Warning Signs of Suspension Failure in Indian Bikes

As a bike owner, you’ll know how important it is to keep your bike’s suspension system in excellent condition. Your bike’s suspension helps you get control easily on rough roads. The springs and dampers in the suspension move the wheels up and down easily when you hit a bump. (1) Therefore, we can say that you should always be aware of when your bike’s suspension should be repaired. Hence, you should read this blog to be aware of the warning signs of the bike suspension problem. 

How Does a Suspension Work?

A suspension system has two main parts i.e. a spring and a damper. The spring supports the bike's weight, and the damper controls how fast the spring moves. These parts keep your bike stable while braking. Additionally, they absorb bumps for a smoother ride. Furthermore, you are able to accelerate easily with the help of your bike’s suspension. (2)

Listed below are some advantages of a working bike suspension system:

• The suspension keeps the bike at the right height while riding.
• It reduces the impact of shocks and maintains the wheel alignment.
• The suspension system keeps the tyres in contact with the ground so that you can control the bike's direction.
• Your bike’s suspension supports the bike's weight and reduces pressure on the wheels.

Why is a Working Suspension System Important?

If your bike’s suspension system is too loose or too tight, you’ll have problems. This is because a loose suspension makes it hard to control the bike. Additionally, a tight suspension makes it difficult to drive on bumps. Hence, you might hurt your muscles as you’ll have to physically control the bike. At the same time, with a properly adjusted suspension, you can smoothly control the bike. Furthermore, you can easily steer with a working suspension.

Please note that you should adjust the suspension so that you can easily handle the bike. For example, if you are tall and need more space, you should go for a tighter suspension. You can also go to a mechanic and adjust the suspension to suit your body type. (3)

How to Find a Faulty Suspension?

Before you fix your bike’s suspension system, it is important to know the signs of a faulty suspension system. Here are some signs that mean that the suspension is not working properly:

• If you are unable to control your bike while driving on a bumpy road, then you might have to repair the suspension. This might happen due to oil leakage in the bike’s shock absorber. 
• If you hear some thudding or rattling sounds while driving, then you might have to replace your bike’s suspension. 
• In case of oil leakage, you should check your bike’s suspension system. If you see some black grease residue, then you should fix the suspension.
• If while cornering your bike, you are unable to handle the bike, then it means there’s poor damping. For this, you should fix the faulty suspension.
• If your bike stops much later after applying the brakes, then you should get your suspension checked. This might happen because of damaged shock absorbers. 
• If you feel that your bike’s tyres don’t have proper contact with the ground, it could be due to damaged suspension. You should always check such signs and get your suspension repaired.  (2)

How to Maintain Your Bike’s Suspension?

You can easily maintain your bike’s suspension by adopting the following methods:

• You should ride more gently to reduce stress on your motorcycle's suspension. If possible, try to avoid extreme racing and look for bumps to avoid and increase your suspension’s life.
• It is advised to opt for smoother roads whenever possible to reduce the wear and tear of your suspension. 
• You should keep your suspension system clean. This will prevent dirt buildup and corrosion. Additionally, regular cleaning reduces the chances of premature wear and tear of the bike’s suspension system.
• It is better to regularly inspect your bike for oil leaks, rust, and cracks. If you identify any issues and repair them, you can increase your bike’s suspension lifetime. (4)

Conclusion

You should maintain your bike's suspension to ride safely. You should regularly inspect your suspension system to make sure it's working properly. Additionally, it is important to keep it clean to prevent dirt buildup. As a bike’s suspension allows you to take control of the bike while driving, it is better to always keep it functional. For more such informational articles, please visit InsuranceDekho.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1. What are the warning signs of a bike suspension problem?

Ans. Difficulty controlling your bike on bumpy roads, thudding sounds, oil leakage, and poor damping are some warning signs of a bike suspension problem.

Ques 2. How does a suspension system work?

Ans. A suspension system consists of a spring that supports the bike's weight and a damper that controls how quickly the spring moves. This makes the bike stable and absorbs shocks while driving.

Ques 3. How can I maintain my bike's suspension?

Ans. You should ride gently to reduce stress and keep the suspension clean to prevent dirt buildup. Additionally, you should regularly inspect for oil leaks, rust, and cracks to maintain your bike's suspension.