Elka Suspension MOTORCYCLE SERIES - Manual (Page 7)

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7
Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 • 1-800-557-0552
Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821
[email protected] www.elkasuspension.com
> S U S P E N S I O N B A S I C S 5
C) Suspension Basics
(continued)
SHOCK PARTS
Banjo Bolt:On remote reservoir models, the
banjo-shaped bolt used to attach the hose to the
reservoir and shock. The banjo shape allows for
instal-lation around 360 degrees. Loosening or
trying to move this bolt may cause oil leakage
and a loss in pressure.
Bridge:The metallic part that links the reservoir
to the shock’s body on piggyback models. Bridge
shape varies between different bike models to
allow frame clearance.
Bumper:The rubber (microcellular foam) part that
prevents damaging the shock when bottoming.
It’s an integral part of the suspension system as
it controls the ending of the shock’s stroke. A
low quality bumper will be harsh on the rider
and will not allow full travel.
Eyelets:The ends of the shock where the bolting
shaft comes through, running on spherical
bearings to allow movement but no torsional
resistance.
Fork:On some models, the lower mounting
bracket that replaces the eyelet.
Piggyback:A shock model with directly attached
reservoir using a bridge or one-piece head.
Remote Reservoir:A shock model with the
reservoir attached to the head by a hose to
allow remote location.
Spring Cup (Spring Ring):The slotted ring that
retains the springs in place. The slot allows the
spring cup to slide out for easy spring removal.
Spring Rate:The force required to compress the
spring 1 inch from initial state. For example, a
5.4 kg/mm spring will require a 5.4 kg force to
compress 1 millimeter, a 10.8 kg force to com-
press 2 millimeters, a 54 kg force to compress
10 millimeters...
To convert into pounds/inch, multiply by a factor
of 56. Ex: 5.4 x 56 = 302,4 lbs/in.
Set Screw:The tiny Allen screw that prevents
the preload ring from loosening. Must be
untightened prior to adjusting the preload ring
and tightened back after the adjustment.
Valving:A combination of holes, shims and
checkballs that controls the hydraulic flow to
create the damping effect. The valving’s
“recipe” is the main factor for the feel of the
suspension.
Wheel Travel:The total amount of displacement
allowed for the wheel from full extension to full
compression.
C.2 SUSPENSION TERMINOLOGY