Monoshocks

A monoshock is a suspension arrangement that uses a single shock absorber to damp the rear of a vehicle, in contrast to the twin-shock setups that were common on many motorcycles and some other vehicles. The shock is typically mounted between the rear swingarm and the motorcycle frame, and in many designs the damper is integrated with a coil spring (a coilover) and may be paired with a linkage to alter leverage through travel.

Design details vary. Some systems mount the shock directly between frame and swingarm, while others use a linkage that changes the leverage ratio as the suspension compresses. Reservoirs may be integrated or external, improving cooling and damping control. The exact geometry influences ride quality, bottoming resistance, and handling characteristics.

Advantages include reduced unsprung weight and centralized mass, which can improve stability and steering response; a neater rear end with fewer mounting points; and often more consistent damping through travel along with easier external adjustment of preload, rebound, and compression.

Disadvantages can include higher cost and more complex service, fewer readily available replacement options, and sometimes less intuitive tuning for riders who preferred the feel of twin shocks. In some designs, rear geometry must be carefully matched to the frame to avoid adverse handling, and heat buildup in enclosed dampers can be a concern in demanding use.

Monoshocks became widely adopted in sport and performance motorcycles from the late 20th century onward, replacing twin shocks in many models for improved handling and packaging. Today they are standard on most modern motorcycles and are also used in some off-road bikes and select cars where centralized damping is advantageous.