What is a Suspension Dyno and what does it do?
A suspension dyno is an incredibly valuable suspension measuring and tuning tool. Testing suspension on a dyno won’t make your suspension any better or worse, but suspension tuning experts can very accurately check suspension condition and performance without opening them up, and importantly they can gain a huge insight as to what they are dealing with before taking things apart.
A suspension dyno measures the force or resistance delivered by the shock at a given piston velocity(shaft speed) and plots it on a graph. Both compression and rebound forces are measured and with a quick rider interview, weaknesses can be pin pointed anywhere in a shocks performance.
The data from test results provides precise details that might not mean much for a rider to look at, but it does wonders to help the tuner verify and understand what the rider might be experiencing out on the track. A reputable suspension tuner understands both languages, and in conjunction with real world track testing, suspension performance can be achieved like never before.
At QuadSquad we have a CTW Suspension Dyno that we use for testing and developing suspension settings in conjunction with our real world track testing experience. We can test any performance changes in valving or clicker adjustments instantly and know exactly what differences it makes in what areas. We also use the dyno for servicing and rebuilds to test the suspension after the work is completed to make sure everything is performing as it needs to be and meets the riders needs. QuadSquad can even dial in best suggested clicker adjustments to get the rider started. On top of that you will go away understanding the scope of adjustments in clicking either side and how the rider might use them.
If a new valving recipe is required, a lot of different theories, arrangements and modifications can be tested very quickly without spending half a race season driving back and forward to a track. Basically, a Suspension Dyno helps you find perfection a lot quicker.
When developing settings, this data can then be compared with track testing to work out what the best performing shock graph needs to look like. Once right, this info can then be referenced when building new shocks or for future servicing of shocks from a solid known and measurable reference point.
There are basically two types of suspension dyno graphs that QuadSquad study:
CVP- Constant Velocity Plot
This type of graph shows the forces measured for a constant piston velocity inside the shock (shaft speed). Data is collected from the complete full stroke cycle all at the one fixed speed. While race tracks and trails don’t always present the same bumps and impacts every time, A CVP reveals a lot of detailed information that is very useful to the experienced shock tuner that knows how to use that information.
PVP- Peak Velocity Plot
This type of graph shows the maximum force recorded over a selection of velocities. A PVP allows the experienced tuner the best general overview of suspension behaviour and can be experimented with to simulate exactly how the suspension will operate over various types of terrain.
Talk to QuadSquad, tell them what you are experiencing from your suspension, what you want more of, and have your suspension Dyno tested to reveal the full potential of your suspension.
