Are shock linkages a load of shit?

[Boyracer]

Just wondering does anybody else think single shock linkages are over kill?
Do we really need all that so the shock can change angle on compression?

[shelpi]

it also about progressiveness (is that a word)

[mick25]

Some of the ktms didn't worry about them .
It might be just some extra parts to buy and replace to keep the spare part department going  $

[Nathan S]

Jury is still out on the value of linkages vs PDS on properly setup rear ends for mortal riders, but manufacturers prefer linkages for two main reasons:
One setup suits a wider range of rider weights;
The market has demanded them (just like the market has demanded USD forks, twin chamber forks, EFI on 4Ts, etc, which are all actually negatives for the majority of riders).

[FourstrokeForever]

Jury is still out on the value of linkages vs PDS on properly setup rear ends for mortal riders, but manufacturers prefer linkages for two main reasons:
One setup suits a wider range of rider weights;
The market has demanded them (just like the market has demanded USD forks, twin chamber forks, EFI on 4Ts, etc, which are all actually negatives for the majority of riders).

It is proven that a linkage system is more forgiving.....just like a chromoly frame is more forgiving that a twin spar aluminium job.

Modern MX and Enduro bikes are built for racing and for racers. The average Joe will just have to adapt to the machine. Or, as in most cases, spend another gorilla or so at the suspension shop then another couple hunge more at the tuners to get a decent, rideable and comfortable trail bike.

[N22]

Well probably-But.

 The forks on the front of the bike work OK,and they don't have linkages.Back in the days when longer travel was all the go,some riders tried putting forks on the rear,in place of shock,to get more oil capacity and less fade.It sort of worked,but they got in the way,and were a bit heavy.However it really has to do with mechanical advantage,and moving weight forward( mass centralisation)to achieve a better controlled suspension.KTM persevered with PDS,but eventually went back to linkage.

 It's a bit like only having 1gear,like a Speedway Bike,which works well at full speed,but is a bit tricky when you get to a hairpin!

[Lozza]

linkage slows down piston speed which gives better damping control

[FourstrokeForever]

linkage slows down piston speed which gives better damping control

Exactly. There are some great tricks for making a PDS more compliant, but it does involve expertise and a fair chunk of change.

[Davey Crocket]

PDS is actually an Ohlins design, WP just bought it off them.

[KTM47]

Ryan Dungey and Roger De Coster think linkage suspension is needed to win, but the average rider probably doesn't need  extra maintainence.

[Rusty]

I would say until maybe the early 90's most linkage systems were not as efficient as a good twin shock setup.  All the talk about rising/falling rates was total crap and a good set of reservoir shocks worked better and lasted way longer into a 45 minute moto.   The linkage system did however have one major advantage - it allowed the bike to be a lot slimmer which aided the rider moving around the bike.

[Rusty]

Hours testing a certain yellow brand as a kid & talking to some very smart Japanese engineers taught me the WASP......  I think one described linkages and the reasoning for as .... A road of Sheet 

[OverTheHill]

talking linkages, back in about "87 [i had an "86 kx125] & a work mate had an RM250.  The back end went super soft during a race meet [i mean under damped & undersprung--couldn't ride it] I thought i knew everything & knew bloody nothing & decided it had lost the gas plus the damper piston had spat the piston ring off---was that bad---but in the end i heard that the rising rate rocker underneath had locked up in the big diameter needle bearing thingy [lack of lube obviously] & was all ok now. So learnt something there for sure. Funny thing is [not funny] same guy went on to be Rossi's main man [suspension i think lol] for the last 20 odd years & still is. Think he headed off with Simon Crafar from here originaly then onto Rossi, good guy too. Anyway, off track as usual sorry but just reminiscing over what linkages 'do'. Cheers.
 ps, Oh, then my KX ripped the linkage lugs off the frame landing from a jump & my backs been stuffed since.

[Ted]

PDS is actually an Ohlins design, WP just bought it off them.

Correct