Motocross
A complete motocross suspension setup guide
Your motocross suspension setup is essential to your bike’s overall performance, but getting used to adjusting your suspension may take some time.
How does your motocross bike handle all those gnarly corners and high jumps? Motocross suspension is the answer — it helps your bike absorb the impact on the track. Your suspension system balances compression and rebound so your tires can attack the track terrain with ease.
Tyler Bereman hits a jump at Red Bull Imagination 2023 in Kansas
© Chris Tedesco / Red Bull Content Pool
As an indispensable part of your bike, your suspension is extremely important to keep in tip-top shape. Read ahead to learn all about MX suspension setup, from the mechanics to a step-by-step motocross suspension setup guide.
01
The keys to motocross suspension
Your motocross bike has two suspension setups — one for your front wheel and one for your back wheel. The two main players in your bike’s front suspension are the forks and shock absorber, sometimes just called a shock. Through a hydraulically controlled spring, the shock and fork compress to absorb the force. This way, when you, say, ride over a whoop or roller, the hit isn’t quite so hard on you or your bike. This happens through an effect known as damping.
Your rear suspension doesn’t have any forks. The rear shock setup is made up of a linkage system that connects a spring and damper to the swing arm designed for wheel pivoting. This system moves your rear wheel up and down as you cross over an incline.
Every rider and bike will require different motocross suspension tuning, depending on a number of factors. Your bike’s manual can provide some guidance on rider weight and terrain-specific suspension settings. For instance, you might need less damping on hard soil. Take your riding style into account, especially if you find yourself frequently hitting the brakes hard.
Kelana Humphrey hits a jump at Red Bull Imagination 2023 in Kansas
© Kyle Lieberman / Red Bull Content Pool
02
Motocross suspension tools and equipment
Both sides of your suspension have gears called clickers for adjusting the suspension. You’ll turn these tools a certain number of clicks, either clockwise or counterclockwise, to balance out the suspension on each wheel.
Your bike may come with a specialty tool for clicker adjustments, but some systems can be adjusted with a screwdriver. In fact, you might already have some of the best suspension tools in your toolbox. For example, adjusting the sag, or shock impact when the bike is carrying weight, requires a hammer and measuring tape. You’ll need a tool called a shock punch too, and this often comes with your bike.
Ken Roczen at Round 3 of the AMA SuperMotoCross Series at the LA Coliseum
© Garth Milan / Red Bull Content Pool
03
Motocross suspension pre-setup preparations
Check your bike’s overall condition before you start tweaking. For instance, tire pressure plays a role in suspension, so make sure your pressure is 13 or 14 psi. This way, if your suspension seems off, you’ll know it’s not just because your tires need some more air.
For the best suspension adjustments possible, set your bike up on a bike stand — clickers are easier to adjust with your wheels lifted. It’s always safest to get your bike on a stand with another person’s help. You’ll need a buddy for certain suspension setup adjustments, too, so ask them to stick around.
04
Motocross suspension setup process: a step-by-step guide
1. Setting sag
To start, you’ll measure unloaded sag without any weight on the bike and the engine totally cooled down. With your measuring tape, measure vertically from the rear axle bolt in the center up to your bike’s fender. Mark on your bike’s body exactly where the tape hits. Then, get on your bike in full gear — helmet, shoes, and all — and sit in your dirt bike riding position. Bounce up and down a few times to let the suspension settle. Have a friend measure from the rear axle to the mark you made earlier.
Now that you have your existing sag measurement, you can adjust as needed. Some riders aim for a sag of 100 millimeters, but this will vary based on your weight, riding style, and terrain. More sag will increase stability, while less sag helps with more fluid motocross bike handling. You’ll do the following to set sag on your bike.
- Locate the lock nut and adjusting nut on your rear suspension.
- Loosen the top or lock nut with your hammer and shock punch, turning the nut counter-clockwise.
- Turn the bottom nut for your desired sag, clockwise for lower sag and counter-clockwise for more height.
- Once you’ve got the best sag, turn the lock nut clockwise to tighten it.
2. Compression damping adjustment
Compression damping refers to how fast your suspension compresses as you hit bumps on the track. Aiming for a balance between stiff high compression or springy loose compression is the goal, but this may differ depending on the terrain. To adjust, start with the front suspension, and turn your clickers either clockwise to tighten or counter-clockwise to loosen. You’ll repeat this with your rear clickers.
Pierce Brown at the AMA SuperMotoCross Series at Chicagoland Motor Speedway
© Garth Milan / Red Bull Content Pool
3. Rebound damping adjustment
Rebound is the act of recovery your bike experiences following compression. It ensures your wheels stay on the track.
For rebound damping adjustments, you’ll turn the front and rear rebound clockwise or counterclockwise to tighten or loosen. For the front, you should find the rebound on the top cap holding the fork in place. On the rear suspension, it’s usually on the clevis at the bottom of your shock.
4. Fine-tuning and testing
If you’re having trouble finding the right suspension for your goals, take a quick ride after an initial adjustment. If your riding feels too stiff after a couple of laps, try a few clicks in the other direction. Making small adjustments to each part of your suspension and then test riding is the best way to figure out exactly what works for you.
05
Troubleshooting and maintenance tips
Learning all the delicate nuances of keeping your suspension balanced may take some trial and error. Here are some common issues riders face, along with some suspension troubleshooting and overall maintenance tips and tricks.
- Air out your forks. Letting the air out of your forks is like wearing a helmet: You need to do it every time you ride. Your forks should have an “air bleed” screw or air release button for this. Do this before you start riding, while the forks are cool and you can lift your front wheel.
- Write down your suspension settings. Keep a record of your suspension settings so you don’t have to start fresh each time. Take notes every time you tackle new terrain so that you know the right number of clicks and level of sag for every track.
- Addressing steering issues. If you’re having trouble controlling the handlebars, your suspension setup could be the cause. Jittery handlebars, a phenomenon known as “head shake,” are sometimes the result of stiff forks or soft rear suspension.
- Check your axle. If your rear suspension feels funny, confirm that your axle isn’t too far back or forward. Making an adjustment here can make a big difference in the rear shock’s reaction time.
- Oil your forks. If the front forks are too loose, adding oil will make them tighter. This added oil fills in some of the air space, leading to stiffer forks.
- Grease your linkage system. With the rear suspension, make a regular habit of greasing the shock linkage and swingarm pivot for the best performance.
- Ask for help. Sometimes, you need someone who’s been there to show you how it’s done. If you’re still stuck on what’s causing your suspension woes, it’s OK to ask a motocross suspension expert. Motocross suspension forums are a good place to start.
Learn the delicate art of motocross suspension tuning
Your motocross suspension setup is essential to your bike’s overall performance, but getting used to adjusting your suspension may take some time. That said, mastering this key part of motocross is well worth it for the best rides possible. You’ll thank yourself the next time you hit a hard bump and your wheels stay right where they’re supposed to be.