Monoshock - Motorcycle Terms Explained

We try to understand this very common rear suspension setup on modern motorcycles

As the name suggests, the monoshock suspension setup consists of a single shock absorber for the rear suspension of a motorcycle. Compared to dual shock absorbers, which have two coil springs and dampers, a mono-shock suspension setup uses a larger-sized single spring setup comprising a single damper with a wider diameter.

In a monoshock setup, one end of the single shock absorber is attached near the swingarm pivot axis, with the other mount placed near the motorcycle’s centre point. Usually, a monoshock setup is mounted centrally on the rear swingarm, though it is also installed sideways in some motorcycles. However, in either of the setups, the placement of the rear monoshock depends on the centre of gravity in a bike and the design of the swingarm itself. Monoshocks also reduce flex in the swingarm, which could arise from uneven damping from twin shocks. Due to this reason, the rear section of the motorcycle feels more stable at higher speeds and while going over bumps.