Vehicle frame

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a frame (12) of a two-wheeled vehicle (10), the method comprising: providing a first frame element (202, 502, 504) and a second frame element (204, 604, 602) of the frame (12), wherein the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) are made of dissimilar materials; positioning an intermediate member (300, 310) between the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602); connecting one end (302, 312) of the intermediate member (300) with one of the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) by a solid-state welding process; and connecting another end (304, 310) of the intermediate member (300) opposite the one end (302, 312) with the other of the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) by an electric arc welding process to form at least a portion of the frame (12) of the two-wheeled vehicle (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle, and more specifically to a vehicle frame structure. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles, especially those constructed as rideable vehicles such as motorcycles and motorized scooters, include a main frame to support various components, such as the rocker arm, engine, and seat. The main frame bears the loads generated by these components. The main frame includes various components, such as the head tube, down tube, various lateral components, brackets, or struts. These various components, connected together, form the main frame that supports the aforementioned parts.

[0003] Conventionally, to connect these different components to form the main frame, these components are connected using conventional processes such as welding and bolting. For example, transverse members are welded to other parts of the main frame. In this case, to ensure sufficient strength for the transverse members and their joints, the thickness of the transverse members and their joints needs to have at least a predetermined strength. This tends to increase the weight of the main frame.

[0004] In addition, in order to connect one component, such as a transverse member, to another component, such as an upper frame member, using welding, the two components must be made of similar materials. This tends to limit the choice of using components of different materials within a single frame structure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a frame for a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The method includes: providing a first frame element and a second frame element, wherein the first frame element and the second frame element are made of dissimilar materials; positioning an intermediate member between the first frame element and the second frame element; connecting one end of the intermediate member to one of the first frame element and the second frame element by a solid-state welding process; and connecting the other end of the intermediate member opposite to one end to the other of the first frame element and the second frame element by an arc welding process to form at least a portion of the frame for the two-wheeled vehicle.

[0006] This construction allows the frame to be made from different materials, thus allowing for a lighter frame weight without compromising structural stability. The method of this invention also allows for the manufacture of complex-shaped components of the frame from dissimilar materials, which can then be connected to other components / sub-components to make the frame more economical to manufacture.

[0007] In one embodiment, the intermediate member is made of a material similar to at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element.

[0008] In one embodiment, the solid-state welding process is a friction welding process. Further, friction welding is performed by displacing at least one of the intermediate components and one of the first and second frame elements relative to each other.

[0009] Friction welding is used to join components of dissimilar materials to form a frame or at least a portion thereof, which has reduced weight.

[0010] In one embodiment, the arc welding process is MIG welding.

[0011] In one embodiment, one of the first frame element and the second frame element is housed in a clamp for connecting the intermediate member.

[0012] In one embodiment, the intermediate member and one of the first frame element and the second frame element are made of ferrous material.

[0013] In one embodiment, the intermediate member and one of the first frame element and the second frame element are made of a non-ferrous metal material.

[0014] Therefore, workers can easily use MIG welding to weld the first component to the second frame component housed in the fixture or fastener without interfering with the fixture.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a frame for a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The frame for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a first frame element, a second frame element, wherein the first frame element and the second frame element are made of dissimilar materials; and an intermediate member connecting the first frame element and the second frame element, wherein one end of the intermediate member is connected to one of the first frame element and the second frame element by a solid-state welding process, and the other end of the intermediate member opposite to one end is connected to the other of the first frame element and the second frame element by an arc welding process.

[0016] Therefore, this invention allows for the connection of frame elements made of different materials. Thus, one of the frame elements, such as a first frame element and a second frame element, may be made of steel, while the other frame element may be made of a different material, such as aluminum. Therefore, this invention allows for weight reduction of the frame by allowing various frame elements to be made of different materials and materials that are lighter than others.

[0017] In one embodiment, the intermediate member is made of a material similar to that of at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element.

[0018] In one embodiment, the intermediate member and at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element are made of ferrous material.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element is made of a non-ferrous metal material.

[0020] Friction welding is used to join components of dissimilar materials to form a frame or at least a portion thereof, which has reduced weight. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The invention itself, as well as other features and advantages noted, will become apparent from the following specific embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and in the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A view of the frame of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A view of the frame elements according to an embodiment of the present invention before connection is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 A view of a frame element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein one end of the intermediate member is connected;

[0026] Figure 5 A view of a frame element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein both ends of the intermediate member are connected;

[0027] Figure 6 A perspective view of the pivot plate of the frame of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Side view;

[0029] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 7 The sectional view of AA shown; and

[0030] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 7 The sectional view of BB shown;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a pivot plate of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle frame according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, the accompanying drawings mentioned in this specification should not be construed as being drawn to scale, and such drawings are merely illustrative in nature. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Although the invention is readily adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, embodiments of the invention have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0034] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an arrangement, structure, or method that includes a list of components or steps may include not only those components or steps, but may also include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such arrangement, structure, or method. In other words, unless further constraints are imposed, the inclusion of one or more elements in a system or apparatus that begins with “comprising…one” does not exclude the presence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0035] To better understand the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and the following description, and in the drawings below, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same parts in various views.

[0036] However, although the invention has been described in the context of vehicles, the frame body and its aspects and features can also be used with other types of vehicles. The terms "vehicle," "two-wheeled vehicle," and "motorcycle" are used interchangeably throughout the specification. The term "vehicle" includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter-type vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), etc.

[0037] The terms “forward,” “backward,” “upward,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” used in this article refer to the directions seen by the rider when straddling the vehicle, and these directions are indicated by the arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, and R in the accompanying drawings.

[0038] As used herein, the term "solid-state welding process" refers to a welding process in which two or more parts / components / elements of a frame are joined by relative movement to each other and subsequent application of converging pressure. This welding process can fuse two or more parts without the need for filler material, while limiting such fusion to being achieved by applying pressure and relative movement during the molten portion of such two or more parts. The terms "solid-state welding process" and "arc welding" are used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0039] As used herein, the term "arc welding process" refers to a welding process in which filler material is continuously fed between two or more components to be joined together. This filler material can be configured to melt and join the two or more components, while also being responsible for generating an electric arc between the two or more components to be joined. The terms "arc welding process" and "MIG welding" are used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 The image shows a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle (10) referred to herein is implemented as a two-wheeled motorcycle. Alternatively, without limiting the scope of the invention, the vehicle (10) may be implemented as any other riding vehicle, such as a scooter, tricycle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), etc.

[0041] The vehicle (10) includes one or more main body sections such as a frame (12), handlebars (14), a front wheel (16), a rear wheel (18), an engine (200) also referred to as a power unit (200), a headlight (22), and a fuel tank (24). The frame (12) supports the engine (200) located in the middle section of the vehicle (10). In the example shown, the engine (200) provides the necessary power to drive the rear wheel (18) of the vehicle (10). Alternatively, without limiting the scope of the invention, the engine (200) may provide the necessary power to drive the front wheel (16), or simultaneously drive the front wheel (16) and the rear wheel (18). The rear wheel (18) is connected to the engine (200) via a transmission mechanism (not labeled). The fuel tank (24) supplies the necessary fuel to the engine (200) to generate power within the vehicle (10).

[0042] Reference Figure 2 The vehicle (10) includes a frame (12). The frame (12) is formed by integrally connecting a plurality of parts and components. In the example shown, a frame (12) with a specific construction is disclosed. Alternatively, the frame (12) may have a different main frame construction typically associated with motorcycles, but this does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0043] The frame (12) includes a head tube (124), a lower frame member (125), and an upper frame member (126). The head tube (124) includes an upper portion (124a) and a lower portion (124b). The upper frame member (126) extends downward and rearward from the head tube (124) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10). Specifically, the upper frame member (126) extends downward and rearward from the upper portion (124a) of the head tube (124) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10). The upper frame member (126) supports the fuel tank (114).

[0044] The lower frame member (125) extends downward and rearward from the head tube (124) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) and is positioned below the upper frame member (126). Specifically, the upper frame member (126) extends downward and rearward from the upper portion (124a) of the head tube (124) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) and is positioned below the head tube (124) and at an angle relative to the upper frame member (126). The lower frame member (125) is connected to a pivot plate (600) at its other end. Alternatively, one or more frame members are connected to the pivot plate to connect to the other end of the upper frame member (126). The lower frame member (125) supports the power unit (110) (in Figure 1 (shown in the figure). The head tube (124) is a cylindrical member that supports the steering assembly (104) and the front ground engagement member (16). The steering shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported on the head tube (124). The fork tilts at substantially the same tilt angle as the head tube (124).

[0045] The frame (12) includes a left seat rail member (123), also referred to as a first seat rail member (123), and a right seat rail member (127), also referred to as a second seat rail member (127). The left seat rail member (123) and the right seat rail member (127) extend rearward from the upper frame member (126). The left seat rail member (123) and the right seat rail member (127) support the seat (116) of the vehicle (10).

[0046] The frame (12) includes a left sub-frame member (131), also referred to as a first sub-frame member (131), and a right sub-frame member (133), also referred to as a second sub-frame member (133). The left sub-frame member (131) extends between the left seat rail member (123) and the first transverse member (170). The right sub-frame member (133) extends between the right seat rail member (127) and the first transverse member (170). The left sub-frame member (131) and the right sub-frame member (133) provide support for the left seat rail member (123) and the right seat rail member (127), respectively.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The frame (12) of the vehicle (10) also includes a first frame element (202) and a second frame element (204). The first frame element (202) has a first end portion (202a). Similarly, the second frame element (204) has a second end portion (204a). An intermediate member (300) having a first end (302) and a second end (304) is used to connect the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204).

[0048] In one embodiment, for simplicity, consider that the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) are connected at one location on the frame (12). The first frame element (202) is rigidly positioned and / or held in a fixture, while the intermediate member (300) is connected to the second frame element (204) using a solid-state welding process. Alternatively, the first frame element (202) may also be held in at least one of the robotic line or frame suspension components. Figure 3 As shown, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the second end portion (204a) of the second frame element (204) using a solid-state welding process. In one embodiment, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the second end portion (204a) of the second frame element (204) using a friction welding process. More specifically, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the second end portion (204a) of the second frame element (204) using a friction welding process that forms a butt joint. In one example, the intermediate member (300) is made of steel, and at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is made of a non-ferrous metal material. In another example, the intermediate member (300) is made of steel, and at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is made of aluminum (Al). In yet another example, the intermediate member (300) is made of steel, and at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is made of magnesium (Mg).

[0049] On the other hand, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the first end portion (202a) of the first frame element (202) using a welding process other than friction welding. In one embodiment, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the first end portion (202a) of the first frame element (202) using an arc welding process. Specifically, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the first end portion (202a) of the second frame element (204) using a spot welding process. Alternatively, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the first end portion (202a) of the first frame element (202) using a MIG welding process.

[0050] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the first end portion (202a) of the first frame element (202) using a friction welding process. In the same embodiment, the first end portion (302) of the intermediate member (300) can be connected to the second end portion (204a) of the second frame element (204) using a welding process other than friction welding. The intermediate member (300) is made of a material different from at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204). In one embodiment, the intermediate member (300) is made of a material different from the first frame element (202). Alternatively, the intermediate member (300) is made of a material different from the second frame element (204).

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is made of ferrous material. In another embodiment, at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is made of steel. In one example, the first frame element (202) is made of steel, and the second frame element (204) is made of a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum. In another example, the second frame element (204) is made of steel, and the first frame element (202) is made of a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum. Alternatively, the second frame element (204) may be made of zinc.

[0052] In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides frame elements, such as a first frame element (202) and a second frame element (204), connected using friction welding and conventional welding processes. Therefore, the present invention allows for the connection of frame elements made of different materials. Thus, one of the frame elements, such as the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204), may be made of steel, while the other frame element may be made of another material, such as aluminum. Therefore, the present invention allows for weight reduction of the frame by allowing various frame elements to be constructed from different materials and materials that are lighter than others.

[0053] Without limiting the scope of the invention, the invention will now be explained by way of an example of a pivot plate (600).

[0054] Now refer to Figure 6The frame (12) of the vehicle (10) includes a lower tube element (500) having a first lower tube member (502) and a second lower tube member (504). The second lower tube member (504) may be positioned at an angle relative to the first lower tube member (502). The first lower tube member (502) includes a first end portion (502a). Similarly, the second lower tube member (504) includes a first end portion (502b). For simplicity, the first lower tube member (502) including the first end portion (502a) and the second lower tube member (504) including the first end portion (502b) are collectively referred to as the “lower frame member (125)”.

[0055] The frame (12) of the vehicle (10) also includes a plate member (600) having a first top portion (602), a second top portion (604), and a body portion (606). In one example, the plate member (600) [or interchangeably referred to as "pivot plate (600)"] is implemented as a pivot plate. For simplicity, the plate member (600) and its components / parts are collectively referred to as "pivot plate (600)".

[0056] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the frame (12) of the vehicle (10) includes an intermediate member (300). In the disclosed embodiment, there are two intermediate members, so it can be said that the intermediate member (300) includes a first intermediate member (300) and a second intermediate member (310). The first intermediate member (300) includes a first end (302) and a second end (304). In the same manner, the second intermediate member (310) includes a first end (312) and a second end (314).

[0057] In one embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, consider that the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600) are connected at one location on the frame (12). The lower frame (126) is rigidly positioned in and / or held in a fixture, while the intermediate member (300) is connected to the pivot plate (600) using a solid-state welding process. Alternatively, the lower frame (125) may also be held in at least one of the robot production line or frame suspension components. The intermediate member (300) is then connected to the lower frame (126) together with the pivot plate (600) using an arc welding process between the intermediate member (300) and the lower frame member (125). Alternatively, the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) are connected using an arc welding process and then connected to the lower frame (126) using a solid-state welding process.

[0058] Turn now Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9To illustrate an embodiment of the invention, in which the pivot plate (600) and the lower frame member (125) are connected at two locations on the frame. Figure 7 As shown, each of the first intermediate member (300) and the second intermediate member (310) has a hollow cylindrical profile. Alternatively, the first intermediate member (300) and the second intermediate member (310) may have the same, similar or different profiles without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0059] The second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to at least one of the first top portion (602) and the second top portion (604) using a solid-state welding process such as friction welding. Specifically, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the first top portion (602) using friction welding, and the second end (314) of the intermediate member (310) is connected to the second top portion (604) using friction welding. This solid-state welding process is used to connect the intermediate member (300) and the plate member (600) due to differences in material composition, indicating that the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) are made of dissimilar (or different) materials.

[0060] On the other hand, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to at least one of the first end portions (502a) and the first end portions (502b) using an arc welding process such as metal inert gas welding (also known as MIG welding), which is different from friction welding. In one embodiment, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to at least one of the first end portions (502a) and the first end portions (502b) using a spot welding process.

[0061] In one example, the intermediate member (300) is made of ferrous material, and at least one of the lower tube element (500) and plate element (600) is made of non-ferrous metal material. In another example, the intermediate member (300) is made of steel, and at least one of the lower tube element (500) and plate element (600) is made of aluminum (Al). In yet another example, the intermediate member (300) is made of steel, and at least one of the lower tube element (500) and plate element (600) is made of magnesium (Mg).

[0062] Furthermore, in another example, the intermediate member (300) is made of sheet metal, and the plate member (600) is made of non-ferrous metal material. In another example, the intermediate member (300) is made of steel, and the plate member (600) is made of aluminum (Al). In yet another example, the intermediate member (300) is made of steel, and the plate member (600) is made of magnesium (Mg).

[0063] Thus, the intermediate member (300) is made of a material different from at least one of the lower tube element (500) and the plate member (600), while ensuring that the material of the intermediate member (300) is the same as at least one of the lower tube element (500) and the plate member (600). In one embodiment, the intermediate member (300) is made of a material different from that of the lower tube element (500), while this material is similar to that of the plate member (600). In another embodiment, the intermediate member (300) is made of a material different from that of the plate member (600), while this material is similar to that of the lower tube element (500).

[0064] In one embodiment, at least one of the first lower tube member (502) and the second lower tube member (504) is made of ferrous material. In another embodiment, at least one of the first lower tube member (502) and the second lower tube member (504) is made of steel. In one example, the first frame element (202) is made of steel or an ferrous alloy such as steel.

[0065] Now refer to Figure 6 The diagram shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a frame (12) of a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of described method boxes can be combined in any order to implement the method. Furthermore, individual boxes may be removed from the method without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.

[0067] At box 001, the lower frame member (125) and pivot plate (600) of the frame (12) to be assembled are properly positioned and aligned. In this invention, the lower frame member (125) relating to the lower tube element (500) is positioned and held in a fixture (not shown). The fixture is configured to hold other components of the frame (12), including but not limited to the head tube (124), the lower frame member (125) and the upper frame member (126), while the intermediate component (300) and the pivot plate (600), referred to as the pivot plate (600), are moved away from the fixture for sub-assembly.

[0068] At box 002, an intermediate member (300) is selected such that it can be aligned and properly positioned between the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600). The intermediate member (300) is concentric, coaxial, or circumferential with respect to the lower frame member (126) and the pivot plate (600). When positioning the intermediate member (300), a selective connection is performed with at least one of the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600), as shown in box 003. This connection can be performed by taking into account factors such as, but not limited to, the materials of each of the intermediate member (300), the lower frame member (125), and the pivot plate (600).

[0069] For example, if the intermediate member (300) and the lower frame (126) are made of similar materials, and the second component (500) is made of a different material, then preferably, the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) are first joined using a solid-state welding process. Solid-state welding is initially performed when relative movement is to be performed between two components made of different materials, which may be infeasible for moving the lower frame (126) positioned in the fixture. However, this aspect of the invention is not limiting; when the intermediate member (300) and the lower frame (126) are made of different materials, the intermediate member (300) can be displaced relative to the lower frame (126), which is positioned in the fixture, for joining using a solid-state welding process. In any case, one end of the intermediate member (300) is joined to at least one of the lower frame (126) and the pivot plate (600) by a solid-state welding process.

[0070] In block 004, the other end of the intermediate member (300) away from the end joined using a solid-state welding process is joined to the remaining one of the lower frame (126) and the pivot plate (600) by an arc welding process. This connection is performed, for example, by first joining the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) using a solid-state welding process, and then joining the intermediate member (300) to the lower frame member (125) using a solid-state welding process. Alternatively, the intermediate member (300) may first be directly joined to the lower frame member (125) using an arc welding process, and then the pivot plate (600) may be joined to the other end of the intermediate member (300) using a solid-state welding process by displacing the pivot plate (600) relative to the intermediate member (300) joined to the lower frame member (125). In this embodiment, as... Figure 6 and 7 As shown, since there is a pivot plate (600) connecting to the two parts of the lower tube element (500) (i.e., the lower frame member (125)), it is preferable to connect the intermediate member (300) to the pivot plate (600) and then to the lower tube (500).

[0071] In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides frame elements connected using friction welding and arc welding processes, such as the lower tube element (500) and plate element (600) of a lower frame member (125). Therefore, the present invention allows for the connection of frame elements made of different materials. Thus, one of the frame elements, such as the first frame element (500) and plate element (600), may be made of steel, while another frame element may be made of a different material, such as aluminum. Therefore, the present invention allows for weight reduction of the frame by allowing various frame elements to be constructed of different materials and materials that are lighter than others.

[0072] Therefore, the present invention allows vehicles to have pivot plates made of stronger materials, lighter materials or any other materials, because the choice of material for the pivot plate remains independent of the choice of material for other elements of the frame that will be connected to the pivot plate.

[0073] It should be noted here that although the invention is shown and explained in the context of the pivot plate, the invention can be applied to various other components of the vehicle without any limitations.

[0074] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0075] While this document has emphasized certain features of the invention considerably, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention, and many modifications are made in the preferred embodiments. These and other modifications having the nature of the invention or preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, and it should be clearly understood that the foregoing illustrative matters are to be construed as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a frame (12) for a two-wheeled vehicle (10), the method comprising: The frame (12) is provided with a first frame element (202, 502, 504) and a second frame element (204, 604, 602), wherein the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) are made of dissimilar materials; Position one of the first frame elements on the fixture; The intermediate components (300, 310) are positioned between the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602); One end (302, 312) of the intermediate component (300) is connected to the second frame element (204, 604, 602) by a solid-state welding process to form a sub-assembly away from the fixture; and The intermediate component (300) is connected to the first frame element (202, 502, 504) by an arc welding process, with the other end (304, 310) opposite to one end (302, 312) connected to the second frame element. This forms at least a portion of the frame (12) of the two-wheeled vehicle (10).

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate component (300) is made of the same material as the first frame element (202).

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The solid-state welding process is a friction welding process.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The friction welding is performed by displacing at least one of the intermediate members (300) relative to each other with respect to the second frame element (204).

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The arc welding process is metal inert gas (MIG) welding.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate component (300) and one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) are made of ferrous material.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate component (300) and one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) are made of non-ferrous metal material.

8. A frame (12) for a two-wheeled vehicle (10), comprising: A first frame element (202) is positioned on the fixture; The second frame element (204), wherein the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) are made of dissimilar materials; and Intermediate component (300) connecting the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (600); One end of the intermediate component (300) is connected to the second frame element (204) by a solid-state welding process to form a sub-assembly away from the fixture, and the other end (304) of the intermediate component (300) opposite to the end (302) connected to the second frame element is connected to the first frame element (202) by an arc welding process.

9. A frame (12) for a vehicle (10), said frame (12) comprising: Head tube (124), which is configured to accommodate steering assembly (104). Upper frame member (126), said upper frame member being configured to accommodate at least one of the fuel tanks (24), A lower frame member (125) is connected to and extends from the head tube (124), wherein the lower frame member (125) is made of a first material and is positioned on a clamp; A pivot plate (600), which is connectable to the lower frame member (125) and is made of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are dissimilar; and An intermediate component (300) is positioned between the lower frame component (125) and the pivot plate (600), wherein one end of the intermediate component (300) is connected to the pivot plate (600) by a solid-state welding process to form a sub-assembly away from the fixture. The intermediate component (300) is connected to the lower frame component (125) on the fixture by an arc welding process at one end opposite to the pivot plate.

10. The frame (12) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The intermediate member (300) is made of the same material as the lower frame member (125).

11. The frame (12) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The solid-state welding process is performed by displacing at least one of the intermediate components (300) relative to the pivot plate (600) relative to each other.

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