Saddle-type vehicle with a long, narrow tank

Abstract

The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle, preferably an endurance type. The vehicle includes a steering tube to which a steering assembly for controlling a front wheel is rotatably coupled. The saddle-ride type vehicle (1) includes a motor assembly (2) and a frame (10) to which the motor assembly (2) is coupled. The vehicle (1) also includes a tank (7) supported by the frame (10). The tank includes an upper section (71) located adjacent to the steering tube (11). The upper section (71) includes two side portions (71A, 71B) spaced apart in the width direction (X), each extending outward from a corresponding front side portion (15A, 15B) of the frame. The tank also includes a center section (72) connected to the upper section (71) and extending toward the rear wheel (3) in accordance with the profile of the front portion (15) of the frame (10). The tank (7) further comprises a lower section (71) connected to the central section (72) and configured between the rear side portions (18A, 18B) of the frame (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] explanation The present invention relates to the field of manufacture of saddle-type motorcycles, preferably desert-type and more generally endurance motorcycles, but is not limited thereto, and in particular to saddle-type vehicles comprising an elongated tank supported on an upper part of a frame and directed towards the rear wheel of the vehicle, the lower section of the tank being located substantially below the saddle of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] prior art A two-wheel endurance vehicle includes a frame including a steerer tube to which a steering wheel, or steering assembly, that controls the front wheels, is pivotally coupled. The frame includes a central section to which a swing arm, supporting the drive or rear wheels, is hinged by a pin. Extending between the central section and the steerer tube is a forward section of the frame, which typically includes an engine coupled thereto to generate drive torque. This drive torque is transmitted to the rear wheels using a mechanical chain transmission or transmission shaft. The frame is completed by a rear section that extends from the central section toward the rear wheels and typically supports the vehicle's saddle.

[0003] In many known solutions, the rear of the motor assembly is connected to the center of the frame using a swing arm pin as the connecting element. The front of the motor assembly is instead connected to the front of the frame and remains suspended below it. Typically, a tank containing the fuel required for the operation of the motor assembly is connected to the front of the frame.

[0004] Patent application EP3461729 describes a vehicle with a tank made of two overlapping parts, the lower part of which extends between the two front sides of the frame. The upper part is connected to the lower part and protrudes prominently above the front of the frame. The two parts of the tank are configured to define two side chambers that extend outside the two sides. The tank has a fill port that remains closed by a removable cap while the motorcycle is in motion. Such a fill port is located at the highest part of the tank.

[0005] In the solution described in EP 3 461 729, as well as in other conceptually similar solutions, the tank is mounted in a particularly advanced position on the frame, very close to the steering tube. The closure cap and the two side chambers are located adjacent to the steering assembly. As a result of this arrangement, the motorcycle's center of gravity when full is significantly different from that when the tank is empty. This means that the rider perceives the motorcycle as being more forward-biased and therefore less controllable when the tank is full than when the tank is empty, where the center of gravity is lower and further back. This drawback is particularly noticeable on endurance motorcycles, which have particularly large tanks to ensure high autonomy.

[0006] The Applicant has therefore addressed the need to provide a motor vehicle in which the unbalance effects due to the fuel contained in the tank are eliminated or strongly reduced. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] overview The main objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a saddle-ride vehicle that makes it possible to overcome the limitations set out above. Among these objectives, a first object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-ride vehicle, particularly a heavy-duty type, in which the unbalance effect when the vehicle is fully loaded is eliminated or at least reduced. Another object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-ride vehicle in which the structure of the tank does not affect the position of other parts of the vehicle and does not affect the vertical dimensions of the tank itself. Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-ride vehicle that is reliable and can be easily implemented in a cost-effective manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The applicant has found that the intended tasks and objects can be achieved by vertically extending the tank so as to reduce the distance between the center of gravity of the vehicle when the tank is full and the center of gravity of the vehicle when the tank is empty. In particular, the intended objects are achieved by a saddle-ride type vehicle comprising a motor assembly and a frame to which the motor assembly is coupled. The vehicle comprises a tank supported by the frame and having a supply port. The tank comprises: a front portion having a steering tube to which a steering assembly controlling the front wheels is rotatably coupled; - a central part having a swing arm to which the rear wheel is rotatably coupled; a rear portion extending from the central portion in a direction opposite to the front portion; - mechanical suspension groups operatively interposed between the frame and the wheels, the suspension groups being configured to assume extension and compression states; Includes.

[0009] The vehicle is characterized in that the tank is a single, one-piece (monoblock) tank extending at least between the front and center portions of the frame, and the tank has a height equal to or greater than half of the overall height of the vehicle, the overall height being the distance measured between the ground support surface on which the vehicle rests and the top end of the steering tube with the suspension fully extended, while the tank height is the distance between the supply opening and the point of the tank closest to the support surface.

[0010] According to a possible embodiment, the tank, which extends at least between the front, middle and rear sections, has a longitudinal extension greater than half the wheelbase of the vehicle. In particular, the wheelbase of the vehicle is considered to be the distance between the rotation axes of the two wheels of the vehicle, and the longitudinal extension of the tank is the length of the tank in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rear wheels. The longitudinal extension of the tank and the wheelbase are measured with the suspension fully extended. Advantageously, the tank, considered in side view, extends substantially above the motor assembly, over the entire longitudinal length of the motor assembly itself. This solution provides the advantageous situation that the center of mass of the tank is directly above the center of mass of the motor and is therefore closest to the center of gravity of the vehicle.

[0011] According to a possible embodiment, the tank comprises at least a first section located adjacent to the steering tube of the frame, such upper section comprising two side portions starting from a central portion defining the supply opening, said side portions being spaced apart from one another along the width direction.

[0012] Preferably, each of the side portions extends adjacent the front side of the corresponding front portion at an outer location. Preferably, the side portions always extend at least partially across the steerer tube in a side view.

[0013] According to a possible embodiment, the tank further comprises a second section connected to the first section and extending towards the rear wheels following the upper profile of the front part of the frame, and a third section connected to the second section and integrated between the rear sides of the rear part of the frame.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the tank has a lower surface including a first surface portion belonging to the first section, a second surface portion belonging to the second section, and a third surface portion belonging to the third section, the first surface portion extending along a substantially horizontal plane, the second surface portion extending along an inclined plane according to the upper longitudinal profile of the front part of the frame, and the third surface portion partially facing the center of the frame and partially facing the rear wheels.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the central section of the tank is configured such that its extension along the width of the vehicle is less than the distance between the front sides of the front parts of the frame. In a possible embodiment, the tank has a top surface with a first surface portion belonging to the first section and a second surface portion belonging to the second section, the second surface portion of the top surface on which the saddle of the vehicle at least partially rests.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the first side portion of the tank is internally bounded by a first inner surface that is at least partially flat and externally bounded by a first curved surface; similarly, the second side portion is internally bounded by a second inner surface that is at least partially flat and externally bounded by a second curved surface, which curved surfaces give the side portions an apparently rounded shape.

[0017] Preferably, said inner surface is bounded longitudinally by lateral inner surfaces extending along the width of the vehicle, said inner surfaces (lateral and lateral) together defining a recess in the first section of the tank having a substantially polygonal shape with respect to a plan view of the tank.

[0018] In that embodiment, the laterally inner surface is spaced from the steerer tube such that the recess in the first section defines a space in which component accessories for operation of the motor assembly are positioned.

[0019] According to a possible embodiment thereof, the front part of the frame comprises at least one transverse element joining the front sides and extending in the width direction of the vehicle, the position of the transverse element identifying, for each front side, a first lattice portion extending from the steering tube to the transverse element and a second portion extending between the corresponding first portion and a central part of the frame.

[0020] According to a possible embodiment, the recess in the first section of the tank extends from the steering tube to a position close to said transverse element. In one embodiment, the tank is fixed, directly or indirectly, to each of said front sides substantially adjacent to the transverse element, and the tank rests on a corresponding component of the first lattice part for each of the front sides.

[0021] Preferably, the first section of the tank is coupled to each of the front sides of the frame via a pair of coupling brackets, each extending from a corresponding one of said side portions. In one embodiment, the tank is supported by fastening means located at the rear of the frame, preferably comprising lateral brackets to which the second section of the tank is connected, such lateral brackets extending between the rear sides of the rear of the frame.

[0022] Preferably, the tank is fixed to the front and / or rear part of the frame such that, for each front side, the second section of the tank is positioned above the second part of the corresponding front side. In a preferred embodiment, in plan view of the tank, the tank has an extension of decreasing width along the width of the vehicle from the second section to the third section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] Drawing List Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from a consideration of the following detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the vehicle of the present invention, shown by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the enclosed drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1 without the saddle; FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 without the saddle and the air filter box; 4 to 7 are respectively a perspective view, a side view, a front view and a plan view of a tank of a vehicle according to the present invention. 8 to 11 are a perspective view, a side view, a front view, and a plan view, respectively, of a frame of a vehicle according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a possible embodiment of a vehicle air filter according to the invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the filter shown in FIG. Like reference numbers and letters in the figures identify like elements or parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Detailed Description With reference to the aforementioned figures, the present invention therefore relates by this expression to any two-wheeled moped or motorcycle, i.e., a saddle-type vehicle with a front wheel and a rear wheel. In the following description, the vehicle 1 may also be referred to as a car 1 or a motorcycle 1.

[0025] The motorcycle 1 comprises a motor assembly 2 and a frame 10 to which the motor assembly 2 is coupled. The frame 10 comprises a front portion 15 including a steering tube 11 to which a steering assembly 5 that controls a steering wheel 3 (or front wheel 3) is rotatably coupled. The configuration of the steering assembly as known to those skilled in the art is not relevant to the present invention.

[0026] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a tank 7 that contains the liquid fuel required to operate the motor assembly 2. The tank 7 has a supply opening 700 that is closed by a removable cap, allowing it to be filled. The vehicle 1 is provided with a fuel suction device 750 that has a configuration known per se.

[0027] The frame 10 comprises a central part 12 to which a first end 8A of a swing arm 8 is hinged. A drive wheel 4 (or rear wheel 4) is rotatably connected to a second end 8B of the swing arm 8. According to well-known technical solutions, which will therefore not be described in detail, the drive torque generated by the motor assembly 2 is transmitted to the drive wheel 4 via a mechanical transmission, for example of the chain type.

[0028] The front portion 15 of the frame 10 extends between the steering tube 11 and the central portion 12. The front portion 15 includes a first front side portion 15A and a second front side portion 15B that are spaced apart in the width direction X of the vehicle.

[0029] The frame 10 also includes a rear portion 18 extending from the central portion 12 in the opposite direction to the front portion 15, i.e., toward the rear wheels 4. Typically, the rear portion 18 supports at least a rear portion of the saddle 400 of the vehicle 1. The rear portion 18 includes a first rear side portion 18A and a second rear side portion 18B spaced apart in the width direction X of the vehicle. With respect to a vertical reference plane PV opposite the steering axis 501, the first rear side portion 18A is located in the same half space and adjacent to the first front side portion 15A. Similarly, the second rear side portion 18B is located in the same half space and extends adjacent to the second front side portion 15B.

[0030] In the following description, the side portions 15A, 15B of the front portion 15 will be simply referred to as "front side portions 15A, 15B," and the rear side portions 18A, 18B will be referred to as "rear side portions 18A, 18B." The expression "steering axis" refers to the axis of rotation defined by the steering tube 11 for the steering assembly 5.

[0031] For the purposes of the present invention, the expressions "width X", "width direction X" or "lateral direction X" are intended to denote a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation T2 of the rear wheels. Alternatively, the expressions "length direction" or "longitudinal direction Y" are intended to denote a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction (i.e. perpendicular to said axis of rotation T2).

[0032] For the purposes of the present invention, the terms "top" and "bottom" refer to the positions furthest and nearest, respectively, from a reference plane PO (shown in FIG. 1) on which the vehicle 1 rests. The terms "lower" and "upper" therefore refer to the positions of the parts or ends of a component that are furthest or nearest from said reference plane PO.

[0033] The vehicle 1 comprises suspension means, having a configuration known per se, interposed between the frame 10 and the wheels 3, 4. The suspension means comprises a plurality of mechanical suspensions configured to assume a compressed configuration when the vehicle is loaded and an extended configuration characteristic of a state in which the vehicle is not loaded. In the illustrated solution, the suspension means comprises two front suspensions 80 and a rear shock absorber 88 interposed between the swing arm and the frame 10.

[0034] 1, according to the present invention, the tank 7 is made as a single monoblock tank. The tank 7 extends at least between the front and the central portion. In particular, the tank 7 extends a height (denoted by A) that is more than half the total height (denoted by B) of the vehicle 1. The total height B of the vehicle corresponds to the distance between the ground support surface P0 on which the vehicle 1 rests and the upper end 111 of the steering tube 11. The height of the tank 7, on the other hand, is considered to be the distance between the supply opening 700 of the tank 7 and the rear point that is closest to the support surface P0.

[0035] For the purposes of the present invention, the heights of the two objects (height A and height B) are considered in a state where the suspension is fully extended, i.e. the vehicle 1 is unloaded, stationary, without a rider on board and the tank 7 is empty, in other words, under conditions where there are no loads acting on the vehicle 1 other than those related to the mass of the vehicle.

[0036] 1, according to a possible embodiment, the tank 7 extends between the front 15, the middle 12 and the rear 18 of the frame 10 and has a longitudinal extension (denoted C) that is greater than half the wheelbase (denoted D) of the vehicle 1. The wheelbase D of the vehicle 1 is the distance between the rotation axes T1, T2 of the two wheels 3, 4 of the vehicle 1 when they are coplanar, i.e. when the front wheel 3 is coplanar with respect to the rear wheel 4. The longitudinal extension C of the tank 7 corresponds to its length measured along a longitudinal direction Y that is perpendicular to the rotation axis T2 of the rear wheel 4. Here again, the longitudinal extension C and the wheelbase D are considered in the fully extended state of the suspension.

[0037] According to a possible embodiment, the tank 7, considered in a side view of the vehicle 1 as in Figure 1, extends above the motor assembly 2 over the entire longitudinal length of the motor assembly itself. In other words, the tank 7 is located above the motor assembly 2 and is equal to or longer than the motor assembly 2, again considering these components (tank 7 and motor assembly 2) in the side view of Figure 1. As indicated above, this condition allows the centre of mass of the tank 7 to be closer to the centre of mass of the motor assembly 2 and therefore generally to the centre of mass of the vehicle 1, with the advantage of greater stability even when fully loaded.

[0038] According to a possible embodiment, the tank 7 comprises an upper section 71 (or first section 71) located close to the steering tube 11. This first section 71 comprises two side portions 71A, 71B extending at least one section apart in the width direction X of the motorcycle 1. The side portions 71A, 71B start from a central portion 71C in which a supply opening 700 for filling the tank 7 is defined.

[0039] As shown, preferably, the two side portions 71A, 71B extend outside the space defined between the front sides 15A, 15B of the front portion 15 of the frame 10. Preferably, each of said side portions 71A, 71B is always located at an outward position adjacent a corresponding one of said front sides 15A, 15B.

[0040] More preferably, the side portions 71A-71B considered in side view extend at least partially across the steering tube 11. In other words, the side portions 71A-71B in side view at least partially overlap the steering tube 11. This configuration specifies an extension of the tank 7 that extends substantially from the steering tube 11 of the motor vehicle 1 towards the central part 12 of the frame 10, and in some cases also towards its rear part 18. The tank 7 formed in this way is therefore more capacious for the same overall dimensions (by using the space immediately adjacent to the steering tube that is not in use), and its longitudinal extension along the length of the motor vehicle 1 makes it possible to optimize the distribution of mass on the motorcycle 1.

[0041] According to the possible embodiment shown in the figures, the body of the tank 7 comprises a central section 72 (or second section 72) connected to the upper section 71, which section extends according to the upper profile of the front part 15 of the frame 10 when viewed in the longitudinal direction. In other words, this profile is when viewed in the longitudinal plane of the motorcycle 1. The expression "longitudinal plane" means a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel 4. The tank 7 also comprises a lower section 73 (or third section 73) connected to the central section 72 and extending between the rear sides 18A, 18B of the rear part 18 of the frame 10, in a position between the central part 12 of the frame 10 and the rear wheel 4. The third section 73 is located between the rear sides 18A, 18B and is identified by the volume of the tank 7 that is present below the upper profile of the rear part 15 when this rear profile is viewed from the side (FIG. 1).

[0042] For purposes of the present invention, the terms "top" and "bottom" refer to the positions furthest and closest, respectively, from the reference plane PO (shown in FIG. 1) on which the vehicle 1 rests. The terms "lower" and "upper" have similar meanings.

[0043] Overall, therefore, according to the invention, the tank 7 has an elongated configuration that extends substantially along the entire length of the front part 15 of the frame 10 and even occupies the space between the rear parts 18A, 18B of the frame. This condition also contributes to bringing the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle 1 in the empty tank state closer to the position that it would occupy in any case with a full tank. The feeling of imbalance felt by the rider in the full tank condition is therefore strongly reduced, if not completely eliminated.

[0044] The fuel suction device 750 is operatively connected to the tank 2 and has a configuration known per se to those skilled in the art, including a fuel suction pump (not shown) arranged inside the tank 2, as described above. In this regard, according to the present invention, the suction pump is inserted into the third section 73 so as to suck fuel present at the lowest point of the tank 7.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, particularly visible in Figure 3, the central section 72 of the tank 7 is configured such that its extension, measured in the width direction X of the motorcycle 2, is smaller than the distance between the front sides 15A, 15B of the frame 10. In other words, with respect to a plan view of the tank 7, the lateral extension of the central section 72 is smaller than the lateral extension of the front part 15 of the frame 10.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the second section 72 is identified by the volume of the tank 7 that is located above the upper profile of the front 15 and rear 18 parts of the frame 10, preferably entirely laterally, mainly between the front sides 15A, 15B and the rear sides 18A, 18B.

[0047] As already indicated above, the lower section 73 is contained between the rear sides 18A, 18B of the rear part 18, but below the upper profile of the rear part 18. In other words, the width of the third section 73 is always smaller than the lateral distance between said rear frame sides 18A, 18B.

[0048] 1-3 show a possible embodiment of a motorcycle 1 according to the present invention. The motor assembly 2 includes at least one heat engine 2A, which generates a driving torque that is transmitted to the drive wheels 4 via the aforementioned transmission. The heat engine 2A includes a base 21 and a head 22 that extends above the base 21. The term "head 22" is intended to denote the upper part of the engine, enclosing the cylinders and incorporating the combustion chambers. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "base" is intended to denote the remaining parts of the motor assembly, and therefore includes not only the parts about which the motor shaft rotates and moves, but also other motion-transmitting components between the motor shaft and the transmission to the rear wheel. These "transmitting components" therefore include a clutch and a gearbox, which, as is well known, are interposed between the motor shaft and the gearbox to allow for gradual starting and gear changes.

[0049] According to a possible embodiment, the rear part 21B of the base 21 of the motor assembly 2 is connected, preferably directly, to the central part 12 of the frame 10 via a number of connecting elements 91, 92, 93, while the plates 16A, 16B are designed to support the head 22 of the heat engine 2A and / or the front part of the base 21. According to known solutions, one of the connecting elements 91 corresponds to a pin that allows the swing arm 8 or the rear wheel 4 to swing relative to the frame 10.

[0050] The motor assembly 2 is supported by the front part 15 of the frame 10. For this purpose, in a possible, and therefore non-exclusive, embodiment shown in the figures, two first coupling plates 16A, 16B (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 ) are provided for coupling the head 22 and the front part 21A of the base 21 to the front part 15 of the frame 10. In detail, the first plate 16A couples the motor assembly 2 to the first frame side part 15A, and the second plate 16B couples the motor assembly 2 to the second frame side part 15B. In the solution shown in the figures, two second plates 17A, 17B are also provided, each coupling one of the front parts 15A, 15B to the head 22 of the motor assembly 2 in a position closer to the central part 12 with respect to the position occupied by the corresponding one of the first plates 16A, 16B.

[0051] However, alternatively, the motor assembly 2 may be coupled directly to the frame 10 without the use of the plate shown. However, the manner in which the motor assembly 1 is coupled to the frame 10 is not relevant for purposes of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to Figure 1, the motor assembly 2 is always located between the steering assembly 5 and the central portion 12 of the frame 10 in the longitudinal direction Y. Therefore, the motor assembly 2 does not extend rearward beyond the central portion 12. As can be clearly seen from Figure 1, the upper section 71 and the central section 72 of the tank 7 are primarily located above the motor assembly 2. Instead, the lower section 73 of the tank 7 is located on the opposite side of the motor assembly 2 with respect to the central portion 12 of the frame 10.

[0053] The tank 7 has a lower surface 740 (highlighted in Figure 5 by dashed lines) which comprises a first surface portion 741, a second surface portion 742 and a third surface portion 743 of each of the first section 71, the second section 72 and the third section 73. The expression "lower surface 740" is intended to substantially denote the surface of the tank 7 which remains facing the support surface PO of the motorcycle, i.e. the surface which is closest to the ground.

[0054] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the first surface portion 741 extends parallel to, or in any case slightly inclined from, the support plane P0 of the motorcycle 1. The second surface portion 742 extends inclined relative to the first surface portion 741 according to the upward profile, considered to be in the longitudinal direction, of the front part 15 of the frame 10. Finally, the third surface portion 743, again considering this situation in a longitudinal plane, partially faces the central part 12 of the frame 10 and partially faces the rear wheel 4. Thus, the two side portions 71A, 71B of the first section 71 have a substantially planar lower surface, while the lower surfaces of the other sections 72, 73 substantially follow the pattern of the frame 10.

[0055] The tank 7 also comprises an upper surface 760 (highlighted in FIG. 5 by dashed hatching), which term refers to the surface opposite the lower surface, i.e. the surface facing upwards or towards the rider. In particular, the upper surface 760 comprises a first surface portion 761 of the first section 71 of the tank 7 and a second surface portion 762 of the second part 72. According to the invention, as can be seen in FIG. 1, the front part 401 of the vehicle saddle 400 rests at least partially on the second surface portion 761. The rear part 402 rests instead on the rear part 18 of the frame. The third section 73 of the tank 7 is arranged below the saddle 400 in a longitudinal position close to the lowest point of the saddle 400.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, particularly visible in Figures 3 and 7, the first part 71A of the tank 7 is internally bounded by a first planar inner surface 711A and externally bounded by a second curved surface 712A. Similarly, the second chamber 71B is internally bounded by a second planar inner surface 711B and externally bounded by a second curved surface 712B (see Figure 7). In particular, the two curved surfaces 712A, 712B give the two chambers 71A, 71B an outwardly rounded shape. The two chambers 71A, 71B are substantially mirror-like with respect to a vertical plane PV passing through the steering axis 401.

[0057] The two inner surfaces 711A, 711B are longitudinally bounded by a lateral inner surface 713 that extends in the width direction X of the motorcycle 1. Together, the inner surfaces 711A, 711B and the lateral surface 713 define a recess of the first polygonal section 71 relative to the plan view of the tank 7 (see FIG. 7). The lateral surface 713 is spaced from the steering tube 11 such that the recess defines a space (denoted S) that is useful for arranging component accessories for operation of the motor assembly 2.

[0058] In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, this accessory is a box containing an air filter, which in known solutions is typically located below the tank or in any case in a position that is difficult to access. Advantageously, the recess defined between the side portions 71A, 71B allows the filter to be located in a more comfortable position and to be easily accessible for any inspection and maintenance work.

[0059] With particular reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the two side chambers 71A, 71B extend forward so as to be at least partially flanked by the steerer tube 11 and preferably also by the steering assembly 5. In Figure 3, reference numerals 715A, 715B indicate the ends of the two side chambers 71A, 71B which are aligned with the corresponding sides 5A, 5B of the steering assembly 5.

[0060] 8 to 11, a preferred embodiment of the frame 10 according to the present invention can be seen. The front side portions 15A, 15B and rear side portions 18A, 18B have a substantially mirror-like structure with respect to the vertical plane PV defined above. Similarly, the central portion 12 also has a mirror-like structure with respect to the vertical plane PV. The central portion 12 has a first flank 12A and a second flank 12B facing each other. These flanks 12A, 12B are preferably formed of plate-like bodies and are connected by a lower pin 31 and an upper pin 32 extending in the width direction X of the vehicle. With respect to the vertical plane PV defined above, the first flank 12A is located on the same side as the first front side portion 15A and the first rear side portion 18A, and the second flank 12B is located on the same side as the second front side portion 15B and the second rear side portion 18B.

[0061] The front portion 15 of the frame 10 includes at least one lateral element 15C extending in the width direction X and connecting the two front side portions 15A, 15B. For each of these, the position of the lateral element 15C defines a first portion 151A, 151B extending from the steering tube 11 to the lateral element 15C, and a second portion 152A-152B extending between the corresponding first portion 151A, 151B and the central portion 12 of the frame 10.

[0062] 11, the front part 15 of the frame 10 has its greatest extension in the width direction X substantially close to the longitudinal position of the transverse element 15C. The first portion 151A of the first front side 15A and the first portion 151B of the second front side 15B converge towards the steering tube 11. Instead, the second portion 152A of the first front side 15A and the second portion 152B of the second front side 15B converge towards the central part 12. However, it can be seen that for each frame side 15A, 15B, the inclination of the front portion 151A, 151B with respect to the vertical plane PV (which contains the steering axis 501) is greater than the inclination of the corresponding rear portion 152A, 152B with respect to the same plane.

[0063] The polygonal recess defined by the inner surfaces 711A, 711B, 713 preferably extends substantially between the steering tube 11 and the above-mentioned transverse element 15C. In other words, all the space above the first portions 151A, 151B of the front sides 15A, 15B can be used for positioning one or more accessories of the motor assembly 2, or generally for another part of the motorcycle 1.

[0064] For each front side 15A, 15B, the first portion 151A, 151B has a substantially mesh or lattice-like configuration that allows distinguishing the multiple components 52A, 52B-53A, 53B-54A, 54B, preferably the latter having a tubular shape. The second portions 152A, 152B have a single-piece construction (ie, comprise a single part) that extends between the corresponding first portions 151A, 151B and the central portion 12 of the frame 10.

[0065] 1, 2 and 3, according to a preferred embodiment, the tank 7 is fixed, directly or indirectly, to each front side 15A, 15B on the front part 15 of the frame 10 in a position substantially adjacent to the transverse element 15. In particular, for each front side of the frame 15A, 15B, the tank 7 is fixed to and rests on a corresponding first part 151A, 151B component having a mesh or lattice-like configuration.

[0066] The first section 71 of the tank 7 is fixed to each of the front sides 15A, 15B via a pair of connecting brackets 721A, 721B, each of which extends from one of the side portions 71A, 71B. Preferably, each side portion 71A, 71B is coupled to an upper end 161A, 161B of a corresponding one of first plates 16A, 16B that is designed to support the motor assembly 2 and to be coupled to the frame 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the first section 71 as a whole is indirectly coupled to the frame 10 via the first plates 16A, 16B.

[0067] Each of the front sides 15A, 15B includes an upper element 155A, 155B, the front section 511 of which constitutes the corresponding first portion 151A, 151B, and a rear section 512 of which defines the corresponding second portion 152A, 152B. The upper element 155 of the first front side 15A and the upper element 155B of the second frame front side 15B extend above a first inclined plane P1 (shown in FIG. 9 ). The upper elements 155A, 155B of the front sides 15A, 15B are connected to the central portion 12 of the frame 10 at opposite ends of the upper pins 32. The upper elements 155A, 155B essentially define the upper profile of the front portion 15 of the frame 10.

[0068] The rear sides 18A, 18B are connected to one another across the width of the vehicle via one or more lateral connecting elements 19. In general, the rear side 18 can be made from multiple tubular pieces welded together and can be made from the same materials as the other portions 12, 15 of the frame 10. Each rear side 18A, 18B comprises at least one upper element 81A, 81B whose front end 811A, 811B is coupled to the central portion 12, preferably to a corresponding upper element 155A, 155B of the front portion 15 and to an opposite end of the upper pin 32. Such upper elements 81A, 81B essentially define the upper profile of the rear portion 18 of the frame 10.

[0069] Each rear side 18A, 18B further comprises a lower element 82A, 82B connected to the upper one via a connecting element 83A, 83B. The upper element 81A of the first side portion 18A and the upper element 81B of the second rear side portion 18B extend parallel to each other for at least a portion thereof defining a second inclined plane P2 (also shown in FIG. 9). The first and second inclined surfaces P1 and P2 intersect substantially at the upper pin 32 of the central portion 12 and, together with the corresponding flanks 12A, 12B of the central portion 12, give the frame 10 a substantially Y-shape with respect to its view side as seen in FIG. 9.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank 7 is supported at the rear via fixing means 78 connected to the rear part 18 of the frame. In the preferred embodiment visible in Figures 1 and 2, these fixing means 78 comprise lateral brackets 78A to which the second section 72 of the tank 7 is connected via threaded connecting elements 78B or other functionally equivalent elements. Preferably, the lateral brackets 78A appear above the rear sides 18A, 18B so that the tank 7 is suspended below them.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank 7 is fixed to either the front part 15 and / or the rear part 18 of the frame 10 in such a way that, for each of the two front sides 15A, 15B, the second section 72 of the tank 7 is above the corresponding second part 152A, 152B (see Figure 3 in this regard) or above the above-mentioned plane P1.

[0072] 3 and 7, the second section 72 of the tank 7 has a width (extension in the transverse direction X) that decreases towards the third section 73. In other words, the width of the second section 72 decreases from a maximum at the junction with the first section 71 to a minimum at the junction with the third section 73. Essentially, with reference to the plan view (FIG. 7), the second section 72 has a substantially "funnel" shape towards the third section 73. This shape is imparted by two connecting portions 79A, 79B that extend laterally from each of the two side chambers 71A, 71B to the base of the second section 72, i.e., to the junction with the third section 73.

[0073] 4 and 7, according to one embodiment, the supply device 750 is operatively mounted as a bridge between the second section 72 and the third section 73, occupying a position substantially below the saddle of the motorcycle 400. Advantageously, simple removal of the saddle 400 allows easy access to the device 750 for any maintenance or inspection work.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the third section 73 of the tank 7 is positioned sufficiently far from the second part 12 of the frame 10 to allow the positioning of the shock absorber 88 in immediate contact with the same central part. As shown, the third section 73 preferably has a downwardly tapered shape with respect to the side view of the motorcycle (FIG. 1). At the same time, the third section 73 also has a tapered shape towards its lower end with respect to the top view of the motorcycle (FIG. 3). In one of its possible embodiments, the vehicle also comprises an air filter 8 (see Figures 2, 12 and 13) mounted on the front part 15 of the frame and 10 having a box 80 containing at least one filtering element 800.

[0075] The filter box 80 comprises a lower hollow body 81 fixed to the front part 15 of the frame 10 by suitable fastening means 87A-87B. The box 80 further comprises an upper hollow body 82 removably connected to the lower hollow body 81, with at least one air intake duct 85A, 85B connected to the upper hollow body 82 and at least one air discharge duct 89A, 89B connected to the lower hollow body. The hollow bodies 81, 82 are connected via an opening 88, by which air drawn into the upper hollow body 82 passes through the lower hollow body 81. According to the invention, the upper hollow body 82 occupies a position, considered along the length of the vehicle, between the steering tube 11 of the vehicle 1 and the tank 7, with no part of the tank 7 standing above the upper hollow body 82 of the filter 8.

[0076] Due to the two-piece construction of the filter 8 and the arrangement of the upper hollow body 82, inspection and / or maintenance of the filter 8 can be carried out whilst seated in the saddle of the motor vehicle 1, making it significantly easier for the motorcyclist. The filtering element 800 is located inside the upper hollow body 82, occupies its entire width, and extends above the opening 88. In this manner, by removing the upper hollow body 82, the rider has immediate access to the filtering element 800, which can be removed along with the upper hollow body 82.

[0077] According to a possible embodiment, the filter 8 comprises two intake ducts 85A, 85B emerging on opposite sides of the upper hollow body 82 in the direction of the front wheels 3, the two intake ducts 85A, 85B being substantially mirror-like with respect to a vertical reference plane containing the steering axis 501 (see FIG. 2). According to a preferred embodiment, each of the side portions 71A, 71B of the first section 71 of the tank 7 supports a corresponding intake duct 85A, 85B. More precisely, each of said side portions 71A, 71B defines a seat 74A, 74B (shown for example in FIGS. 6 and 7) on which a corresponding one of said intake elements 85A, 85B is arranged or at least rests.

[0078] In a possible embodiment, the lower hollow body 81 is at least partially arranged below the central part 71C of the first section 71 of the tank 7. In another possible embodiment, the air discharge ducts 89A, 89B are instead located partially under the central portion 71C of the first section 71 and / or partially under the second section 72 of the tank 7 defined above, such second section having an extension, measured in the vehicle width direction, that is smaller than the distance between the front sides 15A, 15B of the frame 10.

[0079] The technical solutions described above fully achieve their intended tasks and objectives. In particular, the elongated shape of the tank eliminates or in any case strongly damps the unbalance effect of the vehicle when the tank is full. In particular, the single-component construction of the tank ensures that the fuel flows continuously towards the bottom of the tank, optimizing the position of the vehicle's center of gravity in any driving state and at any fuel level in the tank.

Claims

1. A saddle-ride type vehicle (1) comprising a motor assembly (2) and a frame (10) to which the motor assembly (2) is coupled, the vehicle (1) comprising a tank (7) having a fuel supply port (700), the tank (7) being supported by the frame (10), and the frame (10) comprising: - a front part (15) having a steering tube (11) to which a steering assembly controlling the front wheels (3) is rotatably coupled; - a central part (12) having a swing arm (8) to which the rear wheel (4) is rotatably coupled; a rear portion (18) extending from the central portion (12) in a direction opposite to the front portion (15); - suspension means operatively interposed between the frame (10) and the front and rear wheels (3, 4), the suspension means having mechanical suspensions adapted to assume an extension or compression configuration; the tank (7) is a single monoblock tank extending between the front portion (15) and the central portion (12) of the frame (10), the tank (7) having a height (A) greater than or equal to half the overall height (B) of the vehicle (1); the overall height (B) is the distance between a ground support surface (P0) on which the vehicle (1) rests and the upper end (111) of the steering tube (11), measured with the saddle-ride type vehicle (1) with its suspension fully extended, and the height (A) of the tank (7) is the distance between the fuel supply port (700) and the point of the tank (7) closest to the support surface (P0); the tank (7) has at least a first section (71) at a position adjacent to the steering tube (11) of the frame (10), the first section (71) having two side portions (71A, 71B) starting from a central portion (71C) in which the fuel supply port (700) is arranged, the side portions (71A, 71B) being arranged at an interval in the width direction (X); The saddle-ride type vehicle (1) is characterized in that, when viewed from the side, the side portions (71A, 71B) extend so as to at least partially straddle the steering tube (11).

2. the tank (7) has a longitudinal extension (C) extending between the front part (15), the central part (12) and the rear part (18) when considered in a side view of the vehicle (1) and which is greater than half the wheelbase (D) of the vehicle (1); the wheelbase (D) of the vehicle (1) is the distance between the rotation axes (T1, T2) of the front wheels (3) and the rear wheels (4) of the vehicle (1); 2. The vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal extension (C) of the tank (7) is its length measured along a longitudinal direction (Y) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (T2) of the rear wheels (4), and wherein the longitudinal extension (C) and the wheelbase (D) are considered with the suspension of the vehicle (1) fully extended.

3. 2. The vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the side portions (71A, 71B) extends adjacent to a corresponding front side portion (15A, 15B) of the front portion (15) at an outer position.

4. The monoblock tank (7) a second section (72) connected to the first section (71) and extending towards the rear wheel (4) according to the upper profile of the front part (15) of the frame (10); - a third section (73) connected to the second section (72) and arranged between rear side portions (18A, 18B) of the rear portion (18) of the frame (10).

5. 5. The vehicle (1) according to claim 4, wherein the tank (7) comprises a lower surface (740) having a first surface portion (741) belonging to the first section (71), a second surface portion (742) belonging to the second section (72), and a third surface portion (743) belonging to the third section (73), wherein the first surface portion (741) extends at least partially parallel to the support surface (PO) of the vehicle (1), the second surface portion (742) extends according to an inclined plane according to an upper profile, measured in the longitudinal direction, of the front part (15) of the frame (10), and the third surface portion (743) faces partly towards the central part (12) of the frame (10) and partly towards the rear wheels (4).

6. A vehicle (1) according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the second section (72) of the tank (7) is configured so that its extension in the width direction (X) of the vehicle (1) is smaller than the distance between the front sides (15A, 15B) of the front part (15) of the frame (10).

7. 7. A vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the tank (7) has an upper surface (760) having a first surface portion (761) belonging to the first section (71) and a second surface portion (762) belonging to the second section (72), and at least a portion of the saddle (400) of the vehicle (1) rests on the second surface portion (762) of the upper surface (760).

8. 8. The vehicle (1) according to claim 4, wherein a first side portion (71A) of the side portions (71A, 71B) is internally bounded by an at least partially flat first inner surface (711A) and externally bounded by a first curved surface (712A), and a second side portion (71B) of the side portions (71A, 71B) is internally bounded by an at least partially flat second inner surface (711B) and externally bounded by a second curved surface (712B), the first curved surface (712A) and the second curved surface (712B) imparting an outwardly rounded shape to the side portions (71A, 71B) of the tank (7).

9. 9. The vehicle (1) of claim 8, wherein the first inner surface (711A) and the second inner surface (711B) are longitudinally bounded by a lateral inner surface (713) extending in the width direction (X) of the vehicle (1), and the first inner surface (711A), the second inner surface (711B), and the lateral inner surface (713) define a recess of the first section (71) having a polygonal shape with respect to a plan view of the tank (7).

10. 10. A vehicle (1) as described in claim 9, wherein the lateral inner surface (713) is positioned at a distance from the steering tube (11), whereby the recess defines a space (S) in which components associated with the operation of the motor assembly (2) are arranged.

11. 11. A vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the front part (15) of the frame (10) comprises at least one transverse element (15C) joining the front side parts (15A, 15B) and extending in the width direction (X) of the vehicle (1), and the position of the transverse element (15C) specifies, for each of the front side parts (15A, 15B), a first lattice portion (151A, 151B) extending from the steering tube (11) to the transverse element (15C) and a second portion (152A, 152B) extending between a corresponding lattice portion of the first lattice portion (151A, 151B) and the central part (12) of the frame (10).

12. A vehicle (1) according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the recess in the first section (71) extends from the steering tube (11) to a position close to the transverse element (15C).

13. 12. The vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein the tank (7) is directly or indirectly fixed to each of the front parts (15A, 15B) substantially in a position adjacent to the transverse element (15C), and the tank (7) rests for each of the front parts (15A, 15B) on a component of a corresponding grid section of the first grid section (151A, 151B).

14. 4. The vehicle (1) of claim 3, wherein the first section (71) is coupled to each of the front side portions (15A, 15B) via a pair of coupling brackets (721A, 721B), each extending from a corresponding one of the side portions (71A, 71B).

15. 14. The vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the tank (7) is supported via fixing means (78) provided on the rear part (18) of the frame (10).

16. 16. A vehicle (1) according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the fixing means (78) comprises a lateral bracket (78A) to which the second section (72) of the tank (7) is connected, the lateral bracket (78A) extending between the rear sides (18A, 18B) of the frame (10).

17. 12. The vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein the tank (7) is fixed to the front part (15) and / or the rear part (18) of the frame (10) such that, for each of the front parts (15A, 15B), the second section (72) of the tank (7) is positioned above a corresponding part of the second part (152A, 152B).

18. 18. A vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 13 and 15 to 17, wherein the tank (7) has an extension in a width direction (X) of the vehicle (1) that decreases from the second section (72) to the third section (73) in a plan view of the tank (7).

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