Dyno testing provides suspension tuners with measurable, quantifiable data regarding the effectiveness of their tuning processes. While rider and driver feedback remains an essential part of the tuning journey, it is often subjective and can vary significantly between individuals. By combining these personal insights with objective dyno results, tuners are able to elevate the precision and quality of their work to a higher standard.
When used correctly, a dyno offers an invaluable opportunity for tuners to deepen their understanding of fork and shock mechanics. Through practical application, users can significantly improve their knowledge of how these components function and interact under different conditions.
In addition to assisting with tuning, dynos serve important roles in quality control and fault finding. These capabilities help ensure that suspension systems are both reliable and performing optimally, adding further value to the dyno’s role within a business.
Purchasing a dyno often represents a substantial financial commitment for many businesses. It is important that the equipment is utilised to its full potential, rather than remaining unused due to a lack of understanding or training.
This course is designed to teach you how dynos work, why they are effective, and the insights they can provide. The core principles discussed apply equally to suspension systems for motorcycles, cars, and mountain bikes, making this course suitable for all suspension tuners regardless of specialisation.
The course does not focus on any particular dyno manufacturer and is limited to crank dynos in general, regardless of the brand.
Participants can watch the course content as often as they like, with new material being added periodically to keep the curriculum current and comprehensive. Each section is available in two formats: one without subtitles and one with subtitles for greater accessibility. A time-stamped PDF transcript is also provided, which can be translated as needed.
When testing, focus on three key areas:
Your actions: How do your choices affect the results?
The dyno: How does the equipment impact the outcome?
The dampers: How do forks and shocks change the results
How are dyno's built?
How can the construction of the dyno itself influence the results?
Motors convert electrical energy into rotary motion, yet the compression and extension of forks and shocks involve linear motion. Understanding this conversion is essential:
· How does the transformation from rotary to linear motion occur?
· What are the critical factors in this process?
· How is velocity connected to crank position?
· Are all dynos built the same way?
Dyno's typically have three to four sensors:
· Load: A load cell measures the amount of force generated by the unit being tested.
· Position: A sensor tracks the linear displacement of the dyno.
· Temperature: A sensor monitors the temperature of the unit under test.
· Velocity: A sensor records the linear velocity of the dyno.
Sensors produce analogue voltages, but computers only process digital signals. How is this conversion done? What key factors affect it, and what potential issues can occur?
The VFD requires specific commands to operate the motor. The data logging system needs on/off commands. Digital signals sent to the computer from the sensors need to be converted into readable graphs. The interface software links the computer with the dyno and carries out those functions.
A shock dyno graph can be both informative and ambiguous. Unlike a simple before-and-after power increase on a Dynojet rolling road, which is easy to interpret, shock dyno results are less straightforward—sometimes you want more damping, sometimes less. There's no sensor telling you exactly what you need. So, you must first understand your current setup and how the damper's characteristics were produced before deciding on changes.
What do you need to consider when you're creating tests?
What influences the test you want to create?
Also in this section are some build characteristics that influence damping curves.
The whole aim of this course has been to encourage you to think about things.
There are a lot of successful suspension companies in existence where the knowledge within the company goes little further than how to fit parts made by other companies.
How it works, why it works (if it does) and what it does is immaterial.