Abstract: A method of filling a brake system for a motorcycle including a brake system having a master cylinder assembly and a caliper assembly. The master cylinder assembly includes a housing and a cover coupled to the housing to define an enclosed reservoir. The caliper assembly includes a fluid passageway and a fitting adjustable to selectively provide fluid communication with the fluid passageway. The motorcycle also includes a brake line coupled between the master cylinder assembly and the caliper assembly to fluidly connect the reservoir and the fluid passageway. The method also includes substantially evacuating the reservoir, brake line and fluid passageway, coupling a fluid source to the fitting, passing fluid from the fluid source through the fitting, and filling the reservoir, brake line, and fluid passageway with the fluid passed through the fitting from the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A tail light assembly for a motorcycle. The tail light assembly includes a housing configured to receive a circuit. The circuit includes a light emitting diode (LED) and a controller. The LED provides tail, stop, and turn visual indications associated with the motorcycle. The controller supplies a voltage to the LED to light the LED to a brightness based on the signals received. In addition, the controller also sinks a current of a magnitude substantially equivalent to a magnitude of current drawn by an incandescent lamp when providing a visual turn indication.

Abstract: A side cover assembly configured for use with a motorcycle. The side cover assembly includes a side cover, an inlet, an outlet vent, and a fan assembly. The side cover is adapted to be coupled to the motorcycle, and the side cover includes an interior surface facing an interior side and adapted to face at least a portion of the motorcycle, and an exterior surface facing an exterior side opposite the interior side. The inlet and outlet vent are at least partially defined by the side cover. The fan assembly is coupled to the side cover, and the fan assembly is operable to draw air from the exterior side and into the interior side through the inlet and discharge at least a portion of the air from the interior side to the exterior side through the outlet vent.

Abstract: A saddlebag mounting system for use with a motorcycle having a frame. The saddlebag mounting system includes a saddlebag frame and a saddlebag. The saddlebag frame is configured to be coupled to the frame of the motorcycle, and the saddlebag frame includes a saddlebag attachment portion. The saddlebag includes a body having a plurality of walls that define a cavity, and a pocket on at least one of the plurality of walls. The pocket receives at least a portion of the saddlebag attachment portion to couple the saddlebag to the saddlebag frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve assembly adapted to be coupled to a fuel tank of a motorcycle. The valve assembly includes a one-piece valve housing having a rollover valve housing portion at least partially defining a first chamber and a pressure relief valve housing portion at least partially defining a second chamber. The valve assembly also includes a rollover valve positioned in the first chamber and a pressure relief valve positioned in the second chamber.

Abstract: A rocker box assembly for a motorcycle engine having a cylinder head. The rocker box assembly includes a base, a cover, and a breather assembly. The base is configured to be coupled to the cylinder head. The cover is coupled to the base and cooperates with the base to it least partially define a rocker chamber and to at least partially define a breather assembly housing within the rocker chamber. The breather assembly is positioned within the breather assembly housing and is operable to vent a pressure pulse from within the engine.

Abstract: An air box for a motorcycle including a motorcycle engine and a fuel tank. The air box includes a housing having an inlet configured to receive intake air into the housing and an outlet configured to direct the intake air from the housing to the motorcycle engine. A filter element is coupled to the housing and is configured to separate debris from the intake air. A mounting feature is configured to connect the housing below the fuel tank of the motorcycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a dynamic exhaust system of a motorcycle engine. The method includes providing a valve in the exhaust system that is movable to direct exhaust gases between a first flow path through the exhaust system and a second flow path through the exhaust system. The method includes actuating the valve at a first speed to redirect exhaust gases from the first flow path to the second flow path and actuating the valve at a second speed greater than the first speed to redirect exhaust gases from the second flow path to the first flow path.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the efficiency of a catalyst includes providing an oxygen sensor between an engine and the catalyst to generate an output signal indicative of oxygen content. The output signal is sampled to provide a first value indicative of the oxygen content of untreated exhaust. The exhaust is allowed to flow through the catalyst to produce treated exhaust and then the treated exhaust is caused to flow back to the oxygen sensor. The output signal is again sampled to provide a second value indicative of the oxygen content of treated exhaust. The second value is compared to the first value to provide an indication of the efficiency of the catalyst.

Abstract: A riser for a motorcycle having a front wheel coupled to a steering assembly that is movable to pivot the front wheel and steer the motorcycle. The riser includes a first portion that is adapted to be coupled to the steering assembly and defines an axis. A carrier is adapted to engage the handlebar such that the carrier and the handlebar are fixedly attached to one another. The carrier is movably coupled to the first portion such that the carrier is movable along the axis.

Abstract: A foot peg assembly for use with a motorcycle. The foot peg assembly includes a mount and a foot pad. The mount is adapted to be coupled to the motorcycle, and the foot pad is supported by the mount. The foot pad is made from a first material and includes a cavity formed therein, and a second material in the cavity that is viscoelastic and different from the first material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame supported by the front and rear wheels, a crankcase including a first interface portion and a first passageway exposed to the first interface portion, a reservoir located remotely from the crankcase adapted to contain a lubricant, and a transmission case supported by the frame and including a second interface portion and a second passageway exposed to the second interface portion. The second passageway is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The first interface portion is coupled to the second interface portion. The first passageway is in fluid communication with the second passageway. The first and second passageways provide fluid communication between the reservoir and the crankcase through the first and second interface portions.

Abstract: A riser for a motorcycle having a front wheel coupled to a steering assembly that is movable to pivot the front wheel and steer the motorcycle. The riser includes a first portion that is adapted to be coupled to the steering assembly and defines an axis. A carrier is adapted to engage the handlebar such that the carrier and the handlebar are fixedly attached to one another. The carrier is movably coupled to the first portion such that the carrier is movable along the axis.

Abstract: A transmission case assembly for use with a motorcycle having an engine includes a transmission case having a flange for coupling to the engine, a transmission access door coupled to a side of the transmission case, and a dipstick assembly coupled to the side of the transmission case between the transmission access door and the flange.

Abstract: A method of reducing heat produced by an internal combustion engine in a motorcycle. The method includes supplying fuel pulses to a combustion chamber at least once per engine cycle (consecutive engine cycles defining a series of consecutive fuel pulses), operating the motorcycle at a low speed condition, and withholding at least a portion of at least one fuel pulse from at least one subsequent engine cycle to the combustion chamber when operating the motorcycle at the low speed condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a dynamic exhaust system of a motorcycle engine. The method includes providing a valve in the exhaust system that is movable to direct exhaust gases between a first flow path through the exhaust system and a second flow path through the exhaust system. The method includes actuating the valve at a first speed to redirect exhaust gases from the first flow path to the second flow path and actuating the valve at a second speed greater than the first speed to redirect exhaust gases from the second flow path to the first flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, a frame supported by the front and rear wheels, a crankcase, a transmission case coupled to the crankcase, a transmission access door coupled to a side of the transmission case, and a dipstick assembly coupled to the side of the transmission case. The dipstick assembly is positioned between the crankcase and the transmission access door.

Abstract: The present invention provides a throttle position sensor for a motorcycle including a handlebar having an end. The throttle position sensor includes a rotor having a first end and a second end. The rotor is positioned within the handlebar and rotated relative to the handlebar. The second end is closer than the first end to the end of the handlebar. The throttle position sensor also includes a sensor operable to detect rotation of the rotor relative to the handlebar and generate a signal corresponding to the rotation of the rotor relative to the handlebar. The throttle position sensor further includes at least one electrical conduit passing into the rotor from the first end. The at least one electrical conduit is routed through the rotor and is accessible from the second end of the rotor.

Abstract: A lamp assembly mountable on a motorcycle having first and second fork tubes. The lamp assembly includes a bracket that is attachable to only the first fork tube. The bracket is adapted to be solely supported by the first fork tube. A first light is coupled to the bracket and a second light is coupled to the bracket.