Julian
Del Beato  |
9/28/99 |
|
James, your article, arguing that it is the rear brake that is primarily responsible for the directional stability of the bike, is flawed. You are correct in stating that the front wheel is responsible for forcing a change in direction. However, when you state that a "wheelying" bike is evidence of the rear wheel's contribution to directional stability, you are incorrect. You are inferring here that the loss of contact of the front wheel with the ground means it is no longer contributing to the bike moving straight ahead. In fact, it is the centripetal acceleration being experienced by (both) wheels, which is a result of the wheels spinning, that results in the bike tending to move in a direction parallel to the plane of rotation of the wheels. The wheel being in the air is not relevant, apart from the fact you cannot actually steer through it. Secondly, I wholeheartedly disagree with your assertion that it is safer to lock the front than rear brake! Does anyone else have any experiences to relate in this area? I have certainly locked my rear, on a CBR600, on a number of occasions and found the experience very controllable. I have never locked the front, but do not believe the same level of control would result, as from locking the rear. Remember, you can still gently steer the bike when the rear is locked but have effectively no steering control when the front is locked. Julian Del Beato. | |