Abstract: A motorcycle having improved center of gravity is disclosed. The motorcycle has a torsion suspension system and a frame having front and rear wheels with a motor located in the frame and a driver's seat mounted on an upper supporting structure of the frame. A swing arm having a pivot point on one of the frame and the motor is provided, the swing arm having at least one arm supporting a wheel, the swing arm permitting the wheel to rotate about a generally horizontal axis and to move in a generally vertical direction with respect to the pivot point axis of said swing arm. A fuel tank is provided having at least a portion thereof fixedly mounted in said frame below said driver's seat, thereby improving said motorcycle center of gravity by providing for lowered weight.

Abstract: There is disclosed a telescopic front-end suspension system suitable for a motorcycle or motorized tricycle or the like. The suspension comprises a front fork assembly having a pair of top tubes telescopically received in a pair of bottom tubes or sliders. Spring means are carried on or in the tubes and means for damping the spring action including liquid or oil are carried in the tubes. A gas chamber or space is provided in connection with the tubes for permitting gas or damping liquid to escape thereto when the top and bottom tubes are telescopically compressed, the compression raising the level of the liquid in the top tube. A control means is provided for restricting the flow of gas or damping liquid from the tubes to the chamber upon application of at least the front brake, the restriction of gas or damping liquid flow resulting in the telescopic compression of the tubes being restrained.

Abstract: A suspension system for motorcycles having a frame and a motor and a swing arm pivotally mounted or attached to one of the motor and the frame. The swing arm supports a wheel in a rotatable position and permits the wheel to be displaced in a generally vertical direction in response to ruts and bumps on the ground or terrain. A torsion bar suspension member having a first end portion and a second end portion has the first end portion connected or secured to the frame or the motor and is carried in a bearing member adjacent the second end thereof. A lever arm is provided having a first end and a second end, the first end being rigidly fixed or connected to the second portion of the torsion bar. A linkage means is provided and includes a member pivotally fastened to both the swing arm and to the second end of the lever arm. The swing arm, linkage means, lever arm and torsion bar are connected such that movement of the swing arm displaces the linkage means thereby forcing the arm member to twist the torsion bar.