The use of modern control theory to produce an electrical motor simulation of a Formula 1, Grand Pnx, passive motorcycle front suspension shock absorber is investigated. It is shown, using a test-rig comprising two permanent magnet DC motors directly coupled, that desired shock absorber responses to load forces can be achieved using model reference control. The controller feedback in this test rig is provided via a high resolution rotary position sensor. A stochastic Kalman filter is used to produce estimates of the load(disturbance), force and velocity from this position information. All states are then used in the controller. A mass, spring and damper model is chosen as a suitable representation of a shock absorber, and is assumed sufficiently complex to justify the control techniques used. This linear model is translated using mathematical techniques into a rotary equivalent that is compatible for use in the controller. This translation takes into account thermal effects, as well as kinematic requirements encountered by the motor on the basis of load-force data taken from the front suspension of a Formula 1 motorcycle in race conditions. The parameters of the mass spring and damper model are found from simple static tests using the shock absorber removed from the bike.