Abstract: An adaptable tip sensor is useful for detecting the angular tipping of an object relative to a selected frame of reference. The sensor comprises a case that defines a two dimensional straight sided V-groove in which a disk can roll. A sensing device detects the presence or absence of the disk within the apex of the V-groove. As long as the object does not tip to a predetermined angle, the disk remains in the V-groove apex, and the sensing device produces a first signal. If the object tips to the predetermined angle, the disk rolls out of the V-groove apex, and the sensing device produces a different signal. Fluid in the case damps spurious vibrations. A labyrinth and air bubble in the case enhance desired rolling of the disk when the predetermined tipping has occurred.

Abstract: A rotational speed/tip sensor combines a tip sensor and a speed sensor in one compact package for use on a motorcycle. The tip sensor includes a disk and a sensing device that detects the absence or presence of the disk in the apex of a V-groove. If the motorcycle tips over, the disk rolls out of the V-groove apex and actuates the tip sensing device to open a circuit through a speed sensing device and thereby shut down the motorcycle engine. The tip and speed sensors are assembled to a housing that is mounted to the engine. Only three wires are used to connect both the tip sensing device and the speed sensing device to the engine control.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine including a carburetor having a main fuel system, a slow fuel system, a main bleed air passage leading to the main fuel system a main bleed air control passage leading to the main fuel system, a slow bleed air passage leading to the slow fuel system, and a slow bleed air control passage leading to the slow fuel system, and a valve for controlling the amount of bleed air supplied through the main and slow bleed air control passages.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame, an engine and transmission mounted on the frame, a drive sprocket coupled to the transmission and rotatively mounted about a first axis, a rear wheel suspension including a roller arm having a plurality of rollers at one end and rotatably supporting a rear wheel at the other end. An arcuate support is provided on the frame for supporting the roller arm for movement in an arcuate path whose center of curvature is coincident with the axis of the drive sprocket. A spring/damper is connected between the frame and the roller arm. A driven sprocket is mounted on the rear wheel and a drive belt or chain extends around the drive and driven sprockets.

Abstract: A light bar assembly for use on a motorcycle includes a housing having a pair of elongate cavities having reflective surfaces and arranged end to end and each being open at one side for defining a generally horizontally extending axis. A light transmitting lens covers each side opening and a lamp assembly is disposed in each cavity between the lens and the reflective surfaces and includes a plurality of lamps spaced apart in horizontal alignment in parallelism with the axis and an elongate diffuser is disposed between the lamp assembly and the lens. An elongate reflector is disposed between each lamp assembly and a central portion of each lens and in parallel with the axis for covering the central portion of each lens and the diffuser and for reflecting a portion of the light transmitted by the lamps backwardly onto the reflective surfaces for redirection through the diffuser and the uncovered portions of the lens.

Abstract: A motorcycle has a frame, a swing arm pivotally mounted on the frame about a pivot axis, a wheel rotatably mounted on the swing arm and an engine pivotally mounted on the frame about the pivot axis. A first elastomer engine mount couples the engine to an upper portion of the frame and a second elastomer engine mount couples a lower portion of the engine to a lower portion of the frame. The engine mounts are spaced from each other and the pivot axis.

Abstract: A motorcycle wheel has a hub, a rim, and a plurality of wire spokes extending between the hub and the rim. The hub comprises, a pair of opposed, unitary hub members, each of which includes a tubular body portion and a bowl-shaped spoke flange extending integrally from each of the body portions. A plurality of spaced apart spoke holes are formed in each of the spoke flanges and each is positioned for receiving one end of one of the spokes. A plurality of coupling members extend from the inner end of each body portion and are engageable when the hub members are placed end-to-end for coupling the hub members and for properly orienting the positions of the spoke holes in the spoke flange on one member relative to those on the other.