tool tube testing
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:21 am
OK, a short while back, there was a kerfuffle about tool tubes, durability, and the
possibility of tire interference when mounting to the skid plate. I took a ride to the local
mountains and tested it on designated motorcycle single tracks and ATV trails. All of it
was dirt; there were no large rocks. There was one trail that turned out to not be a trail. I
rode over a couple of berms (the type they put on trails to tell you they're closed to moto
travel) no sweat. The suspension got a workout and the moguls were steep, very closely
spaced (about 1-1.5' peak to trough, 1-2 wheelbase lengths peak to peak) only hit the
tube once on the right end and it's fine. No surprises since it's made of ABS and is very
tough. I've hit it with a framing hammer against a sharp corner of my shop vice and all it
got was a small dent.
There was zero contact with the tire w/ the suspension working as hard as I was willing to
push a heavy dual sport. The tube was re-mounted just below the skid plate u-bolt on
the front which makes it vulnerable to rocks, etc. I changed the location after reading that
some list members experienced some tire contact on the trail. Mounting the tube above
the u-bolt still allows clearance for the front tire under full compression but it's close. I'm
going to remount it at the higher location and test the set up again. I don't like the lower
mounting location b/c it makes it very susceptible to large rocks. It would make it
impossible to ride over a log w/ a dia. that is even with the skid plate's bottom without
tearing the whole assy off the bike, IMO.
I went down a couple very steep descents and hit many a trough, creating significant
rearward and upward force, again, without any tire/tube compression.
I'm satisfied with the tool tube's durability and mounting location. YMMV.
John