Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle that includes a frame, a steering assembly, front and rear wheels, and an engine/transmission assembly. The motorcycle also includes an engine cooling fan that creates a flow of cooling air across the engine. The motorcycle also includes an air box and an air box delivery system that provides air to the air box. The air box is mounted to the frame and includes an air filter, an inlet located outside of the filter, and an outlet located inside of the filter such that air entering the inlet passes through the filter before exiting through the outlet. The air box delivery system includes a passage that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the frame and in fluid flow communication with the air box, the passage directing the flow of air upwardly into the air box.

Abstract: A motorcycle comprising a frame; a steering column pivotably mounted to the frame; a triple tree mounted to the steering column for rotation therewith, the triple tree including a pair of handlebar bosses formed integrally therewith; a pair of handlebars sized to snugly fit within the handlebar bosses of the triple tree, the handlebars each including a longitudinal axis; a pair of fasteners, each fastener being axially aligned with the handlebars, extending through the handlebar bosses, and threading into an end of each handlebar to resist removal of the handlebars from the handlebar bosses; and a raised portion extending into a slot in each handlebar boss to resist rotation of the handlebars in the handlebar bosses. The handlebars are preferably straight and have substantially no curves. The handlebar bosses preferably have a fixed circumference and are non-adjustable.

Abstract: A motorcycle comprising a frame; an engine mounted to the frame; a steering assembly interconnected with the frame; a front wheel rotatably mounted to the steering assembly; a swingarm mounted to the frame, the swingarm including a hollow portion adapted to contain oil for use in the engine; and a rear wheel rotatably mounted to the swingarm. A removable plate closes the hollow portion of the swingarm, and first, second, and third fittings are associated with the plate. An oil breather tube may be interconnected with the first fitting, an oil pickup tube interconnected with the second fitting, and an oil return tube interconnected with the third fitting. A fixed-position caliper mounting boss is provided on the swingarm, and the swingarm includes a fixed axle for the rear wheel such that the caliper is properly spaced with respect to the rear wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle that includes a frame, a wheel mounted to the frame for rotation about an axis of rotation, a rotor mounted to the wheel, and a caliper selectively clamping the rotor to slow down the rotation of the wheel. The rotor includes a slot having flat sides that are non-parallel with respect to each other. The assembly further comprises a spacer positioned within the slot and having flat sides substantially parallel to said sides of the slot such that the flat sides of the spacer maintain contact with the flat sides of the slot during thermal expansion of the rotor. A spring is preferably provided between the rotor and the wheel and is offset from a fastener. The spring biases the rotor against the head of the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention includes a motorcycle frame that has a steering head and a fuel storage unit that is adapted to contain motorcycle fuel. A separating wall is disposed between the fuel storage unit and the steering head to substantially prevent fluid communication between the fuel storage unit and the steering head. The steering head includes a stress focusing structure for separating the steering head from the fuel storage unit and leaving the separating wall substantially intact to contain fuel within the fuel storage unit in response to a predetermined force being applied to at least one of the steering assembly and the front wheel.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a swing arm defining a drive member aperture through which a flexible drive member extends. During normal operation of the motorcycle, the drive member and swing arm are interlocked due to a portion of the drive member being captured in the drive member aperture. A portion of the swing arm is removable from the rest of the swing arm to open the drive member aperture and permit removal of the drive member as a continuous unbroken loop without the need to drop the motorcycle's transmission.

Abstract: The present invention includes a motorcycle frame that has a steering head and a fuel storage unit that is adapted to contain motorcycle fuel. A separating wall is disposed between the fuel storage unit and the steering head to substantially prevent fluid communication between the fuel storage unit and the steering head. The steering head includes a stress focusing structure for separating the steering head from the fuel storage unit and leaving the separating wall substantially intact to contain fuel within the fuel storage unit in response to a predetermined force being applied to at least one of the steering assembly and the front wheel.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame, and an engine and transmission mounted to the frame. A swingarm is pivotably mounted to the frame, and a rear wheel is rotatably mounted to the swingarm. An output shaft of the transmission is coupled to the rear wheel to cause rotation of the rear wheel under power of the engine. A stationary tensioner is mounted to the frame such that as the rear wheel bounces up and down with respect to the frame, the tensioner maintains substantially constant tension and belt path length in the belt without requiring the tensioner to move in a translational or pivotal sense.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a muffler defining an air scoop for directing air toward the motorcycle's engine and transmission assembly. The muffler also has a substantially planar upper portion and a lower portion having a convex surface.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a rear wheel sprocket assembly made by drawing a piece of material into a ring-shaped part having a flange portion, and roll-forming teeth into the flange portion. An optional insert member may be mounted within the ring-shape part to provide a rim around the flange.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a plurality of tie rods, a front resilient mount interconnecting the engine with the frame, and a rear resilient mount that interconnects the frame with the transmission, and that is positioned above the pivot mount between the swing arm and the transmission.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a fuel cell assembly having a fuel tank and a cover disposed over the fuel tank. The cover includes a pair of air inlets, and an air channel is defined between the cover and the tank for the flow of air. Such air flow is directed along the sides of the motorcycle engine between the rider's legs and the engine. The motorcycle also includes an air scoop defining an air duct. The air scoop has an intake end and an outlet end. The air flowing through the duct is directed toward the rear cylinder of the motorcycle.