Computers are taking over the world, aren?t they" Just last night, my smartwatch told me it was tea time so I ordered a pizza on my iPhone, took a tinny out of my thermostatically controlled fridge and told Alexa to play some banging tunes. But as much as I love being a lazy mo-fo, there are always going to be certain things that I want to do myself. Like riding a motorbike. I know we?re still a long way from full automation, but motorcycle electronics have come a long way in the past decade or so. And, like it or not, the latest component to succumb to servos, solenoids and stepper motors is suspension. Nowadays, most ?big bikes? come with the option of having ?semi-active? suspension. Suspension that can be adjusted at the touch of a button. But is it worth it" Or is electronic suspension just another needless gimmick"
The first thing you need to decide is what you?re going to use your bike for. Commuting" Touring" The odd Sunday morning blast" Or is it going to be your track weapon" Let?s talk about trackdays first. If you plan on going as fast as you can around a track, you?re going to need decent suspension. It?s got to compress and extend just the right amount to avoid putting too much stress on the tyres. And it?s got to be stiff enough not to bottom out under hard braking and acceleration. All whilst being plush enough to absorb any lumps and bumps without upsetting the bike too much.

A standard road bike, even if it?s a ...