Piggyback reservoirs attach directly to the shock body, creating a compact unit, while remote reservoirs connect via a hose and can be mounted separately on your adventure bike’s frame. Both increase oil capacity for better heat management and performance, but they differ in packaging and installation flexibility. Your choice depends on available space on your bike, riding intensity, and how you use your adventure bike.

What exactly are piggyback and remote reservoirs?

A piggyback reservoir sits directly on top of the shock body, creating a single integrated unit that looks like a canister mounted to the shock. A remote reservoir connects to the shock through a flexible hose, allowing you to mount the reservoir separately anywhere on your bike’s frame. Both serve the same basic purpose: they add extra oil capacity beyond what fits in the standard shock body.

The reservoir holds additional shock oil and separates it from a pressurised gas chamber (usually nitrogen). This separation prevents the oil and gas from mixing during compression and rebound cycles. When your suspension works hard, the oil heats up and expands. The extra volume in either reservoir type gives that heated oil somewhere to go, which keeps your suspension working properly even during long, demanding rides.

Visually, you’ll spot a piggyback immediately because it makes the shock look bulkier, with that distinctive cylinder sitting right on the shock body. Remote reservoirs keep the shock body slimmer, with a separate canister mounted elsewhere—often near the subframe or under the seat. The hose connecting them is typically braided steel with protective covering.

How does each reservoir type affect your bike’s handling?

Both reservoir types improve handling compared to standard shocks, but the performance difference between them is minimal in most riding situations. The main benefit comes from having any reservoir at all, not necessarily which type you choose. The extra oil volume prevents fade during extended rough sections, maintaining consistent damping when you need it most.

During long adventure bike rides with continuous rough terrain, fade becomes a real problem with standard shocks. As oil heats up and aerates (mixes with gas), your suspension loses its ability to control movement properly. You’ll notice the bike feels vague, bouncy, or unpredictable. Either reservoir type solves this by keeping oil and gas separated and providing thermal capacity to absorb heat.

On technical off-road sections, consistent damping means better traction and control. Your rear wheel stays planted over rocks, roots, and ruts instead of skipping or bouncing. On highway sections between trails, the improved heat management keeps your ride quality comfortable even after hours in the saddle. The suspension responds predictably to bumps and weight shifts, which matters when you’re loaded with luggage.

Remote reservoirs have a slight theoretical advantage in heat dissipation because you can mount them away from the hot exhaust or engine area. In practice, this rarely makes a noticeable difference unless you’re racing or riding extremely demanding terrain for extended periods. Most adventure bike riders won’t feel a handling difference between the two types—the upgrade from a standard shock to either reservoir type is what transforms the ride.

What’s the difference in installation and maintenance?

Piggyback shocks install exactly like standard shocks—you remove the old unit and bolt in the new one using the existing mounting points. There’s no additional routing or mounting hardware to worry about. The entire assembly goes in as one piece, which makes installation straightforward. The main consideration is clearance: you need to ensure the piggyback canister doesn’t interfere with your bike’s bodywork, exhaust, or luggage systems.

Remote reservoir shocks require more planning during installation. You’ll need to mount the reservoir somewhere on your frame, which usually means finding or creating a mounting point. Then you’ll route the hose from the shock to the reservoir, securing it properly to prevent rubbing or damage. This takes more time and sometimes requires brackets or additional hardware. You also need to think about hose protection, especially if you ride in areas with branches or debris that could snag or damage the line.

For maintenance, piggyback shocks are simpler because everything stays together as one unit. When you remove the shock for service, the entire assembly comes off together. Remote systems mean you’re handling the shock body, reservoir, and hose separately, which adds a bit more complexity to the job.

Both types need periodic servicing—typically oil changes and seal replacement on similar intervals. The actual service procedures are comparable once the unit is off your bike. Neither type is particularly difficult to maintain, but piggyback designs have fewer components and connection points, which means slightly fewer potential failure points over the long term. The hose connection on remote systems is robust and rarely causes problems, but it’s one more thing to inspect occasionally.

Which reservoir type fits your riding style?

If you ride a larger adventure bike with plenty of space around the shock area, either option works well. Piggyback reservoirs suit riders who want simple installation and prefer the clean look of an integrated unit. They’re particularly good for bikes where frame space is limited but there’s adequate clearance around the shock itself.

Remote reservoirs make sense when you’re dealing with tight spaces near the shock body. Some adventure bikes have exhaust systems, luggage mounts, or bodywork that would interfere with a piggyback canister. If you carry panniers or other gear that sits close to the shock, a remote setup moves the reservoir out of the way. This design also works well on bikes where heat from the exhaust or engine runs close to the shock mounting area.

For touring-focused riders who spend most time on gravel roads and moderate trails, either type provides the performance you need. The upgrade from a standard shock matters more than which reservoir configuration you choose. If you’re riding aggressive terrain regularly—rocky mountain passes, deep sand, technical single track—both options handle it equally well.

Consider your bike’s specific layout and how you use it. Do you often work on your own suspension? Piggyback designs simplify removal and installation. Do you have aftermarket exhaust or luggage systems? Check clearances carefully with both options. Are you building a bike for extreme conditions or competition use? Either type performs at that level when properly set up.

Your riding frequency matters less than intensity. Even weekend riders benefit from reservoir shocks if those weekends involve demanding terrain. The improved consistency and control enhance both safety and enjoyment regardless of how often you ride.

How we approach reservoir selection at TFX Suspension

When you’re considering suspension upgrades, we look at your specific bike and how you actually ride it. We’ll ask about your typical routes, the terrain you encounter most, and any clearance issues your bike might have. This helps us recommend whether a piggyback or remote reservoir configuration makes more sense for your situation.

We build both types in our workshop, and honestly, both deliver excellent performance when properly set up for your weight, riding style, and bike. The decision usually comes down to practical factors—what fits your bike best and what works with your existing setup. If you’ve got aftermarket exhausts, luggage systems, or other modifications, those often determine which configuration works better.

Our suspension range includes options with both reservoir types because different bikes and riders have different needs. We don’t push one over the other—we focus on what actually works for your adventure bike and riding conditions. The real performance comes from the custom tuning we do for your specific setup, not just the reservoir style.

If you’re unsure which direction makes sense for your bike, get in touch with us and we’ll talk through your options. We can look at your bike’s specifications, discuss any space constraints, and recommend a configuration that fits properly and performs exactly how you need it to. The goal is suspension that makes your rides better, whether that’s with a piggyback or remote reservoir design.

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