Pro-Link
Pro-Link is the name of a rear suspension system for motorcycles made by the Japanese company Honda .
Contrary to the classic principle of arranging two spring struts on both bars of the swing arm , which are supported on the rear frame, the Pro-Link system only uses one central spring strut, which is located in the vehicle center axis in front of the rear wheel near the swing arm pivot point. The shock absorber is supported at the top on a cross member of the frame. The compression force is transmitted non-linearly from the swing arm to the lower eye of the strut by a toggle mechanism and one or two connecting levers mounted on the lower frame part. Since the transferred path increases with increasing deflection due to the design of the kinematics, a progressive spring and damper characteristic is generated.
The advantages of the system are the progressive characteristics and a deep installation position of the shock absorber. The lever mechanism is called progressive linkage (= progressive connection) by Honda , which is reflected in the acronym Pro-Link .
The system was first used in 1979 in the manufacturer's enduro models. Street bikes such as the Honda CBX followed later . From the 2000s onwards, Honda referred to the further development as Unit Pro-Link .