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1080
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10/8/2011
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Edited Date/Time
2/10/2013 9:33pm
On the production air forks that come on a bike we can buy, if you blow a seal, does all the air leak out and they collapse? So essentially a leaky seal equals no more riding? If so that's lame.
I've heard it mentioned several places, just curious.
I've heard it mentioned several places, just curious.
Like a left PSF KYB and a right SSS KYB.........Kinda like SSF
The Shop
if KTM gets their air shock right, then throws on a set of air forks, that could save 6-9lbs total............ imagine how much money you would have to throw at a bike prior to pneumatic suspension to drop 6-9lbs. KTM could put LiPo batteries in their bikes for another 3lb savings as stock items and have the lightest bikes on the market while still having the only E-start........... or honda could drop 9lbs and have the weight of their 450 not too far out of the realm of a 250 2 stroke. The first company to build a sub-235lb curb weight 450 will be king (till everyone else follows suit)...... and they know it. honda could have a real chance if the air shock thing works.
i think air suspension can be a good thing for everyone and make our bikes very tunable for riders of all weights without having to spend a ton of money or have to get into the suspension internals............... BUT.............. air shocks/forks are in their infancywith current suspension design and there will be some bugs that need to be worked out (yes i know it has been on bikes for decades). i wouldn't trust them for offroad just yet (though i hope the first generation holds up well)...... i'll give it a year or two to see how they hold up for guys.
I think this will become more common, eventually leading to a divergence between pro racing machines and what is made on the production line for public use (like road bikes).
Go check out a local riding spot on a busy weekend and walk around and see how many guys are riding with leaky/blown seals...now imagine if all of those guys couldn't ride because of that....is it gonna help the sport grow?
What we consider "progess" sometimes blows my mind.
I've heard these leak oil before air. With spring forks even with a leaking seal they still hold pressure. But it is obviously much lower pressure, although it does increase when the fork is compressed.
My guess is that everybody will get good at "seal cleaning", Now if I get a leaky seal I usually just race it as-is and rebuild them on Monday, since it's usually due for a rebuild anyway. With air forks I would definitely do my best to clean them with a tear-off or a Sealmate type tool before heading to the starting gate.
Pit Row
bet he wishes he was in short's situation right now like he was 2 years ago....... where if he didn't like something, he had the choice to change it.
RV is not the normal RV this year either........ love how RC and emig were ripping on dunge's shock failure last week but fail to forget that these two are running air forks....... and are doing....... well......... less than stellar.
If you are interested look us up or email us Tracksidetech.net
Thanks
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