Upgrading your Aerox scooter's suspension can dramatically improve its handling, comfort, and overall riding experience. One popular option for Aerox owners is the DBS rear shock with a reservoir. This article dives deep into the DBS rear shock, exploring its features, benefits, performance, and everything you need to know before making a purchase. We'll explore why upgrading your rear shock is a smart move, what sets the DBS model apart, and whether it's the right choice for your Aerox.

Why Upgrade Your Aerox Rear Shock?

The stock rear shock on the Yamaha Aerox, while adequate for basic commuting, often leaves something to be desired when it comes to performance and comfort, especially if you frequently carry a passenger or ride on uneven surfaces. Upgrading to an aftermarket shock like the DBS rear shock offers several key advantages:

• Improved Handling: A higher-quality shock absorber provides better damping, which controls the suspension's movement as it compresses and rebounds. This translates to improved stability, reduced body roll in corners, and enhanced control, especially at higher speeds.
• Enhanced Comfort: An upgraded shock can absorb bumps and vibrations more effectively, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. This is particularly noticeable on rough roads or when encountering potholes.
• Increased Load Capacity: Aftermarket shocks often have a higher load capacity than the stock unit, making them ideal for riders who frequently carry passengers or cargo. The DBS rear shock is designed to handle additional weight without compromising performance.
• Adjustability: Many aftermarket shocks offer adjustable damping and preload settings, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific riding style and preferences. This level of customization is typically not available with the stock shock. With the DBS rear shock, riders can tailor the ride to be softer for comfortable cruising or stiffer for more aggressive handling.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Let's be honest; a performance shock can also enhance the look of your scooter. The DBS rear shock often features a sleek design and eye-catching colors, adding a touch of style to your Aerox. The visible reservoir on the DBS shock adds to the sporty and aggressive look of the scooter.

What is the DBS Rear Shock with Reservoir?

The DBS rear shock with reservoir is an aftermarket suspension component designed to replace the stock rear shock on the Yamaha Aerox scooter. The key feature of this shock is the external reservoir, which contains additional oil and gas. This reservoir helps to improve the shock's performance by:

• Increasing Oil Capacity: The extra oil in the reservoir allows the shock to dissipate heat more effectively, preventing it from fading during prolonged use or under heavy loads. This is especially important for riders who frequently ride in hot weather or carry passengers.
• Improving Damping Consistency: The reservoir helps to maintain consistent damping performance by keeping the oil at a more stable temperature. This ensures that the shock performs predictably, even under demanding conditions.
• Providing Adjustable Damping: Many DBS rear shocks with reservoirs offer adjustable damping settings, allowing you to fine-tune the shock's performance to your specific needs. This adjustability is a major advantage over non-reservoir shocks.

The reservoir is typically connected to the main shock body via a hose, and it's often mounted in a location that allows for easy access to the damping adjustment knobs. The DBS rear shock is available in various colors and finishes to match your scooter's style.

Key Features and Benefits of the DBS Rear Shock

When considering the DBS rear shock with reservoir for your Aerox, it's important to understand its key features and benefits:

• External Reservoir: As mentioned earlier, the external reservoir is a key feature that improves the shock's performance and consistency.
• Adjustable Damping: The ability to adjust the damping allows you to fine-tune the shock's response to different road conditions and riding styles. You can typically adjust both compression and rebound damping.
• Adjustable Preload: Preload adjustment allows you to adjust the shock's ride height and stiffness to compensate for different loads. This is particularly useful if you frequently carry a passenger or cargo. The DBS rear shock typically has a threaded preload adjustment collar.
• High-Quality Materials: DBS shocks are typically made from high-quality materials such as aluminum and steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. Look for shocks with a hard-anodized finish for added protection against corrosion.
• Improved Handling and Stability: The improved damping and adjustability of the DBS shock result in significantly better handling and stability, especially when cornering or riding at high speeds.
• Enhanced Comfort: The shock's ability to absorb bumps and vibrations translates to a more comfortable ride, reducing fatigue on long journeys.
• Stylish Design: DBS shocks are often designed with aesthetics in mind, adding a touch of style to your scooter. The visible reservoir and bright colors can enhance the overall look of your Aerox.

Performance and Ride Impression

So, how does the DBS rear shock with reservoir actually perform on the road? Many Aerox owners who have upgraded to this shock report significant improvements in handling, comfort, and overall ride quality. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Improved Handling: The DBS shock provides noticeably better control and stability, especially when cornering. The scooter feels more planted and less prone to wobbling, even at higher speeds. The adjustable damping allows you to fine-tune the shock's response to your riding style, making it easier to maintain control in various situations.
• Enhanced Comfort: The shock effectively absorbs bumps and vibrations, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. This is particularly noticeable on rough roads or when encountering potholes. The improved damping prevents the suspension from bottoming out, even when carrying a passenger or cargo.
• Reduced Body Roll: The DBS shock helps to reduce body roll in corners, making the scooter feel more stable and predictable. This allows you to lean into corners with more confidence and maintain a smoother, more controlled line.
• Increased Confidence: Overall, the DBS rear shock inspires more confidence in the scooter's handling and stability. This can lead to a more enjoyable and safer riding experience.

Of course, the actual performance of the shock will depend on several factors, including your weight, riding style, and the specific settings you choose. It's important to experiment with the damping and preload adjustments to find the settings that work best for you.

Installation and Setup

Installing a DBS rear shock with reservoir on your Aerox is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully. If you're not comfortable working on your scooter's suspension, it's best to have the shock installed by a qualified mechanic.

Here's a general overview of the installation process:

1. Remove the Stock Shock: Start by removing the stock rear shock from your Aerox. This typically involves loosening a few bolts and disconnecting any cables or hoses that are attached to the shock.
2. Mount the DBS Shock: Mount the DBS rear shock in place of the stock shock. Make sure to use the correct bolts and tighten them to the proper torque specifications.
3. Mount the Reservoir: Find a suitable location to mount the reservoir. The reservoir should be mounted securely and in a position that allows for easy access to the damping adjustment knobs. Ensure that the hose connecting the reservoir to the shock body is not kinked or strained.
4. Adjust the Settings: Once the shock is installed, adjust the damping and preload settings to your preferences. Start with the recommended settings in the owner's manual and then fine-tune them to your liking.

After installing the shock, it's important to test ride your scooter and make any necessary adjustments to the settings. Pay attention to how the scooter handles and feels, and adjust the damping and preload until you're happy with the ride quality.

Is the DBS Rear Shock Right for You?

The DBS rear shock with reservoir is a popular upgrade for Aerox owners for good reason. It offers significant improvements in handling, comfort, and overall ride quality. However, it's not the right choice for everyone. Here are some factors to consider:

• Your Riding Style: If you primarily use your Aerox for basic commuting and don't ride aggressively, the stock shock may be sufficient. However, if you enjoy spirited riding, frequently carry a passenger, or ride on rough roads, the DBS shock is a worthwhile upgrade.
• Your Budget: Aftermarket shocks can be expensive, so it's important to consider your budget. The DBS rear shock is generally more affordable than some other high-end shocks, but it's still a significant investment.
• Your Mechanical Skills: Installing a shock requires some mechanical skills. If you're not comfortable working on your scooter, you'll need to factor in the cost of professional installation.

If you're looking for a noticeable improvement in your Aerox's handling and comfort, and you're willing to invest in a quality aftermarket shock, the DBS rear shock with reservoir is definitely worth considering. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

Alternatives to the DBS Rear Shock

While the DBS rear shock with reservoir is a solid option, there are other alternatives available on the market. Some popular brands include:

• YSS: YSS offers a wide range of aftermarket shocks for scooters, including models with and without reservoirs. YSS shocks are known for their quality and performance.
• Ohlins: Ohlins is a premium brand that specializes in high-performance suspension components. Ohlins shocks are typically more expensive than DBS or YSS shocks, but they offer exceptional performance.
• RCB (Racing Boy): RCB offers a range of affordable aftermarket shocks for scooters. RCB shocks are a good option for riders on a budget.

When choosing an aftermarket shock, it's important to consider your budget, riding style, and desired level of performance. Read reviews and compare specifications to find the shock that's right for you.

Conclusion

The DBS rear shock with reservoir is a popular and effective upgrade for the Yamaha Aerox scooter. It offers significant improvements in handling, comfort, and overall ride quality. If you're looking to enhance your Aerox's performance and enjoy a more comfortable ride, the DBS shock is definitely worth considering. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose the shock that's best suited to your needs and budget. Remember to prioritize safety first when upgrading any parts of your vehicle. Enjoy the ride!