A Brief Description of Motorcycle Chassis & Suspension Geometry

It’s been said that a motorcycle “functions entirely in accordance with the laws of reason.” I believe that to be the case. 

But what are those “laws of reason?” Here, I will focus on some of them, specifically physics and geometry. 

After all, it is the sacred geometry that so effectively moves our souls when aboard these magical machines we call motorcycles. Many things motorcycle-related have evolved over the years, with greater understanding facilitated by those skilled in the art of chassis and suspension design.

Staying stuck to the road relies on the tires, which depend on the suspension to keep them planted. The suspension, in turn, relies on the carefully crafted geometry of the chassis or frame. 

Everything must function harmoniously to keep the motorcycle composed and doing what the rider commands. Since motorcycles have half the wheels and suspension of a car, one might assume their systems would be half as complex. 

However, that is not the case. To understand this complexity, let’s delve into some terminology and examine how it all works.