What is the difference between gas and hydraulic shock absorbers?

To start, check " What are the shock absorbers for the motorcycle for? "y" Types of shock absorbers for motorcycle "so that you can contextualize yourself in the operation and variety of shock absorbers that you can find. Once the information is clear, let's see what the difference is between hydraulic shock absorbers and gas shock absorbers.

Hydraulic shock absorbers

Hydraulic shock absorbers work by allowing oil to circulate through the holes and springs found in the piston and in the shock absorber's compression head, generating resistance, which is responsible for generating compression and expansion forces (they can reach to get warm with use). This is how the shock absorber controls the movement of the suspension, resulting in comfort and safety while driving.

There is only harder or softer so there are different configurations of the shock absorbers depending on the weight, load, or use of the motorcycle.

Adjustable shock absorbers

They have the ability to be adjustable to fine-tune the suspension depending on the demands of the road and the needs of the pilot. They are adjustable in 3 positions: normal, hard, and extra hard.

Shock absorbers with spring preload

It is the adjustment in the height of the spring in a rest state. The spring preload determines the starting point of the shock absorber. With the same spring and adjusting the preload, it is possible to determine if the motorcycle is higher in its initial position or if, on the contrary, it is lowered.

Disadvantages of hydraulic shock absorbers

The main disadvantage of this type of shock absorber is its performance in very sharp curves by creating air bubbles inside the oil.

Let's see what gas shock absorbers are made of and how they differ from hydraulic ones.

How do gas shocks work?

The reason for being of this type of shock absorbers is to provide greater comfort and safety to the rider when handling the motorcycle, absorbing the oscillations and compressions generated by the spring to provide driving comfort. They are capable of maintaining the vertical loads of the motorcycle on the wheel, thus improving grip on the pavement.

Basically, gas shock absorbers solve the problem of operation by air and oil inside the piston, mixing oil with gas to create an emulsion capable of being compressed.

Different types of gas shocks can be found and vary in their effectiveness, for example creating a gas chamber, placing a sliding piston inside the shock that separates the oil chamber and the gas chamber. In more current designs and with greater benefits, there is an air chamber or bottle in the external part of the shock absorber, which facilitates cooling; It can be connected directly to the shock absorber or connected by a hydraulic hose.

How do we build our shock absorbers on gas?

The difference

The main difference between these shock absorbers is that the gas provides a stiffer suspension geared towards sports, likewise, they are less soft than the oil ones.

Before changing the damping that you have, the first step is to consult with the mechanic and that this one by means of a test with certainty what type of shock absorber should be mounted, since putting a different one can negatively affect other mechanical elements.

When to change the shock absorbers of the motorcycle?

An inspection or replacement of the shock absorbers is recommended when one or more of the following problems occurs:

1. Excessive lean when braking.
2. Instability.
3. Remarkable instability in curves, even if they are not too pronounced.
4. General damage to the shock absorber, whether due to blows, worn or dry components, bent pistons, oil leaks, corrosion, etc.