Practical Application of Theory

OTB · 03-24-2008, 11:17 AM

Much space in many motorcycle journals and books on the effects of accleration and deceleration; many magazines tout the wonderful benefits slipper clutches.....but why are they desireable?

When you accelerate a motorcyle, a couple of things happen: the weight transfer of acceleration slightly compresses the rear suspension, simultaniously unloading and extending the front forks. At the same time, the front sprocket is tightening the top run on the chain pulling the suspension upward and accentuating the squat of the rear end. This squat loads the rear tire, enhancing rear wheel traction, but also the extending forks, extends both rake and trail, widening the turning radius and slowing steering inputs.

Conversly, slamming the throttle shut mid-turn in response to coming in too hot or making panicky mid-course corrections has just the opposite effects...... sudden unloading of the rear (and the decrease of traction that goes with lack of load), shortening of rake and trail (and the sudden quickening of steering that accompanies it) adding load to the front tire.

That's why the old racers saying of "go in slow, come out fast" applies to the streetrider, too. Negative or neutral throttle in turns leaves the rider in a decreased traction mode, encouraging both rear wheel slides and front wheel washouts.

Get your braking done early, and use a little positive throttle ALONG WITH A LITTLE BIT OF REAR BRAKE to encourage squat and the additional rear traction that goes with it.

Happy Riding

03-24-2008, 11:17 AM	#1
OTB The Man Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: CrabTown USA Moto: 00 Bimota DB4 Posts: 823	Practical Application of Theory Much space in many motorcycle journals and books on the effects of accleration and deceleration; many magazines tout the wonderful benefits slipper clutches.....but why are they desireable? When you accelerate a motorcyle, a couple of things happen: the weight transfer of acceleration slightly compresses the rear suspension, simultaniously unloading and extending the front forks. At the same time, the front sprocket is tightening the top run on the chain pulling the suspension upward and accentuating the squat of the rear end. This squat loads the rear tire, enhancing rear wheel traction, but also the extending forks, extends both rake and trail, widening the turning radius and slowing steering inputs. Conversly, slamming the throttle shut mid-turn in response to coming in too hot or making panicky mid-course corrections has just the opposite effects...... sudden unloading of the rear (and the decrease of traction that goes with lack of load), shortening of rake and trail (and the sudden quickening of steering that accompanies it) adding load to the front tire. That's why the old racers saying of "go in slow, come out fast" applies to the streetrider, too. Negative or neutral throttle in turns leaves the rider in a decreased traction mode, encouraging both rear wheel slides and front wheel washouts. Get your braking done early, and use a little positive throttle ALONG WITH A LITTLE BIT OF REAR BRAKE to encourage squat and the additional rear traction that goes with it. Happy Riding