Triumphrat

Yak · 07-08-2006

I hear the term "Lash" used quite often when describing transmission and gearbox characteristics. But Im not really sure what is meant by it. What exactly is "Lash" ??

Example:

Drivetrain: Honda 9 / Suzuki 8 / Yamaha 7
Honda has a great gearbox and clutch, while both the SV and FZ6 have noticeable driveline lash, the Yamaha more so.
-Motorcyclist

[ This message was edited by: Yak on 2006-07-08 16:39 ]

banda · 07-08-2006

Lash, in this instance, refers to the slack in the drivetrain. Between the rear wheel and the crankshaft, there's... what... four different transmission points? Each one has some amount of "give" between driving and being driven. All together, their "give" is the total drive lash.

A practical example to think about, one that you have encountered: You are off the gas, coasting towards a corner, clutch engaged, no brakes, the rear wheel is driving the drivetrain. You open the throttle to apply power, and for a fraction of a second, the rear wheel is no longer driving the motor, but the "give" in all the transmission points hasn't yet unloaded... at the end of that moment, the power from the motor is applied to the rear wheel in a little jerk.

The more lash in the drivetrain, the longer that moment, and the bigger the jerk at the end. Less lash feels really good. More lash makes you feel like a not-so-smooth ham-fist.