Two-wheeled vehicles

Abstract

A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame assembly, a front ground contact member, and a rear ground contact member, the frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally extending centerline, the front ground contact member being operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotation axis, and the rear ground contact member being operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotation axis. The vehicle further includes an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front ground contact member and the rear ground contact member, and the engine includes a throttle body assembly. In addition, the vehicle includes an intake assembly that is fluidly coupled to the engine and includes an air box and a mounting plate having a first passage and a second passage. The first passage and the second passage are configured to align with the throttle body assembly. The mounting plate is configured to couple the air box to the throttle body assembly.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese national phase patent application with application number 201980064125.1 and international application number PCT / US2019 / 053470, international application date September 27, 2019, and invention name “Two-wheeled Vehicle”, which entered the Chinese national phase on March 29, 2021. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a two-wheeled vehicle, and more particularly to a motorcycle having a compact and modular configuration.

[0003] Various motorcycles can be configured for different applications and different preferences of riders. For example, a cruiser-type motorcycle may be suitable for a rider who prefers comfort over speed when traveling long distances, while a sport or standard-type motorcycle may be the preference of a rider who prefers enhanced speed capabilities. Typically, the overall size of a sport or standard-type motorcycle is smaller than other types of motorcycles, and as such, the configuration of the various components on the bike is important. For example, the fuel tank and air box of a sport or standard-type motorcycle need to be large enough to maintain powertrain performance, but be able to be packaged with the other components of the motorcycle without increasing the size of the vehicle.

[0004] Additionally, because there are various vehicle platforms, it is expensive and time consuming to produce multiple motorcycles, each with unique components. Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle that can be adapted for multiple vehicle platforms to reduce manufacturing time and expense. For example, there is a need for a sports or standard vehicle platform that can be configured with a variety of accessories and other components to allow the operator to customize the vehicle according to his / her preferences and needs. Summary of the invention

[0005] In an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame assembly, a front ground contact member, and a rear ground contact member, the frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally extending centerline, the front ground contact member being operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotation axis, and the rear ground contact member being operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotation axis. The vehicle further includes an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front ground contact member and the rear ground contact member. The engine includes a throttle body assembly. In addition, the vehicle includes an intake assembly that is fluidly coupled to the engine and includes an air box and a mounting plate having a first passage and a second passage. The first passage and the second passage are configured to align with the throttle body assembly, and the mounting plate is configured to couple the air box to the throttle body assembly.

[0006] Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a two-wheeled vehicle, the two-wheeled vehicle including a frame assembly, a front contact member, and a rear contact member, the frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally extending centerline, the front contact member being operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotation axis, and the rear contact member being operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotation axis. The vehicle also includes an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front contact member and the rear contact member. The engine includes at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder. In addition, the vehicle includes an air box fluidly coupled to the engine. The vehicle also includes a mounting member removably coupled to the engine and removably coupled to the air box. The mounting member defines a first flow path and a second flow path, the first flow path being configured to provide air from the air box to a first cylinder of the engine, and the second flow path being configured to provide air from the air box to a second cylinder of the engine.

[0007] Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame assembly, a front ground contact member, and a rear ground contact member, the frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally extending centerline, the front ground contact member being operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotation axis, and the rear ground contact member being operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotation axis. The vehicle also includes an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front ground contact member and the rear ground contact member. The engine includes a throttle body assembly. The vehicle also includes an intake assembly fluidly coupled to the engine and including an air box and a mounting plate. The air box is removably coupled to an upper surface of the mounting plate, and the throttle body assembly is removably coupled to a lower surface of the mounting plate.

[0008] Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a two-wheeled vehicle, the two-wheeled vehicle including a frame assembly, a front ground contact member, and a rear ground contact member, the frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally extending centerline, the front ground contact member being operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotation axis, and the rear ground contact member being operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotation axis. The vehicle further includes an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front ground contact member and the rear ground contact member. Additionally, the vehicle includes a drive assembly operably coupled to the engine and including a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a chain configured to rotate about the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. The vehicle also includes a cover assembly configured to conceal at least a portion of the drive assembly. The cover assembly includes a transverse outer cover member configured to conceal the drive sprocket from a side view of the two-wheeled vehicle and a transverse inner cover member configured to conceal the drive sprocket from a front view of the two-wheeled vehicle.

[0009] Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a two-wheeled vehicle including a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally extending centerline, the front ground contacting member being operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis, and the rear ground contacting member being operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis. The vehicle further includes an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front ground contacting member and the rear ground contacting member. The front end of the frame assembly is configured to support at least a first accessory, and the rear end of the frame assembly is configured to support at least a second accessory, the first accessory being different from the second accessory.

[0010] By referring to the following description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become more clear, and the present invention itself will be better understood. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a left front perspective view of a vehicle of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A left front perspective view of a frame assembly of a vehicle;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a right rear perspective view of a frame assembly of the vehicle;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of a frame assembly of the vehicle;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a right rear perspective view of a taillight of a vehicle;

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A right front perspective view of the taillight;

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A left rear perspective view of an occupant footrest of the vehicle;

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exploded view of the passenger footrest;

[0019] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A left front perspective view of a sprocket and a chain guard of a vehicle;

[0020] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Another left front perspective view of the sprocket and chain guard;

[0021] Fig.11A yes Figure 1 an exploded view of an air box assembly of a vehicle;

[0022] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A Additional exploded views of the air box assembly;

[0023] Fig.12 yes Fig.11A A right perspective view of the air box assembly;

[0024] Fig.13 yes Fig.11A A perspective view of a mounting plate of an air box assembly;

[0025] Fig.14 is used for Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a heat shield of an ABS module of a vehicle;

[0026] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Right rear perspective view of the heat shield and ABS module;

[0027] Figure 16 is Figure 1 a left front perspective view of a windshield of a vehicle;

[0028] FIG17 is a rear perspective view of the windshield of FIG16;

[0029] Fig.18 is an exploded view of the windshield and headlight mounting brackets;

[0030] Fig.19yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment windshield of a vehicle;

[0031] Fig. 20 is used for Figure 1 a right rear perspective view of a mounting bracket for a plurality of accessories of a vehicle, the plurality of accessories including a high mounted exhaust assembly and a side number plate;

[0032] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 Exploded view of the mounting bracket and high-mount exhaust;

[0033] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 20 A right rear perspective view of the mounting bracket and the bag support member;

[0034] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 An exploded view of the mounting bracket and bag support structure;

[0035] Fig.24 is connected to Fig. 20 A right rear perspective view of a tall license plate holder of a mounting bracket;

[0036] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 An exploded view of the license plate holder and mounting bracket;

[0037] Fig.26 is connected to Figure 1 a right rear perspective view of a roof rack of a vehicle;

[0038] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 An exploded view of the luggage rack;

[0039] Fig.28 The seat cover and Fig. 20 a right rear perspective view of the mounting bracket of the

[0040] Fig.29 yes Fig.28 Exploded view of the seat cover and mounting bracket.

[0041] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, these embodiments are selected and described so that those skilled in the art can utilize their teachings. Although the present invention is primarily directed to motorcycles, it should be understood that the present invention can be applied to other types of vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, watercraft, utility vehicles, snowmobiles, scooters, golf carts and mopeds, as well as all types of motorcycles or other two-wheeled vehicles.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 , an illustrative embodiment of a two-wheeled vehicle 2 is shown. Vehicle 2 may be configured as any type of motorcycle, such as a sport or standard motorcycle, a touring motorcycle, a cruiser motorcycle, and other motorcycle-type vehicle embodiments. Vehicle 2 extends from a front end 4 to a rear end 6 along a longitudinal centerline L. The front end 4 of vehicle 2 includes at least one ground-contacting member, namely, a front wheel 8 configured to rotate about a front vehicle rotation axis 5, and the rear end 6 of vehicle 2 includes at least one rear ground-contacting member, illustratively a rear wheel 9 configured to rotate about a rear wheel rotation axis 7. It should be understood that although vehicle 2 is shown as a two-wheeled vehicle, various embodiments of the present teachings may also operate with three-wheeled vehicles, four-wheeled vehicles, six-wheeled vehicles, etc.

[0044] Still refer to Figure 1 The rear wheels 9 are coupled to the powertrain assembly 10 via a drive assembly 12 to propel the vehicle 2 via the rear wheels 9, as further disclosed herein. The drive assembly 12 includes a drive shaft 14, a drive sprocket 16 ( Fig.10 ), and operable via a belt or chain 19 ( Figure 1 ) is connected to the driven sprocket 18 of the driving sprocket 16.

[0045] The powertrain assembly 10 includes both an engine 20 and a transmission 22. The transmission 22 is coupled to the engine 20, which provides power to the rear wheels 9 via the drive shaft 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 20 is a V-twin gasoline engine, which includes a first cylinder or front cylinder 24 and a second cylinder or rear cylinder 26, which are operably coupled to a crankshaft (not shown) configured to rotate around an axis of rotation. The first cylinder 24 and the second cylinder 26 and the crankshaft are generally supported on a crankcase 28 of the engine 20. Illustratively, the first cylinder 24 and the second cylinder 26 define a 60-degree V-configuration. In other embodiments, the engine 20 includes any number of cylinders arranged in any configuration (e.g., 90 degrees). Each cylinder 24, 26 includes a cylinder head 30, and a piston (not shown) is configured to reciprocate in each cylinder 24, 26, thereby causing rotation of the crankshaft. Additional details of the engine 20 can be disclosed in U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 213,161, filed on March 14, 2014, entitled "TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE" (attorney docket number PLR-05-25858.05P) and ET.S. patent application serial number 14 / 214,033, filed on March 14, 2014, entitled "ENGINE" (attorney docket number PLR-05-25844.02P), the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. It should also be understood that although the engine 20 is shown as a gasoline engine, electric motors and other suitable torque-generating machines may operate with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, in one embodiment, the powertrain assembly 10 includes a continuously variable transmission.

[0046] Still reference Figure 1 , the vehicle 2 also generally includes a steering assembly 32, illustratively a handlebar. The handlebar may include operator controls for operating the vehicle 2, such as a throttle input and a brake input. In addition, the vehicle 2 may include a foot control for braking, and / or a throttle control. The steering assembly 32 may be operably coupled to a triangular clamp assembly 34 defined by a lower triangular clamp 34a and an upper triangular clamp 34b, and a front fork 36 (which may include a front suspension assembly 38). In addition, the vehicle 2 includes a rear suspension assembly 40 ( Figure 5 ).like Figure 5 As shown, the seat 42 can be at least partially positioned above a portion of the rear suspension assembly 40 and is illustratively configured as a straddle seat to support at least the operator, but can also be configured to support at least one occupant behind the operator. The vehicle 2 can also include a cargo or storage container (not shown) in front of or behind the seat 42. In addition, the seat 42 is generally positioned behind the fuel tank 44.

[0047] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The vehicle 2 includes a frame assembly 50 supported by front wheels 8 and rear wheels 9 ( Figure 1 ). The frame assembly 50 includes a main frame 52 and a sub-frame 55 coupled together. The various parts of the main frame 52 can be made of a metal material (e.g., steel), and the main frame 52 includes a longitudinally extending upper member 56 and a longitudinally extending lower member 58. The longitudinally extending upper member 56 and the longitudinally extending lower member 58 are both coupled to a head tube (not shown) that is configured to receive the steering assembly 32 ( Figure 1 The longitudinally extending upper frame member 56 and the longitudinally extending lower frame member 58 are connected together by a plurality of cross members 59.

[0048] Illustratively, the main frame 52 generally surrounds the powertrain assembly 10, and more specifically, extends above and forward of the engine 20 and the transmission 22. Illustratively, the longitudinally extending members 56, 58 may be coupled to the sub-frame 55 of the frame assembly 50 via coupling members 60. The main frame 52 (including the coupling members 60) may be constructed of a metallic material, and in one embodiment, may be a casting constructed of steel. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the coupling member 60 may be integral with the longitudinally extending members 56, 58, or alternatively, may be removable therefrom via a removable fastener (not shown).

[0049] The coupling member 60 is removably coupled to the sub-frame 55 by a removable fastener 62. The fastener 62 is received through a front mounting hole 64 on the sub-frame 55 and a mounting hole 66 on the coupling member 60. The sub-frame 55 of this configuration is removably coupled to the main frame 52 and is constructed of cast aluminum.

[0050] The sub-frame 55 further includes rear mounting holes 68 that are configured to receive removable fasteners 69 therethrough. More specifically, the mounting holes 68 are defined within complementary protrusions 70 on the sub-frame 55. The illustrative sub-frame 55 includes a first side portion 55a and a second side portion 55b that are positioned on the left and right sides of the vehicle 2, respectively, and together define a clamshell configuration of the sub-frame 55. The first protrusion 70a of the first side portion 55a is inwardly directed toward the longitudinal centerline L( Figure 1 ) and further extends toward a second protrusion 70b of the second side portion 55b, which also extends inwardly toward the longitudinal centerline L. In this manner, the first protrusion 70a and the second protrusion 70b further define the sub-frame 55 of the clamshell configuration and are coupled together by the fastener 69. When the side portions 55a, 55b of the sub-frame 55 are coupled together, the seat 42 can be supported thereon. Figures 2 to 4It will be appreciated in the illustrative embodiment that the protrusions 70a, 70b may be integrally formed with the respective side portions 55a, 55b.

[0051] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the sub-frame 55 further supports the taillight 72 so that no additional rear body panel is required to mount the taillight 72 to the vehicle 2. More specifically, the sub-frame 55 includes mounting members 74 that are coupled to the forward portion of the taillight 72 to support the taillight 72 directly on the sub-frame 55 rather than through an additional body panel. For example, in one embodiment, the mounting members 74 of the sub-frame 55 each include a hole that is configured to receive at least one removable fastener 76, such as Figure 6 The clamshell configuration of the subframe 55 also allows the housing 78 of the taillight 72 to be supported between the side portions 55a, 55b. The housing 78 can support various components of the taillight 72, such as wires, bulbs, and other such components.

[0052] Reference now Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The vehicle 2 is configured to support an operator and an occupant on the seat 42, and the vehicle 2 also includes a rear footrest or occupant footrest 80 for an occupant seated on the seat 42. Figure 8 As best shown, the vehicle 2 includes right and left footrest bars 80 that are coupled to a portion of the sub-frame 55. Illustratively, the footrest bars 80 each include a forward mounting portion 84 that is coupled to the sub-frame 55 via at least one removable fastener 86. In this manner, the footrest bars 80 are coupled to the sub-frame 55.

[0053] With respect to the footrest bar 80 on the right side of the vehicle 2, the right footrest bar 80 is further supported by a bracket 82. The illustrative right footrest bar 80 includes a rearward mounting portion 88 that is coupled to the bracket 82 via a removable fastener 90. The bracket 82 is secured to a portion of an exhaust assembly 92 of the vehicle 2, and more specifically, is permanently secured to a muffler 94 of the exhaust assembly 92 via a weld nut or other permanent coupling mechanism. Figure 7 As best shown, the bracket 82 is fixed to the inner portion and upper surface of the muffler 94 and extends upward therefrom. In this way, the muffler 94 is supported by the bracket 82 when the muffler 94 is suspended on the bracket.

[0054] Bracket 82 includes a mounting hole for receiving fastener 90. The hole includes a bushing 91 ( Figure 8 ) to isolate the footrest bar 80 from any vibration or other movement in the muffler 94. Figure 5In the illustrative embodiment of , it should be understood that the bracket 82 further supports the rearward portion of the shock absorber of the rear suspension assembly 40, and the fastener 90 can be configured to extend through the footrest bar 80, the bracket 82 and a portion of the shock absorber for coupling them together.

[0055] The footrest bar 80 further includes a tread portion 96 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline L ( Figure 1 ) extension. However, if Figure 8 As shown, the tread portion 96 can be configured to pivot forward and / or rearward about a pivot pin or member 98 to move the tread portion 96 between a closed position approximately parallel to the longitudinal centerline L and an open position approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline L.

[0056] Now refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , a portion of the drive assembly 12 is shown. In particular, the drive sprocket 16 is generally concealed by a cover 100 and a sprocket / chain guard 102. The cover 100 and sprocket / chain guard 102 are supported by the crankcase 28 and both include a rounded or curved forward portion that is configured to generally receive and enclose at least a portion of the drive sprocket 16. The sprocket / chain guard 102 is coupled to the cover 100 by removable fasteners and is positioned laterally inboard of the cover 100.

[0057] The illustrative sprocket / chain guard 102 includes a channel 104 defined intermediate an outer surface 106 and an inner surface 108 of the sprocket / chain guard 102. The channel 104 is configured to receive wires or other lines to prevent interference with the chain or belt 19, and also to conceal those wires or lines from external view of the vehicle 2. Illustratively, the inner surface 108 is positioned adjacent to the chain or belt 19, and the outer surface 106 defines an outer surface of the sprocket / chain guard 102 that is visible on the vehicle 2. In this manner, the channel 104 and the wires or lines housed therein are concealed from view of the vehicle 2, and are also concealed from view of the chain or belt 19. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the sprocket / chain guard 102 is configured as an extension of the cover 100 such that the sprocket / chain guard 102 and the cover 100 aesthetically complement each other.

[0058] In addition, if Fig.10 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the sprocket / chain guard 102 includes a plurality of inlets and / or outlets 110 , 112 , 114 , 116 through which wires or lines may be inserted into or removed from the passage 104 .

[0059] refer to FIG. 11A to FIG. 13The vehicle 2 further includes an air intake assembly 120 including an air box 122 supported within a portion of the main frame 52 and generally along the longitudinal centerline L( Figure 1 ) is positioned between the longitudinally extending upper member 56 and lower member 58. In one embodiment, the air box 122 is directly coupled to the engine 20 through a throttle body assembly, as further disclosed herein. The air box 122 includes an upper housing portion 124 and a lower housing portion 126 that are hingedly or removably coupled to each other. In this manner, the upper housing portion 124 can be opened or removed to expose an internal air volume 128. The air box 122 further includes a panel 125 that includes a filter 129 for filtering incoming air before it flows to the engine 20. The panel 125 is removably coupled to the upper housing portion 124 by fasteners 127, and the filter 129 extends longitudinally within the air volume 128 in front of the conduits 123, which are fluidly coupled to the engine 20. In operation, the air box 122 is configured to receive ambient air and flow the air through the air volume 128 to provide filtered air to the throttle body assembly 130 of the engine 20. More specifically, the housing lower portion 126 includes a first outlet 132 configured to align with and fluidly couple with a first throttle body 134 to provide filtered air to the front cylinder 24 for combustion therein. Additionally, the housing lower portion 126 includes a second outlet 136 configured to align with and fluidly couple with a second throttle body 138 to provide filtered air to the rear cylinder 26 for combustion therein.

[0060] Still reference FIG. 11A to FIG. 13 In order to couple the air box 122 with the throttle body assembly 130, a mounting plate 140 may be used. The mounting plate 140 is vertically positioned between the air box 122 and the throttle body assembly 130 such that the air box 122 is coupled to an upper surface 170 of the mounting plate 140 and the throttle body assembly 130 is coupled to a lower surface 172 of the mounting plate 140. More specifically, the mounting plate 140 is configured to couple to the lower surface 142 of the lower housing portion 126 of the air box 122 via top mounted fasteners 144. As shown in FIG. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown, fasteners 144 extend through the lower surface 142 and the upper surface of the mounting plate 140. In one embodiment, the mounting plate 140 includes a seal (illustratively a gasket 148) that includes holes 146 configured to receive the fasteners 144, such that the air box 122 is coupled to the mounting plate 140 through the seal 148. The fasteners 144 are configured to extend downwardly from the lower surface 142 of the air box 122 and through the upper surface 174 of the seal 148.

[0061] The seal 148 generally surrounds a body portion 150 of the mounting plate 140. The body portion 150 includes a first passage or sheath 152 configured to align with and fluidly couple with the first outlet 132 and the first throttle body 134, and a second passage or sheath 154 configured to align with and fluidly couple with the second outlet 136 and the second throttle body 138. The passages 152, 154 define a first flow path and a second flow path, respectively, through the mounting plate 140, thereby defining a first flow path from the first outlet 132 to the first throttle body 134 and a second flow path from the second outlet 136 to the second throttle body 138, respectively. The passages 152, 154 may be overmolded sheaths integral to the body portion 150. However, the passages 152, 154 are distinct and separate air flow paths that are spaced apart from one another through a portion of the body portion 150 to provide a measured volume of air to the first cylinder 24 and the second cylinder 26. The passages 152, 154 may be constructed of a polymer material and / or a metal material and are configured to seal against the lower surface 142 of the air box 122 and the throttle body assembly 130. In this manner, the mounting plate 140 is configured to facilitate alignment, sealing, and coupling of the air box 122 to the throttle body assembly 130.

[0062] The passages 152, 154 each include an upper portion 178 that extends upward from the body portion 150 and is configured to be at least partially received within the air box 122. More specifically, the upper portion 178 of the passage 152 is configured to be at least partially received within the first outlet 132 and to extend upward toward the air volume 128. Additionally, the upper portion 178 of the passage 154 is configured to be at least partially received within the second outlet 136 and to extend upward toward the air volume 128.

[0063] The passages 152, 154 each also include a lower portion 179 that extends downwardly from the body portion 150 and is configured to be at least partially received within the throttle body assembly 130 or to at least partially receive a portion of the throttle body assembly 130. More specifically, the lower portion 179 of the passage 152 is configured to be at least partially received within the first throttle body 134 or to receive a portion of the first throttle body 134. Additionally, the lower portion 179 of the passage 154 is configured to be at least partially received within the second throttle body 138 or to receive a portion of the second throttle body 138.

[0064] During assembly of the air box 122 on the vehicle 2, it will be appreciated that the mounting plate 140 is first attached to the throttle body assembly 130 through the lower portion 179 of the passages 152, 154. The air box 122 is then positioned on top of the mounting plate 140 and one fastener 144 is received through a hole in the lower housing portion 126 within a portion of the air volume 128, such as Fig. 11B Additional fasteners 144 are positioned at and received through holes 143, 145 of the housing upper portion 124 and the housing lower portion 126, respectively, and as shown in FIG. Fig. 11B As shown, the holes 143, 145 are located along the periphery of the housing portions 124, 126. The air box 122 is positioned adjacent to the upper surface 170 of the mounting plate 140 and coupled thereto by fasteners 144.

[0065] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the vehicle 2 includes an electrical assembly 160, which may include various electrical components. In one embodiment, the electrical assembly 160 includes the taillight 72 and other light components, as further disclosed herein. Additionally, the electrical assembly 160 may include an anti-lock braking system or assembly ("ABS") module 162, which is also supported on a portion of the frame assembly 50, such as Fig.14 As shown herein, the ABS module 162 is positioned directly on the swing arm 54 ( Figure 1 ) above a portion of the vehicle. The ABS module 162 is operably coupled to brakes on the front wheels 8 and / or the rear wheels 9, respectively, to facilitate braking in response to operator input.

[0066] To protect the ABS module 162 from experiencing increased heat from the engine 20, a heat shield 164 is positioned longitudinally intermediate the rear cylinder 26 and the ABS module 162. More specifically, the heat shield 164 is positioned longitudinally intermediate the cylinder head 30 of the rear cylinder 26 and the ABS module 162. The heat shield 164 may also include a support member 166 for supporting the ABS module 162 on the frame assembly 50. Illustratively, the support member 166 may be integral with the heat shield 164 such that the heat shield 164 and the support member 166 are a single piece or component. However, in other embodiments, the support member 166 may be removably coupled to the heat shield 164 via a removable fastener. The support member 166 is coupled to the frame assembly 50, specifically, to the coupling member 60 of the main frame 52, via a removable fastener 168.

[0067] Refer to Figures 16 to Fig.29 , the vehicle 2 is configured to support a plurality of accessories that can be removed and added to the vehicle 2 depending on the operator. For example, as shown in FIG. Fig.19As shown, the vehicle 2 is configured to include a windshield or windshield 180. The vehicle 2 is configured to receive and support a plurality of windshields 180, as shown in FIGS. Fig.19 The windshields 180 and 180' are shown respectively. Fig.19 Vehicle 2 may support windshields of additional configurations beyond those shown, such as windshields having larger or smaller concave lower surfaces and windshields having longer or shorter vertical lengths, as further disclosed herein.

[0068] Still referring to Figure 16 to Fig.19 , the windshield 180 is positioned longitudinally forward of the handlebars of the steering assembly 32 and generally above the triangular chock assembly 34 and the front fork 36. More specifically, the windshield 180 includes a windshield portion 182 illustratively constructed of polycarbonate and a support assembly 184 configured to couple the portion 182 to the vehicle 2. In one embodiment, the windshield 180 is configured to be supported on a housing or carrier 186 for a headlight 188 of the vehicle 2. The carrier 186 can be coupled to a compartment or housing 183 that is received by a removable fastener 187 ( FIG. 16 ) through an aperture 185 ( FIG. 16 ). Figure 1 ) is coupled to the triangular nip assembly 34. The compartment 183 is configured to conceal the carrier 186 and is positioned longitudinally forward thereof, however, various embodiments of the vehicle 2 may not include the compartment 183.

[0069] Illustratively, the support assembly 184 includes a first frame member 190 and a second frame member 192 configured to be removably coupled to a threaded boss 194 on a rear side or surface 196 of the carrier 186 via a removable fastener 198. The first frame member 190 includes an upper arm 200 defining a first grommet or mount 202 for coupling to a first location 204 on the portion 182 of the windshield 180. The upper arm 200 also includes a second mount 206 configured to receive the fastener 198 and configured to couple with the threaded boss 194 of the carrier 186. The first frame member 190 also includes a lower arm 208 defining a third grommet or mount 210 for coupling to a second location 212 on the portion 182 of the windshield 180. Similarly, the second frame member 192 includes an upper arm 214 defining a fourth grommet or mounting 216 for coupling to a third location 218 on the portion 182 of the windshield 180. The upper arm 214 also includes a fifth mounting 220 configured to receive the fastener 198 and configured to couple with the threaded boss 194 of the carrier 186. The second frame member 192 also includes a lower arm 222 defining a sixth grommet or mounting 224 for coupling to a fourth location 226 on the portion 182 of the windshield 180. It will be appreciated that the mountings 206, 220 are bent plates welded to the arms 200, 214, respectively, and allow the fastener 198 (e.g., a screw) to be received within the boss 194 on the rear surface 196 of the carrier 186. In one embodiment, the boss 194 is a die cast and integral with the carrier 186.

[0070] The support assembly 184 can also be used with windshields 180 of different configurations, such as Fig.19 The windshield is 180'. Fig.19 As shown, the vertical length 230' of the windshield 180' is longer than the vertical length 230 of the windshield 180 of FIG. 16. The vertical length 230 of the windshield 180 is defined as the length extending substantially vertically between the lower surface 232 and the upper surface 234 of the windshield 180, while the vertical length 230' of the windshield 180' is defined as the length extending substantially vertically between the upper surface 234' and the lower surface 232' of the windshield 180'. The lower surfaces 232, 232' of the windshields 180, 180' include recessed portions 236, 236', respectively, which are configured to receive a portion of the carrier 186 and the compartment 183. As shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, the recessed portion 236' of the windshield 180' spans a lateral extent that is less than Fig.18The recessed portion 236 of the windshield 180 spans a lateral range of , but is still configured to receive a portion of the carrier 186, so that a variety of windshields can be used on the vehicle 2. Although the cabin 183 is also used on the vehicle 2, it may not be used on the vehicle 2. Fig.19 Although the vehicle 2 is not limited to the windshield 180', various windshield configurations may be used with or without the cabin 183 on the vehicle 2. The additional windshields may include the vertical length 230 of the windshield 180 and the smaller recessed portion 236' of the windshield 180', or may include the vertical length 230' of the windshield 180' and the larger recessed portion 236 of the windshield 180. In this manner, the vehicle 2 is configured to support multiple windshields thereon.

[0071] To couple the windshield to the vehicle 2, if the vehicle 2 includes the compartment 183, first remove the fasteners 187 received through the holes 185 ( Figure 1 ) to remove the cabin 183 from the front fork 36. The carrier 186 is then exposed and can be removed from the delta chock assembly 34 by removing the fasteners (not shown) extending through the holes 189 at the lower delta chock 34a and the upper delta chock 34b. The headlight 188 can be unplugged and removed from the vehicle 2. With the headlight 188 removed, the support assembly 184 is coupled to the carrier 186 via the fasteners 198 and the bosses 194. With the support assembly 184 in place, the headlight 188 and carrier 186 can be reattached to the vehicle 2. The cabin 183 is then reattached to the front fork 36, and the portion 182 is then positioned on the upper surface of the cabin 183 and attached to the support assembly 184 via the grommets 202, 210, 216, 224.

[0072] refer to Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The vehicle 2 is further configured to support an accessory exhaust assembly 92'. Figure 5 Compared with the exhaust assembly 92, Fig. 20 The exhaust assembly 92' can be configured as a high-mount exhaust assembly so that the muffler 94' is vertically positioned on the vehicle 2 to be higher than the muffler 94'. Figure 5 The muffler 94 is higher. At least the muffler 94' is supported at the rear end 6 of the vehicle 2 by a support frame 240. The support frame 240 is coupled to the sub-frame 55 of the frame assembly 50 by a mounting bracket 242. The support frame 240 includes arms 262 having couplings 264 integrally formed therewith.

[0073] As further disclosed herein, the mounting bracket 242 is configured to support a plurality of accessories at the rear end 6 of the vehicle 2. Fig. 20 and Fig.21As shown, the mounting bracket 242 can be constructed of a metal material (e.g., sheet metal, such as coated steel) and includes a body portion 244, a lower mounting lug 246 extending from the body portion 244, and an upper mounting lug 248 extending from the body portion 244. The lugs 246, 248 can be integrally formed with the body portion 244 and include holes 250, 254, respectively. In addition, the body portion 244 can include an additional hole 252 positioned generally adjacent to the hole 250 of the lower mounting lug 246. The mounting bracket 242 is configured to be coupled to the sub-frame through a mounting hole or boss 256 on the sub-frame 55. In particular, the removable fastener 258 is configured to extend through the hole 254 of the upper mounting lug 248 and be received in the mounting hole 256 of the sub-frame 55.

[0074] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 242 extends below a handle 260 for positioning an occupant on the seat 42. If desired, the handle 260 can be removed from the vehicle 2. Fig. 20 and Fig.28 As best shown, the handle 260 at least partially conceals the fasteners 258 to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle 2. For example, the handle 260 may be initially removed from the vehicle 2, the mounting bracket 242 may then be coupled to the subframe 55 via the fasteners 258, and the handle 260 may then be reattached to the vehicle 2, and this assembly sequence may allow the handle 260 to conceal the fasteners 258 to prevent any visible mounting or attachment points.

[0075] To support the accessory exhaust assembly 92' on the vehicle, the coupling 264 of the arm 262 is aligned with the hole 250 of the lower mounting lug 246 and is configured to receive a removable fastener 266 therein. In this manner, the support frame 240 couples at least the muffler 94' of the accessory exhaust assembly 92' to the sub-frame 55 along the right side of the vehicle 2 via the mounting bracket 242.

[0076] refer to Fig. 22 and Fig.23 , the mounting bracket 242 is also configured to support other accessories (such as a bag rack 270) on the sub-frame 55. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 242 on the left side of the vehicle 2 can support the bag rack 270, while the mounting bracket 242 on the right side of the vehicle 2 can support other accessories (such as the accessory exhaust assembly 92'). In this way, the mounting bracket 242 is configured to support multiple accessories on the vehicle 2 at the same time. Alternatively, both the mounting brackets 242 on the right and left sides of the vehicle 2 can be connected to the bag rack 270.

[0077] like Fig. 22 and Fig.23As shown, the bag frame 270 includes a main portion 272 configured to receive a bag, a first support arm 274, and a second support arm 276. The main portion 272 includes mounting lugs 278, each of which has a hole 280 configured to receive a removable fastener 282. The bag frame 270 is further coupled to the frame assembly 50 via the mounting lugs 284 of the first support arm 274, such that a removable fastener 286 is received through the hole 288 of the mounting lug 284 to couple the first support arm 274 to a mounting hole 290 of the sub-frame 55. In addition, the bag frame 270 is further coupled to the frame assembly 50 via the mounting lugs 292 of the second support arm 276, such that a removable fastener 294 is received through the hole 296 of the mounting lug 292 to couple the second support arm 276 to a mounting hole 298 of the rear mounting portion 88 of the footrest bar 80.

[0078] refer to Fig.24 and Fig.25 The vehicle 2 is further configured to support an accessory license plate holder 300'. The license plate holder 300 ( Figure 1 ) can be below the accessory license plate holder 300'( Fig.24 and Fig.25 ) is supported on the vehicle 2, thereby making the accessory license plate holder 300' a high-mounted license plate holder. In addition, the mounting bracket 242 can be used to connect the accessory license plate holder 300' to the sub-frame 55.

[0079] More specifically, the accessory license plate holder 300' includes a license plate portion 302, a support frame 304, and other components 306 (such as accessory lights). The support frame 304 is coupled to the mounting bracket 242 by fasteners 308, 309, which are received in mounting holes 310 on the support frame 304 and holes 250 of the mounting bracket 242.

[0080] The mounting bracket 242 further couples the fender and / or fender 312 to the subframe 55 and the supporting frame 304 of the accessory license plate holder 300'. The fender 312 includes mounting holes 314 that are configured to receive removable fasteners 316. The fasteners 316 extend through the mounting holes 314 on the fender 312, through the holes 252 on the mounting bracket 242, and are received in the mounting holes 318 on the supporting frame 304.

[0081] The mounting bracket 242 itself is coupled to the mounting holes 256 on the sub-frame 55 by fasteners 258 that extend through the holes 254 on the mounting lugs 248. The mounting holes 256 on the sub-frame 55 are positioned below the threaded bosses 320, wherein the threaded bosses 320 are configured to receive removable fasteners 322 to couple the handle 260 to the vehicle 2. More specifically, the fasteners 322 are received through the mounting holes 324 on the alternative handle 260' and extend into the threaded bosses 320 to allow the handle 260 for the occupant to be coupled to the sub-frame 55. When the accessory license plate holder 300' and the fender 312 are coupled to the sub-frame 55, the mounting bracket 242 and the handle 260' can remain on the vehicle 2, and the support frame 304 is coupled to the lateral inner side of the mounting bracket 242, and the fender 312 is coupled to the lateral outer side of the mounting bracket 242. After the handle 260' is coupled to the vehicle, it may be necessary to couple the fender 312 to the vehicle 2 because a portion of the fender 312 may conceal a lower portion of the handle 260 when attached to the vehicle 2. Fig.25 As shown, handle 260 ′ differs from handle 260 in that handle 260 ′ includes a turn signal light 370 .

[0082] refer to Fig.26 and Fig. 27 The vehicle 2 may also be configured to support a luggage or cargo rack 330 on the vehicle 2. Illustratively, the luggage rack assembly 330 may be defined by a first luggage rack 332 having a coupling 334 for mounting to the sub-frame 55, or alternatively, may be defined by a second luggage rack 336 having a coupling 338 for mounting to the sub-frame 55. Fig. 27 As shown, the second luggage rack 336 may include a platform 337 for securing cargo thereto. In one embodiment, the first luggage rack 332 may be coupled to the vehicle 2 when the bag rack 270 is also used. However, the first luggage rack 332 and the second luggage rack 336 may be used with additional components and accessories of the vehicle 2. The first luggage rack 332 or the second luggage rack 336 may be coupled to the threaded boss 320 of the sub-frame 55 using a removable fastener 339. It will be appreciated that when the luggage rack 332 or 336 is coupled to the sub-frame 55, the passenger handle 260 is removed from the vehicle 2, however, the luggage racks 332, 336 may be used as passenger handles in addition to supporting cargo thereon.

[0083] Reference Fig.28 and Fig.29 , the vehicle 2 may also support an accessory seat cover 340. The seat cover 340 is positioned on the seat 42 ( Figure 1) and can be positioned over the passenger portion of the seat 42. The seat cover 340 is also coupled to a portion of the sub-frame 55 by the plate 342. More specifically, the plate 342 is coupled to the seat cover 340 by removable fasteners 344, which are received through holes 350 on the plate 342 and are also received through couplings 346 and holes 348 of the seat cover 340. The plate 342 is also coupled to the handles 260, 260' by fasteners 322, which are received through holes 352 of the plate 342 and are received within the threaded bosses 320 of the sub-frame 55. In this way, the seat cover 340 and the handle 260 are coupled together by the plate 342. To attach the seat cover 340 to the vehicle 2, the handle 260 can first be removed, the seat cover 340 can be coupled to the vehicle 2, and then the handle 260 can be reattached to the vehicle 2.

[0084] like Fig.28 and Fig.29 As shown, the seat cover 340 is positioned above the mounting bracket 242 so that the mounting bracket 242 can be used to couple with another accessory of the vehicle 2 so that the operator can use the seat cover 340 and the additional accessory at the same time. Fig.28 As shown, the vehicle 2 is also configured to support a side number plate 360. The side number plate 360 ​​can be used to identify a racing number or other such indicia and is mounted to the subframe 55 via the mounting bracket 242 and the frame assembly 362. In one embodiment, the frame assembly 362 is coupled to the mounting bracket 242 via removable fasteners 364, 366, which are received through the holes 250, 252 of the mounting bracket 242, respectively. The side number plate 360 ​​can be attached to the seat cover 340 or other accessories (e.g., Fig. 20 The accessory exhaust assembly 92' or high license plate holder 300' ( Fig.24 ))Connected to the vehicle.

[0085] As disclosed herein, the mounting bracket 242 is configured for simultaneous and individual coupling with a plurality of accessories for the vehicle 2. More specifically, the mounting bracket 242 allows various accessories to be coupled to both the lateral inboard and lateral outboard sides thereof, and includes a plurality of dedicated accessory holes 250, 252 such that a plurality of accessories may be simultaneously coupled to the vehicle 2 through the mounting bracket 242. Various accessories may be coupled to the mounting bracket through the dedicated accessory holes 250, 252, while the handle 260 or other vehicle component or accessory may be coupled to the sub-frame 55 through the boss 320 located above the mounting bracket 242. Additionally, because at least the handle 260 conceals at least the fastener 258, the mounting point of the mounting bracket 242 is concealed from an external view of the vehicle 2, thereby improving the aesthetics of the vehicle 2.

[0086] The list of accessories disclosed herein, such as windshields 180, 180'; high exhaust assembly 92'; bag holder 270; high license plate holder 300'; fender 312; luggage rack 32, 336; seat cover 340; handle 260'; and side number plate 360, does not define an exhaustive list of accessories that may be accommodated on vehicle 2. For example, additional accessories (such as accessory seats, lights, and / or other components) may be supported on vehicle 2.

[0087] Additional details of vehicle 2 may be disclosed in U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 911,343 (attorney docket number PLR-12-28125.01P-US), filed on March 5, 2018, entitled “TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE,” the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0088] Although the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variation, use, or modification made to the present invention using the general principles of the present invention. Further, the present application is intended to cover deviations from the present disclosure that fall within known or customary practices in the field to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A two-wheeled vehicle comprising: a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally extending centerline, and The front end of the frame assembly is configured to support at least a first accessory, and The rear end of the frame assembly is configured to support at least a second accessory on a laterally outer side thereof and a third accessory on a laterally inner side thereof, the first accessory being different from the second accessory and different from the third accessory; a mounting bracket coupled to the frame assembly and configured to support the second accessory and the third accessory, wherein the mounting bracket is positioned such that the second accessory and the third accessory are coupled to a laterally outboard side and a laterally inboard side of the mounting bracket; a front contact member operably coupled to a front end of the frame assembly at a front axis of rotation; a rear ground contact member operably coupled to a rear end of the frame assembly at a rear axis of rotation; and An engine is supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front and rear contact members.

2. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a headlight assembly, and the first accessory is a windshield configured to be coupled to a portion of the headlight assembly.

3. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The headlight assembly includes a lamp, and a carrier configured to support the lamp, and the windshield is coupled to a rear surface of the carrier.

4. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The windshield includes a windshield portion and a supporting frame assembly, and the supporting frame assembly includes a plurality of grommets configured for coupling with the windshield portion.

5. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The second accessory and the third accessory each include at least one of: a high mounted exhaust assembly, a high mounted license plate holder, a rear fender, a bag support member, a seat cover, an occupant handle, a luggage rack, and a side number plate.

6. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 5, further comprising: A mounting bracket is coupled to the frame assembly at the rear end and includes upper and lower mounting portions, and the upper mounting portions support the mounting bracket on the frame assembly and the lower mounting portions are configured to support at least one of the second accessory and the third accessory.

7. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The lower mounting portions define a first plurality of holes and a second plurality of holes.

8. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The rear end of the frame assembly defines a sub-frame, and the sub-frame is removably coupled to a main frame defining a front end of the frame assembly.

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