Why does a motorcycle lean inwardly into a curve? What is its potential lean limit? What effect does a stiffness of the frame have on the handling of the bike? ... These are the sorts of questions that experienced, enthusiastic motorcyclists have always asked themselves.

This book provides answers to these questions, including mathematical explanations, by analyzing the fundamental parameters that influence the behavior of the motorcycle and the function of its main parts.

The first part of the book examines the physical phenomena that make handling and control of the motorcycle possible. Both traditional geometrical parameters such as trail, center of gravity height, and wheelbase length are presented, as well as less familiar parameters relating, for example, to aerodynamic factors and to the tires. All of these work together to determine the dynamic behavior of the bike. The second, more informal part completes the discussion by describing the main parts of the motorcycle. The engine, the frame, and the suspension are considered according to their specific working principles and the way each component works with the total system of the vehicle.

The real aim of this book is to allow the reader to hit the saddle with more awareness and understanding, to enhance that special bond between rider and machine.

Table of Contents

Foreword | Preface

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Motorcycle Riding

Chapter 3: Straight-Line Motion—How the Motorcycle Keeps its Balance
Inertia Effects | Gyroscopic Effects | Righting Effects | Dynamic Factor

Chapter 4: Control of the Motorcycle When Cornering
Centrifugal Force | Gyroscopic Effects | Turns | Roll Angle and Maximum Speeds | One-Wheel Corners | Avoidance Paths | A Few Important Observations

Chapter 5: Equilibrium of Forces Acting on a Motorcycle in Straight-Line Motion
Power Necessary for Motion | Constant Motion | The Motorcycle Under Acceleration | Wheelies | Deceleration Limits | Summary

Chapter 6: How Traction and Braking Forces are Transmitted within the Motorcycle System
Transmission of Driving Force from Engine to Wheel | A Comparison Between Gear/Chain Systems and Shaft-Driven Systems | Effect of the Transmission of Driving Force to the Ground | Other Considerations pf the "Chain Pull" Effect | The Scooter | Behavior of the Transmission when Downshifting | Effect of the Transmission of a Braking Force to the Ground

Chapter 7: Motorcycle Attitude
How to Determine Attitude of the Motorcycle Under Acceleration | How to Determine Attitude of the Motorcycle During Braking | Attitude of the Motorcycle When Cornering | Highsiding | The Jump | Conclusions

Chapter 8: Interaction Between Ground and Motorcycle Through the Tires
Friction Coefficient | Aquaplaning | Comparison Between Tubeless and Inner Tube Tires | Tire Drift | Comparison Between Understeering and Oversteering in Cars and Motorcycles | Influence of Tire Profile on the Righting Moment | Variations in the Rolling Radius with the Angle of Lean | Riding Comfort

Chapter 9: Motorcycle Vibration Modes
Wibration Modes: A Quick Look at Vibration Mechanics | Wobble | Weave | Side Fall Motion | Conclusions

Chapter 10: Bodywork and Dynamics
Functions of the Bodywork | Aerodynamics | Components of Resistance to Forward Motion | External Aerodynamics | Internal Aerodynamics | Influence of Aerodynamics on Handling | Straight-Line Stability | Tail Fins and Ground Effect on Automobiles | Increased Vertical Loads on Motorcycles

Chapter 11: The Engine
Comparison Between Car and Motorcycle Engines | Influence of the Engine on Weight Distribution | Vibrations | Two-Stroke and Four-Stroke Engines | Primary Motorcycle Engine Layouts | Fitting the Engine in the Frame

Chapter 12: The Frame and the Rear Fork
The Frame | Frame Construction Materials | Construction Materials: Concluding Remarks | Oscillating or Swinging Rear Fork | Forces Acting on the Frame and Swingarm | Influence of Stiffness on the Motorcycle's Handling Response

Chapter 13: The Suspension
Elastic Component | Damping Component | Suspension Functions | Comparison Between Cars and Motorcycles in Terms of Spring and Unsprung Masses | How to Determine Optimum Settings

Chapter 14: The Front Suspension
The Telescopic Fork | Fork Functioning | Fork Stresses and Deformations | Fork Design Types | Alternative Front Suspensions | Anti-Dive on the Fork

Chapter 15: The Rear Suspension
Rear Suspension Characteristics | Ratio of Wheel Travel to Shock Travel | Variation of the Ratio with Wheel Travel (Progressive Rate) | Working Design of Shock Absorber Linkage Systems