Motorcycle suspension is one of the most important components of a bike, yet it is also one of the most commonly neglected. While engine servicing is usually done on time, suspension is often forgotten — despite playing a major role in safety, comfort, handling, braking performance, and tyre life.

A well-maintained suspension doesn’t just improve ride quality; it keeps the motorcycle predictable, stable, and safe in all riding conditions.

How Often Should Motorcycle Suspension Be Serviced?

Suspension service intervals depend heavily on how the motorcycle is used, the riding environment, and riding intensity.

Road Use (Normal Street Riding)

For road motorcycles used in normal conditions without aggressive riding, suspension should be serviced:

• Every 20,000 kilometres

• Maximum 30,000 kilometres, or

• Every 5 years, whichever comes first

This applies to both front forks and the rear shock.

Even if a bike has low kilometres, suspension oil still degrades over time due to heat cycles, moisture, and age. Seals harden, oil loses viscosity, and internal components wear — all without obvious external signs such as leaks.

Track Day & Performance Riding

For riders who regularly attend track days or ride aggressively:

• Every 10,000–15,000 kilometres, or

• Once per year, depending on usage

Hard braking, repeated high-speed cornering, and elevated operating temperatures significantly reduce oil life and accelerate internal wear.

Racing Applications

In racing environments, suspension requires much more frequent servicing:

• Front forks: serviced every few race meetings or operating hours

• Rear shocks: serviced regularly to maintain performance consistency

At this level, even small drops in suspension performance can affect lap times, tyre wear, and rider confidence.

Off-Road & Adventure Riding

Off-road and adventure motorcycles typically require more frequent servicing than road bikes due to:

• Dirt and dust contamination

• Water crossings

• Mud and debris exposure

These conditions rapidly degrade suspension oil and seals, shortening service intervals significantly.

Why Servicing the Rear Suspension Is Just as Important

Many riders focus on servicing front forks while completely overlooking the rear shock — this is a common mistake.

The rear suspension:

• Carries a large portion of the bike’s load

• Controls traction during acceleration

• Maintains chassis balance and stability

• Affects steering geometry and overall handling

Unlike front forks, rear shocks often do not show visible oil leaks, leading riders to believe they are still in good condition. In reality, rear shock oil degrades, nitrogen pressure drops, and internal wear develops over time.

A worn rear shock can cause:

• Poor rear grip

• Harsh or unsettled ride

• Uneven tyre wear

• Reduced mid-corner stability

Even with freshly serviced forks, a neglected rear shock can make the bike feel vague, unstable, and uncomfortable.

Common Signs Your Suspension Needs Servicing

• Excessive dive under braking

• Harsh or bouncy ride over bumps

• Poor corner stability

• Uneven or accelerated tyre wear

• Loss of grip or rider confidence

• Bike feels “tired” or unsettled

Many riders only realise how much performance they’ve lost after experiencing the improvement of a proper suspension service.

The Bottom Line

Motorcycle suspension is not a lifetime component. Oil, seals, and internal parts wear with both kilometres and time.

For most road riders:

• 20,000–30,000 km or 5 years (front and rear) is a realistic service interval

For track, racing, and off-road use:

• More frequent servicing is essential

Regular suspension servicing restores:

• Comfort

• Grip

• Stability

• Safety

• Overall riding confidence

A properly serviced suspension doesn’t just make a bike feel better — it makes it safer, more controlled, and more enjoyable to ride.

If you need any assistance with your motorcycle suspension, please give us a call on 0410 815 824 or visit our website to book your service online.

📍 Address: Unit 40/10 Anderson Street, Banksmeadow 2019 Sydney