| Author |
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Hexangler
| | Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2008 - 10:56 am: | 
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"...Usually occuring when accelerating hard over bumpy pavement, a tankslapper ensues when the front tire becomes airborne, then regains traction outside the rear tire’s alignment. The resulting deflection bounces the tire off to one side, followed by another bounce in the opposite direction as it contacts the pavement again..."
I experienced the event above once on my XB12R. I have also experienced an unwanted second wheelie while bouncing the front tire from the first wheelie. Neither caused a crash.
Hex |
Jackbequick
| | Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2008 - 12:10 pm: |
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The things that can turn into tank slappers are a regular part of life for the MotoGP racers. You'll typically see them when under heavy acceleration coming out of corners. And you'll see some masterful hands just riding on through them as if were nothing more than part of their work routine.
I think the mechanics of it are that it occurs when a front end that is compressed, side loaded, and has the tubes slightly twisted is suddenly unloaded and extended under acceleration.
I think some of the most terrifying tank slappers I've ever seen were in films of the Isle of Mann TT.
Jack |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2008 - 12:53 pm: |
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Nothing happens without reason . . .it's physics.
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Mikef5000
| | Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2008 - 01:58 pm: |
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I have never experienced a tank slapper on my tuber.
I created a very minor one on the 1125r by snapping the throttle open upon exiting a tight corner at Mid-Ohio. Without letting off of the throttle or adjusting anything I was doing, the bike took care of the problem itself.
I believe that was due to the lack of traction on the front tire. Although, I feel that is just one of many causes of tank slappers. |
Saszta
| | Posted on Monday, August 18, 2008 - 11:13 am: |
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Had a few "minor" tank slappers recently on my '03 XB9. Nothing compared to that video at the isle of man though. Poor bastard. Makes we wonder if he had a steering damper. I suppose you can still get into one with a damper but less likely.
Worst one happened to me while passing a truck on a country road. My lane was smooth but the oncoming lane had some bumps and upon hitting them while accelerating I got into a speed wobble or tank slapper. It happens so fast that you don't have much time to think about which technique the last so called "wobble recovery expert" suggested. Instincts kick in and you start pulling horseshoes out of your ass. It's a combination of luck and refraining from panicking. Staying calm and gently rolling off the throttle while maintaining a relaxed grip on the bars seems to have worked for me. The wheelie idea is the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
A less severe recent wobble was hitting a bump in a very wide curve. Less violent but still dangerous since you are losing traction at that point and anything slippery on the road (like sand, water or a banana peel...) will help you dump the bike. So, I'd say get a steering damper and stay as relaxed and calm as possible at all times when riding.
GRP makes a damper for XB's and so does Ohlins. I think the Ohlins model requires having the headlight assembly removed on the "S" models. Basically, only for track use. The GPR is a street model. Gonna get me one and I'll post pics on installation. |
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