Rake and Trail vs Handling

[cOoTeR]

I found this article that has a pretty good explanation of rake and trail vs handling, http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/41 ... ained.aspx.

The basic jist of it seems too be the higher the numbers the more planted and stable the bike is but the harder it is to turn. The lower the number the more twitchy and easier the bike is to turn. When I rode my friends 2016 r1m I noticed it felt twitchy but turned easy when compared to my 2012 zx10r. Looking at the rake and trail for each the zx10r is 25.5 deg / 4.33 in. and the r1m is 24.0 deg / 4.0 in. My 2008 Concours was 26.1 deg / 4.4 in. and heavier but handled ok.

Comparing that to the SX SE at 24.7 deg / 4.1 in. I wonder if that combined with the wider higher bars will help it feel lighter in the turns. Especially since the rake and trail numbers are less than on the zx10r. Weight center of gravity wheelbase and chassis design are going to have a noticeable affect aswell.

[Edon708]

weight has a huge impact on steering feel. slightly higher handlebars also gives more leverage for steering. I think the sx will handle great for most street riding. If you goal is to do track days on it I recommend having a separate bike just for that. Like most super tourers like this, Busa, ZX14, they are not ideal track bikes, but can be used as such. Just don't expect razor sharp handling like supersports

[DeRox]

Agree with Edon. Going to have ha look this afternoon at a GSXR750 for trackdays. The H2 was fine at the track (shaved 9 seconds off my fastest time at Assen ), but I think the H2SX will be too much tour oriented. In the pulled motorcycle.com article they complained about that the footpegs touched the ground pretty soon when driven hard(er)...

[JonTheChron]

if you guys are looking for the pulled motorcycle.com review.. I managed to snatch a medium quality version from youtube before it was pulled

[DeRox]

I would like to see the youtube again. Can you share it somewhere? Thx.

[BoostedOne]

I would like to see the youtube again. Can you share it somewhere? Thx.

I just uploaded the copies I have. see this thread

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=76