Effect Of Rake And Trail On Motorcycle Handling
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation for riders all over the world. Whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, it is important to understand the various components that make up a motorcycle and how they affect its handling. Two crucial components that have a significant impact on a motorcycle's handling are rake and trail. In this article, we will explore what rake and trail are, how they affect a motorcycle's handling, and how you can make adjustments to your motorcycle's rake and trail to improve its handling.
What is Rake?
Rake refers to the angle of a motorcycle's steering head in relation to its front forks. It is measured in degrees and determines the amount of trail a motorcycle has. Rake is typically expressed as the angle between a vertical line drawn through the steering axis and a line drawn through the center of the front wheel. The greater the angle of rake, the more stable the motorcycle will be at high speeds.
What is Trail?
Trail refers to the distance between where the front tire makes contact with the ground and the point where the steering axis intersects the ground. It is measured in millimeters or inches and determines how quickly a motorcycle responds to steering input. The greater the trail, the more stable the motorcycle will be at high speeds, but the slower it will be to turn.
How Rake and Trail Affect Motorcycle Handling
Now that we understand what rake and trail are, let's take a look at how they affect a motorcycle's handling. A motorcycle with a steep rake angle and a lot of trail will be very stable at high speeds and will require less steering input to keep it going straight. However, it will be slower to turn and will require more effort to initiate a turn. On the other hand, a motorcycle with a shallow rake angle and less trail will be more nimble and easier to turn, but less stable at high speeds.
It is important to note that there is no 'perfect' rake and trail combination that works for every motorcycle and every rider. The ideal combination will depend on a variety of factors, including the rider's skill level, the type of riding they will be doing, and the motorcycle's weight and geometry.
Adjusting Rake and Trail
If you feel that your motorcycle's handling could be improved by adjusting its rake and trail, there are several options available to you. The most common method is to adjust the motorcycle's front fork tubes. By sliding the tubes up or down in the triple clamps, you can change the motorcycle's rake and trail. This is a relatively simple adjustment that can be done with basic tools and a little bit of know-how.
However, adjusting the front fork tubes can have unintended consequences. For example, if you adjust the tubes to decrease the rake angle, you may also end up decreasing the trail, which could make the motorcycle less stable at high speeds. Additionally, adjusting the front fork tubes can change the motorcycle's ride height, which could affect its handling in other ways.
If you are unsure about how to adjust your motorcycle's rake and trail, or if you want to make more significant changes than can be achieved by adjusting the front fork tubes, it is best to consult with a professional mechanic or suspension specialist. They can help you determine the ideal rake and trail combination for your motorcycle and make any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Rake and trail are two crucial components that have a significant impact on a motorcycle's handling. By understanding what rake and trail are and how they affect a motorcycle's handling, you can make adjustments to your motorcycle to improve its performance and your riding experience. However, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the ideal rake and trail combination will depend on a variety of factors. With a little bit of experimentation and the help of a professional, you can find the perfect combination for your motorcycle and your riding style.