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1.2 Where stability comes from at slow speeds:If a 2-Wheeler is moving forward as in (A), it may fall to one side as in (B). But the rider does not want to fall and stays up along the vertical gray line as in (C). So as in (D), one arm automatically pushes and the other pulls the handlebar towards where the 2-Wheeler falls, in the direction of the small black arrows. The front wheel is then oriented in the direction of the Bigger black arrow as in (E). And this generates a centrifugal force along the red arrow, which brings the 2-Wheeler back to the vertical as in (F).
Please note: Strictly speaking and looking at the 2-Wheeler from the exterior, it rather is the front tire ground-contact-point that goes to the right under the vehicle to bring it back up. But in the 2-Wheeler's system of reference, it is felt as a centrifugal force in the direction of the red arrow. More information can be obtained on this in Mr. Tony Foale's book: Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design and on his site at: www.tonyfoale.com
This works on both sides so that the 2-Wheeler is stable. Thus, the surprising existence of this mechanism renders 2-Wheelers stable, even at slow speeds and without any special equilibrium skill. By contrast, only a minority of humans can remain upright on a 2-Wheeler at stand-still or on a monocycle, where the Torso-Arms-Handlebar mechanism is ineffective.
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Ethier. All rights reserved. All information on this site is presented as is for the benefit of readers. Great efforts have been made to cover many aspects of 2-Wheeler steering and make texts and figures as clear as possible, in order to help ride and steer better. But It remains the sole and full responsibility of the reader to apply or test any recommendation, theory, suggestion…made. Thus, Pierre M. Ethier cannot be held responsible for any misunderstanding or any consequences resulting from using this information. Send any question, remark, joke, complaint or suggestion to pierre.ethier@clevislauzon.qc.ca or to Pierre M. Ethier, 2120 Du Foulon, App. 8, Sillery, Quebec, Canada, G1T 1X4 |