Longer Wheel Base

James · May 6, 2010

What's the advantage of having a longer wheel base? I was looking at one of the MX mags and saw a couple pictures of Pro bikes. They all had custom axle blocks to push the rear wheel as far back as possible. What gives?

Buckrun · May 6, 2010

Better stability at higher speeds, especially through the shit.

Naturaledge · May 6, 2010

Buckrun:
Better stability at higher speeds, especially through the shit.

^^^What Buck said, but less cornering agility.

James · May 6, 2010

So for a tighter track you'd recommend shortening it?

Naturaledge · May 6, 2010

James:
So for a tighter track you'd recommend shortening it?

Just raise your forks a tad in the triple-trees.

James · May 6, 2010

Well this might help show how far back mine currently is set. I was to lazy to take out some links so I just pushed it back. :bonk:

I've been having issues with cornering after I changed this, this could be the fix. :ride:

Naturaledge · May 6, 2010

James:
Well this might help show how far back mine currently is set. I was to lazy to take out some links so I just pushed it back. I've been having issues with cornering after I changed this, this could be the fix.

Is your chain still within spec James? Cool axle block blingage.

James · May 6, 2010

Naturaledge:
Is your chain still within spec James? Cool axle block blingage.

It was last time I checked it.

The plans are to go through everything this weekend. Thanks, but that just shows you how lazy I was, I spent $20 to get those 1/4" longer blocks. The bolts were a little to wobbly for my liking. :bonk:

Plus I'm thinking about putting on my 47T sprocket again, which means I have to take some links out. :foul:

JimDirt · May 6, 2010

Thats about where i run mine on my 450X and mine turns great , the thing with moving the rear back is , it also helps balance the bike , if you have issues with adjusting the suspension and it either pushes in the corners or knifes into corners and you can't relieve it with just suspension adjustments then moving the wheel back will help balance front to rear weight and help the stability of the bike as well , mine feels real neutral now , as opposed to stock length it either pushed or knifed i could never get it just right till i moved the rear wheel all the way back

This is where i run it on my 450R

Nighthawk016 · Mar 2, 2011

thought id dredge up an ancient thread, James you ever remove those links? or get a bigger rear sprocket?

2smoke · Mar 2, 2011

You know its just amazing what removing two links out on a chain will do for you. Stock on my bike is 114 links. But I have been known to run a 51 or 52 tooth rear sprocket so 116 links is perfect. But Im currently running the stock 49 tooth and the axel blocks are near the back of the swing arm. Its a new chain so I may have to take out two links.

Buckrun · Mar 3, 2011

2smoke:
You know its just amazing what removing two links out on a chain will do for you. Stock on my bike is 114 links. But I have been known to run a 51 or 52 tooth rear sprocket so 116 links is perfect. But Im currently running the stock 49 tooth and the axel blocks are near the back of the swing arm. Its a new chain so I may have to take out two links.

I'm running 13/52 on one bike and 14/47 on another. 13/52 is a tractor! Top speed: 55mph wound out! That is the bike for running up and down deep steep wooded slick hollows with no run up into the same steep uphill! 14/47 is when I want to put on some miles on varied terrain! I think there are 4 links between the two bikes, give or take!

James · Mar 3, 2011

Nighthawk016:
thought id dredge up an ancient thread, James you ever remove those links? or get a bigger rear sprocket?

Ahh damn, this was like a year ago, I'd have to go look. You know I couldn't even tell you what I have on right now. :bonk:

March is here though so it's about time to get everything dialed in. :ride:

rezrider · Mar 3, 2011

James:
What's the advantage of having a longer wheel base? I was looking at one of the MX mags and saw a couple pictures of Pro bikes. They all had custom axle blocks to push the rear wheel as far back as possible. What gives?

Get that added "nose" out front to the checkered flag......... :prof:

...........Seriously, I would think stability...the longer the wheelbase on a truck makes for a better ride...like going fast over wooops in a short wheel base will hop a lot more than a longer wheel base. I like the 1st reason better! :smirk:

James · Mar 3, 2011

rezrider:
Get that added "nose" out front to the checkered flag....................Seriously, I would think stability...the longer the wheelbase on a truck makes for a better ride...like going fast over wooops in a short wheel base will hop a lot more than a longer wheel base. I like the 1st reason better!

I'd think that shorter would be better on a track, you have more corners then whoops. (Thank God :lol:

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