![]() ![]() The most common changes made to a race bike on an event weekend relate to the geometry of the machine. Motorcycle suspension geometry is something that is a never-ending battle for most tuners. These are not the only things that are affected by changes in wheelbase center of gravity, front- and rear-end feel, weight distribution, and much more can be affected from adjusting your motorcycle’s suspension geometry. ![]() ![]() A longer-wheelbase motorcycle will not turn in as fast and will be less reactive to rider inputs, but be more stable mid-corner and not want to pick up the front wheel as easily under hard acceleration. The downside is that the motorcycle will lose some stability in the middle of a turn and will have a higher tendency to wheelie under hard acceleration. A shortened-wheelbase motorcycle will make turn transitions faster, allowing the rider to be very reactive to riding situations. This week’s tech Tuesday article will elaborate on the effect that bike length has on a motorcycle as well as the factors that affect overall length. This, however, does not mean that a road race motorcycle needs to be short all the time. On the other hand, a road race motorcycle has a shorter wheelbase with more ground clearance to enable the suspension to have more range of travel. ![]() While this is great for stability and speed in a straight line, it will not help the motorcycle turn very well. This is done to prevent the motorcycle’s front wheel from leaving the ground while keeping the center of gravity low and close to the ground. Motorcycles are intentionally lengthened and lowered from their stock settings by drag racers by raising the forks in the triple trees and elongating the swing arms. ![]()
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