The motorcycle rear shock spring weight typically ranges from 4 to 7 kilograms (8.8 to 15.4 pounds) for most street bikes. However, this can vary depending on the motorcycle’s make and model, rider weight, and intended use. Riders often adjust or replace the rear shock spring to achieve optimal suspension performance.
Motorcycle Rear Shock Spring Weight Calculator
| Motorcycle Type | Rear Shock Spring Weight Range (kg) | Rear Shock Spring Weight Range (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Cruiser | 4.5 – 6.5 | 9.9 – 14.3 |
| Sportbike | 5.0 – 7.0 | 11.0 – 15.4 |
| Adventure/Touring | 5.5 – 7.5 | 12.1 – 16.5 |
| Off-Road (Enduro) | 5.0 – 8.0 | 11.0 – 17.6 |
FAQs
How do I choose a spring rate for my motorcycle? Choosing a spring rate for your motorcycle depends on various factors, including your weight, riding style, bike type, and personal preferences. A rough estimate is to start with a rate that matches your weight in pounds, but it’s best to consult your motorcycle’s manufacturer recommendations or a professional suspension tuner for personalized advice.
How do I know what spring rate I need? To determine the spring rate you need, consider your weight, riding style, and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on. A common starting point is a spring rate that supports your weight without excessive sag when you’re on the bike.
How do you calculate spring poundage? Spring poundage (force) can be calculated using Hooke’s Law: Force (in pounds) = Spring Rate (in pounds per inch) x Compression or Extension (in inches). For example, if you have a spring with a rate of 500 lbs/inch and it compresses by 2 inches, the spring poundage is 1000 lbs.
What is a typical motorcycle spring rate? A typical motorcycle spring rate can vary widely depending on the type of bike and rider’s weight, but it’s not uncommon to find rates between 0.8-1.2 kg/mm (45-68 lbs/inch).
Is it better to have a higher spring rate? A higher spring rate can provide a stiffer suspension, which may be desirable for aggressive riding or heavier riders. However, it can lead to a harsher ride on rough roads.
Does higher spring rate mean stiffer ride? Yes, a higher spring rate typically results in a stiffer ride, which can improve handling but may sacrifice comfort.
How do you calculate spring weight? Spring weight is usually calculated as the product of the spring rate and the compression or extension of the spring, measured in pounds or kilograms.
Does spring rate affect ride height? Yes, spring rate can affect ride height. A stiffer spring rate may result in a slightly higher ride height, while a softer spring rate can lower the ride height.
Do you want spring rates higher in the front or the rear? Front and rear spring rates should be balanced to achieve proper handling. The ideal rates depend on your bike’s design and your riding style, but typically, the front springs are slightly softer than the rear for better weight distribution.
How do you calculate spring thickness? Spring thickness isn’t commonly used for specifying motorcycle springs. Instead, spring rate (force per unit of length) is the primary measure of a spring’s stiffness.
What is motorcycle spring preload? Spring preload is the adjustment of the suspension to set the initial compression of the springs when the motorcycle is at rest. It helps optimize suspension travel and sag for different riders and loads.
What does a high spring rate mean? A high spring rate means that the spring is relatively stiff. It requires more force to compress or extend the spring over a given distance.
Is spring a good time to buy a motorcycle? Spring is generally a popular time to buy a motorcycle as the weather improves, and more riders are looking to purchase. However, prices may vary depending on demand and location.
Do stiffer springs exert more force? Yes, stiffer springs exert more force for a given amount of compression or extension compared to softer springs.
What does a stiff suspension feel like? A stiff suspension feels firmer and transmits more road imperfections and vibrations to the rider. It provides better control in corners but may be less comfortable on rough roads.
Which is better soft or stiff suspension? The choice between soft and stiff suspension depends on your riding style and preferences. Soft suspension offers a more comfortable ride, while stiff suspension provides better handling and control.
What are the benefits of stiffer shocks? Stiffer shocks can improve handling, reduce body roll during cornering, and provide better control over the motorcycle’s movements, especially in aggressive riding conditions.
Do stiffer springs transfer more weight? Stiffer springs can transfer more weight to the front or rear of the motorcycle, depending on their location and tuning. This can affect traction and handling.
Is a shorter spring stiffer? Not necessarily. Spring stiffness (rate) is determined by the material and design of the spring, while the spring’s length primarily affects its compression or extension characteristics.
How does weight affect a spring? The weight placed on a spring affects its compression or extension. Heavier loads compress the spring more, resulting in increased spring force.
What do spring rate numbers mean? Spring rate numbers represent the stiffness of the spring. For example, a spring rate of 100 lbs/inch means that it takes 100 pounds of force to compress the spring by one inch.
What does the weight of a spring mean? The weight of a spring typically refers to its mass in pounds or kilograms. It’s not directly related to its stiffness (spring rate).
Are shorter springs stronger? Shorter springs are not necessarily stronger. Spring strength depends on its material and design, not just its length.
What happens if you stretch a spring too far? If you stretch a spring beyond its elastic limit, it can permanently deform or break, rendering it unusable.
What spring rate is stiff? A spring rate of 1.0 kg/mm (56 lbs/inch) or higher is generally considered stiff for motorcycle applications.
What is the difference between front and rear spring rates? Front and rear spring rates are often different to balance the bike’s weight distribution. Front springs are typically slightly softer to provide better grip and control.
Does lowering springs increase handling? Lowering springs can lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, potentially improving handling. However, it may also negatively affect ride quality and ground clearance.
What does 10k spring rate mean? A 10k spring rate means that it takes 10,000 pounds of force to compress the spring by one inch.
Does spring constant depend on thickness? The spring constant primarily depends on the spring’s material, wire diameter, coil diameter, and the number of coils. Thickness alone is not the determining factor.
What is the spring load rate? The spring load rate is not a standard term. It might refer to the force exerted by a spring at a particular compression or extension.
How do spring measurements work? Spring measurements include spring rate, compression/extension distance, and sometimes coil diameter and wire diameter. These measurements help determine a spring’s characteristics.
Is more preload or less preload better for motorcycles? The ideal preload setting varies depending on your weight and riding style. More preload can help support heavier riders, while less preload may be suitable for lighter riders.
What should my motorcycle preload be? The recommended preload for your motorcycle depends on your weight and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Consult your bike’s manual or a suspension expert for specific recommendations.
What happens if you have too much preload? Excessive preload can make the suspension too stiff, reducing traction and ride comfort. It can also lead to a loss of suspension travel and affect handling negatively.
What is the best spring rate for handling? The best spring rate for handling depends on various factors, including your bike’s design, weight distribution, and riding style. Consult with a suspension specialist for personalized recommendations.
How do you increase spring stiffness? To increase spring stiffness, you can use springs with a higher spring rate, adjust preload, or add stiffer suspension components.
What is a good spring constant? A good spring constant depends on your specific application and requirements. Consult with an engineer or expert to determine the appropriate spring constant for your needs.
Do motorcycle springs wear out? Yes, motorcycle springs can wear out over time due to stress, fatigue, or corrosion. Regular maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure they remain safe and functional.
Will motorcycle prices decrease in 2023? It’s challenging to predict motorcycle prices in a specific year. Various factors, including market demand, production costs, and economic conditions, can influence pricing.
What is the average life of a motorcycle? The average life of a motorcycle can vary widely based on maintenance, usage, and quality. With proper care, many motorcycles can last for several decades.
What happens to a spring when too much force is applied? When too much force is applied to a spring, it can exceed its elastic limit and permanently deform or break.
Do springs lose stiffness over time? Over time, springs can lose some of their stiffness due to fatigue, especially if subjected to repeated stress cycles. Regular maintenance can help detect and address this issue.
How does spring force affect acceleration? Spring force can affect acceleration by influencing suspension behavior. Properly tuned suspension can enhance traction and stability, improving acceleration.
What is the best suspension for ride comfort? A suspension tuned for ride comfort typically includes softer springs and dampers to absorb road imperfections and provide a smoother ride.
How do I know if my suspension is too soft? If your suspension is too soft, you may experience excessive bottoming out, reduced control in corners, and a bouncy or unstable ride.
How do you know if your suspension is weak? Suspension weakness can manifest as reduced control, excessive sag, or an inability to support the rider’s weight effectively.
Is stiffer suspension better on a motorcycle? Stiffer suspension can be better for aggressive riding and improved handling but may sacrifice ride comfort. The choice depends on your riding style and preferences.
What are the disadvantages of stiff suspension? Stiff suspension can lead to a harsh and uncomfortable ride, reduced traction on rough roads, and increased rider fatigue.
What are the pros and cons of stiff springs? Pros: Improved handling, better control, reduced body roll. Cons: Reduced ride comfort, harsher on rough roads, less traction in some situations.
How do I make my shocks smoother? To make your shocks smoother, you can adjust damping settings, replace worn-out shocks, or consider upgrading to adjustable shocks that you can fine-tune.
Do stiffer springs need stiffer shocks? Stiffer springs may benefit from stiffer shocks to maintain proper balance and control. The two components should be matched for optimal performance.
What do softer shocks do? Softer shocks provide a smoother ride and better absorption of road imperfections but may sacrifice some handling and control, especially during aggressive riding.
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