Return-Path: Received: from www.laf.oceanenergy.com ([206.97.189.62]) by truman.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.1 release 219 ID# 0-52269U2500L250S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Mon, 10 May 1999 14:07:55 -0400 Received: by OEINT_LAF1.oceanenergy.com with Internet Mail Service (5.5.1960.3) id <2PS9B071>; Mon, 10 May 1999 13:03:07 -0500 Message-ID: From: "Westphal, D. (Dana)" To: "'lancair.list@olsusa.com'" Subject: RE: Gear Shocks Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 13:03:06 -0500 Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> I too am an engineer and an ex motocross (MX) racer (RE: Jeffrey's and Bill's posts). Yes, I also recall from my "wild and crazy" racing days (HS and college, circa late ''70's, early '80's) that Konis were a well respected shock. Also during that same timeframe, a "new, hi-tech" shock became popular for awhile. I believe they were called "Fox Shocks" and were unique in that they used a nitrogen chamber in lieu of a spring. I recall mounting a pair of these rear shocks on a Montesa motocross motorcycle (± $250 a pair?). The main advantage was that you could "dial-in" the shocks to individual rider weight, skill level and track conditions by simply adding or bleeding N2 through a pressure regulator. I carried a N2 bottle (old propane bottle from a BBQ pit) with me to the races and would simply dial in the suspension for the track conditions. This type of shock may be well suited to the Lancair, as it could be adjusted for individual aircraft weights, typical airport conditions, etc. Plus, I recall that they were very light (no heavy springs and made of alloys). I don't know if these shocks are still around or being manufactured. A quick perusal through "Motocross Action" Magazine may provide the answer. I'll try to check it out next time I'm at Barnes & Noble. I've been away from the MX circles for 15+ years now, but I believe today's MX bikes are using a spring in addition to a N2 chamber, and most are monoshock at the rear...??? I recall that the N2 chamber alone did not provide the optimal characteristics (linear vs. progressive compression/response, etc., etc.) for MX racing, but it may be adequate for our needs? I agree with Jeffrey - the motorcycle racing/MX arena may be worth researching (take a trip down to your local Honda or Yamaha dealer and check it out!). The early days of MX seem somewhat analogous to the homebuilt movement (I recall modifying the swing arm of my first dirt bike (Penton) to accept a pair of "forward mounted" Konis ...). Dana Westphal (ex-motocrosser, wannabe 360 MKII driver...) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML homepage: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html