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Fox has active suspension pretty much ready to go for MTB and UTVs, and it sounds like it's a game changer. With all of the onboard telemetry pro moto teams use these days, it's only a matter of time before it is used to adjust suspension in real time. A system like this would allow you to program your bike to react more accurately to different terrain than the standard hi/low speed dampening, while also allowing for different programs to be run depending on varying track conditions and rider fatigue. You could even incorporate roll angle to have the suspension react differently in a corner compared to a straight.
http://forums.mtbr.com/specialized/2017-epic-991573.html
What do you guys think?
http://forums.mtbr.com/specialized/2017-epic-991573.html
What do you guys think?
I believe MotoGP bikes already use both Electronic Suspension and GPS Mapping, so I'm assuming mx bikes won't be too far behind.
The Shop
MR Fluid
Its a 2000.00 or so option and does not compare to something like the fork cartridges from Penske that are set up, and sprung, for a specific rider.
Thats the problem, really, with any production suspension. Its all based on that average rider, in average conditions. Until you can give a tuner, or factory, a specific load and condition, what else can they do?
I think Honda used a shock back in the 80s that was active,on one of the last factory bikes.
Plus how do you control it ? the stuff has to fit somewhere.
As for GPS, I was thinking about that. They use that for road racing, and cars like the Koenigsegg 1:One use the onboard GPS to predictively adjust suspension depending on your position on the track. The problem with that, and why it wouldn't work in motocross, is that a dirt surface is constantly changing, and very similar track positions may need very different settings (like being in a deep rut vs just outside of it). Even super accurate GPS systems aren't reliable enough, at those speeds, to tell the difference between lines that are really close together. Especially since the GPS sensor would likely be on your helmet or fender, which can be in a different coordinate position than your wheels.
I for one look forward to this sort of technology, especially if they make it possible for riders to tune their suspension themselves. Plus it would make it easier to use the same bike for different types of racing, like offroad vs. moto.
Automatic systems are rarely automatic and accurate at the same time.
Pit Row
I'm not sure it will suit everyone.
I could see a semi active suspension that prevents the fork from extending fully and limiting the rear shock stroke going into corners. That was the advantage of F1 active suspension. It allowed the car to lean into the inside of a corner and kept the floor at the best height to allow maximum downforce
In racing that does allow the use of semi active suspension, for want of a better description, such as the IOM TT, you don't see the BM riders using the production system. Now, the IOM circuit is quite the fucking nightmare, compared to closed circuit racing and normal Road use, but it's nothing compared to the variables we encounter on the dirt. Please note : I've ridden the BM, and Ducàti systems a Lot, ( and they really are far from being true, active suspension) and the Kawi ZX10 fitted with the Ohlins E shock ( it plugs directly into the Kawis' electrics) and really like them, but, I think it's all a ways off for serious Dirt use.
Handlebar adjustment, be it cable or electronic, I could certainly see, as it's been around for decades now with MTBs. Strange that it hasn't happened, yet, I would have thought that at least one manufacturer would have tried to 'one up' the others by now, at least on the spec sheets / brochure bragging.
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