Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

A motorcycle (1) comprises: a front brake lever (532) that is provided to one side of a handle (521) in the vehicle width direction, and actuates a front brake (61) for braking a front wheel (FW); a rear brake lever (542) that is provided to the other side of the handle (521) in the vehicle width direction, and actuates a rear brake (62) for braking a rear wheel (RW); and a step (80) that retains a driver's foot. The step (80) comprises a first retention part (81) that has a first retention surface (801) retaining the driver's foot, and a second retention part (82) that is provided further forward than the first retention part (81) and has a second retention surface (802) retaining a region of the driver's foot that is further forward than the arch.

Description

Saddle-type vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle such as a motorcycle.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known saddle-ride type vehicles in which a foot brake is disposed in front of the right step on which the right foot is held, such as the motorcycle described in Patent Document 1. In this type of saddle-ride type vehicle, the driver operates the foot brake by pressing the foot brake in an area forward of the arch of the right foot.

[0003] On the other hand, saddle-type vehicles such as the motorcycle described in Patent Document 2, in which a front brake lever that operates a front brake to brake the front wheel is provided adjacent to a grip portion on one side of the handlebar in the vehicle width direction, and a rear brake lever that operates a rear brake to brake the rear wheel is provided adjacent to a grip portion on the other side of the handlebar in the vehicle width direction, have also been known in the past.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-046316 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-220748

[0005] When the invention described in Patent Document 2 is applied to the straddle-type vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the rear brake is operated by a rear brake lever adjacent to the grip, and a foot brake is omitted. In this case, when the driver is riding the straddle-type vehicle, the area in front of the arch of the right foot is not held in place, which causes the right ankle to move easily, and fatigue easily accumulates from trying to maintain the position of the right ankle.

[0006] The present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle that can reduce fatigue in the ankles of a driver.

[0007] The present invention is a saddle-type vehicle comprising: front wheels and rear wheels; a handlebar extending in the vehicle width direction and provided with grip portions to be grasped by a driver on one side in the vehicle width direction and the other side in the vehicle width direction; a front brake lever provided on one side of the handlebar in the vehicle width direction and operating a front brake for braking the front wheels; a rear brake lever provided on the other side of the handlebar in the vehicle width direction and operating a rear brake for braking the rear wheels; and a step for holding the driver's feet, the step comprising: a first holding portion having a first holding surface for holding the driver's feet, and a second holding portion provided forward of the first holding portion and having a second holding surface for holding an area forward of the arch of the driver's foot.

[0008] According to the present invention, the second support portion having the second support surface supports the area in front of the arch of the driver's foot, thereby reducing fatigue in the driver's ankle.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a right side view of a motorcycle as an embodiment of the saddle-ride type vehicle of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a left side view of a main portion of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a system outline diagram of a front brake and a rear brake of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the vicinity of a first support frame of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the main portion of the first support frame and the second support frame of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main portion of the vicinity of the second support frame of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the right foot step of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the main portion of a right foot front holding portion of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the right foot step of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a side view of the vicinity of the right foot step of the motorcycle of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a top view of the vicinity of the right foot step and a change pedal of the motorcycle of FIG. 1.

[0010] A motorcycle as one embodiment of the saddle-ride type vehicle of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are to be viewed in accordance with the directions of the reference numerals. For simplicity and clarity of explanation, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are described in accordance with the directions as seen by a rider of the motorcycle. In the drawings, the front of the motorcycle is indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left as L, the right as R, the top as U, and the bottom as D.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment includes a front wheel FW and a rear wheel RW, a body frame 10, a cowl member 20 attached to the body frame 10 and covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the motorcycle 1, and a power unit 30 mounted on the body frame 10.

[0012] The body frame 10 includes a head pipe 11, a main frame 12, a pair of left and right pivot frames 13, a pair of left and right seat frames 14, and a pair of left and right rear frames 15.

[0013] The head pipe 11 is a pipe-shaped member that is provided at the front end of the body frame 10 and extends downward and forward. A stem shaft 522 of the steering unit 52, which will be described later, is inserted into the head pipe 11.

[0014] The main frame 12 has a front end connected to the head pipe 11 and extends obliquely downward and rearward from the head pipe 11 .

[0015] The pair of left and right pivot frames 13 each have their upper ends connected to the vicinity of the rear end of the main frame 12 and extend downward while tilting slightly rearward. The left pivot frame 13 curves to the left from the vicinity of the rear end of the main frame 12 and extends rearward and downward. The right pivot frame 13 curves to the right from the vicinity of the rear end of the main frame 12 and extends rearward and downward. Each of the pair of left and right pivot frames 13 is formed with a swing arm pivot 13a that rotatably supports the front ends of a pair of left and right swing arms 16, which will be described later. Therefore, the body frame 10 is provided with a pair of left and right swing arm pivots 13a.

[0016] The front ends of the pair of left and right seat frames 14 are both connected to the rear of the main frame 12, further forward than the connecting position of the pivot frame 13. The front regions of the pair of left and right seat frames 14 extend obliquely upward and rearward from the rear of the main frame 12, bend downward midway, and the rear regions extend obliquely upward and rearward at a smaller angle to the horizontal than the front regions.

[0017] The pair of left and right rear frames 15 have their front ends connected to the respective left and right pivot frames 13, extend rearward and upward from the pivot frames 13, and have their rear ends connected to the respective left and right seat frames 14. The left rear frame 15 has its front end connected to the left pivot frame 13, extends rearward and upward from the left pivot frame 13, and has its rear end connected to the left seat frame 14. The right rear frame 15 has its front end connected to the right pivot frame 13, extends rearward and upward from the right pivot frame 13, and has its rear end connected to the right seat frame 14.

[0018] The motorcycle 1 includes a pair of left and right swing arms 16 disposed on either side of the rear wheel RW and extending in the front-to-rear direction. The pair of left and right swing arms 16 support the rear wheel RW at their rear ends. The front end of the left swing arm 16 is journaled on a swing arm pivot 13a formed on the left pivot frame 13. The front end of the right swing arm 16 is journaled on a swing arm pivot 13a formed on the right pivot frame 13. Each of the pair of left and right swing arms 16 is capable of rotating up and down around the swing arm pivot 13a as a fulcrum axis. The pair of left and right swing arms 16 function as a framework for connecting the rear wheel RW to the body frame 10, and also function as part of a shock absorber that absorbs impacts input to the rear wheel RW.

[0019] The motorcycle 1 is equipped with a pair of left and right rear suspensions 17 that function as part of a shock absorber that absorbs impacts input to the rear wheel RW. The left rear suspension 17 has an upper end connected to the left rear frame 15 and a lower end connected to the left swing arm 16. The right rear suspension 17 has an upper end connected to the right rear frame 15 and a lower end connected to the right swing arm 16. Each of the pair of left and right rear suspensions 17 includes, for example, a cylindrical damper unit and a coil spring wound around the damper unit. Impacts input to the rear wheel RW are attenuated by the rear suspensions 17 via the swing arm 16.

[0020] The motorcycle 1 is equipped with a rider seat 18 on which a rider can sit. The rider seat 18 is disposed above the pair of left and right seat frames 14 so as to straddle the pair of left and right seat frames 14. The rider seat 18 is fixed to the pair of left and right seat frames 14. Note that the rider seat 18 may also be capable of accommodating a passenger behind the rider in addition to the rider.

[0021] The cowl member 20 covers various portions of the body frame 10 and guides wind from the front of the motorcycle 1. The cowl member 20 is divided into multiple parts. In this embodiment, the cowl member 20 includes a front cowl 21 that covers the front of the head pipe 11, a pair of first side cowls 22 that cover the left and right sides of the front region of the main frame 12, a pair of second side cowls 23 that extend rearward from the rear ends of the first side cowls 22 and cover the sides of the motorcycle 1, a pair of third side cowls 24 that extend downward from the lower ends of the front regions of the second side cowls 23 and cover the sides of the motorcycle 1, a front straddle cowl 25 that covers the rear of the head pipe 11 and the upper part of the front region of the main frame 12, and a rear straddle cowl 26 that extends rearward from the rear end of the front straddle cowl 25 and covers the upper part of the front region of the main frame 12 and below the front end of the rider seat 18. The front straddle cowl 25 also functions as a leg shield.

[0022] The front straddle cowl 25 and the rear straddle cowl 26 form a straddle portion 27 that curves downward from the front end of the passenger seat 18 in a generally U-shape when viewed from the side.

[0023] When riding the motorcycle 1, the rider straddles the straddle portion 27 and sits on the rider seat 18.

[0024] The power unit 30 is disposed approximately in the center in the vehicle width direction and below the main frame 12 when viewed from the left and right direction. The power unit 30 has an upper portion fixed to the main frame 12 by fastening members such as bolts and nuts, either directly or via an elastic member such as rubber, and a rear portion fixed to the main frame 12 and / or the pivot frame 13.

[0025] The power unit 30 includes an engine 31, a clutch unit 32 equipped with a friction clutch (not shown), and a speed change mechanism (not shown). When the friction clutch is engaged, the power unit 30 outputs the power of the engine 31 from the output shaft via the speed change mechanism. When the friction clutch is disengaged, the power of the engine 31 is not output from the output shaft of the power unit 30. As described above, the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment is a motorcycle in which the rear wheel RW is rotationally driven by the power of the engine 31 of the power unit 30 mounted on the body frame 10, i.e., a motorcycle using the engine 31 of the power unit 30 as a power source and the rear wheel RW as a drive wheel.

[0026] The engine 31 of the power unit 30 includes a crankcase 311 that houses a crankshaft (not shown), a cylinder block 312 having a cylinder axis that extends in the fore-and-aft direction and slopes upward from the crankcase 311 toward the front, a cylinder head 313 that is connected to the front end of the cylinder block 312 and supports a valve mechanism, a head cover 314 that is connected to the front end of the cylinder head 313 and covers the valve mechanism on the cylinder head 313, and an intake pipe 315 that extends from the cylinder head 313.

[0027] The clutch unit 32 of the power unit 30 is attached to the right side surface of the crankcase 311 .

[0028] A transmission mechanism (not shown) of the power unit 30 is housed inside the crankcase 311 .

[0029] The power unit 30 further includes an ACG starter 33 (ACG: Alternating Current Generator) that is connected to the crankshaft (not shown) of the engine 31 and has at least the functions of a generator for the motorcycle 1 and a starter for the engine 31. The ACG starter 33 is attached to the left side surface of the crankcase 311. The ACG starter 33 includes a rotor (not shown) that rotates integrally with the crankshaft of the engine 31, and a stator (not shown) that is fixed to the crankcase 311 of the engine 31. The detailed function of the ACG starter 33 in the power unit 30 is that when the crankshaft of the engine 31 rotates, the rotor of the ACG starter 33 rotates, and the ACG starter 33 generates electricity. Conversely, when current is passed through a coil provided in the stator of the ACG starter 33, the rotor rotates, forcing the crankshaft of the engine 31 to rotate. Therefore, by passing a current through a coil provided in the stator of the ACG starter 33, the crankshaft of the engine 31 can be forcibly rotated, and the engine 31 can be started.

[0030] An intake device 34 that supplies an air-fuel mixture to the engine 31 and an exhaust device 35 that discharges exhaust gas from the engine 31 rearward are connected to the power unit 30. The motorcycle 1 also includes a fuel tank (not shown). This fuel tank is provided, for example, between the pair of left and right seat frames 14 of the body frame 10.

[0031] The intake system 34 is connected to an intake pipe 315 extending from a cylinder head 313 of the engine 31 of the power unit 30 and includes a throttle body 341 having a throttle valve (not shown) therein, an air cleaner 342 that purifies the outside air to be supplied to the engine 31 of the power unit 30, and a connecting tube 343 that connects the throttle body 341 and the air cleaner 342. Air that has been introduced from outside the motorcycle 1 into the air cleaner 342 and purified is guided to the throttle body 341 through the connecting tube 343, and the air flow rate is adjusted by operating the throttle valve in the throttle body 341 before being supplied from the intake pipe 315 to the cylinder head 313 of the engine 31.

[0032] A fuel injection device (not shown) is attached to the throttle body 341 of the intake system 34, and injects fuel from a fuel tank into the throttle body 341. This fuel injection device is connected to the fuel pump (not shown) via a fuel pipe. Fuel is discharged from this fuel pump at a desired pressure toward the fuel injection device.

[0033] Then, in the throttle body 341, a mixture of air and fuel with an appropriate air-fuel ratio is generated by the air introduced into the air cleaner 342 and purified, and the fuel injected from the fuel injection device, and the throttle valve operates so that the mixture of an appropriate flow rate is supplied from the throttle body 341 to the cylinder head 313 of the engine 31 of the power unit 30.

[0034] In this embodiment, the air cleaner 342 is disposed below the main frame 12 and has an upper portion connected to the main frame 12 .

[0035] The exhaust device 35 includes an exhaust pipe 351 whose front end extends downward from the underside of the cylinder head 313 of the engine 31, bends rearward, and extends rearward, passing under the power unit 30. The exhaust pipe 351 is provided with a catalyst 352 that purifies the exhaust gas from the engine 31, and a muffler 353 that has a noise-reduction function for the engine 31 and releases the exhaust gas from the engine 31 into the atmosphere. The exhaust gas from the engine 31 passes through the exhaust pipe 351, is purified by the catalyst 352, passes through the muffler 353, and is then released rearward into the atmosphere.

[0036] The motorcycle 1 includes a power transmission unit 40 that transmits power generated by an engine 31 of a power unit 30, which is a power source, to a rear wheel RW.

[0037] The power transmission unit 40 is connected to the output shaft of the power unit 30 and includes a drive sprocket 41 that rotates integrally with the output shaft of the power unit 30, a driven sprocket 42 that rotates integrally with the rear wheel RW, and a chain 43 that is wound around the drive sprocket 41 and the driven sprocket 42. The rotational power output from the power unit 30 is transmitted to the driven sprocket 42 via the drive sprocket 41 and the chain 43, and the rear wheel RW is driven to rotate by the rotational power of the power unit 30 transmitted to the driven sprocket 42. In this way, the drive sprocket 41, the driven sprocket 42, and the chain 43 are each one of the transmission components that transmit the power generated by the engine 31 of the power unit 30, which is the power source of the motorcycle 1.

[0038] The motorcycle 1 is equipped with a pair of left and right front forks 51, which are arranged on both the left and right sides of the front wheel FW and have a cylindrical shape that extends in the up-down direction and slopes forward as it approaches downward. The pair of left and right front forks 51 support the front wheel FW at their lower ends. The pair of left and right front forks 51 function as a framework for connecting the front wheel FW to the body frame 10, and also function as shock absorbers that absorb impacts input to the front wheel FW.

[0039] The motorcycle 1 is rotatably supported on the body frame 10 and includes a steering unit 52 that supports a pair of left and right front forks 51 .

[0040] The steering unit 52 includes a rotatable bar-shaped handle 521 that extends in the vehicle width direction and steers the front wheel FW, a stem shaft 522 that is inserted into the head pipe 11 of the body frame 10, and an under bracket 524 that is provided at the lower end of the stem shaft 522 and connects and fixes the upper ends of the left and right front forks 51 together.

[0041] The handlebars 521 are fixed to the upper end of the stem shaft 522. When the rider of the motorcycle 1 turns the handlebars 521, which extend in the vehicle width direction, the steering unit 52 rotates integrally with the steering unit 52 around the stem shaft 522 (head pipe 11 of the body frame 10). At this time, the left and right front forks 51 fixed to the under brackets 524 and the front wheels FW supported on the lower ends of the left and right front forks 51 also rotate integrally with the steering unit 52 around the stem shaft 522 (head pipe 11 of the body frame 10). In this way, by turning the handlebars 521, the front wheel FW can be turned.

[0042] 3, a left handle grip 521a is provided at the left end of the handle 521 extending in the vehicle width direction. When riding the motorcycle 1, the rider holds the left handle grip 521a with their left hand.

[0043] An accelerator grip 521b is provided at the right end of the handlebar 521 extending in the vehicle width direction. The rider of the motorcycle 1 grips the accelerator grip 521b with his left hand while driving. The accelerator grip 521b is a required driving force input device that is operated by the rider to input a required driving force to the engine 31. The accelerator grip 521b is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise as viewed from the direction in which the handlebar 521 extends. The more the rider rotates the accelerator grip 521b held with his right hand clockwise as viewed from the left side, the more the rider increases the required driving force of the engine 31, and the more the rider rotates the accelerator grip 521b held with his right hand counterclockwise as viewed from the left side, the more the rider decreases the required driving force of the engine 31.

[0044] As a result, when the driver of the motorcycle 1 is traveling, he or she can turn the front wheel FW and turn the motorcycle 1 in the left or right direction by rotating the handlebar 521 while holding the left handle grip 521a with the left hand and holding and operating the accelerator grip 521b with the right hand, thereby adjusting the required driving force for the engine 31.

[0045] A first master cylinder 531 is fixed to the right side of the handlebar 521, closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the accelerator grip 521b. A front brake lever 532 is pivotally supported on the first master cylinder 531 so as to be able to swing freely in the front-to-rear direction. The front brake lever 532 is provided in parallel with the accelerator grip 521b and extends in front of the accelerator grip 521b in the vehicle width direction so that the rider of the motorcycle 1 can operate the front brake lever 532 without removing his / her right hand from the accelerator grip 521b while the motorcycle 1 is traveling.

[0046] A second master cylinder 541 is fixed to the left side of the handlebar 521, closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the left handle grip 521a. A rear brake lever 542 is pivotally supported on the second master cylinder 541 so that it can swing freely in the front-to-rear direction. The rear brake lever 542 is provided in parallel with the left handle grip 521a and extends in the vehicle width direction in front of the left handle grip 521a so that the rider of the motorcycle 1 can operate the rear brake lever 542 without removing his / her left hand from the left handle grip 521a while the motorcycle 1 is traveling.

[0047] A front brake 61 is provided on the front wheel FW of the motorcycle 1. In this embodiment, the front brake 61 is a hydraulic disc brake. The front brake 61 has a disc rotor 611 that rotates integrally with the front wheel FW, and a brake caliper 612 that incorporates brake pads and a piston. Brake pads are provided on both sides of the disc rotor 611 so as to sandwich the disc rotor 611.

[0048] The brake caliper 612 is provided with a first input port 612a and a second input port 612b. The first input port 612a is connected via a first hydraulic conduit 613a to a first master cylinder 531 fixed to the right portion of the handlebar 521. The second input port 612b is connected via a second hydraulic conduit 613b to a second master cylinder 541 fixed to the left portion of the handlebar 521.

[0049] When the front brake lever 532 is operated, hydraulic pressure is supplied from the first master cylinder 531 to the brake caliper 612 via the first hydraulic conduit 613a and the first input port 612a. When the rear brake lever 542 is operated, hydraulic pressure is supplied from the second master cylinder 541 to the brake caliper 612 via the second hydraulic conduit 613b and the second input port 612b.

[0050] When hydraulic pressure is supplied to the brake caliper 612 from at least one of the first input port 612a and the second input port 612b, the front brake 61 operates a piston using the supplied hydraulic pressure, causing the brake pads to clamp the disc rotor 611 from both sides, and braking the front wheel FW using the frictional force generated when the brake pads are pressed against the disc rotor 611.

[0051] A rear brake 62 is provided on the rear wheel RW of the motorcycle 1. In this embodiment, the rear brake 62 is a mechanical drum brake. The rear brake 62 has a brake drum 621 that rotates integrally with the rear wheel RW, a brake shoe 622 with a brake lining stretched on the outer circumferential surface, and an operating lever 623 that operates the brake shoe 622.

[0052] An operating lever 623 of the rear brake 62 is connected via a brake cable 624 to an equalizer mechanism 542 a provided on the rear brake lever 542 .

[0053] The brake cable 624 is configured as a Bowden cable having an inner cable 624a and an outer cable 624b slidably inserted therethrough.

[0054] One end of the inner cable 624 a is connected to an equalizer mechanism 542 a provided on the rear brake lever 542 , and the other end of the inner cable 624 a is connected to the operating lever 623 of the rear brake 62 .

[0055] One end of the outer cable 624b is held by a cable holder 541a formed to extend from a case of a second master cylinder 541 fixed to the left side of the handlebar 521. The other end of the outer cable 624b is held by a fixed bracket 63 provided in the vicinity of the rear brake 62. A return spring 625 is attached between this fixed bracket 63 and an operating lever 623 of the rear brake 62 to bias the operating lever 623 toward the inoperative position.

[0056] When the rear brake lever 542 is operated, the inner cable 624a of the brake cable 624 is pulled via the equalizer mechanism 542a, and the operating lever 623 of the rear brake 62 is operated.

[0057] In the rear brake 62, when the operating lever 623 is operated, the operating lever 623 operates to press the brake shoe 622 against the inner peripheral surface of the brake drum 621. When the brake shoe 622 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the brake drum 621, the rear brake 62 brakes the rear wheel RW by the frictional force generated between the brake lining stretched on the outer peripheral surface of the brake shoe 622 and the brake drum 621.

[0058] A left foot step 70 for supporting the driver's left foot is provided on the left side of the power unit 30. The left foot step 70 supports the arch region of the driver's left foot or the region behind the arch (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0059] 4 to 9, a right foot step 80 for supporting the right foot of the driver is provided on the right side of the power unit 30. The right foot step 80 includes a right rear foot holding portion 81 having a right rear foot holding surface 801 for supporting the arch region of the driver's right foot or the region behind the arch, and a right front foot holding portion 82 provided in front of the right rear foot holding portion 81 and having a right front foot holding surface 802 for supporting the region ahead of the arch of the driver's right foot, for example, the region including the ball of the right foot.

[0060] In this embodiment, the right foot rear holding portion 81 and the right foot front holding portion 82 are formed of separate members.

[0061] The left foot step 70 and the rear right foot holding portion 81 of the right foot step 80 are supported by a pipe-shaped first support frame 91 that extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] The pipe-shaped first support frame 91 has a cross member portion 910 that extends in the vehicle width direction, crossing in the left-right direction below the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311, a left side rising portion 911L that bends upward from the left end of the cross member portion 910 on the left outside of the crankcase 311 and extends in the vertical direction, a left side step mounting portion 912L that bends from the upper end of the left side rising portion 911L outward in the vehicle width direction, i.e., to the left, and extends in the vehicle width direction, a right side rising portion 911R that bends upward from the right end of the cross member portion 910 on the right outside of the crankcase 311 and extends in the vertical direction, and a right side step mounting portion 912R that bends from the upper end of the right side rising portion 911R outward in the vehicle width direction, i.e., to the right, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The left foot step 70 is attached to the left step attachment portion 912L of the first support frame 91, and the right foot rear support portion 81 of the right foot step 80 is attached to the right step attachment portion 912R of the first support frame 91.

[0063] The first support frame 91 is fixed to the bottom wall 311 a of the crankcase 311 at the cross member portion 910 by the support bracket 90 .

[0064] A plurality of bosses for fastening the support bracket 90 are provided on the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311 so as to protrude downward. These bosses are formed integrally with the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right front bosses 311b1 are provided forward of the position where the cross member portion 910 of the first support frame 91 is disposed, and a pair of left and right rear bosses 311b2 are provided rearward of the position where the cross member portion 910 of the first support frame 91 is disposed. These bosses are formed integrally with the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311 so as to protrude downward from the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311.

[0065] The support bracket 90 comprises a left side support bracket 90L which straddles the cross member portion 910 of the first support frame 91 in the longitudinal direction and is fixed to the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311 by its left side front boss 311b1 and left side rear boss 311b2, and a right side support bracket 90R which straddles the cross member portion 910 of the first support frame 91 in the longitudinal direction and is fixed to the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311 by its right side front boss 311b1 and right side rear boss 311b2.

[0066] The left and right support brackets 90L and 90R have bolt insertion holes through which bolts 900 are inserted, respectively, at positions that overlap the left and right front bosses 311b1 and rear bosses 311b2, as viewed from below. The cross member portion 910 of the first support frame 91 is sandwiched between the left and right support brackets 90L and 90R and the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311, and the bolts 900 are inserted from below through the bolt insertion holes of the left and right support brackets 90L and 90R and fastened to the pair of left and right front bosses 311b1 and the pair of left and right rear bosses 311b2, so that the first support frame 91 is supported by the left and right support brackets 90L and 90R at the cross member portion 910 and fixed to the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311.

[0067] The left foot step 70 is made of resin such as rubber. The left foot step 70 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is fixed by fitting externally onto the left step mounting portion 912L of the first support frame 91 from the left. Therefore, the left foot step 70 is provided so that the cylindrical portion with a bottom surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the left step mounting portion 912L of the first support frame 91.

[0068] The upper surface of the left foot step 70 serves as a left foot support surface 700 that supports the arch region of the rider's left foot or the region behind the arch. While the rider is riding the motorcycle 1, the rider operates the motorcycle 1 with the arch region of the left foot or the region behind the arch placed on the left foot support surface 700 of the left foot step 70.

[0069] The right rear foot support portion 81 of the right foot step 80 is made of resin such as rubber. The right rear foot support portion 81 has a shape that is approximately symmetrical to the left foot step 70. The right rear foot support portion 81 has a cylindrical shape with a closed base, and is fixed by fitting externally onto the right step mounting portion 912R of the first support frame 91 from the right. Therefore, the right rear foot support portion 81 is provided so that the cylindrical portion with a closed base surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the right step mounting portion 912R of the first support frame 91.

[0070] The upper surface of the right foot rear support portion 81 serves as a right foot rear support surface 801 that supports the arch region of the rider's right foot or the region behind the arch. While riding the motorcycle 1, the rider places the arch region of the right foot or the region behind the arch on the right foot rear support surface 801 of the right foot step 80.

[0071] Furthermore, a pipe-shaped second support frame 92 is joined to the right region of the first support frame 91 by welding or the like.

[0072] The second support frame 92 is connected to a right side rising portion 911R extending in the up-down direction of the first support frame 91. The pipe-shaped second support frame 92 has an extending portion 921 that extends diagonally forward to the right while sloping upward from the right side rising portion 911R of the first support frame 91, and a base plate mounting portion 922 that bends from the front upper end of the extending portion 921 outward in the vehicle width direction, i.e., to the right, and extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0073] In this way, the first support frame 91 and the second support frame 92 are supported by the same right side support bracket 90R and fixed to the motorcycle 1 (more specifically, the bottom wall 311a of the crankcase 311 of the motorcycle 1).

[0074] This makes it possible to omit the parts for fixing the second support frame 92 to the motorcycle 1, and therefore the second support frame 92 can be fixed to the motorcycle 1 without increasing the number of parts.

[0075] The extension 921 has a drain hole 92 a near the joint with the first support frame 91 .

[0076] As a result, even if water gets inside the pipe-shaped second support frame 92, the water that has gotten inside the second support frame 92 can be effectively discharged to the outside through the drain holes 92a.

[0077] At the joint between the first support frame 91 and the second support frame 92, an approximately L-shaped reinforcing plate 94 extends from the joint to the lower end of the second support frame 92 diagonally forward to the right along the extension direction of the extension portion 921 of the second support frame 92, and extends from the joint to the front end of the first support frame 91 in the vertical direction along the extension direction of the right side rising portion 911R of the first support frame 91. The reinforcing plate 94 is joined to the right side rising portion 911R of the first support frame 91 and the extension portion 921 of the second support frame 92 by welding or the like.

[0078] The base plate 93 is joined to the base plate attachment portion 922 by welding or the like. The base plate 93 is a metal plate extending in the front-rear and left-right directions. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the base plate 93 is joined to the upper part of the base plate attachment portion 922 by welding.

[0079] The outer end of the base plate attachment portion 922 of the pipe-shaped second support frame 92 in the vehicle width direction is open toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0080] The right foot front holding portion 82 of the right foot step 80 is engaged with the base plate 93. The right foot front holding portion 82 is made of resin such as rubber. In this way, the right foot front holding portion 82 of the right foot step 80 is supported by the second support frame 92 via the base plate 93.

[0081] The right foot front holding portion 82 of the right foot step 80 has a cover portion 821 that covers the upper surface and the front, rear, left, and right side surfaces of the base plate 93. In the right foot front holding portion 82 of the right foot step 80, the surface of the cover portion 821 facing upward serves as the right foot front holding surface 802.

[0082] A plurality of locking protrusions 822 protruding downward are formed on the underside of the cover portion 821. In this embodiment, a total of four locking protrusions 822 are formed on the underside of the cover portion 821, one each in the left front region, right front region, left rear region, and right rear region.

[0083] The base plate 93 is provided with locking holes 93a that penetrate in the vertical direction at positions that overlap with the locking protrusions 822 when viewed from above. The right foot front holder 82 is locked to the base plate 93 by pushing the locking protrusions 822 from above into the locking holes 93a of the base plate 93 and fitting them together.

[0084] The base plate 93 is provided with a blocking portion 823 that blocks the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction that opens toward the outside in the vehicle width direction of the base plate attachment portion 922. This prevents water or foreign matter from entering the inside of the second support frame 92 from the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the base plate attachment portion 922.

[0085] While the motorcycle 1 is traveling, the rider drives the motorcycle 1 with the area in front of the arch of the right foot, for example, the area including the ball of the right foot, placed on the right foot front holding surface 802 of the right foot step 80.

[0086] Generally, in conventional motorcycles equipped with a foot brake, the rider operates the foot brake with an area forward of the arch of the right foot. Motorcycle 1 of this embodiment does not have a foot brake, and instead has a front brake lever 532 and a rear brake lever 542 mounted on the handlebars 521. Right foot step 80 has a rear right foot holder 81 and a front right foot holder 82, and while motorcycle 1 is traveling, the area forward of the arch of the rider's right foot is held by right foot holder 82. This maintains the position and posture of the rider's right ankle while motorcycle 1 is traveling, thereby reducing fatigue in the rider's right ankle. Furthermore, because the rider can easily recognize that motorcycle 1 is equipped with right foot holder 82 rather than a foot brake, the rider can easily recognize that he or she is operating front brake lever 532 and rear brake lever 542 when attempting to brake motorcycle 1.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, the right rear foot holding portion 81 and the right front foot holding portion 82 are formed from separate members, so this can be achieved by simply adding the second support frame 92, base plate 93, and cover portion 821 to a motorcycle that is equipped with only a conventional right foot step that corresponds to the right rear foot holding portion 81 of this embodiment. This reduces manufacturing costs and allows for easy design changes from conventional motorcycles.

[0088] Furthermore, since the second support frame 92 is connected to the right side raised portion 911R extending in the vertical direction of the first support frame 91, the length of the second support frame 92 can be shortened while ensuring the load-bearing capacity of the second support frame 92 when the driver places the area in front of the arch of the right foot, for example, the area including the ball of the right foot, on the right foot front support surface 802 of the right foot step 80.

[0089] The right foot front support portion 82 is provided so that at least a portion of the right foot front support surface 802 is located in the front-rear direction between the front end portion 18a of the passenger seat 18 and the handle shaft 521c of the handle 521. The handle shaft 521c is the portion that serves as the center of rotation of the handle 521 that extends in the vehicle width direction, that is, in this embodiment, the connecting portion with the stem shaft 522 of the handle 521.

[0090] This allows the rider to maintain a natural posture while riding the motorcycle 1 with the area in front of the arch of the right foot placed on the right foot front support surface 802 of the right foot step 80.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 10 , the right foot front holding part 82 is provided so that the right foot front holding surface 802 is positioned lower than the right foot rear holding surface 801 of the right foot rear holding part 81 .

[0092] Furthermore, the right foot front holding part 82 is provided so that the right foot front holding surface 802 is positioned between the upper end 81a and the lower end 81b of the right foot rear holding part 81 in the vertical direction.

[0093] This allows the rider to maintain a natural posture while riding the motorcycle 1 with the area in front of the arch of the right foot placed on the right foot front support surface 802 of the right foot step 80.

[0094] The right front foot holder 82 is positioned so that its front end 82c overlaps the cylinder block 312 and its rear end 82a overlaps the crankcase 311 in the front-to-rear direction in a side view.

[0095] The right front foot holder 82 is also provided so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the cylinder block 312 and the crankcase 311 in a side view.

[0096] The lower end 82 d of the right front foot holder 82 is located higher than the lower end of the crankcase 311 .

[0097] The front straddle cowl 25, which also functions as a leg shield, extends below the right foot front holder 82 so that the lower end 25a is lower than the lower end 82d of the right foot front holder 82.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 11, the rear end 82a of the right foot front holding portion 82 extends in the vehicle width direction at an angle such that the distance from the right foot rear holding portion 81 increases as it moves outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0099] As a result, even if a foreign object or the like gets caught between the right foot rear holding part 81 and the right foot front holding part 82, the caught foreign object or the like can be easily removed from between the right foot rear holding part 81 and the right foot front holding part 82.

[0100] A chamfered portion 82b is formed at the outer end of the front end of the right foot front holding portion 82 in the vehicle width direction, extending in the vehicle width direction and inclining rearward toward the outer end of the right foot front holding portion 82 in the vehicle width direction.

[0101] This prevents the impact on the object that hits the vehicle width direction outer end of the front end of the right foot front holding portion 82 from being concentrated in a localized area, even if the object hits the vehicle width direction outer end of the front end of the right foot front holding portion 82.

[0102] The right foot front holding portion 82 is provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the right foot rear holding portion 81.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 11 , a seesaw-type shift change pedal 36 that is operated by the driver with his / her left foot is provided on the left side of the power unit 30. The shift change pedal 36 has a pivot axis that extends in the front-to-rear direction and in the vehicle width direction, and is provided so as to be able to pivot about the pivot axis. The shift change pedal 36 is provided so that the pivot axis is located near the left foot step 70. The shift change pedal 36 has a front pedal portion 361 that is provided in front of the pivot axis and a rear pedal portion 362 that is provided behind the pivot axis. When the driver presses the front pedal portion 361 downward with his / her left foot, the shift change pedal 36 pivots counterclockwise about the pivot axis as viewed from the left side. When the driver presses the rear pedal portion 362 downward with his / her left foot, the shift change pedal 36 pivots clockwise about the pivot axis as viewed from the left side. The shift change pedal 36 is biased to return to its initial position when the front pedal portion 361 and the rear pedal portion 362 are not depressed by the driver's left foot.

[0104] When the driver depresses the front pedal 361 downward with his / her left foot while the transmission mechanism (not shown) is in neutral, the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32 is released and the transmission mechanism shifts from neutral to first gear. When the driver then releases the front pedal 361 with his / her left foot and the shift change pedal 36 returns to its initial position, the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32 is engaged and driving force for first gear is output from the power unit 30. When the driver then continues to depress the front pedal 361 downward with his / her left foot, the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32 is released and the transmission mechanism shifts up from first gear to second gear. When the driver then releases the front pedal 361 with his / her left foot and the shift change pedal 36 returns to its initial position, the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32 is engaged and driving force for second gear is output from the power unit 30. Similarly, each time the rider presses the front pedal 361 downward with his / her left foot and then returns the shift change pedal 36 to its initial position, the transmission mechanism upshifts from second gear to third gear to fourth gear. Note that when the motorcycle 1 is traveling, once the transmission mechanism has upshifted to the highest gear, no shift change operation is performed in the transmission mechanism even if the rider presses the front pedal 361 downward with his / her left foot. On the other hand, when the motorcycle 1 is stopped, if the rider presses the front pedal 361 downward with his / her left foot when the transmission mechanism is in the highest gear, the transmission mechanism transitions to the neutral state.

[0105] When the transmission mechanism (not shown) is in, for example, fourth gear, if the driver depresses the rear pedal 362 downward with his / her left foot, the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32 is released and the transmission mechanism downshifts from fourth gear to third gear. Then, when the driver releases his / her left foot from the rear pedal 362 and the shift change pedal 36 returns to its initial position, the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32 is engaged and the driving force of third gear is output from the power unit 30. Similarly, each time the driver depresses the rear pedal 362 downward with his / her left foot and then returns the shift change pedal 36 to its initial position, a downshift occurs from third gear to second gear to first gear. Then, when the driver depresses the rear pedal 362 downward with his / her left foot while in first gear, the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32 is released and the transmission mechanism transitions from first gear to neutral. When the rider releases his / her left foot from the rear pedal portion 362 and the shift change pedal 36 returns to its initial position, the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32 is engaged, but because the transmission mechanism is in neutral, no driving force is output from the power unit 30. Note that when the motorcycle 1 is traveling, even if the rider depresses the rear pedal portion 362 downward with his / her left foot when the transmission mechanism is in neutral, no shift change operation is performed in the transmission mechanism. On the other hand, when the motorcycle 1 is stopped, if the rider depresses the rear pedal portion 362 downward with his / her left foot when the transmission mechanism is in neutral, the transmission mechanism shifts from neutral to the highest gear.

[0106] In this way, the shift change pedal 36 of this embodiment functions as an operator for changing the gear position of the transmission mechanism, and also functions as an operator for operating the friction clutch of the clutch unit 32.

[0107] The right foot front holding portion 82 is arranged so that its front end portion 82c is located forward of the front end portion of the front pedal portion 361 of the shift change pedal 36, and its rear end portion 82a is located rearward of the rear end portion of the front pedal portion 361 of the shift change pedal 36.

[0108] The right foot front holding portion 82 is formed so that its dimension in the vehicle width direction is larger than the dimension in the vehicle width direction of the front pedal portion 361 of the shift change pedal 36 .

[0109] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiment may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0110] For example, in this embodiment, the right foot rear holding portion 81 and the right foot front holding portion 82 are formed from separate members, but the right foot rear holding portion 81 and the right foot front holding portion 82 may also be formed integrally from the same member.

[0111] This specification describes at least the following: In parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0112] (1) A vehicle includes front wheels (front wheels FW) and rear wheels (rear wheels RW); a handle (handle 521) extending in the vehicle width direction and provided with grip portions (left handle grip 521a, accelerator grip 521b) to be gripped by a driver on one side in the vehicle width direction and the other side in the vehicle width direction; a front brake lever (front brake lever 532) provided on one side of the handle in the vehicle width direction and operating a front brake (front brake 61) for braking the front wheels; a rear brake lever (rear brake lever 542) provided on the other side of the handle in the vehicle width direction and operating a rear brake (rear brake 62) for braking the rear wheels; and a step (right foot step 80) for holding the foot of the driver, wherein the step includes: a first holding portion (right foot rear holding portion 81) having a first holding surface (right foot rear holding surface 801) for holding the foot of the driver; a second holding portion (right foot front holding portion 82) that is provided forward of the first holding portion and has a second holding surface (right foot front holding surface 802) that holds the area forward of the arch of the driver's foot.

[0113] According to (1), while the saddle-type vehicle is traveling, the area in front of the arch of the driver's foot is held by the second holding portion, thereby maintaining the position and posture of the driver's ankle and reducing ankle fatigue. In addition, since the driver can easily recognize that the saddle-type vehicle is equipped with the second holding portion rather than a foot brake, the driver can easily recognize that he or she is operating the front brake lever and the rear brake lever when attempting to brake the saddle-type vehicle.

[0114] (2) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to (1), wherein the first holding portion and the second holding portion are formed of separate members.

[0115] According to (2), since the first and second retaining portions are formed of separate members, it is possible to realize this by adding the second retaining portion to a saddle-type vehicle that only has a conventional step, which reduces manufacturing costs and allows for easy design changes from conventional saddle-type vehicles.

[0116] (3) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to (2), wherein the rear end portion (rear end portion 82a) of the second retaining portion extends in the vehicle width direction at an incline such that the distance from the first retaining portion increases as the rear end portion extends outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0117] According to (3), even if a foreign object or the like becomes caught between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, the caught foreign object or the like can be easily removed from between the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

[0118] (4) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to (1), wherein a chamfered portion (chamfered portion 82b) is formed on the outer end portion of the front end of the second retaining portion in the vehicle width direction, the chamfered portion inclining rearward toward the outer end portion of the second retaining portion in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0119] According to (4), even if an object hits the outer end of the front end of the second retaining portion in the vehicle width direction, the impact on the object that hits the outer end of the front end of the second retaining portion in the vehicle width direction can be prevented from being concentrated in a local area.

[0120] (5) A saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first retaining portion is supported by a first support frame (first support frame 91), the second retaining portion is supported by a second support frame (second support frame 92), the first support frame has a rising portion (right rising portion 911R) extending in the vertical direction, and a step mounting portion (right step mounting portion 912R) bending outward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end of the rising portion and extending in the vehicle width direction, and the second support frame is coupled to the rising portion of the first support frame.

[0121] According to (5), since the second support frame is connected to the raised portion extending in the vertical direction of the first support frame, the length of the second support frame can be shortened while ensuring the load-bearing capacity of the second support frame when the driver places the area forward of the arch of the foot on the second holding surface.

[0122] (6) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to (5), wherein the second support frame is pipe-shaped, and a drain hole (drain hole 92a) is provided near a joint portion of the second support frame with the first support frame.

[0123] According to (6), even if water gets inside the pipe-shaped second support frame, the water that has got inside the second support frame can be effectively discharged to the outside through the drainage holes.

[0124] (7) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to (1), wherein the second holding portion is provided so that the second holding surface is positioned between an upper end and a lower end of the first holding portion in the up-down direction.

[0125] According to (7), the driver can maintain a natural posture while driving the saddle-type vehicle, with the area of ​​the foot forward of the arch of the foot placed on the second support surface of the step.

[0126] (8) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to (1), further comprising a seat (passenger seat 18) on which the driver can sit, and the second retaining portion is provided so that at least a portion of the second retaining surface is positioned between a front end of the seat and a steering shaft (steering shaft 521c) of the steering wheel in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0127] According to (8), the driver can maintain a natural posture while driving the saddle-type vehicle, with the area of ​​the foot forward of the arch of the foot placed on the second support surface of the step.

[0128] (9) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to (5), wherein the first support frame and the second support frame are supported by a same bracket (right support bracket 90R) and fixed to the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0129] According to (9), the parts for fixing the second support frame to the saddle-ride type vehicle can be omitted, so that the second support frame can be fixed to the saddle-ride type vehicle without increasing the number of parts.

[0130] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle) 18 Occupant seat (seat) 521 Handlebar 521a Left handlebar grip (grip portion) 521b Accelerator grip (grip portion) 521c Handle shaft 532 Front brake lever 542 Rear brake lever 61 Front brake 62 Rear brake 80 Right foot step (step) 801 Right foot rear holding surface (first holding surface) 802 Right foot front holding surface (second holding surface) 81 Right foot rear holding portion (first holding portion) 82 Right foot front holding portion (second holding portion) 82a Rear end portion 82b Chamfered portion 90R Right side support bracket (bracket) 91 First support frame 911R Right side rising portion (rising portion) 912R Right side step mounting portion (step mounting portion) 92 Second support frame 92a Drain hole FW Front wheel RW rear wheel

Claims

1. A front wheel (FW) and a rear wheel (RW), a handle (521) extending in the vehicle width direction and provided with grip portions (521a, 521b) for a driver to grip on one side and the other side in the vehicle width direction, a front brake lever (532) provided on one side in the vehicle width direction of the handle (521) for operating a front brake (61) for braking the front wheel (FW), a rear brake lever (542) provided on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the handle (521) for operating a rear brake (62) for braking the rear wheel (RW), and a step (80) for holding the driver's foot, wherein the step (80) is supported by a pipe-shaped first support frame (91) extending in the vehicle width direction and has a first holding portion (81) having a first holding surface (801) for holding the driver's foot, and a second holding portion (82) provided in front of the first holding portion (81), which is coupled to the first support frame (91) and provided on a second support frame (92) extending forward, and has a second holding surface (802) for holding a region in front of the ball of the driver's foot. The saddle-type vehicle (1).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the first holding portion (81) and the second holding portion (82) are formed of separate members. The saddle-type vehicle (1).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (1) according to Claim 2, wherein a rear end portion (82a) of the second holding portion (82) is inclined so that a distance from the first holding portion (81) increases toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. The saddle-type vehicle (1).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (1) according to Claim 1, wherein a chamfered portion (82b) is formed at an outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of a front end portion of the second holding portion (82), which is inclined rearward toward the outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the second holding portion (82) and extends in the vehicle width direction. The saddle-type vehicle (1).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first support frame (91) has a rising portion (911R) extending in the vertical direction and a step mounting portion (912R) that bends outward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end portion of the rising portion (911R) and extends in the vehicle width direction. The saddle-riding type vehicle (1) in which the second support frame (92) is coupled to the rising portion (911R) of the first support frame (91).

6. The saddle-riding type vehicle (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second support frame (92) is pipe-shaped, and a drain hole (92a) is provided near a joint portion of the second support frame (92) and the first support frame (91) of the saddle-riding type vehicle (1).

7. The saddle-riding type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second holding portion (82) is provided such that the second holding surface (802) is positioned between an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the first holding portion (81) in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle (1).

8. The saddle-riding type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the saddle-riding type vehicle (1) further includes a seat (18) on which the driver can sit, and the second holding portion (82) is provided such that at least a part of the second holding surface (802) is positioned between a front end portion of the seat (18) and a handle shaft (521c) of the handle (521) in the front-rear direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle (1).

9. The saddle-riding type vehicle (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first support frame (91) and the second support frame (92) are supported by the same bracket (90R) and fixed to the saddle-riding type vehicle (1).