Rear Suspension System Descriptions; Conventional, Dual Spring/Damper Type; Pro-Link. Progressive Link Type - Honda Motorcycle Service Manual

REAR SUSPENSION
SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONS
Swingarm-type rear suspension systems provide a comfor-
table ride while offering good traction and wheel control
capabilities. Using the front swingarm pivot as the fulcrum and
mounting the rear axle at the trailing end of the swingarm
allows the wheel t o respond quickly t o variations in the road or
trail surface.
At present, almost all motorcycles have adopted this basic
configuration for rear suspension. On some scooters, the en-
tire engine and drive unit pivots as the "swingarm".
This basic swingarm type rear suspension design can be
broken down into a few categories, depending on the number
of dampers used and the design of the swingarm.
Conventional, Dual SpringlDarnper Type
In the coventional type syslem, t w o springidamper units sup-
port the rear of the frame from the rear section of the
swingarm as illustrated here.
Today, this type of suspension is found primarily on small
displacement motorcycles because of the simplicity of
installation, the small number of components necessary and
due t o the system's basic economy. Up until around 1981,
this dual spring damper design was also used on most larger
displacement motorcycles as well.
A rising rate type rear suspension is also possible on dual
shock types if the shock angles are correctly positioned.
Pro-Link. Progressive Link Type
Honda's Pro-Link suspension system is designed to provide
both comfort and control without compromise. Its progressive
action rising rate delivers an ideal proportion of springing and
damping over a wide range of riding conditions. Initial rates are
soft for supple response to small bumps and ripples. Should
the riding surface become rougher, increasingly stiffer rates
provide the control necessary t o prevent bottoming and keep
the rear wheel in contact with the surface.
The swingarm and damper unit of the Pro-Link type rear
suspension are connected t o the swingarm by a link. The
damper unit travel in relation t o the rear wheel movement can
be changed relatively freely during the design stage in accor-
dance with the combination of the cushion arm and cushion
connecting rod that is selected.
I
Full compression
AS the axle stroke distance increases, the piston speed of the
damper and shock absorbing force increase progressively.
Therefore, this type of suspension is characteristically soft on
initial travel so it absorbs small riding surface inconsistencies
well, and provides progressively firmer resistance t o prevent
bottoming at full compression when a large bump is hit.
Though the amount of stroke
A
is
the same, the amount of stroke B
ecomes greater.
19-2
Date of Issue: March.
1995
0
HONDA MOTOR CO.,LTD.