Looking for Resources on Motorcycle Frame Design?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on resources and information related to motorcycle frame design, specifically concerning the forces experienced during cornering, braking, and acceleration. Participants express interest in creating their own frame designs and seek knowledge on how to optimize weight and structural integrity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for books or websites that discuss the forces on motorcycle frames during various maneuvers.
  • Another participant suggests a specific website, noting it contains valuable information.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of studying successful motorcycle frames, mentioning the Harley Davidson XR 750 and Trackmaster racing frames as examples.
  • This participant also critiques modern frame designs for their complexity and potential drawbacks, advocating for simpler designs with specific dimensions for tubing thickness and diameter.
  • Discussion includes the significance of rake, trail, and wheelbase in frame design, as well as the implications of frame purpose.
  • One participant highlights the value of Tony Foale's book on motorcycle frame design, noting its potential out-of-print status and high cost in the used market.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of views on frame design, with some advocating for simplicity and others discussing the complexities of modern designs. There is no consensus on the best approach or resources, as multiple perspectives are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific technical aspects such as rake, trail, and tubing dimensions, but these points are not universally agreed upon. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and opinions without resolving the complexities involved in motorcycle frame design.

guitarrc6
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
hey guys i was wonering if anyone knew of a good book or website that talks about the forces on a motorcycle frame during cornering, braking, and acceleration. I want to try to make my own frame design, but would like to know about how they can be made, so see how light i can make it.

thanks brian
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
guitarrc6 said:
hey guys i was wonering if anyone knew of a good book or website that talks about the forces on a motorcycle frame during cornering, braking, and acceleration. I want to try to make my own frame design, but would like to know about how they can be made, so see how light i can make it.

thanks brian

I will make it easy for you.
Just look up Harley Davidson xr 750 frame.
It won more races than any other motorcycle.

Also Trackmaster racing frames.

Many of the modern motorcycle frames look high tech but are a pain in the you know what.
They look good and use the engine as a stressed member and that is maybe not such a good idea. Also access to the engine and intake system is a nightmare.

I have been involved with motorcycles my entire life. I know a lot about it.

The Norton featherbed frame was a breakthrough because it was a double loop cradle frame. It was easy to work on too.

You can look up designing motorcycle frames on the internet and find many books about it.

What is important about motorcyle frames is the rake and trail and wheelbase.
Some frames allow changes to the rake and trail for long and short tracks.

As usual the best frame is simple and the tubing is about .120 thickness. 1.25 inches in diameter.

Fork design and swing arm design is another subject.
Then there is the suspension discussion.

Just look at motorcycles that have a good winning record and have been around a long time.

A frame is designed with a particular purpose. First you need to know what the frame will be designed for.
 
donald bransc
welcome Bro
excellent advice..I don't dabble in two wheel stuff but know a pro when i meet one

RM
 
I didn't look at the website mentioned above, but Tony Foale's book is excellent, you can learn a lot by studying it. Unfortunately I think it is OOP now, and expensive in the used market. Well I just checked Amazon, looks like Foale has a new book out. It isn't cheep, either, but what can you do? If it is anything like the older book (1984) I'm sure it is good.
 

Similar threads

Help Me Design a Motorcycle Airbox for Charity Racing Series
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Automotive Motorcycle: Flywheel mass and rear wheel torque
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Looking for ideas for a propane burner design
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Resources for designing a planetary gearbox
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Motorcycle, the force exerted upon from collision
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Looking to create a better frame for my e-motorcycle
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Forces acting on motorcycle swingarm
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Automotive Safety regulations for motorcycle frames
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
7K
Steel support frame for a freestanding loft
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
How to analyse a rigid frame on wheels?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K