Motorcycle suspension can be a bit of a mystery for anyone who has not spent time studying the engineering and physics behind one of the main mechanisms that allows riders to safely keep the rubber side down. Linear or progressively wound springs, preload and sag, low- and high-speed compression and rebound damping, sprung versus unsprung weight; these are not intuitive ideas that can be gleaned through simple observation. Without the benefit of a tuner or friend that is knowledgeable in the art of suspension setup, many riders simply jump on and ride, and hope that the factory settings are close enough for their needs. For off-road riders and racers especially, this can lead to things like arm pump, a less enjoyable or uncomfortable ride, or even crashes.

However, even with proper professional setup, suspension experts and engineers are always looking for ways to improve the system, attempting to gain a competitive advantage, and these advances in technology end up trickling down to production bikes and the aftermarket. Nowhere is this more evident than in Formula 1 auto racing, arguably the pinnacle of suspension engineering, where a relatively new suspension technology has been designed by a U.S.-based company called Countershox. They are bringing its patent pending version of this technology to the two-wheeled off-road, enduro, and adventure-riding world.

The Countershox product is a mechanism encased in a beautifully machined and anodized tube that bolts to the fork leg of the motorcycle, between the upper and lower triple clamps or just below the lower clamp. Typically tucked behind the headlight or numberplate, Countershox works its magic without the need for extensive setup, batteries, or electronics. Installation is as simple as bolting the two-piece bracket set onto the forks, placing the Countershox into the brackets and rotating it behind your number plate and/or headlight and tightening the bolts… all without having to remove the forks from the bike.

Once on the trail, the Countershox works great in a wide range of suspension frequencies to reduce chattering, judders, loss of traction and washouts. Lower-frequency suspension movement is typically controlled by the suspension itself, while high-frequency vibrations can be taken care of by rubber mounts, vibration dampers, and things like grips and good gloves. Through Countershox design, large G-out hits are dramatically reduced with much less deflection and better tracking, which adds up to reduced arm pump, more control and improved comfort. Additionally, by keeping the suspension in phase, Countershox greatly reduces headshake on acceleration while smoothing breaking bumps. Adventure riders are sure to appreciate how Countershox eliminates the floating, disconnected feeling of chatter bumps.

For example; large G-out hits are attenuated dramatically with much less deflection and better tracking.  Another added benefit to the Countershox is by keeping the suspension in phase, it greatly reduces headshake on acceleration as well as smoothing breaking bumps. An effect that adventure riders will be most familiar with is that Countershox eliminates the floating, disconnected feeling of chatter bumps.

The key to the system is the way that Countershox automatically cancels out the natural frequencies that the suspension experiences. Basic physics states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and Countershox uses this principle, carefully engineered, to react favorably to suspension movements. Rider feedback from racers and recreational riders alike point to reduced fatigue, reduced arm pump, more control, and more comfort, and the device can even benefit beginners and children. Riders commonly report a more planted front end, a better connection to front-end traction, as well as more predictability and control.

Based in Kansas City, Countershox is made from quality billet aluminum, with beautiful bright dip anodizing in several colors, and the product has a patent pending. The device requires no servicing, and the clamps are designed to fit most modern inverted forks. While every rider will benefit from proper suspension setup, the Countershox bolt-on upgrade can provide a noticeable improvement out of the box, whether the suspension is highly tuned or still at the factory standard settings.

For more information, visit Countershox.com or your local Countershox dealer.