What is the relationship between motorcycle rake and trail?

[timmarkling]

I'm trying to understand the physics behind the rake and trail of the steering geometry on a bike. I would greatly apreciate any leads as to which section of a first physics course I would find relavent material.

Thank you,
Tim

 

[Kurdt]

All you really need is some trigonometry and a nice diagram. There is some info on wiki that links to other sources. The following is quite a nice discussion.

http://www.tonyfoale.com/Articles/RakeEx/RakeEx.htm

 

[oswaler]

The relationship between motorcycle rake and trail is an important aspect of the steering geometry of a bike. Rake refers to the angle of the front forks in relation to the vertical axis of the bike, while trail refers to the distance between the front wheel's contact point with the ground and the point where the extended steering axis intersects the ground.

The rake and trail of a motorcycle play a crucial role in determining the stability and handling of the bike. A larger rake angle typically results in a longer trail, which in turn makes the bike more stable at high speeds. This is because a longer trail creates a larger moment arm for the front wheel, making it more resistant to changes in direction. On the other hand, a smaller rake angle and shorter trail make the bike more agile and easier to turn at lower speeds.

To understand the physics behind rake and trail, it would be helpful to study topics such as torque, moment of inertia, and angular momentum in a first physics course. These concepts are key in understanding how the weight and geometry of the front wheel affect the bike's stability and handling. Additionally, studying topics such as center of mass and rotational motion can also provide insight into the relationship between rake and trail.

Overall, the rake and trail of a motorcycle are important factors to consider when designing and riding a bike. They can greatly impact the bike's performance and should be carefully considered in order to achieve the desired handling characteristics. I recommend exploring these concepts further in a first physics course to gain a deeper understanding of the physics behind motorcycle steering geometry.