Saddle-ridden vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a scooter-type saddle-ridden vehicle in which a space between an inner surface of an exterior component and a side surface of a head pipe is restricted, and provides a saddle-ridden vehicle in which it is possible to secure a space for disposing an internally disposed component and to increase the vertical rigidity of a component support stay even if a steering motor is provided in a space covered by the exterior component. A leaning vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body frame 10, a pine-needle fork 20, an exterior component 30, an internally disposed component 40, a component support stay 50, and a steering assistance motor 61. The steering assistance motor 61 is disposed in a position overlapping an upper end of a left shock absorber 21, an upper end of a right shock absorber 22, or a portion of a bracket 23 when viewed in the vertical direction of the leaning vehicle 1. In addition, the steering assistance motor 61 is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the left-right direction of the leaning vehicle 1.

Description

Saddle-type vehicle

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

[0002] Scooter-type saddle-ride vehicles are known. One proposed scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle has a structure in which the area around the head pipe is covered by a front cover and a rear cover, and front equipment parts such as a headlight and wiring materials such as brake wires are housed within the front cover and the rear cover. Exterior components, including cover parts such as the front cover and the rear cover and front equipment parts such as the headlight, are supported on the frame of the saddle-ride vehicle by component support stays. Some scooter-type saddle-ride vehicles have a pine-needle fork to surround the area around the head pipe with the front cover and the rear cover.

[0003] Demand for convenience in such scooter-type saddle-ride vehicles is increasing, and there is a demand for steering assistance using electric power steering (hereinafter referred to as "EPS") For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an actuator unit for steering assistance.

[0004] US Patent Application Publication No. 20230192221

[0005] Since the scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle is expected to be used for a variety of purposes, it is desirable to have a storage box in the rear cover that is accessible to the rider from the seat. Therefore, the scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle is required to arrange not only exterior components but also internal components such as the actuator unit and storage box in the space around the head pipe surrounded by the front cover and rear cover. Furthermore, the exterior components or internal components are supported in the space by component support stays.

[0006] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the actuator unit of the EPS is disposed behind the head pipe. However, a configuration in which the actuator unit is disposed behind the head pipe affects the layout of the storage box and the space in which the rider sits.

[0007] In the scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle, even if a steering motor is installed within the space covered by the front cover and the rear cover, there is a need to ensure space for arranging internal components and increase the design freedom of storage boxes, etc.

[0008] Furthermore, when a steering motor is provided in a space enclosed by the front and rear covers, it is necessary to position not only the exterior components or internal components, but also the component support stay that supports at least one of the exterior components or internal components so as not to interfere with the steering motor. When the exterior components or internal components are positioned away from the head pipe while avoiding the steering motor, the component support stay needs to have vertical rigidity.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle that can secure space for arranging internal components and increase the vertical rigidity of the component support stays even when a steering motor is provided in a space covered by external component parts.

[0010] The inventors have conducted extensive research into a straddle-type vehicle in which, for a scooter-type vehicle that is constrained by the space between the inner surface of an exterior component and the side surface of a head pipe, space is secured for arranging internal components even when a steering motor is provided within the space covered by the exterior component, and the vertical rigidity of the component support stay can be increased. As a result of extensive research, the inventors have come up with the following configuration.

[0011] A saddle-riding type vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a body frame having a head pipe at the front, a front wheel having an axle extending in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, a left shock absorber supporting a left end of the axle of the front wheel, a right shock absorber supporting a right end of the axle of the front wheel, a bracket connecting an upper end of the left shock absorber to an upper end of the right shock absorber and positioned lower than the head pipe in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, and a steering shaft extending upward from the bracket, connected at its upper end to a handlebar and supported by the head pipe so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis; the head pipe; an exterior component that covers the rear side of the head pipe and covers the right side of the head pipe when viewed from the right, or covers the left side of the head pipe when viewed from the left; an internal component that is at least partially disposed between the inner surface of the exterior component and the side of the head pipe; a component support stay that is located between the exterior component and the head pipe and extends forward from the head pipe in the fore-and-aft direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, supporting at least one of the exterior component or the internal component with respect to the head pipe; and a steering motor that is located between the exterior component and the head pipe and outputs torque to the steering shaft via a torque transmission mechanism that can transmit torque to the steering shaft. The steering motor is positioned so as to overlap with the upper end of the left shock absorber, the upper end of the right shock absorber, or a portion of the bracket when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft, utilizing the upper space located above the upper end of the left shock absorber of the pine needle fork, the upper end of the right shock absorber, or the bracket, and is also positioned so as to overlap with a portion of the component support stay when viewed in the horizontal direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, so that the left and right spaces located on the left and right of the steering motor are utilized.

[0012] The above-described configuration includes a pine-needle-shaped fork. The pine-needle-shaped fork includes a shock absorber supporting the front wheel, a left shock absorber supporting a left end of the axle of the front wheel, a right shock absorber supporting a right end of the axle of the front wheel, a bracket connecting an upper end of the left shock absorber to an upper end of the right shock absorber and positioned below the head pipe in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding vehicle, and a steering shaft extending upward from the bracket, connected at its upper end to a handlebar, and supported by the head pipe to be rotatable around the rotation axis of the steering shaft. When the handlebars are operated, the bracket positioned below the head pipe and the left and right shock absorbers connected by the bracket in the pine-needle-shaped fork swing around the rotation axis of the steering shaft. Therefore, when the pine-needle-shaped fork swings, the upper ends of the shock absorbers or the bracket of the pine-needle-shaped fork do not pass through an upper space positioned above the upper ends of the left and right shock absorbers or the bracket of the pine-needle-shaped fork. Therefore, for example, the upper ends of the shock absorbers of the pine needle fork or the upper space above the bracket can be used for arranging the component support stays, which can avoid interference between the pine needle fork and the component support stays supported by the head pipe when the pine needle fork swings.

[0013] Furthermore, the steering motor is disposed at a position overlapping with the upper ends of the shock absorbers or a portion of the brackets when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft, so that the upper space above the upper ends of the shock absorbers or the brackets of the pine-needle-shaped fork is utilized. Because the steering motor is disposed using the upper space, interference between the pine-needle-shaped fork and the steering motor can be avoided even when the pine-needle-shaped fork swings.

[0014] Furthermore, the steering motor is disposed in a position overlapping a portion of the component support stay when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle so that lateral spaces on the left and right of the steering motor are utilized. By disposing the component support stay in the lateral space, the component support stay can be made larger in the vertical dimension of the saddle-riding type vehicle, as long as it does not interfere with the portion of the pine-needle fork that swings about the rotation axis. This makes it easy to ensure the vertical dimension necessary to increase the support rigidity of the component support stay while ensuring the geometric moment of inertia of the component support stay.

[0015] Furthermore, by increasing the dimension of the steering motor in the direction of the rotational axis so that the steering motor and a portion of the component support stay overlap in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, the size of the steering motor in the left-right direction can be reduced while maintaining required performance. Therefore, even if at least a portion of the component support stay and at least a portion of the steering motor are arranged to overlap in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, the left-right size of the space occupied by the component support stay and the steering motor can be further reduced. Therefore, within the space covered by the exterior components, spaces extending in the vertical direction can be secured to the left and right of the component support stay and the steering motor.

[0016] In this way, in the above-described configuration, the steering motor is positioned using the upper space above the pine-needle-shaped fork so as not to interfere with the swinging pine-needle-shaped fork, and the component support stay is positioned using the left and right spaces to the left or right of the steering motor.

[0017] As a result, in a scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle that is restricted by the space between the inner surface of the exterior component and the side of the head pipe, even if a steering motor is provided within the space covered by the exterior component, space for arranging internally arranged components can be secured and the vertical rigidity of the component support stay can be increased.

[0018] According to another aspect, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: the internally disposed components include a storage box located at least to the left or right of the steering shaft in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, the storage box being located in a position overlapping at least a portion of the bracket when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft, and also in a position overlapping with the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, so that the storage box is positioned utilizing a space located above the left shock absorber, the right shock absorber, and the bracket that swings in conjunction with rotation of the steering shaft and to the right or left of the steering motor.

[0019] In the above-described configuration, the storage box is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the bracket when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft, and so as to overlap the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle. For example, the storage box can be disposed in the space covered by the exterior components in a position where it overlaps the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle. This allows a space to be secured on at least one of the left and right sides of the steering shaft within the space covered by the exterior components, located to the left or right of the steering motor and extending in the front-to-rear direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle. Therefore, the design flexibility of the storage box can be improved by using the space located to the left or right of the steering motor. This allows the storage capacity of the storage box to be increased.

[0020] According to another aspect, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: the internally disposed component includes a storage box, the storage box is located at least to the left or right of the steering shaft in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, and at least a portion of the storage box is located below a lower edge of the steering motor as viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle.

[0021] In the above-described configuration, the storage box is located to the left or right of the steering shaft, and is located to the left or right of the steering motor within the space covered by the exterior components, and can utilize the space extending vertically in the up-down direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0022] Furthermore, at least a portion of the storage box is located below the lower edge of the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle riding type vehicle, so that the space below the steering motor can also be used.

[0023] This further improves the design freedom of the storage box, thereby further increasing the storage capacity of the storage box.

[0024] According to another aspect, the saddle-ride type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: At least a portion of the component support stay is located below a lower end of the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0025] In the above-described configuration, the component support stay is arranged using not only the space to the left or right of the steering motor but also the space below it, thereby improving the rigidity of the component support stay.

[0026] According to another aspect, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: the internally disposed component includes a wiring material, and the wiring material is disposed in a position overlapping the component support stay when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle.

[0027] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the wiring material can be arranged together with the component support stay by utilizing the space to the left or right of the steering motor, thereby improving the space efficiency in arranging the internal components.

[0028] From another viewpoint, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: The steering motor is configured so that its maximum width in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle is smaller than the dimension of the steering motor in the direction of the rotation axis, and at least a portion of the steering motor is positioned between the leftmost edge and the rightmost edge of the component support stay when viewed in the up-down direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle.

[0029] According to the above-described configuration, at least a portion of the steering motor is positioned between the rightmost and leftmost edges of the component support stay when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle riding type vehicle, which reduces the width of the space occupied by the steering motor and the component support stay in the left-right direction, thereby ensuring spaces extending up and down to the left and right of the component support stay and the steering motor in the left-right direction of the saddle riding type vehicle.

[0030] Therefore, even if a steering motor is provided, the degree of freedom in designing the storage box and the like can be increased, and space can be secured for arranging internal components that are arranged inside the external components.

[0031] This further improves the degree of freedom in designing accessories that are mounted on the front of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0032] The terminology used in this specification is used for the purpose of defining particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0033] As used herein, "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed members.

[0034] In this specification, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof identify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," and / or their equivalents are used broadly to encompass both "direct and indirect" attachments, connections, and couplings. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0037] Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed to have a meaning consistent with the relevant art and meaning in the context of this disclosure, and should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0038] It is understood that in describing the present invention, several techniques and processes are disclosed, each of which has distinct advantages and can be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques.

[0039] Thus, for the sake of clarity, the description of the present invention refrains from unnecessarily repeating every possible combination of the individual steps, but the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] In this specification, an embodiment of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the present invention will be described.

[0041] In the following description, numerous specific examples are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific examples.

[0042] Accordingly, the following disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the following drawings or description.

[0043] [Saddle-ride type vehicle] In this specification, a saddle-ride type vehicle refers to a vehicle in which a rider sits on a seat straddling the seat. The saddle-ride type vehicle includes vehicles such as motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and four-wheeled vehicles. Therefore, the saddle-ride type vehicle also includes lean-type vehicles. The saddle-ride type vehicle may be a vehicle for one person or a vehicle that can accommodate multiple people.

[0044] [Lean vehicle] In this specification, a lean vehicle is a vehicle that turns in a leaning posture. Specifically, a lean vehicle refers to a vehicle that, in the left-right direction of the vehicle, leans to the left when turning left and leans to the right when turning right. Lean vehicles are not limited by the number of wheels or the presence or absence of wheels, and include all vehicles that turn in a leaning posture. Lean vehicles also include scooters and the like.

[0045] [Pine-needle-shaped fork] In this specification, the term "pine-needle-shaped fork" refers to a front fork having a structure in which the fork supporting the left and right axles is branched into two at the lower end of the steering shaft. That is, the pine-needle-shaped fork is composed of a left shock absorber supporting the left end of the front wheel axle, a right shock absorber supporting the right end of the front wheel axle, a bracket connecting the upper ends of the left shock absorber and the right shock absorber and positioned below the head pipe in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and a steering shaft extending upward from the bracket and connected at its upper end to the handlebars. Note that the pine-needle-shaped fork may or may not include a coil spring and a damper.

[0046] [Torque transmission mechanism] In this specification, the torque transmission mechanism refers to a configuration that transmits the torque of a steering motor to a steering shaft. The torque transmission mechanism may be configured to transmit the input torque while changing the magnitude, direction, etc. of the input torque. The torque transmission mechanism includes, for example, a gear, a belt, a chain, a link, or the like.

[0047] [Exterior component parts] In this specification, exterior component parts refer to parts that cover the front side of the head pipe when viewed from the front of the saddle-type vehicle, cover the rear side of the head pipe when viewed from the rear, cover the right side of the head pipe when viewed from the right, or cover the left side of the head pipe when viewed from the left.

[0048] The exterior component parts include parts such as exterior covers including a front cover and a rear cover, meters, switches, brake hoses, and lighting devices including a headlight and indicators. That is, the exterior component parts include parts that are located in positions that allow the saddle-riding type vehicle to be seen from any of the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom directions of the saddle-riding type vehicle. The exterior component parts also include parts that are supported on the head pipe by component support stays.

[0049] [Internal Mounted Components] In this specification, the term "internal mounted components" refers to components that are partially or entirely mounted between the inner surface of an exterior component and the head pipe of a saddle-riding vehicle. Internal mounted components include components such as wire-like routing materials such as brake hoses, electrical harnesses, hydraulic units for anti-lock brake systems (ABSs), batteries, electrical components, horns, rectifiers / regulators, steering lock mechanisms, and control devices including computing devices. Internal mounted components also include components that are supported on the head pipe by component support stays. Internal mounted components also include storage boxes with storage compartments provided within or along the exterior cover of the exterior component.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a saddle-type vehicle that can secure space for arranging internal components and increase the vertical rigidity of the component support stays, even if a steering motor is provided in a space covered by external component parts.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an outline of the overall configuration of a lean vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a pine-needle fork of the lean vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the head pipe of the lean vehicle. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a view of the lean vehicle according to the modified example 1 when the steering wheel is steered to the right. FIG. 8 is a view of the lean vehicle according to the modified example 1 when the steering wheel is steered to the left. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a modified example 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle according to the modified example 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 6. Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to Fig. 4. Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing the appearance and an outline of the internal structure of the lean vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the components and the dimensional ratios of the components.

[0053] Hereinafter, the arrow FR in the drawings indicates the forward direction of the lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 2 as saddle-ride type vehicles. The arrow UP in the drawings indicates the upward direction of the lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 2. The arrow LF in the drawings indicates the left direction of the lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 2. The arrow RG in the drawings indicates the right direction of the lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 2. Furthermore, in the following description, the front-rear, front-rear, left-right, and right-left directions respectively refer to the front-rear, front-rear, left-right, and right-left directions as seen by a passenger driving the lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 2.

[0054] <First Embodiment> (Overall Configuration of Lean Vehicle) A lean vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 12. FIG. 1 is a side view showing an outline of the overall configuration of the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an outline of the external appearance and internal structure of the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The lean vehicle 1 as a saddle-ride type vehicle is, for example, a scooter-type motorcycle. A rider sits on the seat of the lean vehicle 1 while straddling the seat. The lean vehicle 1 also turns in a leaned posture. That is, the lean vehicle 1 leans leftward when turning left, and leans rightward when turning right. The lean vehicle 1 has a front wheel 81, a rear wheel 82, a body frame 10, a pine-needle fork 20, exterior components 30, internal components 40 (see Figure 12), a component support stay 50, a steering assist device 60 including a steering assist motor 61 as a steering motor, and a torque sensor 71.

[0055] The body frame 10 has a head pipe 11 , a front frame 12 , a lower frame 13 , a rear frame 14 , and a rear arm 15 .

[0056] The head pipe 11 is located at the front of the body frame 10. The head pipe 11 supports a steering shaft 24 (described later) so that the steering shaft 24 is rotatable about a rotation axis P. The head pipe 11 and the steering shaft 24 extend in the up-and-down direction of the lean vehicle 1 along the rotation axis direction in which the rotation axis P extends.

[0057] A head pipe 11 is connected to the front of the front frame 12. The front frame 12 extends from the head pipe 11 toward the rear and downward of the lean vehicle 1.

[0058] The lower frame 13 is connected to the lower end of the front frame 12. The lower frame 13 extends from the lower end of the front frame 12 toward the rear of the lean vehicle 1. A footboard 83 is disposed above the lower frame 13. The footboard 83 is a flat floor type that is flat from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0059] The rear frame 14 is connected to the rear end of the lower frame 13. The rear frame 14 extends from the rear end of the lower frame 13 toward the rear and upward of the lean vehicle 1. A seat 84 on which passengers, including the driver, are seated is disposed above the rear frame 14.

[0060] The rear arm 15 is connected to the lower part of the rear frame 14. A power unit 85 that drives the rear wheel 82 is supported on the rear part of the rear arm 15. The power unit 85 may be, for example, an electric drive motor powered by a battery (not shown).

[0061] (Pine needle type fork) The configuration of the pine needle type fork 20 of the lean vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a front view showing the pine needle type fork 20 of the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2 , the pine needle type fork 20 has a left shock absorber 21 , a right shock absorber 22 , a bracket 23 , and a steering shaft 24 .

[0063] The left shock absorber 21 supports the left end of the axle 811 of the front wheel 81. The right shock absorber 22 supports the right end of the axle 811 of the front wheel 81. The bracket 23 connects the upper end of the left shock absorber 21 to the upper end of the right shock absorber 22, and is located below the head pipe 11 in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft 24. The steering shaft 24 extends upward from the bracket 23 in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft 24. The upper end of the steering shaft 24 is connected to the handlebars 86. The steering shaft 24 is supported by the head pipe 11 so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis P of the steering shaft 24.

[0064] (Configuration around the head pipe) The configuration around the head pipe 11 of the lean vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the head pipe 11 of the lean vehicle 1. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in Figure 1. Note that for ease of viewing, part of the configuration of the lean vehicle 1 is omitted in Figure 4.

[0065] 3 and 4 , the exterior component parts 30 cover the front side surface of the head pipe 11 when the lean vehicle 1 is viewed from the front, the rear side surface of the head pipe 11 when viewed from the rear, the right side surface of the head pipe 11 when viewed from the right, or the left side surface of the head pipe 11 when viewed from the left. The exterior component parts 30 include, for example, a front cover 31, a rear cover 32, and a headlight 33. Furthermore, the exterior component parts 30 may include parts such as meters, switches, brake hoses, and lighting devices including indicators, which are not shown.

[0066] The internally disposed components 40 are components that are partially or entirely disposed between the inner surface of the exterior structural component 30 and the head pipe 11. The internally disposed components 40 include wiring materials 41 such as brake hoses, part of which are disposed between the inner surface of the exterior structural component 30 and the head pipe 11. The internally disposed components 40 may also include components such as an electrical harness, a hydraulic unit of an ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), a battery, electrical components, a rectifier / regulator, a steering lock mechanism, and a control device including a computing device, all of which are not shown.

[0067] The component support stay 50 is located between the exterior component 30 and the head pipe 11. The component support stay 50 extends forward in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 1 from the head pipe 11. As shown in FIG. 4 , the component support stay 50 has a left portion 551, a right portion 552, and a front portion 553.

[0068] The left portion 551 extends in the front-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1 to the left of a center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1. The right portion 552 extends in the front-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1 to the right of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1. The center line CL passes through the rotation axis P and extends in the front-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24.

[0069] The left portion 551 and the right portion 552 are connected by a front portion 553 at the front in the longitudinal direction of the lean vehicle 1 .

[0070] The component support stay 50 supports at least one of the exterior component 30 and the internally disposed component 40 relative to the head pipe 11 .

[0071] The front portion 553 has a first fixing portion 511 and a second fixing portion 512. For example, the front cover 31 is fixed to the first fixing portion 511 of the component support stay 50. The headlight 33 is fixed to the second fixing portion 512 of the component support stay 50. As a result, the front cover 31 and the headlight 33, which serve as exterior component parts 30, are supported by the component support stay 50 relative to the head pipe 11.

[0072] Additionally, a wiring material 41 is attached to the mounting portion 52 of the component support stay 50. As a result, the wiring material 41 as the internally disposed component 40 is supported relative to the head pipe 11 by the component support stay 50. The wiring material 41 is disposed at a position overlapping with the component support stay 50 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0073] The lean vehicle 1 may have a support stay other than the component support stay 50. Although not particularly shown, the rear cover 32 may be fixed to the component support stay 50, the front cover 31, or the other support stay.

[0074] The steering assist device 60 is an electric power steering drive device that assists the steering operation of the driver of the lean vehicle 1. The steering assist device 60 includes a steering assist motor 61 and a torque transmission mechanism 62.

[0075] The steering assist motor 61 has a rotation axis Q that extends along the rotation axis P of the steering shaft 24. The steering assist motor 61 is a motor that outputs torque about the rotation axis Q. The steering assist motor 61 is located between the exterior component 30 and the head pipe 11. The steering assist motor 61 outputs torque to the steering shaft 24 via a torque transmission mechanism 62, which will be described later. The steering assist motor 61 also receives torque from the steering shaft 24 via the torque transmission mechanism 62, which will be described later.

[0076] The torque transmission mechanism 62 transmits the torque output by the steering assist motor 61 to the steering shaft 24. The torque transmission mechanism 62 may be configured in any way, such as a gear, a link, a belt, or a chain, as long as it is capable of transmitting the torque of the steering assist motor 61 to the steering shaft 24. The torque transmission mechanism 62 is connected to the steering assist motor 61 and the steering shaft 24. The torque transmission mechanism 62 is configured to rotate the steering shaft 24 by transmitting the torque from the steering assist motor 61 to the upper end of the steering shaft 24, for example. The steering assist motor 61 is supported on the steering shaft 24 by the torque transmission mechanism 62. The steering assist motor 61 is located in a range above the bracket 23 of the pine needle fork 20 and below the lowest end of the handlebars 86 in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1. The steering assist motor 61 is located in a range RW1 that overlaps with the upper ends of both shock absorbers 21 and 22 or a part of the bracket 23 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3 , the torque sensor 71 is located above the steering shaft 24 in the direction of the rotation axis, and detects the torque between the steering wheel 86 and the steering shaft 24. The steering assist device 60 controls the steering assist motor 61 based on the torque detection result. Note that the lean vehicle 1 may also have a steering angle sensor (not shown). For example, the steering angle sensor may detect the steering angle of the steering wheel 86, and the torque sensor 71 may detect the torque of the steering wheel 86, and the steering assist device 60 may control the steering assist motor 61 based on the detected steering angle and torque.

[0078] 3, 4, and 12, the positional relationship between the steering assist motor 61 and the component support stay 50 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the steering assist motor 61 is disposed so that at least a portion of the component support stay 50 overlaps with at least a portion of the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1. Furthermore, the steering assist motor 61 is located in a range rearward of the front end edge of the component support stay 50 and forward of the rear end edge of the head pipe 11 in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0079] When the handlebars 86 are operated, the bracket 23, which is located below the head pipe 11 in the pine-needle fork 20, and the left shock absorber 21 and right shock absorber 22 connected by the bracket 23, swing around the rotation axis P of the steering shaft 24. Therefore, when the pine-needle fork 20 swings, it is possible to avoid interference with the component support stay 50 supported by the head pipe 11.

[0080] The steering assist motor 61 is arranged in a position overlapping with the upper ends of the shock absorbers 21, 22 or a part of the bracket 23 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 so as to utilize the upper space located above the upper ends of the shock absorbers 21, 22 or the bracket 23 of the pine-needle-shaped fork 20 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1. Note that "above" may be above in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or above in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24. Because the steering assist motor 61 is arranged using the above space, interference between the pine-needle-shaped fork 20 and the steering assist motor 61 can be avoided even when the pine-needle-shaped fork 20 swings.

[0081] Furthermore, the steering assist motor 61 is disposed in a position overlapping a portion of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 so that the lateral spaces located on the left and right of the steering assist motor 61 are utilized. The component support stay 50 can have a large dimension in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 within a range that does not interfere with the portion of the pine-needle fork 20 that swings about the rotation axis P. This makes it easy to ensure the vertical dimension required to increase the support rigidity of the component support stay 50 while ensuring the geometric moment of inertia of the component support stay 50.

[0082] Furthermore, by increasing the dimension of the steering assist motor 61 in the direction of its rotational axis so that a portion of the steering assist motor 61 overlaps a portion of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1, it is possible to reduce the size of the steering assist motor 61 in the left-right direction while maintaining required performance. Therefore, even when the component support stay 50 and the steering assist motor 61 are arranged so that at least a portion of the component support stay 50 overlaps with at least a portion of the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1, it is possible to further reduce the size of the space occupied by the component support stay 50 and the steering assist motor 61 in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to ensure spaces extending in the vertical direction at positions to the left and right of the component support stay 50 and the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0083] In this manner, in the above-described configuration, the steering assist motor 61 is positioned using the upper space located above the pine-needle-shaped fork 20 so as not to interfere with the swinging pine-needle-shaped fork 20, while the component support stay 50 is positioned using the left and right spaces to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61.

[0084] As a result, in a lean scooter-type vehicle 1 where the space between the inner surface of the exterior component 30 and the side surface of the head pipe 11 is restricted, even if the steering assist motor 61 is provided in the space covered by the exterior component 30, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing a storage box or the like that utilizes the space. Moreover, it is possible to ensure space for arranging the internally disposed component 40 that is disposed inward of the exterior component 30. Furthermore, the vertical rigidity of the component support stay 50 can be increased.

[0085] Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the front accessories to be mounted on the front of the lean vehicle 1 can be further improved.

[0086] 3 and 4, the steering assist motor 61 is configured so that its maximum width W1 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 is smaller than the dimension L1 in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor 61. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the maximum width W2 of the steering assist motor 61 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 is smaller than the distance W3 in the left-right direction of the component support stay 50. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the steering assist motor 61 is configured so that at least a portion of the steering assist motor 61 is located between the leftmost edge 5511 and the rightmost edge 5521 of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft 24.

[0087] According to the above-described configuration, the width in the left-right direction of the space occupied by the steering assist motor and the component support stay can be reduced.

[0088] Therefore, in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1, a space can be secured that extends vertically to the left and right of the component support stay 50 and the steering assist motor 61.

[0089] Therefore, even if a steering assist motor 61 is provided, the design freedom of the storage box etc. can be increased, and space can be secured for arranging the internal components 40 that are arranged inside the exterior components 30.

[0090] Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the front accessories to be mounted on the front of the lean vehicle 1 can be further improved.

[0091] The steering assist motor 61 does not have to be disposed so that at least a portion of the steering assist motor 61 is located between the leftmost edge 5511 and the rightmost edge 5521 of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft 24. Furthermore, the steering assist motor 61 does not have to overlap with the component support stay 50 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0092] The maximum width W1 of the steering assist motor 61 may be equal to or greater than the dimension L1 in the direction of the rotation axis, and may be equal to or greater than the distance W3 between the component support stays 50 in the left-right direction.

[0093] In the above-described configuration, the internally disposed component 40 includes the wiring material 41. The wiring material 41 is disposed in a position overlapping with the component support stay 50 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1. This allows the wiring material 41 to be disposed together with the component support stay 50, utilizing the space to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61. This improves the space efficiency in disposing the internally disposed component 40.

[0094] <Variation 1 of Embodiment 1> A lean vehicle 1A according to Variation 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 1A according to Variation 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 1A according to Variation 1, and corresponds to FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a view of the lean vehicle 1A according to Variation 1 when the steering wheel 86 is steered to the right. FIG. 8 is a view of the lean vehicle 1A according to Variation 1 when the steering wheel 86 is steered to the left. The lean vehicle 1A according to Variation 1 differs from the lean vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes a storage box 87 as an internally disposed component 40. In the following description of Variation 1, parts common to the lean vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0095] 5 and 6, the lean vehicle 1A has storage boxes 87 on the left and right of the head pipe 11 and the steering shaft 24 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1A. The storage boxes 87 include a left storage box 871 located on the left of the steering shaft 24 and a right storage box 872 located on the right of the steering shaft 24 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1A.

[0096] When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24, the front edge 8701 of the storage box 87 is located forward of the rear edge 612 of the steering assist motor 61 in the longitudinal direction of the lean vehicle 1A. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24, the storage box 87 is located at a position overlapping at least a portion of the bracket 23. Furthermore, the left storage box 871 is located at a position overlapping with the upper end of the left shock absorber 21 and a portion of the bracket 23. The right storage box 872 is located at a position overlapping with the upper end of the right shock absorber 22 and a portion of the bracket 23.

[0097] 7, when the handlebar 86 (see FIG. 1, etc.) is steered to the right to rotate the front wheel 81 together with the pine fork 20 in one direction RT1 about the rotation axis P of the steering shaft, the left storage box 871 may be positioned so as to overlap with a portion of the bracket 23 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24. The right storage box 872 may be positioned so as to overlap with the upper end of the right shock absorber 22 and a portion of the bracket 23.

[0098] 8, when the handlebars 86 (see FIG. 1, etc.) are steered to the left to rotate the front wheel 81 together with the pine fork 20 in the other direction RT2 around the rotation axis P of the steering shaft, the left storage box 871 may be positioned so as to overlap the upper end of the left shock absorber 21 and part of the bracket 23 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24. The right storage box 872 may be positioned so as to overlap part of the bracket 23.

[0099] As shown in Figure 5, when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1A, the front edge 8701 of the storage box 87 may be located forward of the rear edge 612 of the steering assist motor 61 in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 1A.

[0100] The storage box 87 is located at a position overlapping with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1A.

[0101] In the above-described configuration, the storage box 87 can be disposed in the space covered by the exterior components 30, for example, in a positional relationship overlapping the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1A. As a result, on at least one of the left and right sides of the steering shaft 24, a space can be secured within the space covered by the exterior components 30 that is located to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61 and that extends in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1A. Therefore, the design flexibility of the storage box 87 can be improved by using the space located to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61. As a result, the storage capacity of the storage box 87 can be increased.

[0102] Furthermore, when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1A, the storage box 87 is arranged such that a lower edge 8702 of the storage box 87 is located lower than an upper edge 613 of the steering assist motor 61 in the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft 24. Note that when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1A, the lower edge 8702 of the storage box 87 may be located lower than an upper edge 613 of the steering assist motor 61 in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1A.

[0103] In the above-described configuration, the storage box 87 can be disposed in the space covered by the exterior components 30, for example, in a positional relationship where it overlaps with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1A. As a result, on at least one of the left and right sides of the steering shaft 24, a space extending up and down in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1A can be secured within the space covered by the exterior components 30 without being restricted by the steering assist motor 61. This improves the design freedom of the storage box 87. As a result, the storage capacity of the storage box 87 can be increased.

[0104] 7 and 8, whether the handlebars 86 are steered to the right or left, the storage box 87 can be disposed by utilizing the space that prevents the left shock absorber 21, the right shock absorber 22, and the bracket 23 from interfering with the storage box 87. In other words, the storage box 87 can be disposed by utilizing the space located above the left shock absorber 21, the right shock absorber 22, and the bracket 23.

[0105] <Modification 2 of Embodiment 1> A lean vehicle 1B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 . FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 1B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 5 . FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 1B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 6 . The lean vehicle 1B according to Modification 2 differs from the lean vehicle 1A according to Modification 1 in that the storage box 87 has a connection portion 873 and the component support stay 50 has a left-right coupling portion 555. In the following description of Modification 2, parts common to the lean vehicle 1A according to Modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. For ease of viewing, the front wheel 81, both shock absorbers 21 and 22, the bracket 23, and the wiring material 41 are omitted from FIG. 10 .

[0106] The storage box 87 includes a left storage box 871, a right storage box 872, and a connection portion 873. The connection portion 873 extends in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1B. The connection portion 873 connects the left storage box 871 and the right storage box 872 to each other.

[0107] When viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1B, the connection portion 873 is located below the lower end edge of the steering assist motor 61. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24, a portion of the connection portion 873 overlaps with the steering assist motor 61.

[0108] In the above-described configuration, the storage box 87 is located to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61 within the space covered by the exterior component 30, and can utilize the space extending vertically in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1B.

[0109] Furthermore, the connection portion 873, which is part of the storage box 87, is located below the lower end edge of the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1B. Therefore, the space below the steering assist motor 61 can also be used.

[0110] This further improves the degree of freedom in designing the storage box 87. This further improves the storage capacity of the storage box 87.

[0111] The component support stay 50 has a left portion 551 , a right portion 552 , a front portion 553 , and left and right connecting portions 555 .

[0112] The left-right connecting portion 555 connects the left portion 551 and the right portion 552 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1B.

[0113] When viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1B, the left-right connecting portion 555 is located below the lower end of the steering assist motor 61. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24, the left-right connecting portion 555 overlaps with the steering assist motor 61.

[0114] The component support stay 50 is arranged using not only the space to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61 but also the space below it. Therefore, the rigidity of the component support stay 50 can be improved.

[0115] <Embodiment 2> A lean vehicle 2 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 2 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to Fig. 4. The lean vehicle 2 according to embodiment 2 differs from the lean vehicle 1 according to embodiment 1 in that it has a steering lock mechanism 73. In the following description of embodiment 2, parts that are common to the lean vehicle 1 according to embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0116] 11 , the component support stay 55 does not branch out to the left or right, but has a single extension portion 500 that extends forward from the head pipe 11 in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 2. The front portion 503 is located forward of the extension portion 500 in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 2. The front portion 503 has a first fixing portion 511 and a second fixing portion 512.

[0117] The steering lock mechanism 73 is located to the right of the head pipe 11 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2. The steering lock mechanism 73 is located to the right of a center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2. When viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2, the center line CL passes through the rotation axis P and extends in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 2. The steering lock mechanism 73 is activated by a switch or the like (not shown). The steering lock mechanism 73 restricts the rotation of the steering shaft 24 when the switch is in the on state. Furthermore, the steering lock mechanism 73 releases the restriction on the rotation of the steering shaft 24 when the switch is in the off state. Furthermore, the steering lock mechanism 73 is located to the right of the rightmost edge 502 of the component support stay 50.

[0118] The steering assist motor 61 and the rotation axis Q are located to the left of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2, as viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2. Furthermore, the right end edge 614 of the steering assist motor 61 is located to the left of the leftmost edge 501 of the component support stay 50, as viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2. That is, the steering assist motor 61 is located on the opposite side of the steering lock mechanism 73 with respect to the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2. According to the above-described configuration, space can be secured forward of the front end edge 611 of the steering assist motor 61. Furthermore, by locating the steering assist motor 61 to the left of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2, it is possible to increase the dimensions of the right storage box 872, for example. Furthermore, the design flexibility of the driver's leg space is also improved.

[0119] The right storage box 872 is located to the right and in front of the steering lock mechanism 73 in the space within the front cover 31 and the rear cover 32 .

[0120] Furthermore, when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 2, the left storage box 871 is located rearward of the rear end edge 612 of the steering assist motor 61.

[0121] Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the above-described embodiments can be appropriately modified and carried out without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0122] In the above-described embodiments, the saddle-ride type vehicle is the lean vehicle 1, 1A, 1B, or 2. However, the saddle-ride type vehicle does not have to be a lean vehicle. The saddle-ride type vehicle may be, for example, an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) or the like having a saddle-ride type seat.

[0123] In each of the above-described embodiments, the steering motor is the steering assist motor 61. However, the steering motor may be a motor that performs steering without the occupant operating the steering wheel, rather than a motor that outputs torque to assist the occupant in operating the steering wheel. In other words, the saddle-type vehicle may have a steering device that performs steering using the steering motor.

[0124] In each of the above-described embodiments, the steering assist motor 61 is located in a range RW1 overlapping with the upper ends of both shock absorbers 21, 22 or a portion of the bracket 23 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1. However, the steering assist motor may be located in a position overlapping with the upper ends of the shock absorbers or a portion of the bracket when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft. Furthermore, the steering assist motor may be located in a position overlapping with the upper ends of the shock absorbers or a portion of the bracket when viewed in either the up-down direction of the lean vehicle or the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft.

[0125] In each of the above-described embodiments, the maximum width W1 of the lean vehicle in the left-right direction is configured to be smaller than the dimension L1 of the steering assist motor 61 in the rotational axis direction. However, in each of the above-described embodiments, the dimension of the steering assist motor in the rotational axis direction and the maximum width of the lean vehicle in the left-right direction can be set arbitrarily depending on the performance required of the steering assist motor. For example, the maximum width of the lean vehicle in the left-right direction may be larger than the dimension of the steering assist motor in the rotational axis direction. Furthermore, the dimension of the steering assist motor in the rotational axis direction and the maximum width of the lean vehicle in the left-right direction may be the same.

[0126] In each of the above-described embodiments, the maximum width W1 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle is configured to be smaller than the dimension L1 in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor 61. However, the maximum width in the front-rear direction of the lean vehicle may be configured to be smaller than the dimension in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the steering assist motor in the front-rear direction while maintaining the required performance. Furthermore, if the size of the steering assist motor in the front-rear direction is reduced, it becomes possible to position the steering assist motor closer to the head pipe. This makes it possible to reduce the moment of the steering assist device in the direction of gravity, thereby improving the support rigidity of the steering assist device.

[0127] In each of the above-described embodiments, the meter as an exterior component may be fixed to a position that is easily visible to a driver riding in a lean vehicle, such as an upper portion of a head pipe.

[0128] Although not specifically explained in the above-described embodiments, the distance between the front edge of the steering assist motor and the inner surface of the exterior component member in the longitudinal direction of the lean vehicle may be smaller or larger than the distance between the rear edge of the steering assist motor and the rear edge of the head pipe. Also, the distance between the front edge of the steering assist motor and the inner surface of the exterior component member may be the same as the distance between the rear edge of the steering assist motor and the rear edge of the head pipe in the longitudinal direction of the lean vehicle.

[0129] In each of the above-described embodiments, the power unit 85 drives the rear wheels 82. However, the power unit may also drive the front wheels. Furthermore, the power unit may be powered by an internal combustion engine rather than an electric drive motor. Furthermore, the power unit may not be supported by the rear arm, but may be supported by a portion of the body frame other than the rear arm.

[0130] In each of the above-described embodiments, the body frame 10 includes a head pipe 11, a front frame 12, a lower frame 13, a rear frame 14, and a rear arm 15. However, the body frame may have a structure such as a single cradle or double cradle frame.

[0131] In each of the above-described embodiments, the footboard 83 of the lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 2 is a flat floor type that is flat from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle. However, in a lean vehicle, a center tunnel may be disposed in the center of the lean vehicle in the left-right direction. In other words, the footboard may be divided into two parts, one on the left side and one on the right side of the center tunnel.

[0132] In the above-described second embodiment, the right end edge 614 of the steering assist motor 61 is located to the left of the leftmost edge 501 of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2. However, if the steering lock mechanism is located to the left of the head pipe in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle, or if the lean vehicle does not have a steering lock mechanism, the left end edge of the steering assist motor may be located to the right of the rightmost edge of the component support stay when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle.

[0133] 1, 1A, 1B, 2 Lean vehicle 10 Body frame 11 Head pipe 12 Front frame 13 Lower frame 14 Rear frame 15 Rear arm 20 Pine-needle fork 21 Left shock absorber 22 Right shock absorber 23 Bracket 24 Steering shaft 30 Exterior component 31 Front cover 32 Rear cover 33 Headlight 40 Internally disposed component 41 Wiring material 50, 55 Component support stay 500 Extension portion 501 Leftmost edge 502 Rightmost edge 503 Front portion 511 First fixing portion 512 Second fixing portion 52 Mounting portion 551 Left portion 5511 Leftmost edge 552 Right portion 5521 Rightmost edge 553 Front portion 555 Left-right connecting portion 60 Steering assist device 61 Steering assist motor 611 front edge 612 rear edge 613 upper edge 614 right edge 62 torque transmission mechanism 62 71 torque sensor 73 steering lock mechanism 81 front wheel 82 rear wheel 83 footboard 84 seat 85 power unit 86 handle 87 storage box 871 left storage box 872 right storage box 873 connection part 8701 front edge 8702 lower edge P, Q rotation axis

Claims

1. A pine-needle-shaped fork including: a body frame having a head pipe at the front; a front wheel having an axle extending in the left-right direction of a saddle-riding type vehicle; a left shock absorber supporting a left end of the axle of the front wheel; a right shock absorber supporting a right end of the axle of the front wheel; a bracket connecting an upper end of the left shock absorber with an upper end of the right shock absorber and positioned lower than the head pipe in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle; and a steering shaft extending upward from the bracket, connected at its upper end to a handlebar and supported by the head pipe so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis; an exterior component that covers the front side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the front of the saddle-riding type vehicle, covers the rear side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the rear, covers the right side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the right, or covers the left side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the left; and an internal component at least a portion of which is disposed between the inner surface of the exterior component and the side surface of the head pipe. a component support stay located between the exterior component and the head pipe, extending forward in the fore-and-aft direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle from the head pipe, supporting at least one of the exterior component or the internally disposed component relative to the head pipe; and a steering motor located between the exterior component and the head pipe, outputting torque to the steering shaft via a torque transmission mechanism capable of transmitting torque to the steering shaft, wherein the steering motor is disposed in a position overlapping with the upper end of the left shock absorber, the upper end of the right shock absorber, or a portion of the bracket, when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft, utilizing an upper space located above an upper end of the left shock absorber, an upper end of the right shock absorber, or the bracket of the pine-needle-shaped fork, and is disposed in a position overlapping with a portion of the component support stay, when viewed in the horizontal direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, so that left and right spaces located to the left and right of the steering motor are utilized.

2. A saddle-ride type vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein the internally arranged parts include a storage box, the storage box being located at least to the left or right of the steering shaft in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and the storage box being located in a position overlapping at least a portion of the bracket when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft, so that the storage box is positioned utilizing the space located above the left shock absorber, the right shock absorber and the bracket and to the right or left of the steering motor, which swing with the rotation of the steering shaft, and the storage box being located in a position overlapping with the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

3. A saddle-ride type vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the internally arranged parts include a storage box, the storage box being located at least to the left or right of the steering shaft in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and at least a portion of the storage box being located below a lower edge of the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

4. A lean vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the component support stay is located below a lower end of the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

5. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the internally disposed component includes a wiring material, and when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-type vehicle, the wiring material is disposed in a position overlapping with the component support stay.

6. A saddle-ride type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering motor is configured so that its maximum width in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle is smaller than the dimension of the steering motor in the direction of its rotational axis, and at least a portion of the steering motor is positioned between the rightmost and leftmost edges of the component support stay when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

Images