Telescopic Suspension in Motorcycle: How it Works & its Benefits

Motorcycle technology continues to evolve, but one component that remains consistent across most models is the suspension system. It plays a silent yet crucial role in ensuring a smooth, stable, and safe ride. Among the different types, telescopic suspension is the most widely used due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and durability. In this article, we’ll explore how telescopic suspension works and why it remains the go-to choice for most motorcycles.

Key Highlights

• Telescopic suspension absorbs shocks for better comfort on uneven roads.

• Two sliding tubes with springs and oil provide stable front-end support.

• Easy to repair and cost-effective for everyday commuter bikes.

• Offers reliable steering control and stability during braking and cornering.

• Suits rough terrain, city traffic, and budget-conscious riders.

What is Telescopic Suspension?

A telescopic suspension is a type of front suspension, also called a telescopic fork. It contains a pair of metal tubes called stanchions, which slide into external tubes called sliders. Stanchions attach to the motorcycle’s front and absorb shock during the ride. The chassis covers the sliders. The ease of maintenance and repair, improved bike handling, shock and impact absorption, and increased bike lifespan and stability are some of the key perks of this suspension system.

Components of Telescopic Forks

• Fork Tube: It is the internal tube that slides outside and inside during rebound and compression.

• Slider: The external stationary tube containing internal tubes and dedicated to offering structural support.

• Springs: Competent to absorb shock and disperse the impact of bumps on the road.

• Bushes and Seals: Avoids leakage of oil and manages friction between the movable components.

• Damping Oil: It avoids unnecessary bounding by regulating the speed of rebound and compression.

• Triple Clamps: They connect the bike’s frame and telescopic forks to ensure alignment and stability.

Working Principle of Telescopic Suspension

The road impact is significant whenever a bike hits a bump. This impact makes the front wheel shift upward. The internal tube slides into the external tube and compresses the spring inside. The impact energy gets absorbed due to this spring compression process. Meanwhile, the damping oil controls the movement and makes sure the rebound process is smooth. The spring’s size extends once the bike goes over an obstacle. 

Benefits of Telescopic Suspension

Some key advantages of this suspension type:

1. Enhanced Ride Comfort

Telescopic forks competently absorb shocks to mitigate the consequences of impact every time you drive on bad terrain or across potholes. Two components, i.e., springs and damping oil, together affect the impact perceived by the rider and the side seat passenger. 

2. Improved Handling & Stability

This suspension type upkeeps the stability of your bike no matter the road being smooth or rough. Steering control elevates due to efficient handling. The forces get uniformly dispersed to help improve control during different riding scenarios.

3. Cost-Effectiveness & Maintenance

It is simple to maintain and repair this suspension type. You can quickly resolve any issue if perceived. The ease of maintenance makes it a cost-effective choice in the market. The widespread use suggests that replacement parts are readily accessible and thus repairs are simplified.

Telescopic Suspension vs. Upside Down (USD) Suspension

Going through the below points will help you evaluate which suspension system works well for your bike.

1. Design Differences

Telescopic suspension comprises two tubes, i.e., a stanchion (internal tube) that slides into the slider (external tube). The design represents the stanchion connected to the bike’s frame and the slider connected to the front wheel.

On the other hand, in USD suspension, the design is opposed to that found in telescopic forks. The stanchion is attached to the bottom, whereas the slider is at the top. This inverted design changes the weight distribution, which makes USD forks more rigid. Hence, they are more suitable for high-performance motorcycles.

2. Performance Comparison

Telescopic forks represent a cost-effective approach and offer sufficient performance for most commuter bikes. But they provide limited stability and handling during rough driving conditions.

Conversely, USD forks excel at high stability and improved handling. Suppose whenever you apply brakes or have a turn at a corner, you benefit from control and steadiness. These benefits are conveyed due to the rigid design of the suspension. 

3. Suitability For Indian Road Conditions

Telescopic- type suspension is more appropriate for Indian roads. The reasons are cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and improved performance on any terrain. 

But USD suspension is not advisable for daily commuting owing to its expensive price and maintenance demands. It prioritizes performance more than pricing.

4. Real-World Applications In Indian Motorcycles

Understanding real-world applications will help you understand the worth of telescopic suspension in Indian motorcycles.

Popular Indian Bikes With Telescopic Suspension

Here are descriptions of some of the popular Indian bikes equipped with telescopic suspension. These bikes excel at control, convenience, and stability. Hence, they are suitable for different riding conditions in the country.

1. Bajaj Avenger Street 220

This Bajaj motorcycle is more suitable for cruising or touring. It is designed with a twin shock absorber rear suspension and a telescopic front suspension. Both these suspension systems offer a comfortable riding experience even if you ride long distances.

The anti-friction bush in the telescopic front suspension facilitates easy adjustments and can absorb the road’s impact. Moreover, the twin shock absorber rear suspension uniformly distributes the weight of the luggage and the rider. Hence, this Bajaj motorcycle excels at control and stability.

2. Hero Splendor Plus

The Hero Splendor Plus comes with telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers inside its front suspension. It absorbs shocks from rough road surfaces and thus ensures a comfortable riding experience. 

Telescopic suspensions are well-known for reducing vibrations, improving control, and providing better stability. These aspects contribute to a safe and comfortable riding experience. These systems are more suitable for casual rides and commuting in the city. What makes them more appealing to motorcycle manufacturers and customers are low manufacturing and maintenance costs. Without telescopic forks, your motorcycle will suffer from poor ride and handling characteristics that may make it impossible to ride.