Rear Suspension Comparison

[admin]

Can someone shed some light on this subject? I have a 2003 FST that I love very much but have heard from many riders that the suspension design is junk ((Dyna riders)… To each is own) But thinking about it, most motorcycles suspension designs seem to move in an arc up towards the rear seat… If that is true I would also thing that the softail design is better since it has a lower center of gravity due to the shock location… I’m no expert on this so please enlighten me if I’m incorrect. This is all from observance and not from technical data…

Regards,

Posted by: steele6599 on Nov 17, 05 10:41:05 am

[admin]

ck out-> Tony Foale - he is a recognized expert and has written extensively on Moto Suspension and I encourage you to seek out his writings, a little dry and very techy - but enlightening

Posted by: steveb on Nov 17, 05 11:19:01 am

[admin]

Steele, the "Softail" suspension has some trade offs, there is about a 4 to 1 ratio between tire movement and shock action or function, meaning 1" wheel travel 1\4" shock action. Not much time/distance to control wheel travel. If you look at the size of the springs required to provide suspension you will see that they are much larger and stiffer than your more tradional(dyna) shock. Yes the weight is lower but there is a lot more weight there, aprox. 40lbs. over tradional suspension. It does provide "cool" looks but there is a trade off. Hope this helps.

Posted by: Lucky13 on Dec 1, 05 12:05:19 pm