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Number of posts: 26 Points: 351 Registration date: 2011-07-15
Subject: Why does SW have a trailing front axle? Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:29 pm
I am not an expert on motorcycle frame/suspension geometry or the cause and effect of changes to rake and trail.
But esthetically speaking, I wonder why the SW has a front axle located behind the fork legs vs. most motorcycles/scooter/bicycles which have leading front axles or axles mounted at the tips of the fork legs such as Burgmans?
I have a hard time getting past the appearance of the front fork on my scooter with the trailing front axle
Tagg Silver Wing Rider
Number of posts: 439 Points: 1083 Registration date: 2010-11-14
Subject: Re: Why does SW have a trailing front axle? Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:52 pm
The moment of inertia is raised up further on the fork leg. And wheelbase has a huge effect on the longitudinal stability of the frame system.
Wow, check out the big brain on Tagg!
IDwingit Scooter Rider
Number of posts: 26 Points: 351 Registration date: 2011-07-15
Subject: Re: Why does SW have a trailing front axle? Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:58 pm
So you are saying that Honda made the frame too long and had to place the axle behind the fork leg in order to compensate?
LOL
IDwingit Scooter Rider
Number of posts: 26 Points: 351 Registration date: 2011-07-15
Subject: Re: Why does SW have a trailing front axle? Sat Aug 27, 2011 10:01 pm
Irregardless of the front fender as well as the front brake caliper mounting, what would be the effect of swapping the left/right fork legs and placing the axle in a leading position?
Tagg Silver Wing Rider
Number of posts: 439 Points: 1083 Registration date: 2010-11-14
Subject: Re: Why does SW have a trailing front axle? Sat Aug 27, 2011 10:15 pm
IDwingit wrote:
So you are saying that Honda made the frame too long and had to place the axle behind the fork leg in order to compensate?
LOL
Not at all! The greater the distance behind the rake line that the axle centerline is the better, however it is a exponentially diminishing effect.
Tagg Silver Wing Rider
Number of posts: 439 Points: 1083 Registration date: 2010-11-14
Subject: Re: Why does SW have a trailing front axle? Sat Aug 27, 2011 10:18 pm
IDwingit wrote:
Irregardless of the front fender as well as the front brake caliper mounting, what would be the effect of swapping the left/right fork legs and placing the axle in a leading position?
You would be increasing the lean angle in turns, making scrubbing your front end out very much more of a likelihood.
john grinsel Silver Wing Expert
Number of posts: 530 Points: 1604 Registration date: 2009-08-18
Subject: Re: Why does SW have a trailing front axle? Sun Aug 28, 2011 5:02 am
They put it where it works for the design. Who cares how is looks? Function is the deal if you ride a lot and SilverWing Suspension as scooter works well.
Forks= we have tele as SilverWing and most motorcycles today. Leading link=early honda step thru cubs, NSU MAX and Fox, others Trailing Link=Indians with leaf spring, Vespa.
Subject: Why does SW have a trailing front axle? 
Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:29 pm
