There is a lot of misunderstandings of what ABS is and what it does and more importantly, what it doesn't do. Let us discuss it with a listing of what I think are 3 facts and myths surrounding ABS and why it could save your life someday . ABS is Anti Brake-Locking System As the name implies, it prevents brake locks - the heart-stopping panicking moments of wheel locking up if we apply brake too suddenly. Brakes? Kinda are more important than the engine themselves. This can cause awesome skids which could be attractive if you are a stunt rider and are stunnting. Whereas, if you are trying to stop because you are riding head-on onto oncoming traffic; I have no clue why you would be; but that wouldn't spell good for you, so stopping the biking when you want it to stop is critical for riding. ABS is any system that prevents the wheel lock, by releasing the pressure on the brake disc, if it senses a wheel lock. This is done using motion sensors, which in turn
Remember the experiment that you did back in high school? The one using Tuning Forks and Sound? The engine's vibration has everything to do with this important experiment.
But wait, are vibrations Good or Bad? How to prevent or overcome them if they are bad? And how are they related to some high school experiment? Read on to understand.
Theory of unrefinement states that it is impossible to attain extreme refinement unless the word Yamaha or Kawasaki are involved - actually, I just came up with that :P
The engine is a mechanical device that converts energy derived from combustion to kinetic energy of moving piston - which in turn gets converted into rotatory motion thanks to the camshaft. This can easily be seen by the image shown below.
This is the same reason why the Vibrations Increases as RPM rises - more the engine starts to vibrate.
But why do engines vibrate the most at a certain RPM? This has to do with the tuning fork experiment I was talking about earlier.
In Physics, a vibration is any oscillatory motion, to and fro motion across a point of equilibrium. Every molecule is vibrating and every substance is in a constant state of vibration at a molecular level - This is explained by the Kinetic Theory of Matter.
The beauty of nature is that when two objects that are vibrating at similar frequencies interact, their amplitude adds up! Meaning, they vibrate more, together - this is called Resonance.
This is where it gets even more interesting is that the engine at certain RPM produces vibrations that resonate with the natural frequencies of components on the bike. Some frame, engine mounting maybe, headlight assembly or even the foot pegs?
Ever heard of someone complaining that the mirror comes loose when ridden at certain RPM? This would be the explanation to that story.
This, in theory, means that at some RPM of an engine, the vibrations are at a maximum. And in practice, also holds true. And constant vibrations can unwanted wear and tear, which as we all know and agree upon, isn't good for the engine.
All the above and many more technics are discussed often, but most of them are like chasing a unicorn. A fairytale chase and the chase might not even be worth it in the end.
Yes, riding at a higher RPM is the best way to squeeze revs, in turn, power and top speed out of a bike. That is what MotoGP riders do. But do not forget that MotoGP bikes and their engines are tailor engineered for high performance but very short lifespan - is that your expectation with your engine?
But wait, are vibrations Good or Bad? How to prevent or overcome them if they are bad? And how are they related to some high school experiment? Read on to understand.
Theory of unrefinement states that it is impossible to attain extreme refinement unless the word Yamaha or Kawasaki are involved - actually, I just came up with that :P
The engine is a mechanical device that converts energy derived from combustion to kinetic energy of moving piston - which in turn gets converted into rotatory motion thanks to the camshaft. This can easily be seen by the image shown below.
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| The Ideal Engine! |
But what you see above is an ideal simulation- an ideal that can never be achieved. The engine will always contain microscopic imperfections or the firing of the petrol will happen slightly delayed or advanced ignition and this is going to create small differences in piston experiencing lateral motion as well.
But since there is a very tight seal against the cylinder wall with low tolerance, the cylinder will not be able to move laterally.
All the above reasons and much more will result in the engine vibrating a little with each cycle. This will become repetitive and will result in a pattern of vibration.
But why do engines vibrate the most at a certain RPM? This has to do with the tuning fork experiment I was talking about earlier.
Bike Components Like Each Other - They Sync Up
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| Yup, they become friends! |
The beauty of nature is that when two objects that are vibrating at similar frequencies interact, their amplitude adds up! Meaning, they vibrate more, together - this is called Resonance.
This is where it gets even more interesting is that the engine at certain RPM produces vibrations that resonate with the natural frequencies of components on the bike. Some frame, engine mounting maybe, headlight assembly or even the foot pegs?
Ever heard of someone complaining that the mirror comes loose when ridden at certain RPM? This would be the explanation to that story.
This, in theory, means that at some RPM of an engine, the vibrations are at a maximum. And in practice, also holds true. And constant vibrations can unwanted wear and tear, which as we all know and agree upon, isn't good for the engine.
Prevention is better than cure- but how do you prevent stupidity?
Wait, how do we even try to prevent vibrations? Adding more engine mounting cushions? Switching to better footpegs?All the above and many more technics are discussed often, but most of them are like chasing a unicorn. A fairytale chase and the chase might not even be worth it in the end.
NOTE: Stupidity and engine vibrations are characteristics of humans and an engine respectively, cannot be prevented or cured- only tolerated.
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| Try chasing the Nyan Cat! Its the same as trying to reduce vibrations! |
Conclusion..?
What I advice is very simple, find that RPM range where vibrations are maximum and avoid being in that range. As simple as that sounds, we usually do not do that because being in the higher rev range means better power delivery and throttle control so we rev hard.Yes, riding at a higher RPM is the best way to squeeze revs, in turn, power and top speed out of a bike. That is what MotoGP riders do. But do not forget that MotoGP bikes and their engines are tailor engineered for high performance but very short lifespan - is that your expectation with your engine?
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