb the shocks. Inside the tube is a small orifice. Inside the orifice is the plug. Low-viscosity oil enters the tube and simultaneously the plug decreases vibrations. At the same time, bumpers work to prevent your suspension from bottoming out. It's a complex system of many moving parts, but the end result is a steady ride.

Then there is the suspension of your Harley rear wheel. It relies on a coil over system. A swingarm keeps the rear axle in place. It also allows it to move up and down. This lets the suspension absorb bumps in the road.

Suspension and Your Motorcycle Performance

There's a reason we are dedicating a whole article to understanding your Harley motorcycle suspension - this system plays a big role in how your motorcycle rides.

When your suspension is too tight, it won't properly absorb road bumps. You'll notice a choppy ride. Imagine the sensation of falling down the stairs but on your motorcycle. Not ideal!

When your suspension is too loose, you'll experience a dramatic up and down motion as you ride. Imagine the sensation of a tiny boat going up and over massive waves. Not enjoyable!

The problem with poorly-adjusted suspensions goes beyond the obvious impediment to your ride enjoyment. It can take its toll on your body. All that jerking takes its toll on your body. Your neck aches, your muscles tense up from gripping your wild ride, and so on.

But it's a whole new world when your suspension is adjusted properly. You'll notice a smooth ride (rather than noticing every bump and dent in the pavement). You'll notice your tires stay on the road for optimal amounts of time, which makes it easier to steer your Harley motorcycle.

Certain riders find they benefit from tweaking their Harley suspension. Tall or heavy riders tend to find higher suspension ideal. Short or light riders tend to prefer looser suspension. A Harley dealer like Texas Harley can make the ideal adjustments for you.

Harley-Davidson Innovations in Suspension

Harley continually works to innovate their suspension to offer the smoothest ride possible to their customers. Many current models offer perks such as rear emulsion shocks and inverted designs. Bikes tailored to certain types of riding (such as endurance or off-road) are built with suspension systems tailored to that type. The Softail® line, for example, offers stellar damping, improved preload range for improved comfort, and hidden shock absorbers. Ride a Harley motorcycle and you'll notice the difference!

Ready to feel this difference for yourself? Visit Texas Harley to go on a test ride. We offer a range of new and used Harley models for you! It's easy to find the perfect fit for your budget and skillset. If you already own a Harley bike and want an upgrade, check out our trade-in options. We also offer a parts replacement and service department to get your ride running like new. We proudly serve those in Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, and Arlington, Texas.