Re: [ST] Tank Slap

["Chris Maher" <mahervis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks Nick

The bike is 12,500k's old, I have had it since new so can vouch for the
frame etc and other areas you mentioned.

My question was mainly based on something you hear people mention or has
happened to other riders but not something you can practice for or even try
to avoid it unless its happened to you personnally.  I was of the
understanding that the shorter wheelbase, sharper steering angle styles were
more prone to it than our sprints but you can never know enough to be fully
aware of all riding situations.

Thanks for the reply anyway.

Cheers, Chris

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "by way of Message_Redirector@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <owner-st@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, June 14, 2002 7:21 AM
Subject: [ST] Tank Slap


> From: "Nick" <nick@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Tank Slap
> Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 19:05:04 +0100
>
> Chris,
>           You shouldn't get a tank slapper on an RS or ST,  the wheelbase,
> steering geometry and very rigid frame make my RS (same frame
> as ST) as stable as a rock, and it has a reputation for being so.  You
only
> get tank slappers with very quick steering bikes nowadays and
> stiill I believe that something is out of line to cause it, or
> manufacturers would fit steering dampers as standard equipment.  I believe
> that the steering on the RS is quicker than an ST due to higher back wheel
> ride height making the effective rake of the forks steeper.
>
> Reasons
>
> 1)  It's been pranged and something is out of line.  You don't say if you
> have had the bike from new and some frames can be straightened, good
enough
> to fool the next buyer and your local 'Mr Straightenit's' jig but not good
> enough to stop tankslappers.    Could have been dropped and therefore is
> out of line.  This is the most serious cause.
>
> 2)  Check that the back wheel is not out of line.  On chain adjustment you
> could have the back wheel 'on different notches on each side'
>
> 3)  What is the mileage, check head bearings for play, check forks for
> play, check wheel bearings for play, check swing arm bushes for play.
> These allow things to move out of line.
>
> I have never known a new bike, sold without a steering damper get the
> wobbles.   I did once have a bike that somersaulted down the road after I
> flipped it in the wet and although it looked all OK, at about 80mph it
> could suddenly go into a vicious wobble that I found quite frightening.
>
> Nick.
>
>
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