Yamaha Motocorp invented the Monoshock suspnesion. It was during the Motocross Championship in 1972. What does monoshock suspension mean? What is the function of a monoshock? Is monoshock suspension better? How long does a monoshock last? See A to Z of a Monoshock Suspension: Definition, Elements, Function, Uses, Pros, Cons, Differences, and more.
What is Monoshock Suspension?
Firstly, it is an over-damper, single-spring rear suspension. It features a single shock absorber. It has an attachment to the rear frame of a bike. The alluded suspension comes with its swingarm side mount being near the pivot axis. Manufacturers install the mono-shock suspension between the rear swingarm and chassis. People also recognize it as the monocross suspension.
How does Monoshock Suspension Work?
A mono0shock suspension on a bike generally features 3 elements and is located right under the rider’s seat.
- A large spring that helps absorb bumps and shocks
- The spring motion dampener
- An extensive motion range that launches the two aforementioned components.
Positioned at the center, it can tick all the boxes. The suspension attaches the chassis and rear swing arm. Meanwhile. another rear-swing arm’s end has a connection with the rear wheel. The mono-shock absorber comes into action by collapsing when the rear wheel goes up during motion. Meanwhile, the suspension expands when the rear wheel goes down. The shock absorber’s persistent motion allows longer strokes. It lets the back wheel cover more distance. When the motorcycle encounters a pothole rear swing arm’s deflection causes an upward stroke. But behind the back axle, the suspension will be free from any impact of that stroke. Thus the user enjoys a longer lifespan of the bike’s suspension.
What is the Purpose of a Monoshock?
The major purposes of a mono-shock suspension are as follows:
- The swingarm transfers the effect to the shock absorber when the motorcycle encounters a bump. Indeed, it evenly distributes the impact forces.
- Its spring dissipates the energy through compression and decreases the vibration.
- When you ride through an uneven road or at a higher speed, it keeps the bike stable as well as comfortable. Offers smooth handling.
Advantages of Monoshock Suspension
Here is the list of the benefits ensured by the mono-shock suspension of a bike.
Improved Handling: The configuration of a mono-shock suspension is set in a way that lets it capture all stress at one concentrated spot. It allows the bike to be stable at a higher speed or on uneven roads. Better handling is one of the major benefits of this suspension.
Less Maintenance: With almost no pessimistic effect from the swing arm thanks to the rear axle’s intervention, the mono-shock suspension requires less maintenance. It can function properly without much maintenance for a long period.
Tremendous Outlook: This sort of suspension gives a magnificent outlook of the bikes. Thus it attracts the users with its appearance courtesy of its strategic positioning.
What are the Disadvantages of Monoshocks?
The major drawbacks of the mono-shock suspension are:
- Comes with a relatively low cargo capacity.
- Can’t provide the best performance on uneven roads compared to the Twin Shock Absorbers.
- With its difficult positioning, one can’t simply do the maintenance task at home without the help of a proper mechanic.
- It has a shorter lifespan than its counterpart. Because all the load contained by the single shock.
Which is Better, Dual Shock or Monoshock?
Check out the key differences between the 2 to decide the ultimate winner.
| Monoshock Absorber | Twin Shock Absorber |
| Features a single shock unit basically placed in front of the back wheel. | Appears with two shock units. There is one unit on each side, placed beside the rear wheel. |
| Mainly preferred on smooth and even roads. | Provides good enough performance on all road conditions. |
| Bikers can easily complete Turning or cornering with such type. | It’s quite difficult to do Turning or cornering with the dual shock absorbers. |
| Enables the bike to cover more distance without any issues. | Causes twists during intense riding or jerking. It’s because of the two independent absorbers. |
| The cargo capacity is low. | Provides more cargo or load capacity of the bike. |
| The motorcycle tends to be less bouncy with this suspension. Credit goes to its large spring. | During intense jerks, riders feel it difficult to drive the bike. Because the smaller spring is unable to handle such conditions. |
| Also easy to control the speed. It’s because the weight is uniformly distributed. | Controlling the speed with a twin shock absorber is difficult relatively. |
| Maintenance at home is difficult due to its complex positioning. | Associated with a hassle-free maintenance procedure. Because the removal and fixing processes are easy. |
| Relatively it has a shorter lifespan. | Meanwhile, users will benefit from its longer lifespan as it shares the load between 2 shocks. |
Mono-shock absorbers are better for smoother roads. Courtesy? It’s better balancing and jerk control. It offers precise damping, and better handling, as well as features a compact design. On the other hand, for all kinds of roads, especially uneven tracks, the dual shock absorbers perform better relatively. Offers Better load-hauling, softer riding experiences, and a simpler design. You will see the Twin Shock Absorbers in cruisers or classic bikes. On the contrary, Monoshock Absorbers are found on sports bikes and the ones that run mainly through even roads.
Generally, bikes come with pre-set adjustment system for the suspension set-up. But if required, users can adjust with a wrench or a spanner. Simple riding style, smoother roads, cleaning the suspension on regular occasions, as well as regular inspection, etc will help you have a longer lifespan of your bike’s mono-shock suspension.
