The optimum way of getting through a curve has varied with time, and not simply due to fashion. It's varied by how rigid the chassis were made at the time,. How wide the tires were, and how much horsepower an engine had. So if you lower the center of gravity, but you take away the fuel tank, it may be a better design, but if nobody buys it, you failed as a designer.
In case you missed this episode on the Playing with Science channel… We kick it into top gear as hosts Gary O’Reilly and Chuck Nice explore the physics of motorcycle racing, riding, and assembly alongside adventure journalist Jim Clash and physics professor and motorcycle aficionado Charles Falco.
NOTE: StarTalk All-Access subscribers can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://www.startalkradio.net/all-access/motorcycle-racing-physics-on-2-wheels/
Photo Credit: SCrider (Flickr) via Wikimedia Commons.
Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.