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RAKE ANGLE OF MOTORCYCLE

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WHAT IS RAKE ANGLE? Rake angle is the angle between the steering axis and the vertical imaginary line passing through front wheel's centre.(as shown in figure ). Steering axis is the angle on which the front wheel geometry (front forks assembly, handlebars, triple clamps, front wheel) swivels. Note: Rake angle is also called "Caster angle" or simply "Rake" . EFFECT OF RAKE ON THE - Steering Effort : The motorcycle with less rake angle will be having quicker steering, hence less steering effort is required to turn the handlebars in either direction. For more rake motorcycles the steering is slower (as compared to less rake angle motorcycle) i.e. one will have to apply a greater effort to turn the handlebar. Stability : For the motorcycles with less rake, less steering effort is required therefore the stability of the motorcycle in straight line is lower as compared to the motorcycles with higher rake angle. Trail : Trail is the distance between th...

Direction Of The Frictional Force Acting On The Tyres Of a Moving Bike

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Have you ever felt the joy of riding a motorcycle/bicycle , most probably yes. But have you ever wondered or tried to figure out where does the frictional force will act on the moving bike's tyre. Well if the answer is no, you are at the right place. The frictional force will be acting in the forward direction on the rear tyre while in the rearward direction on the front tyre . Frictional Force On The Rear Tyre As per the definition of friction, it is any force which opposes motion of a body when a force is being applied on the body.  So the rear tyre is moving rearwards with respect to the ground hence the friction will act in the forward direction Frictional Force On The Front Tyre As the front and rear tyres are joined by chassis (roll cage) which means whenever the rear tyre moves the front tyre also moves along with frame. Consider the scenario when there is no friction between ground and tyre then the front tyre will be skidding off when the rear tyre rotates. T...