Axel size and Handling

Cory128
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Cory128
Does anyone out there know or understand how changing the axel size changes the handling profile of the bike? I noticed at Monster Cup a few Ktm's were running different size axels. What would be the cause and effect assuming the steering offset is the same on each bike. Thanks for everyones input on this.....
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Derek Harris 10/15/2018 11:24am
10/15/2018 11:24am
It's much stiffer.

Some people would call it more precise. Many would call it harsher.

Cory128
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Cory128 10/15/2018 11:49am
10/15/2018 11:49am
So the larger the axel the better turning? The smaller the axel the better what?
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Rotaholic
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Rotaholic 10/15/2018 11:51am
10/15/2018 11:51am
Im not good enough to tell on a dirt bike, but those changes on a MTB you can tell instantly.
ML512
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ML512 10/15/2018 12:02pm
10/15/2018 12:02pm
Riders prefer different feels. KTM used to have a 25mm axle up front but swapped to 22mm for production a few years back. The race team however has stuck with 25mm on most of their Supercross and motocross racers. Factory Kawi has 22mm on Bowers and Savatgy, but 20mm on Tomac’s. Width can also play a part in it as well.

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CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/15/2018 12:03pm
10/15/2018 12:03pm
Cory128 wrote:
So the larger the axel the better turning? The smaller the axel the better what?
The small axle would have a softer feel. It’s not that the small axel is bad, but if you rode them back to back you can feel what you like. On the older cone valve forks they are bigger axel and +2mm longer.
Cory128
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Cory128 10/15/2018 12:59pm
10/15/2018 12:59pm
Thank you everyone for your input. Set-up is such a crazy thing and i cant believe how 2mm makes such a difference in every aspect of the bike. Its amazing!
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