Source: Classic Motorcycle UK –
When it comes to classic motorcycles, enthusiasts cherish the nostalgic blend of simplicity and craftsmanship.
However, one area where modern technology is making its presence felt is in suspension tuning. Enter the shock dyno – a device that has revolutionised the way we tune and understand motorcycle suspension.
The heritage of classic motorcycles
Classic bikes embody the spirit of adventure and freedom. Iconic brands such as Triumph, Harley-Davidson and Norton produced bikes that remain timeless. What draws people to these machines is their simplicity – mechanical beauty, where the rider feels fully connected to the road. However, these bikes also come with unique challenges in handling, performance, and comfort.
One of the critical components that directly impacts the ride quality is the suspension system, especially the shock absorbers. Whether you’re restoring a vintage café racer or maintaining your daily classic ride, ensuring that the suspension performs optimally is key. But how do you bridge that gap between vintage design and modern performance?
Introducing the modern shock dyno: A game-changer
A shock dyno is a precision tool that helps assess and tune a motorcycle’s suspension by analysing the performance of shock absorbers.
With the LABA7 shock dyno, modern mechanics can take the guesswork out of suspension tuning and replace it with hard data, ensuring both performance and safety.
The LABA7 shock dyno is known for being user-friendly while providing pinpoint accuracy. It offers a range of models, from the Featherlight for lightweight use to the Heavy Shock Dyno designed for more demanding jobs. Regardless of whether you’re working with vintage motorcycles or modern superbikes, LABA7 offers tailored solutions.
Why the shock dyno is a must-have tool
- Accurate diagnosis
Shock dynos allow mechanics to diagnose suspension problems with high precision. A simple test can reveal issues such as blocked oil passages, broken shims or cavitation. In the world of classics, where parts are often old or worn, having this information can be critical. - Comparison feature
One of the standout features of the LABA7 shock dyno is the ability to compare different shocks or tuning settings. This is invaluable when restoring older bikes, as it allows you to compare performance before and after restoration, ensuring you have the most responsive suspension setup possible. - Tuning and adjustment
Fine-tuning classic motorcycle suspensions is an art form, but it’s also one that can now be grounded in science. The dyno provides data in easy-to-read graphs that show exactly how adjustments impact suspension performance. By combining rider feedback with this data, you can craft the perfect suspension setup for any classic motorcycle. - Quality Control
For professional workshops working on high-end or vintage motorcycles, quality control is paramount. The LABA7 shock dyno allows you to test your work before sending a bike back to its owner, ensuring the shocks meet performance standards. It also provides documented proof in the case of warranty disputes.
The LABA7 shock dyno range: Tailored solutions for every need
The LABA7 offers four shock dynos to meet a range of needs, from light duty tasks to heavy performance tuning. Each model is built for ease of use and provides precise data, making it ideal for both amateurs and professionals.
1. Featherlight shock dyno
This entry level dyno is perfect for lighter vehicles and suspensions. Despite its size, it packs a punch with speeds up to 1900 mm/s and a load capacity of 10,000 N. It’s ideal for tuning vintage motorcycle shocks that need a delicate touch.
- Dyno speed: Up to 1900 mm/s
- Maximum force: 10,000 N load cell
- Motor: 3 HP-220V electric motor
- Price: 7950 euros (circa £6650)
2. Light shock dyno
A step up from the Featherlight, the Light shock dyno offers more flexibility for handling mid-range suspensions. Whether you’re tuning a vintage race bike or a classic roadster, this model ensures precision.
3. Mid shock dyno
For professionals or workshops dealing with a mix of vintage motorcycles and modern bikes, this is a versatile option. Its adjustable stroke and wide range of speeds allow for customised testing scenarios.
4. Heavy shock dyno
Built for heavy-duty tasks, this model is designed for larger motorcycles, trucks, or racing suspensions. If you specialise in classic motorcycle restorations, the Heavy Shock Dyno ensures that even the most robust suspensions are thoroughly tested.
Expanding your capabilities with LABA7 adapters
One of the major advantages of the LABA7 shock dyno is its adaptability. With specialised adapters for MTB, moto and automobile dampers, you can expand the dyno’s capabilities to work on different types of suspensions, including vintage motorcycle forks and dampers.
- Adapters for MTB dampers
- Adapters for MOTO dampers
- Adapters for AUTO dampers
This versatility is a game-changer for workshops handling a variety of vehicles, especially those focused on both classic and modern bikes.
The science behind the shock dyno
At its core, a shock dyno replicates the forces and speeds your motorcycle’s suspension undergoes on the road or track. It analyses the behaviour of shock absorbers and forks, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments based on real-world data.
The LABA7 dyno offers live graphs of force versus velocity and force versus displacement, two critical factors in understanding how a shock absorber behaves during compression and rebound. This level of detail helps mechanics and tuners diagnose problems and make data-driven adjustments.
Understanding force versus velocity and force versus displacement graphs
- Force versus velocity: This graph shows how the force changes with the velocity of the damper movement. It’s particularly useful for identifying problems like cavitation or a lack of gas pressure.
- Force versus displacement: This graph measures the force required to move the damper through its travel, giving insight into issues such as oil blockages or broken shims.
Bridging the gap between old and new
For classic motorcycle enthusiasts and restorers, the LABA7 shock dyno represents the perfect blend of modern technology and vintage machinery. By bringing precise suspension tuning into the mix, this tool enhances the performance and safety of bikes from yesteryear while maintaining their authentic feel.
Whether you’re a home mechanic restoring a 1960s Triumph or a professional tuner optimising suspension for a vintage race bike, the LABA7 shock dyno ensures that you can bridge the gap between classic engineering and modern performance.
Whether you’re working on a classic or a contemporary model, investing in a shock dyno is one way to ensure that your ride is as smooth and safe as possible.
