Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

To provide a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a large shroud while minimizing the impact on handling stability. [Solution] The saddle-type vehicle comprises a body frame (11), a pair of left and right front forks (14) steerably supported on the body frame (11), a fuel tank (29) supported on the body frame (11), and a body cover (60) covering the fuel tank (29). The body cover (60) comprises a first shroud (80) and a second shroud (90) positioned to the side of the fuel tank (29), the foremost end (80a) of the first shroud (80) being located forward and above the foremost end (90a) of the second shroud (90), and in a side view of the vehicle body, the front forks (14) are located between the foremost end (80a) of the first shroud (80) and the foremost end (90a) of the second shroud (90).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a saddle-type vehicle, a technique related to a shroud extending forward from a peripheral portion of a fuel tank is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Due to appearance requirements, there is a need to increase the size of the shroud. However, there is a problem that increasing the size of the shroud affects the handling stability. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a saddle-type vehicle having a large shroud while suppressing the influence on the handling stability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a saddle-type vehicle including a vehicle body frame, a pair of left and right front forks steerably supported by the vehicle body frame, a fuel tank supported by the vehicle body frame, and a vehicle body cover covering the fuel tank, the vehicle body cover includes a first shroud and a second shroud disposed on a side of the fuel tank, a foremost end of the first shroud is located forward and upward of a foremost end of the second shroud, and the front fork is located between the foremost end of the first shroud and the foremost end of the second shroud in a side view of the vehicle body.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] This allows for the provision of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a large shroud while minimizing the impact on handling stability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of a saddle-type vehicle showing the area around the handlebars. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the tank cover and shrouds from the front left. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the tank cover and shrouds from the left rear. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the tank cover and shroud. [Figure 7] This is a rear view of the tank cover and shroud. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the tank cover and shroud. [Figure 9] This is a bottom view of the tank cover and shroud. [Figure 10] This is an exploded perspective view of the left shroud. [Figure 11] This is a vertical cross-section of the shroud, viewed from the front, showing the drain section cut across the upper and lower planes of the vehicle body. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view from the front left showing the main parts of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In each figure, the symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle including a vehicle body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the vehicle body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports a front wheel 13 so as to be steerable, a swing arm 16 that supports a rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for a passenger. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a passenger sits straddling the seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11.

[0010] The vehicle body frame 11 includes a head pipe 18 provided at the front end of the vehicle body frame 11, a front frame 19 located behind the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located behind the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the head pipe 18. The seat 17 is supported by the rear frame 20.

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by the head pipe 18 so as to be steerable left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a provided at the lower end of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21 gripped by a passenger is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted through the front end portion of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down about the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15a provided at the rear end portion of the swing arm 16.

[0013] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder part 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to the exhaust port of the cylinder part 24. The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 by a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15.

[0014] The saddle-type vehicle 10 also includes a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a step 28 on which the occupant places their feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores the fuel used by the power unit 12. The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and the step 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the vehicle body frame 11.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the saddle-type vehicle 10 showing the periphery of the handle 21. A steering system 30 is supported by the head pipe 18 so as to be steerable. The steering system 30 has a steering stem 31 (see FIG. 3) inserted into the head pipe 18. The steering stem 31 is rotatably supported by the head pipe 18. A top bridge 32 is provided at the upper end of the steering stem 31. A bottom bridge 33 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the lower end of the steering stem 31. A pair of left and right front forks 14 are supported by the top bridge 32 and the bottom bridge 33. The front fork 14 extends forward and downward and forms a predetermined caster angle with respect to the road surface. The front fork 14 in the present embodiment is a telescopic type shock absorber with a built-in spring and damper.

[0016] In detail, the front fork 14 has a top tube 35 (see Figure 1) supported by a top bridge 32 and a bottom bridge 33, and a bottom tube 36 (see Figure 1) located below the top tube 35 and slidably supported by the top tube 35. In this embodiment, the front fork 14 has a bottom tube 36 with a smaller diameter than the top tube 35 and is of an inverted type.

[0017] A handle holder 37 (see Figure 3) is provided on the upper surface of the top bridge 32. The handle 21 is supported by the handle holder 37. The steering system 30 of this embodiment is composed of the steering stem 31, top bridge 32, bottom bridge 33, a pair of left and right front forks 14, handle holder 37, handle 21, and the like.

[0018] A cylindrical left grip 41, extending horizontally, is attached to the left end of the handlebar 21. The left side of the handlebar 21 supports components such as the clutch lever 42 and the left rearview mirror 43.

[0019] A cylindrical right grip 46, extending horizontally, is attached to the right end of the handlebar 21. The right grip 46 is attached to the handlebar 21 via a throttle pipe (not shown). The right side of the handlebar 21 supports components such as the brake lever 47, master cylinder 48, and right rearview mirror 49.

[0020] A headlight 51 is supported on the upper front side of the front fork 14. Above the headlight 51, a box-shaped meter unit 52 is positioned. Front turn signals 53 are supported on both the left and right sides of the meter unit 52. The front turn signals 53 are formed in a rod shape that extends in the direction of the vehicle width. The width of the pair of front turn signals 53 is greater than the width of the headlight 51.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the saddle-type vehicle 10 is equipped with a body cover 60. The body cover 60 has a tank cover 61 that covers the fuel tank 29. A shroud 62 extending forward is provided at the front of the tank cover 61. Below the tank cover 61, side covers 63 are positioned to cover the saddle-type vehicle 10 from the left and right outer sides. Behind the side covers 63, a rear side cover 64 is positioned to cover the rear of the saddle-type vehicle 10. An under cover 65 is positioned at the bottom of the saddle-type vehicle 10. The under cover 65 covers a portion of the exhaust system 25.

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tank cover 61 and shroud 62 from the front left. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the tank cover 61 and shroud 62 from the rear left. Figure 6 is a front view of the tank cover 61 and shroud 62. Figure 7 is a rear view of the tank cover 61 and shroud 62. Figure 8 is a top view of the tank cover 61 and shroud 62. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the tank cover 61 and shroud 62. The fuel tank 29 is covered by a tank cover 61 and a shroud 62 connected to the tank cover 61.

[0023] The tank cover 61 has a center tank cover 71 that extends in the front-rear direction. The center tank cover 71 has a front cover portion 71a that extends slightly upward from the front end, and a rear cover portion 71b that extends downward from the rear end of the front cover portion 71a. A circular lid opening 71a1 is formed in the front cover portion 71a. The fuel lid 29a of the fuel tank 29 (see Figure 3) is accessible through the lid opening 71a1. A key cylinder opening 71a2 is formed in front of the lid opening 71a1. The key cylinder 54 (see Figure 3) is accessible through the key cylinder opening 71a2.

[0024] A pair of left and right side tank covers 72 are supported on the left and right sides of the center tank cover 71. The side tank cover 72 has an upper cover 72a formed to be continuous with the center tank cover 71, a lower cover 72b extending downward from the rear of the upper cover 72a, and a rear end 72c extending rearward from the lower rear end of the lower cover 72b.

[0025] The upper part of the cover 72a has thickness in the approximately vertical direction. The upper part of the cover 72a extends forward (see Figure 1). The lower part of the cover 72b has thickness in the approximately horizontal direction. The lower part of the cover 72b extends forward and downward. The rear end of the cover 72c is bent and extends rearward when viewed from the side of the vehicle (see Figure 1). A notch 72d (see Figure 1), which is cut out in an approximately V-shape towards the rear, is formed between the upper part of the cover 72a and the lower part of the cover 72b.

[0026] Shrouds 62 are positioned in the notches 72d of the left and right side tank covers 72. That is, a pair of shrouds 62 are provided on the left and right sides. In this embodiment, the shrouds 62 are formed symmetrically. The shroud 62 has a first shroud portion (first shroud) 80 and a second shroud portion (second shroud) 90 formed below the first shroud portion 80. The first shroud portion 80 and the second shroud portion 90 each have tapered foremost ends 80a, 90a (see Figure 1). The second shroud portion 90 extends less forward than the first shroud portion 80. A notch 62b (see Figure 1) is formed between the first shroud portion 80 and the second shroud portion 90, which is cut out towards the rear.

[0027] In a plan view of the vehicle body (see Figure 8), the shroud 62 extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the center tank cover 71 and curves forward in a sickle shape. In a plan view of the vehicle body, the outer surface of the shroud 62 in the vehicle width direction slopes inward as it moves forward.

[0028] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the left shroud 62. In this embodiment, the pair of left and right shrouds 62 are symmetrical, so the left shroud 62 will be described first. The shroud 62 is composed of multiple cover parts. In this embodiment, the shroud 62 consists of a front tank cover (tank cover) 100 connected to the tank cover 61, an inner shroud 120 that covers the front tank cover 100 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and an outer shroud 140 that covers the inner shroud 120 from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] The front tank cover 100 is a resin molded product. The front tank cover 100 comprises an upper surface (inner side surface in the vehicle width direction) 101 extending in the front-rear direction and connected to the tank cover 61, a middle surface (inner side surface in the vehicle width direction) 102 extending downward from the front end of the upper surface 101, and a lower surface (inner side surface in the vehicle width direction) 103 extending downward from the middle surface 102. The upper surface 101 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the notch 72d of the side tank cover 72.

[0030] The upper surface 101 has a surface shape that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction as it moves towards the rear. A pair of front and rear base portions 104 and 105 are formed on the upper part of the upper surface 101. The base portions 104 and 105 bulge out in the vehicle width direction. The base portions 104 and 105 extend in the front-rear direction. The base portions 104 and 105 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Open inner shroud connection portions 104a and 105a are formed on the seating surfaces of the base portions 104 and 105.

[0031] Below the front base portion 104, an air guide rib 106 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed. The air guide rib 106 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. The air guide rib 106 has thickness in the vertical direction.

[0032] Below the air guide rib 106, a base portion 107 is formed that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. Behind the base portion 107, a cover engagement portion 108 is formed that extends upward towards the rear, connected to the base portion 107. The side tank cover 72 of the tank cover 61 engages with the cover engagement portion 108.

[0033] A piece-shaped connecting piece 109 is formed on the lower base portion 107, projecting outward in the vehicle width direction. Above the base end of the connecting piece 109, a hole 110 is formed that penetrates the front tank cover 100 in the left-right direction.

[0034] The middle surface 102 and the lower surface 103, located below the hole 110, have a surface shape that slopes inward in the width direction of the vehicle body as they move towards the rear of the vehicle body. A partition portion 111 is formed at the lower end of the central surface 102, bulging out to separate the central surface 102 from the lower surface 103. Below the partition portion 111, a partition portion 112 is formed to separate the lower surface 103 from the outside below. Both the partition portion 111 and the partition portion 112 protrude outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] An inner shroud 120 is connected to the outer side of the front tank cover 100 in the vehicle width direction. The inner shroud 120 is a resin molded product. The inner shroud 120 has an upper first cover portion (outer side surface in the vehicle width direction) 121, a second cover portion 122 (outer side surface in the vehicle width direction) formed below the first cover portion 121, and a third cover portion 123 formed in front of the first cover portion 121. The first cover portion 121 covers the upper surface 101 of the front tank cover 100 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The second cover portion 122 covers the middle surface 102 and lower surface 103 of the front tank cover 100 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The third cover portion 123 extends forward from the first cover portion 121.

[0036] The first cover portion 121 has a surface shape that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction as it moves towards the rear. A pair of front and rear engaging portions 124 and 125 are formed on the upper part of the first cover portion 121. The engaging portions 124 and 125 engage with the inner shroud connection portions 104a and 105a of the base portions 104 and 105. A bottom surface portion 126 is formed on the lower part of the first cover portion 121, projecting outward in the vehicle width direction. In a side view of the vehicle body, the bottom surface portion 126 has a shape that is recessed downward. The bottom surface portion 126 also slopes upward as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction. A cover connection portion 127 is formed on the bottom surface portion 126, corresponding to the lowest end of the bottom surface portion 126.

[0037] The cover connection portion 127 is formed in a shape that allows the connecting piece 109 of the front tank cover 100 to be fitted from the inside in the vehicle width direction. Above the inner end of the cover connection portion 127 in the vehicle width direction, a drain portion 128 is formed. The drain portion 128 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a hole. The drain portion 128 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the inner shroud 120 in the vehicle width direction. The drain portion 128 allows water on the bottom portion 126 to move inward in the vehicle width direction beyond the inner shroud 120.

[0038] The second cover portion 122 has an upper portion 131 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the bottom portion 126, and a lower portion 132 extending downward from the lower end of the upper portion 131. The upper portion 131 slopes downward as it extends outward in the vehicle width direction. The lower portion 132 slopes inward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward. Furthermore, the upper portion 131 has a surface shape that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends towards the rear of the vehicle. The lower portion 132 has a surface shape that slopes outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends towards the rear of the vehicle. A ridge line 90b is formed on the second cover portion 122 as the outermost edge in the vehicle width direction by the boundary between the upper portion 131 and the lower portion 132. The foremost end 90a of the second cover portion 122 is formed at the front end of the ridge line 90b.

[0039] The third cover portion 123 is formed in a tapered shape, with its vertical width narrowing as it moves forward.

[0040] An outer shroud 140 is connected to the outer side of the inner shroud 120 in the vehicle width direction. The outer shroud 140 is a resin molded product. The outer shroud 140 covers the first cover portion 121 and the third cover portion 123 of the inner shroud 120 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the second cover portion 122 of the inner shroud 120 is exposed.

[0041] The outer shroud 140 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the third cover portion 123 of the inner shroud 120. The outer shroud 140 is formed in a tapered shape, with its vertical width narrowing as it extends forward. In detail, the outer shroud 140 has an upper edge 141 extending in the front-rear direction from the foremost end 80a, and a lower edge 142 extending in the front-rear direction from the foremost end 80a below the upper edge 141 on the vehicle body.

[0042] Furthermore, the outer shroud 140 has a cover shape that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the vehicle (see Figure 6). The outer shroud 140 has a ridge line 80b that extends in the front-rear direction as its outermost edge. The ridge line 80b extends rearward from the foremost end 80a. A dummy opening (opening) 143 that penetrates in the vertical direction is formed in the upper rear part of the outer shroud 140.

[0043] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the shroud 62, seen from the front, of a cross-section of the drain section 128 cut across the upper and lower planes of the vehicle body. The inner shroud 120 has engaging portions 124 and 125 that engage with the base portions 104 and 105 of the front tank cover 100, and the connecting piece 109 of the front tank cover 100 is connected to the cover connecting portion 127. As a result, the upper surface 101 of the front tank cover 100 is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the first cover portion 121 of the inner shroud 120.

[0044] At this time, the base portions 104, 105, and 107 of the front tank cover 100 come into contact with the inner surface of the inner shroud 120 in the vehicle width direction. Thus, an enclosed shape is formed by the upper surface 101 of the front tank cover 100 and the first cover portion 121 of the inner shroud 120. The first air passage S1 is formed by the internal space of this enclosed shape. The first air passage S1 is formed by the upper surface 101 of the front tank cover 100 and the first cover portion 121 of the inner shroud 120 facing each other. Thus, the first air passage S1 moves outward in the vehicle width direction so that it approaches the rear of the vehicle.

[0045] In the first air passage S1, an intake port S1a (see Figure 6) is formed corresponding to the space between base portion 104 and base portion 107. In the first air passage S1, an exhaust port S1b (see Figure 5) is formed corresponding to the space between base portion 107 and base portion 105. Also, an exhaust port S1c (see Figure 8) is formed corresponding to the space between base portion 104 and base portion 105.

[0046] Furthermore, the middle surface 102 and lower surface 103 of the front tank cover 100 are covered by the second cover portion 122 of the inner shroud 120. Thus, an enclosed shape is formed by the middle surface 102 and lower surface 103 of the front tank cover 100 and the second cover portion 122 of the inner shroud 120. The internal space of this enclosed shape forms the second air passage S2. The second air passage S2 is formed by the middle surface 102 and lower surface 103 of the front tank cover 100 and the second cover portion 122 of the inner shroud 120 facing each other. Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second air passage S2 widens as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0047] An intake port S2a (see Figure 6) of the second air passage S2 is formed corresponding to the front ends of the base portion 107 and the partition portions 111 and 112. Furthermore, an exhaust port S2b (see Figures 5 and 7) of the second air passage S2 is formed corresponding to the rear ends of the base portion 107 and the partition portions 111 and 112.

[0048] Furthermore, the outer shroud 140 is connected to the inner shroud 120 with the louver member 160 connected to the inside of the dummy opening 143. This creates a space S3 (see Figure 11) enclosed by the outer shroud 140 and the inner shroud 120. Space S3 communicates upward through the dummy opening 143.

[0049] In this case, water such as rainwater may enter space S3 through the dummy opening 143. Therefore, in this embodiment, a drain portion 128 is provided around the bottom portion 126 of the inner shroud 120. The drain portion 128 is inserted into the hole 110 of the front tank cover 100 (see Figure 11). Thus, water inside space S3 can be discharged from the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the shroud 62 via the drain portion 128. As a result, even if water stains or other deposits are generated, they are less likely to be visible from the outside of the vehicle.

[0050] Figure 12 is a perspective view from the left front showing the main parts of a saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the shroud 62 of this embodiment, the foremost end 80a of the first shroud section 80 is located in front of the foremost end 90a of the second shroud section 90. Also, in the shroud 62 of this embodiment, the foremost end 80a of the first shroud section 80 is located above the foremost end 90a of the second shroud section 90 (see Figure 1).

[0051] In a side view of the vehicle body, the front fork 14 is located between the foremost end 80a of the first shroud section 80 and the foremost end 90a of the second shroud section 90. Figure 1 illustrates the vehicle body vertical line L1 passing through the foremost end 80a of the first shroud section 80 and the vehicle body vertical line L2 passing through the foremost end 90a of the second shroud section 90. Also in Figure 1, the vehicle body longitudinal line H1 passing through the foremost end 80a of the first shroud section 80 and the vehicle body vertical line H2 passing through the foremost end 90a of the second shroud section 90.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a recess 62a is provided between the first shroud portion 80 and the second shroud portion 90, which is open outward in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 6). That is, a relatively recessed recess 62a is formed between the first shroud portion 80 and the second shroud portion 90, which are sandwiched between the first shroud portion 80 and the second shroud portion 90, which are sandwiched between the first shroud portion 80 and the second shroud portion 90, which are also sandwiched between the first shroud portion 80 and the second shroud portion 90. The airflow coming from the front is more likely to flow along the recess 62a.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, in a front view of the vehicle body, the foremost end 80a of the first shroud portion 80 is located inward in the vehicle width direction than the foremost end 90a of the second shroud portion 90, and in a front view of the vehicle body, the ridge line 80b forming the outermost edge in the vehicle width direction of the first shroud portion 80 is located outward in the vehicle width direction than the ridge line 90b forming the outermost edge in the vehicle width direction of the second shroud portion 90. In Figure 2, the vehicle body vertical line L3 passing through the foremost end 80a of the first shroud portion 80 and the vehicle body vertical line L4 passing through the foremost end 90a of the second shroud portion 90 are shown. Also in Figure 2, the vehicle body vertical line L5 passing through the ridge line 80b of the outermost edge portion of the first shroud portion 80 in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle body vertical line L6 passing through the ridge line 90b of the outermost edge portion of the second shroud portion 90 in the vehicle width direction are shown.

[0054] In this embodiment, even when a relatively large first shroud section 80 is provided that extends beyond the front fork 14, the airflow can be rectified by the second shroud section 90 located behind and below the first shroud section 80. Therefore, airflow does not accumulate at the front of the vehicle, which increases aerodynamic drag and prevents airflow from being easily directed towards the power unit 12. Thus, even when a relatively large first shroud section 80 is provided, this embodiment makes it easier to suppress aerodynamic drag and ensures the cooling of the power unit 12.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle frame 11, a pair of left and right front forks 14 steerably supported on the vehicle frame 11, a fuel tank 29 supported on the vehicle frame 11, and a vehicle cover 60 covering the fuel tank 29. The vehicle cover 60 comprises a first shroud portion 80 and a second shroud portion 90 positioned to the side of the fuel tank 29, the foremost end 80a of the first shroud portion 80 being located forward and above the foremost end 90a of the second shroud portion 90, and in a side view of the vehicle body, the front forks 14 are located between the foremost end 80a of the first shroud portion 80 and the foremost end 90a of the second shroud portion 90. With this configuration, even if a relatively large first shroud section 80 is provided that extends beyond the front fork 14 in order to prioritize aesthetics, the airflow can be straightened by the second shroud section 90 located behind and below the first shroud section 80, thereby suppressing the impact on handling stability. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to provide a saddle-type vehicle 10 equipped with a large shroud while suppressing the impact on handling stability.

[0056] In this embodiment, a recess 62a is provided between the first shroud portion 80 and the second shroud portion 90, which is open outward in the width direction of the vehicle body. With this configuration, even if a relatively large first shroud section 80 is provided that extends beyond the front fork 14 in order to prioritize aesthetics, the airflow can be straightened by the second shroud section 90 located behind and below the first shroud section 80, thereby suppressing the impact on handling stability.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the foremost end 80a of the first shroud portion 80 is located inward in the vehicle width direction than the foremost end 80a of the second shroud portion 90, and when viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the ridge line 80b, which is the outermost edge of the first shroud portion 80 in the vehicle width direction, is located outward in the vehicle width direction than the ridge line 90b, which is the outermost edge of the second shroud portion 90 in the vehicle width direction. This configuration makes it easier to suppress the accumulation of airflow on the inside of the first shroud section 80 in the vehicle width direction, and also allows for the airflow to be rectified while flowing towards the second shroud section 90, thereby suppressing the impact on handling stability.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first shroud portion 80 is provided with a first air passage S1, and the upper surface 101 of the first air passage S1 and the first cover portion 121 are directed outward in the width direction of the vehicle body so that they approach each other as the vehicle body moves towards the rear. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the accumulation of airflow on the inside of the first shroud section 80 in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second shroud portion 90 is provided with a second air passage S2, and the middle surface 102 and lower surface 103 of the second air passage S2 are located inward in the vehicle width direction as they move towards the rear of the vehicle, while the second cover portion 122 of the second air passage S2 is located outward in the vehicle width direction as they move towards the rear of the vehicle. With this configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second air passage S2 widens towards the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the airflow velocity of the airflow through the second shroud section 90 can be increased as it flows into the second air passage S2, and the airflow can be straightened as it flows through the second air passage S2. This makes it easier to promote the escape of airflow on the inside of the first shroud section 80 in the vehicle width direction, and the escape of airflow that has cooled the power unit 12.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first shroud portion 80 is formed by a front tank cover 100 positioned to the side of the fuel tank 29, an inner shroud 120 positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the front tank cover 100, and an outer shroud 140 positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the inner shroud 120. The second shroud portion 90 is formed by a front tank cover 100 positioned to the side of the fuel tank 29, and an inner shroud 120 positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the front tank cover 100. The enclosed shape of the front tank cover 100 and the inner shroud 120 forms a first air passage S1, and the enclosed shape of the front tank cover 100 and the inner shroud 120 forms a second air passage S2. This configuration allows for the provision of a first air passage S1 and a second air passage S2 with a relatively simple structure consisting of a cover member joint. Furthermore, while there are no particular limitations on materials, it is possible to achieve both aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness by using ABS resin, which has excellent design qualities, for the outer shroud 140 and PP resin, which has excellent cost-effectiveness, for the front tank cover 100 and inner shroud 120, or by using ABS resin, which has excellent design qualities, for the outer shroud 140 and inner shroud 120 and PP resin, which has excellent cost-effectiveness, for the front tank cover 100.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first shroud section 80 is provided with a dummy opening 143 at its upper part, and the dummy opening 143 communicates with the space S3 formed by the enclosed shape of the inner shroud 120 and the outer shroud 140. The inner shroud 120 has a drain section 128 for discharging water that has entered the space S3 of the first shroud section 80, and the drain section 128 is inserted into a hole 110 formed in the front tank cover 100. With this configuration, even if a dummy opening 143 that appears to be an air outlet is provided to prioritize aesthetics, and an intake port corresponding to the outlet is not provided to prevent the dummy opening 143 from functioning as an outlet in consideration of handling stability, water that enters through the dummy opening 143 can still be discharged to the outside of the first shroud section 80. In other words, water inside the space S3 can be discharged from the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the shroud 62 via the drain section 128. Therefore, even if water stains or other deposits are generated, they can be made less visible from the outside of the vehicle.

[0062] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above represent only one aspect of the present invention and can be modified and applied as needed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle equipped with a power unit 12 having an internal combustion engine was used as an example for the saddle-type vehicle 10, but the power unit may also be an electric motor. In other words, the saddle-type vehicle may be an electric vehicle. Furthermore, the power unit may be a power unit in an electric vehicle equipped with a battery, inverter, electric motor for driving, etc.

[0064] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle having a front wheel 13 and a rear wheel 15 was used as an example to describe the saddle-type vehicle 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to three-wheeled saddle-type vehicles having two front or rear wheels, or saddle-type vehicles having four or more wheels.

[0065] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0066] (Configuration 1) A saddle-type vehicle comprising a vehicle frame, a pair of left and right front forks steerably supported on the vehicle frame, a fuel tank supported on the vehicle frame, and a vehicle cover covering the fuel tank, wherein the vehicle cover comprises a first shroud and a second shroud positioned to the side of the fuel tank, the foremost end of the first shroud is located forward and above the foremost end of the second shroud, and in a side view of the vehicle, the front forks are located between the foremost end of the first shroud and the foremost end of the second shroud. With this configuration, even if a relatively large first shroud is provided that extends beyond the front fork in order to prioritize aesthetics, the airflow can be streamlined by the second shroud located behind and below the first shroud, thereby suppressing the impact on handling stability. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to provide a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a large shroud while suppressing the impact on handling stability.

[0067] (Configuration 2) The saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1, characterized in that a recess is provided between the first shroud and the second shroud, which is open toward the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body. With this configuration, even if a relatively large first shroud is installed that extends beyond the front fork in order to prioritize aesthetics, the airflow can be streamlined by the second shroud located behind and below the first shroud, thereby suppressing the impact on handling stability.

[0068] (Configuration 3) A saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a front view of the vehicle body, the foremost end of the first shroud is located inward in the vehicle width direction than the foremost end of the second shroud, and in a front view of the vehicle body, the outermost edge of the first shroud in the vehicle width direction is located outward in the vehicle width direction than the outermost edge of the second shroud in the vehicle width direction. This configuration makes it easier to suppress the accumulation of airflow on the inside of the first shroud in the vehicle width direction, and also allows for easier and rectification of airflow towards the second shroud, thereby minimizing the impact on handling stability.

[0069] (Configuration 4) The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first shroud is provided with a first air passage, and the inner side surface in the vehicle width direction and the outer side surface in the vehicle width direction of the first air passage are directed outward in the vehicle width direction so that they approach each other as the vehicle moves towards the rear of the vehicle. This configuration prevents airflow from accumulating on the inside of the first shroud in the vehicle width direction.

[0070] (Configuration 5) The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the second shroud is provided with a second air passage, the inner side surface of the second air passage in the vehicle width direction is located inward in the vehicle width direction as the vehicle moves towards the rear, and the outer side surface of the second air passage in the vehicle width direction is located outward in the vehicle width direction as the vehicle moves towards the rear. In this configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second air passage widens towards the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the airflow velocity of the airflow passing through the second shroud can be increased as it enters the second air passage, while the airflow can be straightened as it passes through the second air passage.

[0071] (Configuration 6) The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the first shroud is formed by a tank cover positioned to the side of the fuel tank, an inner shroud positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the tank cover, and an outer shroud positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the inner shroud, the second shroud is formed by a tank cover positioned to the side of the fuel tank, and an inner shroud positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the tank cover, a first air passage is formed by the enclosed shape of the tank cover and the inner shroud, and a second air passage is formed by the enclosed shape of the tank cover and the inner shroud. This configuration allows for the creation of a first air passage and a second air passage using a relatively simple structure of joined cover components. Furthermore, while there are no particular limitations on materials, it is possible to achieve both aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness by using ABS resin, which has excellent design qualities, for the outer shroud and PP resin, which has excellent cost-effectiveness, for the tank cover and inner shroud, or by using ABS resin, which has excellent design qualities, for the outer shroud and inner shroud and PP resin, which has excellent cost-effectiveness, for the tank cover.

[0072] (Configuration 7) The saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 6, characterized in that the first shroud has an opening at its top, the opening communicates with a space formed by the enclosed shape of the inner shroud and the outer shroud, the inner shroud has a drain portion for discharging water that has entered the space of the first shroud, and the drain portion is inserted into a hole formed in the tank cover. With this configuration, even if an opening that appears to be an air outlet is provided to prioritize aesthetics, and an intake port corresponding to the outlet is not provided to consider handling stability, water that enters through the opening can still be discharged to the outside of the first shroud. In other words, water inside the space can be discharged from the inner side of the shroud in the vehicle width direction via the drain section. Therefore, even if water stains or other deposits are generated, they can be made less visible from the outside of the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10. Saddle-type vehicles 11. Body frame 14 Front Fork 29 Fuel tank 60 Car body cover 62a Recess 80 First Shroud Section (First Shroud) 80a frontmost 80b Ridge (outermost edge) 90 Second Shroud Section (Second Shroud) 90a Frontmost end 90b Ridge (outermost edge) 100 Front Tank Cover (Tank Cover) 101 Top surface (inner side in the vehicle width direction) 102 Mid-section (inner side in the vehicle width direction) 103 Lower surface (inner side in the vehicle width direction) 110 holes 120 Inner Shroud 121 First cover section (outer side in the vehicle width direction) 122 Second cover section (outer side in the vehicle width direction) 128 Drain section 140 Outer Shroud 143 Dummy opening (opening) S1 First air passage S2 Second air passage S3 space

Claims

1. In a saddle-type vehicle comprising a body frame (11), a pair of left and right front forks (14) steerably supported on the body frame (11), a fuel tank (29) supported on the body frame (11), and a body cover (60) covering the fuel tank (29), The vehicle body cover (60) comprises a first shroud (80) and a second shroud (90) positioned to the side of the fuel tank (29), The foremost end (80a) of the first shroud (80) is located further forward and above the foremost end (90a) of the second shroud (90). In a side view of the vehicle body, the front fork (14) is located between the foremost end (80a) of the first shroud (80) and the foremost end (90a) of the second shroud (90). A saddle-type vehicle characterized by its design.

2. A recess (62a) is provided between the first shroud (80) and the second shroud (90), which is open to the outside in the width direction of the vehicle body. The saddle-type vehicle according to feature 1.

3. In a front view of the vehicle body, the foremost end (80a) of the first shroud (80) is located inward in the vehicle body width direction compared to the foremost end (90a) of the second shroud (90). In a front view of the vehicle body, the outermost edge (80b) of the first shroud (80) in the vehicle width direction is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the outermost edge (90b) of the second shroud (90) in the vehicle width direction. The saddle-type vehicle according to feature 1.

4. The first shroud (80) is provided with a first air passage (S1), The inner side surface (101) and the outer side surface (121) of the first air passage (S1) in the vehicle width direction are directed outward in the vehicle width direction so that they come closer together as the vehicle moves towards the rear. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of features 1 to 3.

5. The second shroud (90) is provided with a second air passage (S2), The inner side surfaces (102, 103) of the second air passage (S2) in the vehicle width direction are located inward in the vehicle width direction as the vehicle moves towards the rear, and the outer side surface (122) of the second air passage (S2) in the vehicle width direction are located outward in the vehicle width direction as the vehicle moves towards the rear. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of features 1 to 3.

6. The first shroud (80) is formed by a tank cover (100) positioned to the side of the fuel tank (29), an inner shroud (120) positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the tank cover (100), and an outer shroud (140) positioned on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the inner shroud (120). The second shroud (90) is formed by a tank cover (100) positioned to the side of the fuel tank (29) and an inner shroud (120) positioned on the outside of the tank cover (100) in the vehicle width direction. The enclosed shape of the tank cover (100) and the inner shroud (120) forms the first air passage (S1). The enclosed shape of the tank cover (100) and the inner shroud (120) forms a second air passage (S2). A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of features 1 to 3.

7. The first shroud (80) is provided with an opening (143) at its top. The opening (143) communicates with the space (S3) formed by the enclosed shape of the inner shroud (120) and the outer shroud (140), The inner shroud (120) is provided with a drain section (128) for discharging water that has entered the space (S3) of the first shroud (80). The drain portion (128) is inserted into a hole (110) formed in the tank cover (100). The saddle-type vehicle according to feature 6.

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