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[Phys-l] Robbie Maddison's Motorcycle jump



I have always supposed that a motorcycle jumper (ie Evil Knievel) has to worry about the orientation of the motor cycle during the flight so that the landing is made on both wheels when possible.

Not having observed much in the way of aerodynamic surfaces on these motorcycles I am lead to believe that perhaps the rider uses conservation of angular momentum in order to orient the cycle in midair. For example, putting the brakes on during the flight should bring the front wheel down.

In observing Maddison's new world record of about 320 feet in the air on new year's eve, it was certainly clear that at one point in the flight the front wheel does in fact suddenly move downward in what seems to be a controlled manner.

Does anyone know if such jumpers are in fact using conservation of angular momentum or some other method to keep the orientation safe for landing?

Thanks for any insights. David Abineri



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D. Abineri dabineri@fuse.net