Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

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lawman
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Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

Post by lawman » Sat Sep 23, 2017 1:00 pm

Seen this on one or two bikes.

I can only see that it adds preload to the front or virtually removes the front suspension.

Is that a fair summary?
Does it improve handling?

culfy
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Re: Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

Post by culfy » Sat Sep 23, 2017 2:19 pm

It just stiffens the front end more and some swear by it , I've personally not tried it but it's the cheapest one to try first ;)

JOHNBOY
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Re: Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

Post by JOHNBOY » Sat Sep 23, 2017 2:42 pm

never seen or heard about do you have any pictures please

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Alan CF
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Re: Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

Post by Alan CF » Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:50 pm

I had a picture somewhere, It goes round the front link arms and over the mud guard or higher, then pulled tight.

culfy
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Re: Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

Post by culfy » Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:02 pm

As Alan says, around front link arm,up forks through forks where plastic bungs are then back down around other link arm.

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Diesel Dave
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Re: Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

Post by Diesel Dave » Sun Sep 24, 2017 8:35 am

More to do with keeping the front end under control during braking I suspect...

Drew
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Re: Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

Post by Drew » Sun Sep 24, 2017 9:56 am

All it is going to do is reduce the front suspension travel, make the front end go solid under braking.

That means no front tyre grip and a quick visit to Mr Tarmac. I know it probably tops out at times under extreme braking anyway, the rear brake is the most effective on the bike and you can modulate the front lift using the rear brake.

What the front needs is damping, lots of bikes on the grid with good engineered solutions go take a look and copy!

lawman
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Re: Can someone explain the Ratchet Strap front end mod?

Post by lawman » Mon Sep 25, 2017 10:09 am

Thanks everyone.
It's as I expected I think and agree with Drew. That's why I asked
Ive seen the damping rods connecting up the front fork and if you can't beat them join them!
There's plenty of time until next year to fettle something, guess it's just a matter of obtaining the right damper and then fabricating a fitting solution.
See you next year and best of luck to those at Anglesey, it's a great track!

Dave

Here's a pic (hopefully) of the strap mod, but judging by the tab on the fork a damper may be in place on race day.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/eIwfw7QiQ1qzHMZV2

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