Chattering

Chattering (English for stuttering , trembling ) is a term from motorcycle sport and describes instability of the motorcycle in the curve.

Chattering usually occurs when you accelerate (on the rear wheel) or when braking (on the front wheel) in a curve . More common, however, is the trembling of the front wheel. However, this does not mean the stuttering of the engine, but the lower stability of the motorcycle in the curve. The motorcycle starts to tremble, which can lead to a fall. The causes of chattering are, on the one hand, the tire grip, and on the other hand, the entire chassis , which absorbs the forces that occur. Because the tires have extremely good grip, it is difficult for the suspension to process the resulting forces. So when the suspension reaches its limits, the tires start to slip. Because this is a combination of factors, the tire only slips until the suspension breaks away from its limit. Then the tire builds up grip again . This is repeated so often and so quickly within a few seconds that the driver feels it as tremors throughout the motorcycle. The tremor can become so severe that the affected wheel loses contact with the ground and the rider falls. As a spectator of a race you only see the fall, but not the forces to which the driver is exposed. The slide is not the same as a highsider . So it is very difficult to find the right balance between tires and chassis. This problem can usually be solved by opening the rebound stage, as this allows the fork / wheels (especially on bumps) to re-establish contact with the ground more quickly.