Difference Between High And Low Speed Compression Damping Motorcycle
When it comes to motorcycle suspension, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important is compression damping. Compression damping refers to the resistance a motorcycle's suspension gives when it is compressed. It is essential to know the difference between high and low-speed compression damping for a smooth ride.
High-Speed Compression Damping
High-speed compression damping is designed to control the suspension's movement when it encounters high-speed impacts. A high-speed impact can be anything from hitting a pothole at high speed to landing a jump on a motocross track. When a high-speed impact occurs, the suspension compresses quickly, and if there is too much compression damping, the suspension will not move freely, and the rider will feel a harsh jolt. On the other hand, if there is too little compression damping, the suspension will bottom out, and the rider will lose control of the motorcycle.
The main goal of high-speed compression damping is to strike a balance between too much and too little compression damping. This balance ensures that the suspension can absorb high-speed impacts, giving the rider a smooth and controlled ride.
Low-Speed Compression Damping
Low-speed compression damping is designed to control the suspension's movement when it encounters low-speed impacts. A low-speed impact can be anything from hitting a small bump in the road to taking a turn at low speed. When a low-speed impact occurs, the suspension compresses slowly, and if there is too much compression damping, the suspension will not move freely, and the rider will feel a harsh jolt. On the other hand, if there is too little compression damping, the suspension will feel mushy, and the rider will experience a lack of control.
The main goal of low-speed compression damping is to strike a balance between too much and too little compression damping. This balance ensures that the suspension can absorb low-speed impacts, giving the rider a smooth and controlled ride.
How to Adjust Compression Damping
Adjusting compression damping can be a difficult task, and it is recommended that you take your motorcycle to a professional mechanic to have it adjusted. However, if you are an experienced rider and have some knowledge of motorcycle suspension, you can adjust the compression damping yourself.
One way to adjust compression damping is to turn the compression damping screw. Turning the screw clockwise will increase compression damping, while turning it counterclockwise will decrease compression damping. It is important to make small adjustments at a time and test ride your motorcycle to feel the difference. If you are not comfortable adjusting the compression damping yourself, it is best to take your motorcycle to a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
Compression damping is a crucial factor in motorcycle suspension. High-speed compression damping is designed to control the suspension's movement when it encounters high-speed impacts, while low-speed compression damping is designed to control the suspension's movement when it encounters low-speed impacts. Both types of compression damping must be balanced to ensure a smooth and controlled ride. Adjusting compression damping can be a difficult task, and it is recommended that you take your motorcycle to a professional mechanic to have it adjusted.