Motorcycle Suspension Setup: How to Adjust for Comfort and Control

By Humyra Sharmind Alam

02 Dec 2025

4 mins read

By Humyra Sharmind Alam02 Dec 2025

4 mins read

Your motorcycle feels completely different when its suspension is properly set up. It becomes smoother and easier to handle. But many riders don’t adjust their suspension to suit their comfort due to fear of complexity. What if we told you it’s not as difficult as it seems? In this article, we will guide you through finding the right motorcycle suspension setup for your comfort.

1. Set the sag

Check the sag of your motorcycle first. The sag means the amount the bike sinks when you sit on it. It shouldn’t be too low, or the suspension will be too soft and unstable. If it is too high, the ride will feel stiff and uncomfortable. Just use a preload adjuster (ring/knob) to adjust it as per your needs. Sit on the bike in riding posture to see if the sag feels correct.

2. Adjust the compression

When you hit bumps, the suspension squeezes, right? The compression controls how much resistance the suspension has when absorbing bumps. You will feel uncomfortable if the compression is set too hard or too soft. So, adjust it with a few clicks and take short rides every time. With trial and error, you can find the right compression level.

3. Set the rebound damping

Rebound is how quickly the suspension comes back up. The bike feels unstable when the rebound is too fast. It will feel heavy when the rebound is too slow. Change only one setting at a time for clear feedback. Although not all bikes have adjustable compression/rebound, commuter bikes often have only preload adjustment.

4. Check the rear shock

Your rear shock is just as important as the front suspension. But many riders totally ignore it. You can similarly adjust the rear shock for the right compression and rebound. You may not find the right settings on the first attempt. But over time, you will know what settings you prefer best for the rear shock.

5. Take the test ride

Take a short ride every time you change the suspension setup. We can give you a tip here. Choose the road for the test ride that you use regularly. In this way, you will easily understand the difference the adjustment is making. Remember, this is a very personal thing. So, your friend’s suspension setup may not suit you. And it’s totally ok. Keep tweaking it until you find the sweet spot.

Conclusion

There is no ‘for all’ setup when it comes to motorcycle suspension. You have to find the right balance yourself by taking some time for your bike. Once you have the right setup for yourself, the bike will feel a lot easier to handle. A simple C-spanner (often included with the bike) may be needed for rear preload adjustment. You can do so all by yourself.