"Magic Axle" or any other similar axles

[Jeff Brady]

I would appreciate hearing anybody's experiences /opinions on the adjustable axles. Sounds like a great concept, but are they effective, and what, if any, are their drawbacks(outside of cost), and how do they work? Thanks in advance!

[Rick Blood]

The Azzurro smart axle tuners work very well. They are inserts that fit 40mm axles and can be adjusted individualy. They are inexpensive and easy to adjust.

[Sam Cooper]

I agree with what Rick said! these things really do work!

Sam Cooper
Speedwerx Motorsports

[Jeff Brady]

Thank you Rick and Sam. Anybody know where I can get one?

[Rick Blood]

The closest dealer to you is CKT in Elburn Il. 630-365-6733

[Hance Lord]

quote:

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Originally posted by Jeff Brady:
Thank you Rick and Sam. Anybody know where I can get one?

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Anyone know of a Canadian dealer/importer? Canadians cannot afford to buy in USA right now, it costs over $1.55 exchange to buy a $1.00 USD and then we have to pay taxes on that amount and on the collection fees!

[ November 30, 2001: Message edited by: R. Hance Lord ]

[Rick Blood]

Call Azzurro direct 714-630-1388. Ask for Phil and tell him I told you to call.
Geez I better get a cut from this.

[Lester Flynn]

Pardon my ignorance on the issue of tuning an axle, but how does this product work. Does it stiffen the axle or what?

[Steve Moore]

quote:

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Originally posted by Rick Blood:
By varying the depth inserted, you can stiffen the axle.

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Oh my!

[Joe Vancura]

I'm curious what they cost{ballpark}.Is it a small or major adjustment?Could anyone who has tried them give detailed examples of how it worked for them?

[Rick Blood]

Since no body is going to answer...I think they are about $50 or $60.
I move them about 1/4" at a time but at first I was going 1/2". I only move the side that needs stiffening. When night rolls around, I move them both out 1" to compensate for the colder track.
The biggest help is on temporary circuits. The first sessions won't have any rubber down so I run them full stiff.
These things will not fix a poorly set up kart.
They will save you from changing axles while chasing the track.

[Rick Blood]

The tuner consists of two seperate units that slip inside the ends of the axle. By varying the depth inserted, you can stiffen the axle.

[Joe Vancura]

Rick,why would you go to a stiffer axle or use the tuner?I do not understand why these changes would be better than just narrowing the track for more grip.How do axle changes differ from track width adjustments in the way the kart reacts?I have never changed axles myself but I see the fast guys do it from time to time.

[Rick Blood]

A stiffer axle will increase bite and a soft axle will loosen the kart up.
Track width will have a similar effect as will short or long hubs. Short hubs allow more flex in the axle, long ones less. A narrow width will stiffen the axle as well as make it easier to lift the inside wheel and will also bring the kart closer to bicycling. There are a lot of dynamics going on at the same time that have been discussed to death on other threads so I won't do it again here.
In our case, we have a basic setup, soft axle and short hubs. At a new track we fine tune the starting setup and then further fine tune with the axle tuners. Everyone has their own way of chassis setup, that is mine. Shayne Shipley in S1 recently picked up 4/10ths by playing with the tuners AFTER he setup the rest of the chassis.

If you only drive at one track then I would suggest that you find the right axle and stick with it. If you drive several tracks put in a soft one and use the tuners.

[Drew Cleaver]

For the axel tuners, check the classifides.