Why does a motorcycle lean inwardly into a curve? What is its potential lean limit? What effect does a stiffness of the frame have on the handling of the bike? ... These are the sorts of questions that experienced, enthusiastic motorcyclists have always asked themselves. This book provides answers to these questions, including mathematical explanations, by analyzing the fundamental parameters that influence the behavior of the motorcycle and the function of its main parts. The first part of the book examines the physical phenomena that make handling and control of the motorcycle possible. Both traditional geometrical parameters such as trail, center of gravity height, and wheelbase length are presented, as well as less familiar parameters relating, for example, to aerodynamic factors and to the tires. All of these work together to determine the dynamic behavior of the bike. The second, more informal part completes the discussion by describing the main parts of the motorcycle. The engine, the frame, and the suspension are considered according to their specific working principles and the way each component works with the total system of the vehicle. The real aim of this book is to allow the reader to hit the saddle with more awareness and understanding, to enhance that special bond between rider and machine. Table of Contents: Foreword / Preface. Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Motorcycle Riding Chapter 3: Straight-Line Motion�How the Motorcycle Keeps its Balance Inertia Effects / Gyroscopic Effects / Righting Effects / Dynamic Factor. Chapter 4: Control of the Motorcycle When Cornering Centrifugal Force / Gyroscopic Effects / Turns / Roll Angle and Maximum Speeds / One-Wheel Corners / Avoidance Paths / A Few Important Observations. Chapter 5: Equilibrium of Forces Acting on a Motorcycle in Straight-Line Motion Power Necessary for Motion / Constant Motion / The Motorcycle Under Acceleration / Wheelies / Deceleration Limits / Summary. Chapter 6: How Traction and Braking Forces are Transmitted within the Motorcycle System Transmission of Driving Force from Engine to Wheel / A Comparison Between Gear/Chain Systems and Shaft-Driven Systems / Effect of the Transmission of Driving Force to the Ground / Other Considerations pf the "Chain Pull" Effect / The Scooter / Behavior of the Transmission when Downshifting / Effect of the Transmission of a Braking Force to the Ground. Chapter 7: Motorcycle Attitude How to Determine Attitude of the Motorcycle Under Acceleration / How to Determine Attitude of the Motorcycle During Braking / Attitude of the Motorcycle When Cornering / Highsiding / The Jump / Conclusions. Chapter 8: Interaction Between Ground and Motorcycle Through the Tires Friction Coefficient / Aquaplaning / Comparison Between Tubeless and Inner Tube Tires / Tire Drift / Comparison Between Understeering and Oversteering in Cars and Motorcycles / Influence of Tire Profile on the Righting Moment / Variations in the Rolling Radius with the Angle of Lean / Riding Comfort. Chapter 9: Motorcycle Vibration Modes Wibration Modes: A Quick Look at Vibration Mechanics / Wobble / Weave / Side Fall Motion / Conclusions. Chapter 10: Bodywork and Dynamics Functions of the Bodywork / Aerodynamics / Components of Resistance to Forward Motion / External Aerodynamics / Internal Aerodynamics / Influence of Aerodynamics on Handling / Straight-Line Stability / Tail Fins and Ground Effect on Automobiles / Increased Vertical Loads on Motorcycles. Chapter 11: The Engine Comparison Between Car and Motorcycle Engines / Influence of the Engine on Weight Distribution / Vibrations / Two-Stroke and Four-Stroke Engines / Primary Motorcycle Engine Layouts / Fitting the Engine in the Frame. Chapter 12: The Frame and the Rear Fork The Frame / Frame Construction Materials / Construction Materials: Concluding Remarks / Oscillating or Swinging Rear Fork / Forces A

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