Elka Suspension MOTORCYCLE SERIES - Manual (Page 6)

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> S U S P E N S I O N B A S I C S 4
C) Suspension Basics
SUSPENSION
Compression:The stage where the shock
compresses under an impact.
Emulsion:The oil in the shock has microscopic
air bubbles in it. When the oil is heated from
passing through the valving holes, the air
expands and creates foam and air pockets,
called emulsion. When a shock gets emulsion
inside, it has a sticky feel (stiction), becomes
very soft and can even lose all damping.
Elka Suspension shocks go through a careful
bleeding process to avoid emulsion.
Frame Clearance:The space needed to avoid
contact between the frame and the ground.
High-Speed Compression:The damping circuit
that controls the shock’s resistance against high-
velocity impacts.
Low-Speed Compression:The damping circuit
that controls the shock’s resistance against
low-velocity compression.
Negative Travel:The difference between the
height of the vehicle at rest with rider sitting
on it and the height of the vehicle when the
motorcycle is lifted without the wheels leaving
the ground. This distance is a portion of the
total suspension travel that is used to keep the
wheels on the ground when the suspension
extends.
Preload:The force applied to the main springs by
screwing in the preload ring to achieve proper
sag, mesured in millimeters from shock head to
preload collar.
Rebound:The damping circuit that controls the
shock’s resistance when returning to its initial
state after being compressed by an impact.
More rebound damping returns the shock slower
but increases the chances of “packing”. Less
preload damping returns the shock faster and
provides a bouncy ride.
Ride Height:The height of the vehicle when
properly sagged with the rider seated. It can be
adjusted to suit the rider’s personal preference.
Sag:The portion of the shock’s travel used when
the rider is seated. Proper sag ensures enough
negative travel to keep the wheels on the ground
and preserve traction.
Static Sag:Same as the sag but without the rider
on the vehicle. The static sag prevents topping
out and provides a more confortable ride.
Stroke:The total amount of travel allowed by the
shock, mesured at the shock’s shaft. Not to be
confused with the total travel of the vehicle.
The same shock stroke can provide different
wheel travel depending on the geometry of the
suspension.
Travel:The distance between the suspension fully
compressed and fully extended. Can be mesured
at the wheels (wheel travel) or at the shock shaft
(stroke).
C.1 SUSPENSION TERMINOLOGY