Abstract: A method and system for assembling a vehicle of a family of vehicles includes providing a group of engines. A first engine including a first number of cylinders corresponds to a first vehicle. A second engine including a second number of cylinders corresponds to a second vehicle. The second number is greater than the first number which is at least one. A cylinder plane extends vertically and longitudinally. At least one cylinder is disposed at least partly forward of a front wheel plane. The transmission assembly is rearward of the selected engine and one of the transmission assembly and the selected engine is in a same location whether the selected engine is the first or the second. The seat is at least in part longitudinally rearward of the transmission assembly. The selected engine is laterally disposed between the centers of the footrests.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises at least one cylinder, at least one cylinder head connected to at least one cylinder, at least one piston disposed in the at least one cylinder, a crankshaft operatively connected to the at least one piston, a crankcase housing at least a portion of the crankshaft, a motor-generator operatively connected to the crankshaft, a recoil starter operatively connected to the crankshaft, and a drive pulley of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connected to the crankshaft, the motor-generator. The recoil starter, the crankshaft and the drive pulley are coaxial. The motor-generator operates in motor mode to rotate the crankshaft and in generator mode to generate electricity.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, front right and left wheels, a rear wheel, a steering assembly, a motor, front right and left brakes, a rear brake, and an electronic brake control unit. The electronic brake control unit has a pump, a valve box, a first pressure sensor disposed in the valve box and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is electronically connected to the pump, and valves of the valve box for controlling their operation. A hand brake lever actuates a first master cylinder and thereby actuates the front brakes through the valve box. A foot brake lever actuates a second master cylinder and thereby actuates the rear brake through the valve box. A second pressure sensor is disposed externally of the valve box. The first and second pressure sensors sensing fluid pressure applied by the first and second master cylinders respectively.

Abstract: A method and a system for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. The ETM operates as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy, the second control strategy being distinct from the first control strategy. The system comprises an engine control unit adapted for controlling an operation of the ETM according to the first and second control strategies. Electric and assisted start procedures are available for starting the ICE by delivering electric power from a power source to the ETM which is co-axially mounted to a crankshaft of the ICE. Assisted start includes delivering the electric power to the ETM while a recoil starter is used to rotate the crankshaft. A manual start procedure is also available. The power source is charged by the ETM when the ICE is running.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a frame; a suspension assembly; an engine; a drive axle and a drive sprocket and drive track assembly of a tracked vehicle. The drive sprocket includes a wheel mounted on the drive axle, the wheel having a wheel radius; and a plurality of teeth being distributed on a periphery of the wheel, the drive track connected by the suspension assembly, the drive sprocket driving the drive track about the suspension assembly to propel the tracked vehicle. The drive track includes an endless belt having an inner and an outer surface, the belt defining a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction; and external lugs projecting outwards from the outer surface of the belt, each of the external lugs having a height in a direction normal to the outer surface, the wheel radius being smaller than the height of at least some of the external lugs.

Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle frame, two front wheels, a rear wheel. An engine with at least one cylinder is mounted to the vehicle frame such that a cylinder plane extends generally longitudinally and vertically. At least a portion of the at least one cylinder is disposed forward of a front wheel plane. A transmission assembly disposed longitudinally rearward of the engine. A straddle seat is disposed at least in part longitudinally rearward of the assembly. The engine is entirely disposed between a center of the left footrest and a center of the right footrest in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame including a tunnel having a passage therethrough, at least one ski, an engine having an engine air inlet and an engine exhaust outlet, and a drive track operatively connected thereto and disposed at least partly below the tunnel around a rear suspension. A heat exchanger connected to the tunnel has heat exchanger engine air inlet and outlet, a cooling air inlet and a cooling air outlet fluidly connected between the cooling air inlet and the passage. A snowmobile has a pipe fluidly connected to the exhaust outlet and having first and second pipe outlets. The snowmobile further has a muffler having first and second muffler inlets and a muffler outlet, a turbocharger, first and second exhaust flow passages, and a valve disposed between the pipe and the first muffler inlet for selectively controlling the flow of exhaust gas flowing through the first exhaust flow path.

Abstract: A trim system for a watercraft has a nozzle pivotable about a trim axis, a trim actuator operatively connected to the nozzle, at least one sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of the watercraft, a control unit electronically connected to the at least one sensor for receiving a sensor input signal indicative of the at least one operating condition. In a first trim control mode, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a first range of trim angles. In a second trim control mode, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a second range of trim angles. The first range of trim angles is greater than the second range of trim angles. A watercraft having a trim system and a method of controlling the trim are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating an electric turning machine (ETM) operatively connected to an internal combustion engine (ICE) are disclosed. An engine control unit (ECU) controls the ETM to operate as a motor with a first control strategy and as a generator with a second control strategy. The second control strategy is distinct from the first control strategy. The ECU controls switching the operation of the ETM from the first control strategy to the second control strategy when a sensor senses that a rotational speed of the ICE is equal to or above a minimum revolution threshold.

Abstract: An anchor fixture, for attaching accessories to a vehicle surface has a fixture body with a base for attaching to the vehicle surface. The fixture body has an anchor aperture for receiving an anchor of a first accessory, a fastener aperture for receiving a tongue fastener of a second accessory, and an anchor chamber disposed at least partly outwardly of the anchor aperture and communicating with the anchor aperture and the fastener aperture. The fastener aperture central axis is parallel or at an acute angle to the base. Accessories and accessory attachment systems are presented. Another fixture has a slot defined by the fixture body for receiving a vehicle accessory projection and a surface opposite the slot for engaging the projection. The slot is adapted to receive an anchor which selectively engages a surface adjacent to the slot. Accessories with anchors and corresponding projections are also presented.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, seats, two front and two rear suspension assemblies, two front and two rear wheels, and a motor. Each rear suspension assembly has a trailing arm, a knuckle pivotally connected to the trailing arm, a lower link having laterally outward and inward ends pivotally connected to the trailing arm at a first connection point and to the frame at a second connection point respectively, an upper link having laterally outward and inward ends pivotally connected to the trailing arm at a third connection point and to the frame at a fourth connection point respectively, and a toe link having laterally outward an inward ends pivotally connected to the knuckle at a fifth connection point and to the frame at a sixth connection point respectively. The fifth connection point is laterally further from a longitudinally and vertically extending center plane than the first and third connection points.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame; two front ground-engaging members connected to the frame; a rear ground-engaging member connected to the frame; an engine supported by the frame; a powertrain operatively connecting the engine to the rear ground-engaging member; a seat connected to the frame; an exhaust system connected to the engine and supported by the frame; a swing arm operatively connecting the rear ground-engaging member to the frame; and a rear suspension operatively connected between the swing arm and the frame. The seat is positioned at least partially above the swing arm. The exhaust system is positioned at least partially below the swing arm. Each of the rear suspension and the powertrain is at least partially concealed by the swing arm from at least two of a top, a left side or a right side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed, comprising a frame, a driver seat connected to the frame, a plurality of ground engaging members operatively connected to the frame, a motor operatively connected to at least one of the wheels, the motor being disposed rearward of the driver seat, and a panel assembly connected to the frame, the motor being accessible to a user when the panel assembly is removed, the panel assembly including a cargo platform, a left side panel connected to a left side of the cargo platform, and a right side panel connected to a right side of the cargo platform, the panel assembly and a portion of the frame being selectively removable from the vehicle as a unit. In some implementations, the portion of the frame includes a cross-member disposed under the cargo platform, and a left and right leg extending therefrom.

Abstract: A limited slip differential (LSD) is mounted on a driven axle of a vehicle to drive left and right wheels. To control the LSD, a current input torque applied to the LSD is determined and a predicted engine torque is determined based on an accelerator control position. A current average speed of the left and right wheels is also determined. A preload is applied to the LSD. The preload is determined based on the predicted engine torque and to the current average speed of the left and right wheels.

Abstract: A side panel for a vehicle having a straddle seat. The side panel has an outer surface and is configured to be connected on a side of the vehicle at least in part 5 longitudinally forward of the straddle seat and vertically lower than the straddle seat. The outer surface defines a first leg area configured to accommodate at least a portion of a leg of a driver seated on the straddle seat in a first position, and a second leg area configured to accommodate at least a portion of the leg of the driver seated on the straddle seat in a second position. The second leg area is disposed at least in part 10 longitudinally forward of the first leg area when the side panel is connected on the vehicle. A vehicle having a left and right side panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rear suspension assembly for a vehicle having a chassis and an endless drive track, comprising at least one suspension arm pivotally connecting to the chassis; a pair of slide rails connected to the at least one suspension arm; at least one shock absorber assembly connected to the pair of slide rails and a rail extension assembly comprising at least one extension arm having a front end pivotally connected to a rear portion of at least one of the slide rails about a pivot axis, the at least one extension arm being pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the pair of slide rails about the pivot axis, at least one rear idler wheel rotationally connected the at least one extension arm, and at least one biasing member biasing the at least one extension arm toward the raised position.

Abstract: A storage container has a storage container body and a clip. The storage container body has a bottom surface and at least one side wall. The bottom surface defines a recess. A clip is connected to the at least one side wall. The clip defines a passage having an opened end. The opened end faces toward a bottom of the container body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle including a frame, a vehicle body, a motor connected to the frame, left and right suspensions, left and right wheels operatively connected to the left and right suspensions, each wheel having a rim and a tire mounted on the rim, both wheels being outside the vehicle body, and left and right fenders. Each fender includes an arcuate outer wall adapted for extending over at least a portion of an upper part of the tire of its corresponding wheel and a side wall having an outer portion extending from an edge of the outer wall, the outer portion covering at least a portion of a sidewall of the tire on a vehicle facing side, and an inner portion extending from the outer portion, the inner portion covering at least a portion of the rim of its corresponding wheel on the vehicle facing side.