fork question: leading axle vs. trailing axle

[Tecate performance]

why did honda use a trailing axle on the 200x, 250r, 250sx, 250es, but not on 350x which uses leading axle fork. same with the tri-z. what are the advantages of trailing axle design; is it for reduced steering effort?

[Joel85350X]

I think they actually did it on the 350X for more wheelbase and therefore more help keeping the front end down. It's a torque monster.

[skippy]

another question that is doing a full circle.. it was discussed about 1 year ago, and so on...

[200x Basket]

another question that is doing a full circle.. it was discussed about 1 year ago, and so on...

how about answering the question and losing the attitude???? :rolleyes:

[J.D.]

That's the thing about some people with knowledge, they think they're better than others who don't know and have to give attitude about the question.

[86350X]

I think it is a really good question,,,,, All my XR's have a leading axle also,,,, Whatare the advantages/disadvantages of one or the other?

[Curtis-Tecate3]

I dont have the answer but waaayyyy back when before suspension existed on 3 wheelers there was a product called "Fork Extenders" Basically it was a piece that bolted onto the front forks throught the axle hole and extended the front axle down about 4" and forward another 4-5" or so. It put the front tire further forward and down a bit. This had a dramatic efect on handling and made it feel as if you had power steering. Mind you this was on an ATC90 but it was a good product.

Curtis.

[Jeb]

Maybe honda and yamaha wanted more downward push (more weight) on the front end to counter the effects of the two rear drive wheels to help counter oversteer? Or did the trailing axle provide a slightly shorter wheel base to aid in turning? perhaps a little of both? Why then did their 3 wheelers have different designs. some with leading, some with trailing, and some with the axle directly under. I believe Kawasaki's 3 wheelers always used leading axle. Tecate's did for sure. Old KLTS had that leading link suspension.

It is an interesting design question.