How do you know your suspension needs a service?
Six signs your motocross or enduro suspension needs a service: bouncing, bottoming, kicking, clickers with no effect, leaks and riding hours. Service intervals included.
Many enduro and motocross riders run their suspension far too long without a service and never notice how much the bike suffers. Shocks do not fail all at once. Their performance fades gradually, often so slowly that you get used to it. Here are the six surest signs that your suspension is due for a service.
01 The bike feels bouncy or nervous
If the bike bounces over roots, rocks and braking bumps instead of following the ground smoothly, the suspension oil has most likely lost its properties. The damping no longer controls the movement, and the bike moves around on its suspension.
- Damping is noticeably weaker
- Feel and traction drop
- Handling and safety suffer
02 The fork bottoms out more easily than before
If the fork bottoms out on smaller hits or landings, the spring is not always to blame. Often the damping needs a service:
- The oil viscosity has dropped
- Gas pressure has leaked out
- Internal parts may be worn
03 The rear kicks over obstacles
A rear shock that needs a service often shows when the rear wheel does not stay planted but kicks back off obstacles.
- The rear “kicks” over roots and square edges
- Traction disappears under acceleration
- The bike bounces badly on corner exits
04 The clickers make no difference
If the compression or rebound adjusters no longer seem to change how the bike behaves, the damping oil has most likely lost its effect. Clickers only work when the oil is in good condition.
05 Visible oil leaks
This is the clearest sign of all. If you see fresh oil or dirt-collecting moisture on the fork tubes, the seals or the shock body, the service needs to be done right away. The oil is leaving the place where it is supposed to do its job.
06 The riding hours have piled up
Even if the bike feels fine, oil and seals wear out with use. Recommended service intervals:
What happens if you skip the service?
- Internal parts rub against each other and wear out
- Seals can fail and fork tubes can get scratched
- Traction drops, which increases the risk of a crash
- Repair costs grow many times higher than a basic service
Summary
If your bike feels different than before, the fork bottoms out easily or the rear loses traction, do not wait for damage. A suspension service done in time costs a fraction of repairing broken internals, and it brings back the feel you are used to. Have your suspension checked in time and riding stays safe and fun.
Need a suspension service?
TTM Factory services WP, KYB, Showa and Öhlins suspension at a professional level. You can ship your suspension to us in Forssa, Finland.
