A tool used to determine the front-end geometry of a motorcycle, specifically the angle of the steering axis (rake) and the distance between the front axle and the contact patch of the front tire (trail). This geometry significantly influences the motorcycle’s handling characteristics, particularly stability and maneuverability. For example, altering these measurements can affect how the bike responds to steering input, leans in turns, and maintains stability at different speeds.
Understanding and manipulating these dimensions are critical for motorcycle designers and builders to achieve desired handling qualities. This tool allows users to experiment with different configurations and predict the resulting handling before physical modifications are made. Historically, determining these values involved complex trigonometric calculations, but such tools simplify the process, providing immediate results and facilitating iterative design. These insights are particularly valuable in customizing motorcycles for specific riding styles or racing applications, improving safety and performance.
