Motorcycles
need not be fitted with rear suspension: some customised machines
take advantage of this on the rear suspension, eg 'chopper'
or 'lowrider' motorcycles.It is important to distinguish between
play in the rear suspension bearings and that in the wheel bearings.
Light rubbing contact between the body and shroud of a shock
absorber is acceptable.
Smaller machines
Shock absorbers fitted to the rear of some small machines may
have limited damping.
Access
It may be necessary to remove side panels or remove the seat
to carry out a full examination (intro item 4).
If no centre stand is fitted, care should be taken when Jacking
the machine. It may be desirable to use an assistant.
With mono-shock type suspension some
linkage movement may be observed when the suspension is in an
abnormal position.
If twin shock absorbers are fitted the machines presenter should
be informed if it appears they are not equally adjusted,
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A
ALL SUSPENSION TYPES
1.
a. Check the condition, security and alignment of the rear suspension
components.
b. Check condition of suspension springs
c. Check shock absorbers for oil leakage due to seal failure
2. With the rear wheel clear of the ground:
a. look for play in the suspension bearings or bushes by attempting
to move the suspension from side to side and up and down;
b. ensure that the wheel, it's fixings and locking devices are
present and secure and check the wheel bearings for tightness
or play;
c. spin the wheel and listen for roughness in the bearings
d. Check condition of suspension with regard to corrosion, distortion
and modifications.
3. With the rear wheel on the ground
observe the amount of movement and the effectiveness and security
of the shock absorbers by sitting on the machine and depressing
the rear suspension several times as far as possible.
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1
.
a rear suspension component which is:
a. loose, cracked, excessively bent, misaligned or excessively
corroded
b. A road spring, (see information column.)
(i) incomplete, cracked or fractured;
(ii) worn or corroded so that it's cross sectional area is reduced
such that it is seriously weakened;
(iii) repaired by welding.
c. Oil leakage indicating failure of the seal.
2.
a.
(i) Excessive free play or deterioration in bearing or bush.
(see information column).
(ii) a seized component-
b. a loose wheel spindle or securing nut(s) or locking device
missing or insecure.
c. excessive tightness or free play in the wheel bearings, excessive
roughness in a wheel bearing whilst the wheel is rotating indicating
early failure is likely
d.deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original
strength, excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture
or an inadequate repair of a load bearing member or its supporting
structure
3.
a. fouling between fixed and moving parts which affects the
movement of the rear suspension. (See information column)
b. excessive stiffness in the movement of the rear suspension.
A shock absorber with inadequate damping effect or insecurely
mounted (see information column)
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