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From: toddv@copper
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: front suspension (aircaps)
Message-ID: <120@copper.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 6-Nov-85 15:43:25 EST
Article-I.D.: copper.120
Posted: Wed Nov  6 15:43:25 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 8-Nov-85 22:00:31 EST
Sender: toddv@copper.UUCP
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 53

> I own a '84 Yamaha FJ600 that I use mainly for fast rides on
> back roads. I have been experimenting with the front suspension,
> specifically air-caps. The '85 FJ600 comes with air-caps, the
> '84 doesn't. 
>
> Recently an amateur racer, who also rides an '84 FJ600, 
> suggested I forget the air-caps and install progressive springs 
> in the forks and bump up the fork oil from 10w to 15w. He claims 
> that tuning with air-caps is impossible since the air expands and 
> contracts due to temperature. Also, air tends to leak somewhat. 
> 
> My question is: Is he correct?  Why then do most sport bikes 
> now come with air-caps? For hard, fast riding, which is more 
> likely to improve handling, the air-caps or progrssive springs?
> Would some combination of the two be even better?
> 
> Thanks,
> Jay

I don't know anything about aircaps.  Never heard of them.  I also don't know 
anything about racing.  So I may make some inccorrect assumptions.  But if
I do, I *know* that those on the net will correct me.  :-)

Let's
assume your friend is absolutely correct.  Then aircaps would still be fine for
reacing but useless to you.  Why?  Because a race is a one shot deal held
under fairly constant conditions of temperature and pressure.  It's not a big
deal to make sure they are set correctly before every race and in the pit stops
if it's a long race.

When the typical casual biker rides however, he doesn't want to have to tune
his suspension everytime he gets on the bike (depending on how hot it happens
to be at a particular time of day.)

A racer only wants his bike to perform for  a limited time under controlled
conditions.  A rider wants his bike to be comfortable, manueverable, and
safe under a wide range of conditions and road surfaces.

*************
OPINION
*************
When I see someone riding a racing bike, I have to assume
1) He races on the track and puts up with a racing bike on the street,
2) or he's a goofy kid who wants to look cool at the cost of practicality.


           
                                              Todd Vierheller


There are old bikers,
And there are bold bikers,
But there are no old bold bikers.