With the stock suspension, how far does the suspension compress before the bumpstops are touched? I have a '97 HX.

 

This is kind of a blunt answer but I'd say just about all the way. The purpose of them is to absorb some of the shock when you bottom out.

 

what would be the reason in knowing this...

 

Actually the bumpstops are about 1 5/8" tall and tapered. They will act as a progressive spring when they hit. That allows Honda to use a softer spring for ride then hit the long stop as a stiffer spring. Not sure how much upward travel before they hit though.

 

His question is pretty interesting since a GOOD suspension needs to have the bumpstops well calculated to work well (at least on streets).

not sure about honda's but most of the cars have the bump stops that takes like 30-40% of the suspension total travel.