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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
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