Steering - How it works

The basic components of steering include rake, trail, and offset.














The trail plays a role in stabilizing the front-end by helping your tire produce a restoring force that attempts to keep your motorcycle moving in a straight line. The longer the trail, the more the motorcycle will resist turns and be more stable on straight line driving. A shorter trail allows for quick and easier turns. The shorter trail makes the motorcycle want to "fall" into the turns.

The rake plays a role by allowing any lean of the wheel to be transformed into a turn of the wheel towards that lean. A more vertical rake allows the bike to handle bumps and ruts well, HOWEVER, by having a smaller rake you create a smaller trail and forfeit some straight line driving stability. A smaller rake also produces a lighter handling feel when turning. As you increase the rake, the motorcycle will produce a more heavier or sluggish handling feeling since the weight of the chassis is attempting to self-straighten the fork as it hangs in the steering axis.

The trail and the rake directly affect each other. If you shorten one, you automatically shorten the other. The opposite is also true. If you increase the angle of the rake, you also increase the length of the trail.

The third basic element is the offset. Offset is defined in millimeters (mm) and is measured from the centerline of the top of the steering stem axis to the centerline of the top of the fork tubes. An offset provides a second option for the setup of how the motorcycle will handle. The smaller offsets (35mm - 60mm) allows the motorcycle to angle more into the corner and push through the turn. However on exiting the corner, you will experience less traction allowing you to turn easier and stay on the inside of the track. As you increase the offset (60mm - 75mm) you obtain more traction coming out of the corners, but the greater offset forces the motorcycle into an upright position and you will drive more towards the outside of the track coming off the corner.

Other factors such as weight transer when braking, fork length, and tire size may also play a role in changing the trail and rake and should be given consideration when determining your set-up.

Riding dirt bikes tips for beginners

The most valuable things to learned as an amateur that improved my riding the most:

1. DON'T FIGHT YOUR BIKE! RELAX! Let the bike do the work and go with it. As you get better you don't tire as easily because you learn not to fight and wrestle your bike.
2. Sit further up on the bike, closer to the tank.
3. Keep the balls of your feet on the pegs, avoid kicking your feet out to balance!
4. When going through sand, lift your butt toward the rear of the bike and gun it, the faster the better, and relax, go with the flow!
5. Of course, always stand up, especially when doing whoops.
6. Instead of jamming on the front brakes, downshift and let the motor slow you down instead. This prevents you from sliding out of control.
7. When you downshift, you don't need to engage the clutch. Just downshift.

from Susan Connelly
see more tips on Cindy Gross

Motorcycle Safety Trail Riding Tips

Hello there...!
Are you planning to hit the trails on your bike? If you are make sure that you’re prepared mentally and physically and make sure your equipment is prepared. Trail riding demands more of you and your machine than street riding. To have a safe, fun, and memorable experience, follow these guidelines.

Equipment

As with any motorcycle it’s important to keep your bike in great shape. Trail bikes take a lot more abuse than street bikes. Implement a preventive maintenance schedule based on the amount of time you spend on the trail. It’s better to replace a questionable part than have it fail on the trail leaving you stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Your Body

Trail riding is a physical endeavor and to endure it you need to maintain your body in top shape. Experienced riders who know how to allow the bike to absorb much of the pounding. For those who have not yet reached those levels you can expect to return home feeling bumped and bruised. The physical part of trail riding includes but is not limited to, lifting the front tire to negotiate obstacles, standing on the foot pegs and bouncing the bike to avoid hazards.

Your Mind

In most activities your mind is the most important piece of safety gear that you possess. Make sure you’ve had adequate rest the night before. Make sure you’re not under the influence of any drug, and make sure you drink enough water to avoid dehydration.

Safety Clothing

Believe it or not, everyone who rides the trails doesn’t wear the appropriate gear. You should always use the right tool for the job and for riding trails you should have the following:

1. A pair of trail riding boots with a steel shank and toe.
2. A pair of jeans or better yet trail riding pants.
3. A long sleeve shirt/jersey.
4. A chest protector
5. Leather gloves
6. Goggles
7. A full face or trail helmet.

Following these steps will get you, your body, your mind, and your equipment ready for your next trail riding session.

Bismillahirrahmaanirrahiim...

"happy riding...and have a nice trip!" :)

from : Kevin Crockett