Best Suspension Bikes in India

A bike's suspension plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth ride, improving handling and providing comfort by absorbing shocks from the road. It consists of various components designed to keep the bike stable and the rider comfortable, especially on uneven, bumpy, or rough terrain. There are mainly two kinds of suspension systems in bikes: front suspension, also known as fork and rear suspension, which can be twin shock or single shock.

Front Suspension: The front suspension absorbs the impact from bumps and uneven surfaces, allowing the front wheel to move up and down.

Rear Suspension: Located at the rear of the bike, the shock absorbers cushion the rear wheel's movements, making the ride more comfortable and controlling how the rear wheel reacts to bumps.

Springs: Springs are used in both the front and rear suspension to absorb the impact and return the bike to its normal position after compressing. They ensure that the suspension system can effectively rebound after absorbing shocks.

Dampers: Dampers control the rebound or compression of the suspension, preventing the bike from bouncing uncontrollably after absorbing going over a bump on the road.

The following are the essential aspects of motorcycle suspension systems:

Front Suspension Conventional Telescopic Forks

The most common type of front suspension is forks with telescopic extensions. They are long hydraulic tubes with coil springs inside. The forks are attached to the motorcycle’s frame via a T-clamp at one end and to the front wheel's axle at the other.

In case of road imperfections, the lower portion of the fork bodies slides up and down the fork tubes, absorbing vibrations. Sealing the oil inside ensures smooth operation.

Front Suspension Upside Down Forks (USD)

An upside-down fork is nothing more than a conventional telescopic fork set inverted. Tubes are at the bottom and slider bodies are at the top.

Nowadays, these are commonly found in high-end motorcycles since they reduce the total unsprung weight of the bike while increasing torsional stiffness.

Rear Suspension

Before the advent of the rear suspension in motorcycles, front forks were the only means of maintaining ride quality. Technological advancement led manufacturers to adopt rear suspension, which has been practised since then. The rear suspension system consists of swingarms and coil springs.

Swingarm: A motorcycle swingarm is a quadrilateral part attached to the rear wheel axle of a motorcycle and its frame. Many motorcycles have a single-sided swingarm on only one side of the bike.

While this allows the removal of the rear wheel with little effort, it increases the rear suspension's unsprung weight. Therefore, the usage of single-sided swingarms is rare. Swingarms use two types of suspension:

Twin Shock Absorbers: As their name suggests, twin shock absorbers are located at the rear end of a motorcycle.

Mono Shock Absorbers: Due to various reasons, manufacturers began incorporating mono shock absorbers into their motorcycles over time. This setup connects the swingarm to the motorcycle's frame with a single shock absorber.

Also Read: Best Bikes for Indian Roads

KTM Duke 390

The very first and best suspension bike on our list is the KTM Duke 390. It has a powerful engine, lightweight chassis and brilliant styling. The KTM Duke 390 is equipped with WP APEX 43mm USD Forks at the front. Furthermore, the rear suspension is a WP APEX Monoshock, which is adjustable for preload and rebound damping.

Specification of KTM Duke 390

Also Read: Best Sports Bike in India

Bajaj Pulsar NS 200

Another best suspension bike on our list is the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200, which is known for speed, comfort and balance. The Pulsar NS 200 comes with Telescopic Forks at the front, which are designed to provide good shock absorption during city rides and highway cruising.

Furthermore, the rear suspension setup allows the rear wheel to stay firmly planted on the ground, providing better grip and ensuring a smooth ride, even on bumpy or rough surfaces.

Specification of Bajaj Pulsar NS 200

Bajaj Avenger Street 220

The Bajaj Avenger Street 220 is another good suspension bike in India known for its amazing cruiser or touring riding experience. The Avenger Street 220 comes with Telescopic Forks at the front, which are designed to absorb shocks and bumps on the road.

The rear suspension is equipped with twin shock absorbers, which are great for absorbing vibrations and providing a stable ride.

Specification of Bajaj Avenger Street 220

Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220

Another suspension bike in India is the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220, which is well-known for its comfortable and smooth riding experience. It comes equipped with a telescopic front suspension with an anti-friction bush, which helps absorb a road’s impact.

Furthermore, it has a twin-shock absorber rear suspension, which assists in distributing the weight of the luggage and rider evenly. It also helps in offering better control and stability.

Specification of Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220

Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSI

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSI is known for its stylish design, fuel efficiency and performance. It has telescopic forks in the front, which are designed to absorb shocks. They provide a good balance between comfort and handling on both smooth and slightly rough surfaces.

Furthermore, the bike is equipped with Twin Shock Absorbers at the rear, which helps provide stability and comfort by absorbing impacts when riding over bumps or potholes.

Specification of Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSI

Also Read: What is DTSi or Digital Twin-Spark Ignition and How Does it Work

Regular Cleaning

Dirt, mud and dust are the worst enemies of suspension. So, make sure to clean and wipe the seal area and stanchions of your shock and fork after every ride. Wipe the suspension in a horizontal motion, not a vertical motion.

Change Suspension Oil

The suspension fluid lubricates the internals and controls many other performance variables like rebound damping and compression. However, with time, suspension oil can degrade and become contaminated as water and dirt mix in the system. So, make sure to change the suspension oil regularly.

Spring Inspection

Another crucial tip for bike suspension maintenance is to inspect the springs. Spring is a critical component in both front and rear suspension and directly affects the bike’s overall performance. If a spring becomes overly fatigued or breaks, the bike’s suspension will fail to function effectively, leading to dangerous riding conditions.

Replace Worn Components

It is very important to regularly replace the worn components to keep your bike suspension smooth. Shock absorbers, bushings and fork seals wear out with time. By using top-quality components, you can enhance the durability and performance of your suspension.

Also Read: 10 Useful Tips to Maintain Your Bike

The suspension in bikes is a critical component that affects bike performance, control and comfort. Whether you are commuting through city traffic or taking on off-road trails, a well-designed suspension system ensures a smooth ride, better handling and greater safety.

Vehicle owners also need to pay attention to what two-wheeler insurance policy they choose to buy. Bike insurance is coverage designed for two-wheeler vehicle owners who want to safeguard their vehicles against various damages.
TATA AIG offers various two-wheeler insurance plans based on the vehicle’s requirements. From third-party bike insurance to own-damage cover to comprehensive bike insurance policies, we have plans for everyone.

Furthermore, customers can compare two-wheeler insurance plans based on coverage and premium by visiting our website.

Are suspension bikes really worth it?

Yes, suspension bikes ensure a comfortable ride, especially on Indian roads or when driving on rough terrain.

Which CC bike is best for daily use?

120 cc to 300 cc bikes are the best for daily use due to their sufficient speed, optimum power and riding comfort.

What is the best bike suspension for comfort?

Air suspension makes use of air springs in place of traditional leaf or coil springs. It allows for adjustable ride height as well as stiffness, offering a smooth and customisable ride. Moreover, air suspension can adapt to different road conditions, ensuring stability and comfort.