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any one time . This avoids the sudden jerking motions that were predicted , and observed during testing , on a differential
equipped machine . Although this created a unique handling
characteristic for the ATC , Mr . Takeuchi and the development
staff determined that it was very easy to adapt to this . At the
same time , instructions were provided in the Owner ' s Manual that
the rider should learn to operate the ATC in this manner .
One of the most significant discoveries during the
development phase related to suspension . Mr . Takeuchi has
remarked that , with his technical background , he never envisioned
creating a vehicle without mechanical suspension using tradi
tional springs and dampers , both front and rear .
Therefore , he
equipped his initial prototype vehicles with mechanical
suspension borrowed from motorcycle technology . However , Mr .
Takeuchi found that the addition of mechanical suspension gave
the rider an uneasy and unstable feeling , especially during cornering and turning . It was , as he describes , mushy like walking on a mattress .
was ,
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1
Because of the soft balloon tires applied to the
machine , the prototype with mechanical suspension was effectively
equipped with a double suspension system . There were spring and
damping suspension characteristics in the tire , as well as the
mechanical suspension .
Together these contributed to the poor
handling feeling . Once Mr . Takeuchi removed the mechanical
suspension , he found that uneasiness and instability were removed
from the vehicle .
The tires , because of their balloon quality