Chapter 55: A Lesson Learned

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When Zhao Guoyang saw that Old Zhu nodded in approval, he continued, “K is the correction constant. Due to the heavier weight of a straddle-type motorcycle frame, this value is higher, and should be taken as 160–190. As for step-through motorcycle frames, the value should be 130–160.”

Hearing this, Old Zhu nodded again. He could barely grasp the formula Zhao Guoyang had just mentioned.

At least, the correction constant was not arbitrarily stated; it was clear that straddle-types had a higher value than step-throughs.

Zhao Guoyang pointed at the series of data on the paper and explained, “In the first formula, G represents the curb weight of the motorcycle, g stands for acceleration, w is the peak adhesion coefficient between the tire and the ground, d1 is the vertical distance from the lower bearing center of the frame’s steering tube to the tire center, d2 is the distance from that same bearing center to the ground. e represents the horizontal distance from the lower bearing center to the tire center.”

“So, according to this formula, the horizontal reciprocating load F(0) on the frame is easy to calculate.”

Zhao Guoyang scribbled a series of numbers, and his conclusion was that the horizontal reciprocating load F(0) of the straddle-type frames previously produced in the factory was about 800. But the F(0) of the C100 frame reached over 1000.

Of course, the unidirectional vertical upward load F(Z) and downward load F(S) were still greater for the straddle-type frames.

With earnest sincerity, Zhao Guoyang said, “Master Zhu, data doesn’t lie. You see, although the straddle-type’s vertical load is higher, the horizontal reciprocating load is not as large as that of our new model.”

“And the steering tube’s main function is to absorb and distribute the horizontal reciprocating load, so for this part, we must use materials with higher tensile and yield strength.”

Perhaps worried that Old Zhu might not believe him, Zhao Guoyang circled the formula on the paper and smiled, “Master Zhu, this formula is commonly used for calculating motorcycle loads.”

“If you don’t trust me, you can take this paper and have someone check it later, see if I’m making things up!”

“No need, I trust you!” At this point, Old Zhu had no further doubts.

Though he didn’t fully understand the heap of formulas Zhao Guoyang wrote, the reasoning was clear enough.

Indeed, compared to straddle-type frames, the step-through’s lower bearing center is set lower, so the horizontal load it bears is larger, which makes sense.

Old Zhu was not someone easily convinced, but once persuaded, he would never feign compliance.

He immediately took the design drawings from Zhang Chaoyang and said, “Chief Zhao, I apologize for being too set in my ways earlier. The production of this frame’s parts will proceed as you said. We’ll start right away!”

Seeing Old Zhu was genuinely convinced, Zhao Guoyang felt gratified. He took out a pack of cigarettes and handed them to Old Zhu and the workers behind him, saying politely, “No rush, everyone should have a smoke first. Actually, I’ve been reflecting—shouldn’t our technical department handle these matters better?”

Taking a drag, Zhao Guoyang turned to Workshop Director Zhang Fusheng and said, “Director Zhang, if our technical staff had communicated with your workshop beforehand, many issues could be resolved without waiting for conflicts to arise during production.”

Zhang Fusheng exhaled a smoke ring, looking at Zhao Guoyang with admiration. “Guoyang, you truly live up to your reputation as a college graduate. What you said makes perfect sense.”

“Sometimes, the drawings and instructions your technical department sends down are completely mystifying to us. We just rely on experience to do the work.”

“If it weren’t for Old Zhu keeping an eye on things, mistakes would have happened more than once. When he raised his doubts today, I was somewhat uncertain myself, given Old Zhu’s vast experience—he’s our technical backbone.”

Zhang Fusheng glanced at Zhao Guoyang, who nodded quietly, and continued with a smile, “But Guoyang, today you’ve taught us all a valuable lesson.”

“Experience is useful, but ultimately, everything we do must be grounded in scientific evidence. That formula you listed just now really clarified things—impressive!”

Old Zhu, hearing Zhang Fusheng’s words, nodded in agreement. “Director’s right. Chief Zhao, you’ve given everyone here a lesson.”

“Chaoyang, Changyuan, you two should learn more from Chief Zhao. Don’t keep acting clueless.”

Hearing Old Zhu mention them, Zhang Chaoyang and Changyuan exchanged awkward glances.

Zhang Chaoyang coughed and explained, “Old Zhu, our chief is a college graduate. His qualifications far surpass ours. We can’t match his level.”

“Ah, but that’s not the point. Take that formula, for example. Even if you haven’t encountered it before, can’t you just write it down? It’ll come in handy someday!” Old Zhu said earnestly.

“Alright, isn’t admitting our fault enough?” Zhang Chaoyang shook his head helplessly. “Changyuan and I will copy the formula Chief Zhao wrote when we go back, and make sure to memorize it!”

“Now that’s the spirit!” Old Zhu nodded with satisfaction and turned to Zhao Guoyang.

“Chief Zhao, what you said about communication is vital. Production and technology are inseparable.”

“In the past, your technical staff rarely visited the workshop, and there was little communication, which led to some distance between us.”

“To be honest, your technical folks tend to have a bit of pride. They don’t even listen much to Director Zhang. I’m just straightforward in speech—please don’t take offense, Chief Zhao.”

As Old Zhu continued his frank remarks, Zhang Fusheng scratched his head in embarrassment.

Zhao Guoyang comforted him by patting his arm and smiling, “Director Zhang, Master Zhu, this is indeed our issue. The technical department exists to serve production; your opinions are invaluable to us. Sometimes, if the drawings are mistaken, and production catches it in time, it can save the factory from major losses.”

“Exactly, that’s how it is! Old Zhu may have a temper, but he’s thorough with technical checks,” Zhang Fusheng agreed.

“I remember last year your department head, Chief Huang, sent over a faulty drawing. If Old Zhu hadn’t spotted it promptly, we would have had a batch accident. Chaoyang, what do you say—wasn’t that the case?”

Zhang Chaoyang nodded in embarrassment, “It’s true. Chief Huang was careless that time and reversed two dimensions on the drawing…”

“That’s all I meant!” Zhang Fusheng said to Zhao Guoyang.

“Guoyang, I completely agree with your point just now. Since the technical department is meant to serve production, we need to strengthen communication between us.”