Abstract: A vehicle and engine control system controls engine torque to maintain positive torque at a transmission input to minimize the transmission gears from separating. By maintaining a positive engine torque, operation of the transmission in or through the zero torque, or lash, zone, is minimized. This minimizes poor vehicle driveability that would otherwise result from operation in the lash zone. The control systems uses closed loop control based on a desired and actual turbine speed ratio, or slip ratio, to provide positive torque to the transmission.

Abstract: A motorcycle clutch having a drive portion including a clutch basket assembly, and a driven portion including a clutch hub. A plurality of drive clutch plates are driven by the clutch basket assembly and a plurality of driven clutch plates are driven by the clutch hub. A pressure plate is coupled for rotation with the drive portion and is capable of axial movement from at least a first position to a second position. A release plate is capable of axial movement from at least a first position to a second position. The pressure plate and release plate are arranged on opposing sides of an alternating arrangement of the frictional and metal clutch plates. A plurality of engagement balls are placed between the clutch basket assembly and the pressure plate. The clutch basket assembly includes a plurality of ramped surfaces configured such that radial movement of the engagement balls results in axial movement of the pressure plate from its second position to its first position to automatically engage the clutch.

Abstract: A motorcycle, such as a scooter-type motorcycle, includes an engine main body. The engine main body is non-swingably supported by a frame at a location under a seat. A transmission case is swingably supported by the engine main body. A rear wheel is attached to the transmission case and hence swingable relative to the frame. A fuel system is provided atop the engine main body, and hence is not swingably relative to the frame. The engine main body has cylinder bores which are spaced across the width of the motorcycle. The cylinder bores are tilted upwardly and forwardly, so as to create a space below a forward portion of the engine main body. A fuel tank has a rear portion disposed below the forward portion of the engine main body.

Abstract: Automatic neutral finder apparatus for a motorcycle transmission, for automatically locating and positively engaging the transmission's neutral position. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a shifter cam rotatable about an axis through predetermined rotational displacements for effecting gear shifts and having a neutral position; a stop indexed to the neutral position of the cam; a plunger actuable for engaging the stop to stop rotation of the cam when the cam is at its neutral position; and a circuit associated with the plunger and including a switch operable by the motorcycle operator for actuating the plunger to engage the stop. The plunger is further actuable for disengaging the stop, and the switch is preferably operable by the motorcycle operator for actuating the plunger to disengage the stop.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle, uses a bicycle-type frame, having a front wheel and rear wheel rotatably attached thereto. A horizontal shaft internal combustion engine is supported in the frame and linked to a drive train with a pedal actuated or automatic clutch, for selectively allowing the engine to be engaged to drive the rear wheel. The drive train may include a number of pulleys and belts or sprockets and chains. A throttle is provided for controlling the engine, and brakes are provided for slowing the wheels of the bicycle.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has a lubrication system that draws from an oil pan and lubricates the main bearings and the piston. A drive shaft for the vehicle is positioned outside of the oil pan such that the oil pan's lateral dimension may be decreased. Additionally, a lubricant pump pickup is located within a recess in the bottom of the oil pan such that the pick-up is at about the same vertical height as the lower surface of the crankcase. The vehicle is also shiftable from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. The shifting mechanism is located within the crankcase or transmission case. A locking collar selectively engages or disengages two of the four wheels from the output.

Abstract: A vehicle and engine control system controls engine torque to maintain positive torque at a transmission input to minimize the transmission gears from separating. By maintaining a positive engine torque, operation of the transmission in or through the zero torque, or lash, zone, is minimized. This minimizes poor vehicle driveability that would otherwise result from operation in the lash zone. The control systems uses closed loop control based on a desired and actual turbine speed ratio, or slip ratio, to provide positive torque to the transmission.

Abstract: A power unit of the motorcycle is provided with an engine unit in which a counter shaft is pivoted to a rear portion in a casing of an engine body provided with a crankshaft disposed along a motorcycle body width direction and a bracket having a fitting hole extending rearward so as to pass through in the width direction is formed in a rear portion outside the casing, a transmission unit and a bevel unit which are pivoted in a manner to be independent from the engine unit. One side surface of a front portion of the transmission unit is fixed to one side surface of a rear portion of the casing in the engine unit so as to connect the counter shaft to the input shaft to be integrally rotatable, the same side surface of the rear portion in the transmission unit is fitted and fixed to one side surface of the bracket so as to fit and fix the bevel unit to another side surface of the bracket. Thus, the output shaft is connected to a bevel input shaft to be integrally rotatable.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has a crankcase cover and shaft supporting arrangement through which a shaft of a transmission is mounted between the crankcase and a crankcase cover. The arrangement includes a spider bracket having a bearing carrier and a cover member attached to the crankcase through the spider arrangement. The crankcase cover is preferably made of a less thermally conductive material as compared to the spider.

Abstract: A motorcycle shifting arrangement is connected to the transmission of the motorcycle for shifting the transmission between a higher gear and a lower gear. The motorcycle includes an original shifting structure having an original shift pedal pivotally mounted on an original pivot shaft coupled to the transmission at a location adjacent a foot rest attached to a bottom portion of the motorcycle. A supplementary shifting structure is constructed and arranged to permit alternative shifting of the motorcycle while the motorcycle operator has his or her legs in a raised, extended position resting upon a highway peg attached to a supporting structure at a forward location of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A motorcycle has a final drive, including a flexible drive member, such as a chain or a belt, that extends between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. A belt retention member is positioned proximate a forward portion of the final drive to reduce the likelihood of the belt skipping free of the drive pulley. The belt retention member preferably includes an upper belt retention portion and a lower belt retention portion. Preferably, the upper drive retention portion is positioned further forward relative to the lower belt retention portion such that the upper portion is moved more forward relative to an axis of rotation of the pulley. In this manner, the belt retention member allows more slack to be thrown during rapid acceleration from a decelerated state in the illustrated motorcycle.

Abstract: To provide a power unit mounted for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, wherein the power unit is attached to a transmission actuating device or attached to a clutch actuating device, or attached to both actuating units. A power unit for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine mounted in a condition where a crank shaft is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and having a transmission arranged behind the internal combustion engine, wherein one or both of a transmission actuating electric motor for driving an transmission actuating device of the transmission and a clutch actuating electric motor for driving a clutch actuating device of a clutch are arranged in a rear section of said power unit.

Abstract: A scooter type motorcycle is provided for improving a high speed travelling operation by forming a rear wheel supporting member, being a separate body from an internal combustion engine, in a freely swingable manner, for realizing efficient arrangement of parts, and for securing large spaces for floors. In a scooter type motorcycle having lower deck type floors, the scooter type motorcycle includes an internal combustion engine arranged rearwardly of the floors and on a downward side of a seat, and a rear wheel supported via a supporting member which is swingable independent of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A swinging type power unit for a two-wheeled vehicle where the direction of the cylinders or an engine can be freely set without interfering with the engine crankcase so as to give greater freedom of design even when it is intended to increase power output by adopting a two cylinder configuration. The crankcase is divided by a partitioning surface passing through a central part of a crankshaft in the axial direction thereof and into a first crankcase half and a second crankcase half. An inner transmission case half of a transmission case is integrally formed with the first crankcase half and a cylinder block. The cylinder block has two cylinders running parallel in a horizontal direction of the vehicle which are joined to a mounting block surface formed at the outer peripheral surface of the crankcase.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame having an upper member, a pair of front members, a pair of lower members, and a pair of rear members. An engine is mounted to the frame with a pair of bolts, one of which is disposed adjacent the front members of the frame, and the other of which is disposed adjacent the lower members of the frame. The rear portion of the engine is mounted to the motorcycle transmission assembly along a vertical interface. The transmission assembly is mounted to a cross member joining the lower members of the frame, to the upper member of the frame with an upper support, and to the rear members of the frame with a swing arm bolt.

Abstract: A motorcycle transmission shifter assembly including a cam drum having at least two pins extending therefrom, and a shift mechanism engageable with the pins. The shift mechanism includes a tooth that is operable to engage a first one of the pins to rotate the drum in a first direction and a stop that is operable to engage a second one of the pins to prevent over-rotation of the drum in the first direction. Preferably, the shift mechanism includes a shift pawl and a shift lever and the stop is mounted on either the shift pawl or the shift lever. Additionally, the shift mechanism can include a second stop mounted on the other of the shift pawl or the shift lever, the second stop being operable to engage a third one of the pins to prevent over-rotation of the drum in a second direction.

Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle system(s) comprising: rechargeable battery cells, switches, electric circuits, control means, a drive train, and one or more motor-generator devices, such that for each motor-generator device the motor-generator device alternatively operates both: (a) as a motor at a higher voltage to drive the vehicle, and (b) at a lower voltage as a generator, transforming the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy stored in the rechargeable battery cells as the motor-generator functions as a brake to decelerate and stop the vehicle, thus conserving and reusing energy that is dissipated and lost by other vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle drive assembly with a motor configured for driving the vehicle and including a rotatably driven motor shaft. A first swing arm has a first end housing the motor and a second end pivotably and supportively attachable to a vehicle body, with an elongated portion joining the ends. The vehicle also has a gearbox housing configured for transmitting torque to a road surface through a road engaging member, and a transmission directly engaged with the motor shaft and housed within the gearbox housing. The transmission is configured for transmitting torque from the motor shaft to the housing. A second swing arm is pivotably and supportively attachable to the vehicle body. An axle is fixed to the second swing arm, received within the gearbox housing, and attached to the transmission such that the second swing arm is supported by the transmission.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheel axle and an engine coupled to the wheel axle for driving the wheel axle, and an auxiliary electric driving device is further coupled to the wheel axle for selectively driving the wheel axle. The auxiliary electric driving device includes a motor for driving the wheel axle when the vehicle moves in a downtown area or in a low speed, so as to prevent the engine from generating exhaust gas. The fuel engine may be actuated when the vehicle moves in suburban area or in a high speed, for allowing the fuel to be completely burned.

Abstract: An electric solenoid shifter for motorcycles for clutchless shifting of the motorcycle by pushing a button mounted on the handlebars of the motorcycle includes a solenoid mounting plate for securing a solenoid to the motorcycle and a micro-switch which is operably linked to the solenoid and mounted on the motorcycle. A cable clamp for securing a solenoid cable is secured to the solenoid and a spring is secured to the cable clamp and to a solenoid cable bracket. A locknut is secured to the solenoid cable bracket and a cable adjuster element is secured to the locknut. A gear shifter cable bracket assembly is operably secured to the solenoid cable and to a clevis, with the clevis being mounted to the motorcycle. An electric interrupt element for controllably interrupting the ignition system of the motorcycle is secured to the motorcycle and operably linked to the micro-switch and to a toggle switch. A control button is secured to the handlebars of the motorcycle for controlling the solenoid.

Abstract: To provide a power unit less affected by the length of the cylinder of an engine. A cam shaft drive mechanism is composed of a cam shaft drive pulley, a belt, a pair of cam shaft pulleys, and a tensioner disposed on the front surface of a power unit. Since the cylinder is disposed in the width direction of the vehicular body with its cylinder axis substantially in the horizontal direction (for example, a tilt angle .alpha. with respect to the ground is set at +10), the center of gravity of the vehicle is lowered and also the cylinder length can be set within the vehicular width. This increases the degree of design of the vehicle.

Abstract: A push-button actuated system for an ATV transmission such as those used on a Honda 300 where a DC motor is connected to a cable linkage, which in turn is connected to the gear change pedal now used to upshift and downshift gears of a semi-automatic transmission. The cable linkage is arranged so that a clockwise rotation of the DC motor causes a cable to pull upwardly on the gear change pedal. A counterclockwise rotation of the DC motor causes the cable linkage to pull downwardly on the pedal. Variations do away with the pedal and cause rotation of the operative transmission shaft in the same manner as the pedal.

Abstract: A dual transmission including a fixed gear ratio planetary gear mechanism, a belt transmission mechanism capable of continuously changing speed ratio, at least one clutch, and a lock, wherein the engine power of the motorcycle is transmitted through the planetary gear mechanism to the power output shaft for a fixed gear ratio transmission, and then controlled by the clutch and the lock to be transmitted to the power output shaft in the two routes, respectively, through the planetary gear transmission mechanism and the power-split continuously variable transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A gear shift conversion kit and method for converting a foot-operated shift mechanism and a hand-operated clutch mechanism on a motorcycle to a hand-operated shift mechanism and a foot-operated clutch mechanism. Novel components which are contained in the gear shift conversion kit include a foot pedal arm, a cable receiver adjustment block, and a shifter arm.

Abstract: An electrically operated saddle type vehicle includes a vehicle frame having at least one front wheel supported on a front wheel supporting member mounted adjacent to a front portion of the vehicle frame and at least one rear wheel supported on a rear wheel supporting member mounted adjacent to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. An electric motor is supported on the vehicle frame between the front wheel and the rear wheel and includes a front portion positioned adjacent to the front wheel. A transmission member is operatively connected to the electric motor and at least one of the front and rear wheels for providing propulsion for the vehicle. Wherein air is directed to contact the electric motor while the vehicle is in motion for cooling the electric motor during use.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system in a motor vehicle determines a state of deceleration on the basis of the number of revolutions of a motor and an accelerator signal and performs a regenerative braking according to the state of deceleration. The regenerative braking system includes a revolution sensor for detecting;the number of revolutions of a rotor of a vehicle driving motor and an accelerator opening sensor in a RAM stores discrimination data for discriminating between a regenerative braking mode and a drive mode on the basis of the number of revolutions of the rotor and the accelerator opening and also stores on-off duty ratio data of FETs in the regenerative braking mode and that in the drive mode.

Abstract: A power transmission unit for coupling a prime mover to a vehicle, in particular a bicycle. The unit has a clutch assembly, a gear train, and a freewheel mechanism. The output shaft of the prime mover is connected to the input side of the clutch assembly. The output of the clutch assembly is connected to the input side of the gear train. The output side of the gear train is connected to the freewheel mechanism. The freewheel mechanism is connected to a first sprocket wheel. The first sprocket wheel and a second sprocket wheel are mounted together on a common freewheel which in turn is mounted on the crankshaft of the bicycle. The second sprocket wheel is connected to the rear wheel of the bicycle. In the absence of power from the prime mover, the bicycle may be used in a conventional manner. When in use, the prime mover drives the rear wheel of the bicycle via the clutch assembly, gear train, freewheel mechanism, sprocket wheels and the rear wheel.

Abstract: Complete shifting and all wheel braking systems are controlled on the handlebars to allow a physically challenged rider to safely operate a motorcycle having a sidecar.

Abstract: A motorized bicycle drive system featuring a motor drive with a one-way clutch, a pedal drive with a one-way clutch and a motor driveable sprocket, a removable interconnecting drive chain for interconnecting the two drives, and, a mounting device for detachably mounting the motor drive to a bicycle, whereby a motorized bicycle drive system can be compact, inconspicuous and easily removed from and remounted to a bicycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric motor driven vehicle having a driving unit assembled with a motor and transmission mechanism. In order to avoid a load in a low rotational state of the motor, the transmission mechanism is connected with the motor and driving wheel within a range of predetermined rotational numbers in which the motor approaches the vicinity of maximum efficiency. Accordingly, motor driving is possible from the start, and because of the small electric power and the low heat generating quantity, cruising distance is extended and the apparatus is consequently made to be compact and of light weight. The transmission is provided with an automatic starting clutch and an automatic transmission, and when a belt type stepless speed change transmission is used as the automatic transmission, operation of the motor near the vicinity of maximum efficiency can always be maintained in the usual speed change range. The driving unit can be constructed compactly as a power unit of swing type.

Abstract: An automatic centrifugal clutch is arranged at the rear of an engine of a motorcycle, and a belt type continuously variable transmission and a gear type speed reduction device are arranged on opposite sides of the clutch whereby a space at the rear of the engine is effectively utilized, and a space for installing a kick starter is secured externally of the belt type continuously variable transmission. An output shaft of a reduction device and an intermediate shaft of the reduction device are arranged on opposite sides of a plane extending so as to include axes of a crankshaft and an input shaft whereby the longitudinal length of a power transmission device is shortened. An opening of a cooling air discharge passage is provided to face the automatic centrifugal clutch at the front end of the reduction device whereby the automatic centrifugal clutch can be effectively cooled while effectively utilizing the space.

Abstract: A front and rear wheel drive motorcycle includes an engine unit including a cylinder assembly and a crank shaft and first and second speed change belt mechanisms mounted to one end of the crank shaft for driving the front and rear wheels, respectively. The first and second speed change belt mechanisms are operatively connected to first and second speed change gear mechanisms through first and second speed change gear mechanisms through first and second driven pulleys respectively provided to the first and second change belt mechanism. To one end of the crank shaft is mounted a driving pulley means operated in common with the first and second speed change belt mechanisms. The driving pulley means comprises a stationary driving pulley mounted to one end of the crank shaft and operated in common with the first and second speed change belt mechanisms and a pair of movable driving pulleys mounted to one end of the crank shaft with the stationary driving pulley interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric motor driven vehicle having a driving unit assembled with a motor and transmission mechanism. In order to avoid a load in a low rotational state of the motor, the transmission mechanism is connected with the motor and driving wheel within a range of predetermined rotational numbers in which the motor approaches the vicinity of maximum efficiency. Accordingly, motor driving is possible from the start, and because of the small electric power and the low heat generating quantity, cruising distance is extended and the apparatus is consequently made to be compact and of light weight. The transmission is provided with an automatic starting clutch and an automatic transmission is used as the automatic transmission, operation of the motor near the vicinity of maximum efficiency can always be maintained in the usual speed change range. The driving unit can be constructed compactly as a power unit of swing type.

Abstract: In a motorcycle with a pair of left and right steps mounted in a projecting manner on a lower portion of a vehicle body, a pair of left and right brake pedals capable of independently operating the rear wheel brake are pivoted on the vehicle body in close vicinity to the left and right steps, respectively. When a driver turns the motorcycle in either left or right direction with his one foot being placed on the ground, the driver can operate the rear wheel brake using the opposite foot.

Abstract: A motorcycle provided with a receiving chamber positioned beneath the seat includes a forwardly inclined engine and a generally horizontally disposed transmission to permit expansion of the carrying capacity of the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber rear wall, moreover, is depressed inwardly to create an external recess for extending the clearance space between the chamber and the rear wheel, as well as providing a protrusion interiorly of the chamber capable of positioning a helmet therein.

Abstract: A scooter having a low bed footboard, a rear cover rearwardly of said footboard and a front cover forwardly of said footboard. An engine is located beneath the forward portion of the footboard. A variable diameter pulley V-belt transmission is located beneath the rear cover and is pivotally mounted to provide a swing arm rear suspension. A drive shaft extends between the engine and the transmission beneath the footboard. A storage compartment is positioned within the rear cover beneath a seat. A fuel tank is located within the front cover generally above the engine.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an enclosed, air cooled, variable speed, split sheave V-belt transmission. The transmission is enclosed by a housing having cooperatively located intake and exhaust ports connected respectively to intake and exhaust air conduits. One sheave of each pulley of the transmission includes a plurality of air propelling fins to generate air flow through the housing.

Abstract: A multiple-wheel cycle includes a front wheel and two rear wheels respectively driven by two chainwheels formed on a driving shaft rotatably mounted on a bottom bush of a seat tube of the cycle frame so that the three wheels having their centers projectively aligned all contact the ground surface to increase their friction with the ground for stable running and less slippery of the cycle.

Abstract: In a vehicle in which the power of a power plant carried on a body frame is transmitted to a driving wheel through a wrapping transmission mechanism, a pivot shaft is extended laterally of a vehicle body and secured fixedly to a body frame, the pivot ends of the swing arm for journaling the driving wheel is pivoted to the pivot shaft, the hanger portion of the power plant is also pivoted to the pivot shaft, the output shaft of the power plant being provided concentrically on the pivot shaft relatively rotatably, to which output shaft is secured a drive wheel of a wrapping transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An off the road motorcycle of the type having a rear wheel mounting a balloon type tire and an improved suspension and driving arrangement therefor. The driving arrangement includes a first chain that is disposed on one side of the longitudinal center line of the motorcycle and which is driven by its engine and a second chain disposed on the opposite side of the motorcycle and driving the rear wheels. The chains are interconnected by an intermediate shaft that is journaled on the trailing arm and positioned rearwardly of the trailing arm pivot axis. A single substantially horizontally disposed suspension element cushions the trailing arm movement and an improved arrangement is provided for maintaining uniform tension in the first chain.

Abstract: A motorcycle converted from a chain to a belt drive has a cogged drive pulley and a cogged clutch drum drivingly connected to each other by a cogged drive belt. A mounting bracket secured in fixed position to the motorcycle by fasteners which threadably engage existing threaded apertures in a stationary part of the motorcycle provides support for an elongated foot shift lever shaft and also carries a foot peg. A foot shift lever mounted on the foot shift lever shaft and the foot peg remain in stock positions after conversion.

Abstract: An improved transmission in a motor vehicle including a body, an engine located in the vicinity of the center of the body, a pair of footrests attached to the body near the engine, and front and rear wheels. The transmission is integral with the engine and has a casing, a shift spindle having one end projecting from the casing and rotatable for shifting the transmission, and a control lever coupled to the shift spindle. According to the improvement, a cam means is interposed between the control lever and the casing for limiting shifting operation of the control lever. The cam means comprises a cam member having a cam surface and fixed to the casing, a shaft member axially slidably fitted in the control lever and having a control knob on a first end thereof, and a spring disposed between the shaft member and the control lever for urging the shaft member to cause a second end of the shaft member to abut against the cam surface of the cam member.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a power unit of unitary structure pivotally mounted to the motorcycle. The power unit includes an engine, a variable ratio V-belt drive transmission, a centrifugal clutch and a rear axle assembly. The centrifugal clutch is located above a line extending between the output shaft of the engine and the rear axle. The driven pulley of the variable ratio V-belt drive includes a sealed lubricated portion containing a splined joint accommodating the relative axial displacement between the pulley halves. A gear train connects the output of the clutch, which is associated with the driven pulley, to the rear axle.

Abstract: A clutch release device for a motorized cycle including an engine, at least one rear wheel, a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of the engine to the rear wheel, and the power transmission mechanism comprising a friction clutch mechanism connected with the engine, a sprocket for chain-driving the rear wheel, a speed change mechanism of a gearing type having a tubular main shaft connected with the clutch mechanism and a counter shaft connected to the sprocket, the main and counter shafts being arranged to be parallel with each other, and the clutch mechanism and the sprocket being disposed on either end side of the main shaft and on the opposite end side of the counter shaft, respectively.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for a motorcycle includes a change speed gear mechanism which includes a driven countershaft having one end projecting out through an opening in a transmission casing. The countershaft has a driving bevel gear formed integrally thereon and meshes with a driven bevel gear enclosed in a final gear case detachably connected to the transmission casing. Removal of the final gear case permits axial removal of the countershaft and its integral bevel gear through the opening, as well as removal of certain of the gear elements in the change speed gear mechanism, which also pass through the opening.

Abstract: A motorcycle of such a type that a vehicle body frame is provided thereon with an internal combustion engine 4 in front and a transmission 5 in rear. An intermediate driving shaft 18 is interposed between a crankshaft 8 of the engine 4 and an input shaft 13 of the transmission 5. The driving shaft 18 is provided at its both end portions with an A.C. generator 19 and a control member 20 for an ignition circuit, for instance, a pulse generator or a contact breaker. According to this arrangement, even in the case where the engine is of a multiple cylinder type and the crankshaft is comparatively large in length, the motorcycle is prevented from becoming remarkably large in width locally at its crankshaft portion.

Abstract: A power transmission casing apparatus in a motorized two-wheeled vehicle which comprises a case main body extending from one lateral side of an internal combustion engine to one lateral side of a rear wheel in rear thereof and supporting rotatably a wheel axle of the rear wheel. The case main body is applied with a cover member for containing therein liquid-tightly a reduction gear means, and is applied with another cover member for containing therein a V-belt means.

Abstract: A power transmission casing apparatus in a motorized two-wheeled vehicle which comprises a case main body extending from one lateral side of an internal combustion engine to one lateral side of a rear wheel in rear thereof and supporting rotatably a wheel axle of the rear wheel. The case main body is applied with a cover member for containing therein liquid-tightly a reduction gear means, and is applied with another cover member for containing therein a V-belt means.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine for a motor vehicle comprises at least two cylinders mounted in mutually displaced relationship with respect to longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. The crankshaft for one of the cylinders is located at a higher level than the crankshaft for the other cylinder. A crankcase assembly of the engine is vertically divided into pieces by a plurality of planes extending perpendicular to the crankshafts and each plane passing through each center of the cylinders. The engine provides first and second gears mounted on the primary shaft, a crank gear for one of the crankshaft, a crank gear for the other crankshaft, and an idle gear. The first gear is in meshing engagement with the crank gear for one of the crankshaft, while the second gear is connected to the other crank gear through the idle gear.

Abstract: A power transmission unit for a motorcycle is disclosed which includes a power unit case consisting of a crankcase and a transmission case both of which are integrally formed with one another. A bevel gear case incorporating therein a bevel gear assembly is detachably secured to the power unit case at a recessed section of the latter. The recessed section is located rearwardly of a generator which is disposed at the outermost part of the power unit case. The bevel gear assembly comprises a driving bevel gear connected with a countershaft in the power unit case, and a driven bevel gear connected with a final shaft which is in turn connected to a rear wheel.