The Influence of Frame Structure on the Dynamics of Motorcycle Stability University of Manchester England

Format:

Conference/Event

Author/Creator:

Roe, G. E., author.

Conference Name:

Small Engine Technology Conference & Exposition (1989-09-11 : Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States)

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Warrendale, PA SAE International 1989

Summary:

Motorcycles are prone to two basic steering instabilities, a low-speed high-frequency flapping of the handlebars (wobble' or flutter') and a high-speed low-frequency snaking of the whole machine (weave'), both potentially dangerous. This investigation replaced the standard production frame of a large capacity machine with two new frames of duplex' tubular type. One supported the engine mass from below - a so-called cradle' frame - and the other from above. The stiffness characteristics of both experimental frames were calculated and optimised by Finite Element techniques.The resulting stability of the motorcycle was dramatically improved in each case, with the cradle frame showing superior flutter stability. Both frames also had excellent handling qualities. The frames were tested under a wide range of parameter variation and loading conditions.The loss of flutter stability on fitting a currently-fashionable smaller front wheel was viewed with some concern

Notes:

Vendor supplied data

Publisher Number:

891772

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license