Unit Pro-Link

[Triman5]

I've been reading all the reviews and Honda marketing crap on the new rear suspension. I've read enough reviews from different sources to believe the new rear suspension actually does work. But I've yet to read what I believe is an adequate description of why it works. Just because you bring the energy of the shock load into the frame at a different point does not mean the energy is diminished in any way. Same bump, same shock load, same energy.....seems to me.  Any body have a source with a reasonable technical description for the difference between the old geometry and the new geometry, and specific information on why it works better? Thanks.

[Jeff]

While I don't have the technical answer you're looking for, the general theory you have (same bump, same force) is incorrect.

The point of force on the bike has a HUGE significance in the stability of the bike.  Send that "shockwave" low in the center of gravity and mass, and it will remain far more stable than if the shock was higher in the center of gravity/mass.

[Triman5]

OK. I found it myself. Roadracing World, March, 3003. Here is the point. THe way the new suspension is designed, the force actually pulls down on the bottom of the frame spars. This is a completely different effect than an upward force at the cross member.

I do not think your point about where the force enters the frame is correct. If you load those vertical spars with an equal upward force anywhere along their length, the result will be the same. Because the frame is supporting the mass equally at every point along that vertical axis, the effect of pushing enengy into the spars from the same direction is identical, I believe.

But if the force were reversed, into a pulling rather than pushing motion, that would be, and apparently is, completely different.

[cpchillin]

Damn where's an asshole with a Mechanical Engineers degree when we need them?

[Triman5]

I would actually prefer that whomever we find with a mechanical engineering degree not be an asshole. THey're much harder to deal with than just normal non-asshole engineers. But yes, we could use a bit of knowledge, rather than opinion, at this point.

[cpchillin]

My step-father is a ME and EE(electrical) and he works on stuff for the NAvy but he wouldn't have a clue!! Any old ME probably wouldn't have a clue!!