Key Elements Part IV: Dynamics

Filed in archive Learning on February 10, 2007

The dynamics of a motorcycle related to the physics involved in keeping it upright are pretty interesting. They're also handy to know in case of an emergency. By its very nature, a motorcycle in motion is more likely to stay upright than when it's not moving, or when it's moving slowly.

The faster you're going, the harder it is to fall over, and the more violent it will be if you do. The reason for this is gyration. The major moving parts on a motorcycle, (tires and engine), create stability while in motion. If you are riding slowly and are 'bumped' by an outside force, less pressure is required to knock you over than if you were moving faster.

Take a coin and set it on its edge. You can try to balance it if you want, but it won't be easy. If you manage to get it to balance, the slightest motion, including a slight breeze, will easily knock it over. But if you take the coin and roll it across the floor, it's going to be much more difficult to knock it over, even if you hit it from the side. You'll be able to knock it off its course, but getting it to fall over flat will be quite difficult

Image courtesy webbikeworld.com

Introduction
1. Acceleration and Braking
2. Turning
3. Grip
4. Dynamics
5. Assertive Predictability
6. Sudden Inputs
7. Mental Conditioning
8. Education