RIDE HEIGHT GAUGE

MotoSPEC can map a Ride Height Gauge into the chassis specifications. 

MotoSPEC will then calculate and display the ride height measurement corresponding to the chassis settings.

This allows rear ride height to be accurately maintained or modified while exploring setup options, and the shock length or ride height adjustment can be specified when generating build sheets for mechanics.

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The RIDE HEIGHT GAUGE function is found under the CHASSIS button.

MotoSPEC will use the settings in one of the chassis columns - along with gauge and swingarm length measurements - to create a 'virtual' model of the gauge.

The gauge will then be carried forward in the chassis specification for files exported from the column.

It is important that the settings in the column used are an accurate representation of the bike as it sits when the gauge and swingarm length measurements are taken.

It is also important that the swingarm length measurements are as accurate as possible.
If a measuring tape is used, it should not bend around footpegs or the swingarm.
This is especially true for motorcycles with eccentric rear axles, as MotoSPEC uses the swingarm length measurements to determine the position of the eccentric.

The method is as follows:

1. In the column of MotoSPEC being used, input all the settings of the bike as it sits.
2. Remove chain off the rear sprocket.
3. Adjust the swingarm to it's shortest possible length. 
4. Record both the swingarm length and the ride height gauge measurement (remember to fully extend the rear suspension).
5. Adjust the swingarm to it's longest possible length.
6. Again, record both the swingarm length and the gauge measurement.  
7. Open the RIDE HEIGHT form for the chassis (RED BALLOONS BELOW).
   1. If the 'Column' buttons are visible, it is necessary to indicate which column is being used.  In this case, all three columns share a common chassis specification (one CHASSIS button visible).  The settings in the chosen column must reflect the bike as it was when the measurements were taken.
   2. Indicate with the checkbox if the gauge is located on and moves with the swingarm pivot.
   3. Enter a name for the gauge.
   4. Enter the measurements taken for the shortest and longest swingarm conditions.
   5. Click 'Calculate'.

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A message will be shown to confirm the gauge was successfully calculated.

If error messages are shown after clicking 'Calculate', the measurements used in the form should be verified.  Small errors in the measurements can prevent MotoSPEC from successfully solving the chassis geometry and mapping the gauge.  This is especially possible for motorcycles with eccentric rear axles.

The settings and measurements used to specify the gauge can be reviewed by clicking on the 'SAVED GAUGE SETTINGS' expander, as shown in the image below.

The date and name of the current gauge are displayed at the top of the form.

The RIDE HEIGHT form can then be closed.

In the MotoSPEC window, click on the drop-down menu in the RESULTS 'Ride Height Reference' row, and select 'Ride Height Gauge'.

As can be seen above, where the settings (especially Swingarm Length) are the same as those used to specify the gauge, the calculated gauge readings match the measurements used in the gauge specification.

The calculated gauge readings should be confirmed against several other swingarm length and other settings changes to make sure that the gauge is mapped into MotoSPEC accurately.  If discrepancies are seen, input settings and measurements should be verified and the gauge should be re-mapped in MotoSPEC.