How often should I have my suspension serviced ?

(Note: The following answer applies not only to motorcycles, but to ATV's and Snowmobiles)
Without a doubt, this is the number one question but it's also the one answer most racers hate to hear, that answer is 15-20 hours. For the average racer, racing once each weekend and practicing once each week, that's about every two months. Why so often ? Suspension fluids have two main enemies, heat and shearing. A rear shock can see temperatures as high as 400 degrees Farenheit. To function correctly in these conditions, all suspension fluids are polymer enhanced so that the fluid can maintain a constant viscosity or resistance to flow through a wide range of temperatures. It is these polymers that are the weak link in the fluid's service life. Polymer molecules look a bit like a multi-legged spider. While they are cold, their legs are pulled in around their bodies. As they heat up their legs spread out, increasing the size of the molecule thus maintaining the fluid's viscosity. While in this state they are susceptible to damage from the shearing action that takes placeas they are squeezed past the valve shims. Over time the molecule "legs" are torn away, reducing the molecules ability to maintain a constant viscosity. After approximately 20 hours, the fluid has lost most of its thermal integrity so the suspension performance can degrade over the course of a moto.

When should I have my first suspension service ?

On a new bike after 6-8 hours the majority of particulates (small metallic particles) will be suspended in the fluid. Now is the best time to drain these fluids and fully remove the particulates from the system. In addition, the assembly of your suspension components was done at the factory with little concern for oil levels and the amount of air left in the system. Having them serviced will assure proper levels in the forks and no air in the shock fluid for consistent performsnce. Also replacing the stock fluid with a higher quality fluid will yield improved suspension action.

Is there any way to extend service intervals and still maintain good performance ?

Absolutely. Research into better suspension fluids has been ongoing in the oil industry for many years. Reactive Suspension uses a totally synthetic fluid in many of its applications that uses no polymer molecules, the result is a service interval approaching 100 hours. This fluid can be utilized in any suspension component on bikes, ATV's, snowmobiles and more.