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CG limitations - incorrections dispelled

It seems it's about time I fended off Arthur Middletons attempts to 'correct' my comments on the limitations of low CG motorcycle designs.

I beleive the original article spoke for itself if properly read and understood, but some have asked for a clarification upon Arthurs comments - so here it is.

David_botting's picture

Limitations of low CG design

Please find attached a written article covering some of the less favourable aspects of low CG design. The article is in part written as a reply to the theories put forward by Royce Creasey in 'Feet First - The Physics'.

Acceleration
The average sports-tourer has nowhere near the amount of power to make wheelies a serious disadvantage. It is only over a very narrow rev range, between 500 - 1000rpm, at peak power and in first gear that such bikes are able to lift the front wheel from the ground (not the same as continuing a wheelie).

This = just a split second. Provided that a modicum of skill and throttle restraint is applied in first gear, the front wheel can easily be kept on the floor without serious loss of acceleration, and who needs to accelerate THAT hard anyway? It is wildly unlikely that a ‘looping’ situation would occur without the direct intention of a wheelie.

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