How to determine rolling resistance.

[John Gutmann]

Originally Posted by BigWhiteYeti

Rolling resistance is essentially determined by deformation, of wheel and ground. Overcoming this resistance has little to do with calculating the torque needed to accelerate your 200lb motorcycle to 30mph as you described. The torque needed depends entirely on the ratio of your driving gear to the diameter of your wheel. It also depends on how quickly you want to do this. You will have to overcome a certain amount of friction and resistance, but up to 30mph these forces will be rather small. Tell me your desired acceleration and gear ratio, and I can tell you your necessary torque.

I did not describe accelerating my 200lb motorcycle to 30 mph. I do not even own a 200lb motorcycle.

So are you telling me the only resistance to roll an object has is wheel deformation?

-John