Bike Geometry [Archive] - Yamaha R1 Forum: YZF-R1 Forums

: Bike Geometry


R1_Dave
01-09-2002, 03:59 PM
Can someone please explain how Caster/Rake angle, Trail and Wheel base is effected by rear ride height and fork height adjustments.

If the front is lowered dose the trail and rake reduce ?

Also dose the wheel base reduce because of this adjustment if the trail is affected ?

How do you work out the new rake and trail ?

Are there any helpful sites out there?

Any information would be of grate help.................:)

Canuck
01-09-2002, 09:15 PM
My $0.02
Rake is the angle between perpendicular to the ground and the steering head(the rotation point).
Steeper angler = quicker steering, more angle = stability; always a compromise.
Trail is a distance measured between a line straight down from the axle where it intersects the ground and a line extended from the steering head to a point on the ground. It affects how a bike steers back to centre if the bars are released, or steering effort.
Raising the rear rotates the bike chassis forward, effectively lessening the rake angle. Braking while turning sharpens the steering when the forks compress, by doing the same thing. Raising the fork tubes lessens the angle. Lower profile tires(front) can sharpen steering. A small change can make a significant difference in the bike's feel.
Hope this helps.:confused:

R1_Dave
01-09-2002, 11:32 PM
Thanks....................:)