Quote:
Originally Posted by pranay
Stiffer suspension ONLY will not result in better braking. There is alot more to this, as far as I can see. The front rake is a factor, the tire compound is a factor, the weight of the bike, the CG of the bike, the rider himself, in fact we are missing the main thing, the brakes themselves that factor into how to brake better.
The phenomenon you and I are talking about has nothing to do with bike geometry. Its not because of the dive due to softer springs that makes the bike turn quicker. Its because as you brake before a turn, trail braking as we call it, the weight of the bike is transferred to the front tyre gradually and therefore a greater grip is achieved while turning, and slowly the riders taper off the brakes to carry better speeds throughout the turn. First of all, this is a motorcycle riding technique used in long sweeping corners. This technique is not commonly used in tight corners as you are suggesting. Also, the decrease in wheelbase as you say it is not the reason for the bike to turn easily. The steering geometry of the bike changes.
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I had considered all such factors to be same.
My friend, if the bike suspension is stiff as a brick, will weight transfer occur? No. Weight transfer occurs only if the front end dips down compared to its original position. So, suspensions needs to be soft to cause weight transfer. Of course too much weight transfer due to very soft suspension will result in oversteer as the rear end looses grip.
And it is used in tight corners as well. Nothing to suggest that it can be used in long curves only. The steering geometry change you are talking about is this wheelbase change only - more specifically the trail of the bike changes. (Hence the name trail braking).
Edit - No, I am not at all worked up.
Just wanted to know why you see it that way. After all discussions lead to gain in knowledge. It is an interesting aspect of motorcycling. My aim was just to say that stiffer suspensions is not the holy gail in handling as it is made out to be. Too stiff suspensions can have detrimental effects too.
Anyways, want to hear what OF has to say regarding this.