Postgraduate Diploma in Suspensions and Set-Up for Irregular Terrain
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Suspensions and Set-Up for Irregular Terrain. 8 modules with FIM Motocross Technical Regulations, FIM Enduro Technical Regulations and AiM Race Studio. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the dynamics of the motorcycle on irregular terrain.
Adjust cartridge forks and shock absorbers with linkages.
Apply a systematic methodology for set-up changes.
Analyse travel and suspension velocity data.
Calibrate semi-active suspension systems in off-road modes.
Adjust chassis geometry and ergonomics for the terrain.
Document set-up sheets tailored to the rider and terrain.
Who it's for
- Suspension technician looking to specialise in Suspensions and Set-Up for Irregular Terrain.
- Off-road set-up engineer looking to specialise in Suspensions and Set-Up for Irregular Terrain.
- Competition mechanic looking to specialise in Suspensions and Set-Up for Irregular Terrain.
- Enduro instructor looking to specialise in Suspensions and Set-Up for Irregular Terrain.
- Chassis test engineer looking to specialise in Suspensions and Set-Up for Irregular Terrain.
- Workshop technical adviser looking to specialise in Suspensions and Set-Up for Irregular Terrain.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter off-road competition.
What you'll work with
- FIM Motocross Technical Regulations
- FIM Enduro Technical Regulations
- FIM Cross-Country Rallies Regulations
- ISO 8855:2011
- Regulation (EU) No 168/2013
- ISO 2631-1:1997
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Terrain excitations: potholes, roots and whoops1.2Travel, natural frequency and unsprung mass1.3Tyre traction and contact on loose surfaces1.4Behaviour when jumping and landing1.5Pitch, squat and dive under braking1.6Chassis stiffness and controlled flex1.7Influence of steering geometry1.8Differences between motocross, enduro and rally1.9Rider perception and technical language1.10Case study: analysis of an enduro section using video
2.1Closed and open cartridge forks2.2Air forks versus coil-spring forks2.3Preload and oil level adjustment2.4Springs: rating and frequency2.5Compression and rebound in the cartridge2.6Bushing and seal friction2.7Maintenance and oil change2.8Hydrostop and end-of-travel stop2.9Reference factory settings2.10Workshop: stripping down and adjusting a cartridge fork
3.1Progressive linkage systems3.2Leverage ratio curve3.3Static sag and race sag3.4Remote reservoir shock absorber3.5High- and low-speed compression adjustments3.6Progressive and linear springs3.7Alternative linkages and their effect3.8Linkage-less PDS systems3.9Shock absorber maintenance3.10Practice: calculating the linkage curve
4.1Sag measurement and references4.2Single-parameter change protocol4.3Balance between front and rear suspension4.4Adjustments by terrain type4.5Adjustments by rider weight and level4.6Tyres, pressures and foam inserts4.7Fork height in triple clamps4.8Adjustment records and set-up sheet4.9Diagnosing problems by symptoms4.10Workshop: set-up sheet for three different terrains
5.1Linear travel potentiometers5.2Accelerometers on wheels and chassis5.3Suspension velocity histograms5.4Travel usage and bottoming5.5Synchronisation with GPS and video5.6Analysis of jumps and landings5.7Comparison of configurations5.8Correlation with rider feedback5.9Test technical report5.10Laboratory: analysis of recorded enduro tracks
6.1Semi-active systems in trail and adventure bikes6.2Sensors and control algorithms6.3Off-road riding modes6.4Automatic preload adjustment6.5Limitations in competition6.6Integration with ABS and traction control6.7Calibration of strategies6.8Fault diagnosis6.9Trends in off-road electronic suspension6.10Case study: calibrating the off-road mode of a trail bike
7.1Geometry: trail, rake and wheelbase7.2Triple clamp stiffness and lateral flex7.3Steering damper7.4Handlebars, risers and ergonomics7.5Footrests and foot control7.6Weight distribution with raid tanks7.7Tyres and rims7.8Interaction with suspension7.9Validation on terrain7.10Case study: adapting a trail bike for adventure touring
8.1Definition of motorcycle, rider and terrain8.2Initial measurements and sag8.3Adjustment test plan8.4Suspension data logging8.5Comparative analysis of configurations8.6Final set-up sheet8.7Maintenance recommendations8.8Validation with the rider8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is AiM Race Studio, Shim ReStackor, MATLAB, Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real suspension set-up procedures on enduro and motocross bikes, analysis of travel potentiometer data, and comparison of configurations on controlled terrain. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the dynamics of the motorcycle on irregular terrain.
Adjust cartridge forks and shock absorbers with linkages.
Apply a systematic methodology for set-up changes.
Analyse travel and suspension velocity data.
Calibrate semi-active suspension systems in off-road modes.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
Work is carried out with AiM Race Studio, Shim ReStackor, MATLAB and Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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