Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to facilitate measurement of forces acting on locations connecting a subframe portion and a body portion of a vehicle, such devices and methods include mount devices having an inner member, an outer member, at least one sensor, a sleeve and an annular member. The sensor is disposed within an annular chamber formed between the inner member and the outer member. The sensor is attached to at least one of the inner member and the outer member. The sensor is configured to measure force exerted on the mount device during use of a vehicle. Vehicles including these mount devices are also provided.

Abstract: A motorcycle is provided that includes a drivetrain. The drivetrain includes a transmission having a transmission output shaft and also includes a gearcase coupled with the transmission output shaft. The gearcase has a gearcase output shaft. The transmission output shaft is rotatable in a first direction and the gearcase output shaft is rotatable in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a master control device. The master control device is configured to facilitate selection by a driver of a vehicle from among multiple operational modes. In a first operational mode, the control system prevents a door control device from effecting operation of a power door actuator. In a second operational mode, the control system facilitates operation of a power door actuator in response to a door control signal. Vehicles including the control system are also provided.

Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle has an engine having an intake port, a fuel tank in fluid communication with the engine, and a heat shield. A snorkel defines a flow passage and a passage opening. The flow passage is in fluid communication with the passage opening and the intake port. The flow passage has an upstream portion that has a centerline. The heat shield at least partially defines a chamber in fluid communication with the passage opening. During operation, the engine draws air through the chamber, the passage opening, and the flow passage. The heat shield includes a reflecting wall extending at an oblique angle to the centerline. The reflecting wall is configured to reflect pressure pulses emanating from the passage opening, back through the passage opening, and toward the intake port during operation of the engine.

Abstract: An air intake device for a vehicle is provided. The air intake device includes a housing that defines a plenum and is configured for mounting on a vehicle. The air intake device also includes an air scoop that is movably coupled to the housing. The air scoop is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The air intake device also includes a valve assembly coupled to the air scoop. The air scoop defines at least one ram air inlet port having a flow area. The at least one ram air inlet port is positioned to receive ram air and is in fluid communication with the plenum when the air scoop is in the deployed position. The valve assembly is operable for varying the flow area of the at least one ram air inlet port.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body structure and a rear vehicular seat assembly that includes a seat back and a cover panel. The seat back is movably coupled with the body structure and is movable between upright and cargo support positions. The cover panel is associated with the seat back and includes a flap, a base portion, and a perforated living hinge. The base portion is fixedly coupled with the body structure. The perforated living hinge includes a plurality of arms. Each arm of the plurality of arms extends between the flap and the base portion to facilitate pivoting of the flap with respect to the base portion about a hinge axis between stowed and bridging positions. The plurality of arms are spaced from each other and cooperate to at least partially define a plurality of perforations. At least one of the perforations is intersected by the hinge axis.

Abstract: The vehicle collision decision apparatus has first acceleration detectors and a second acceleration detector for detecting an acceleration of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction, and third acceleration detectors for detecting an acceleration of the vehicle in a transverse direction thereof. When the vehicle is involved in an offset collision, the front airbags of the vehicle are activated based on accelerations detected by the first acceleration detectors and the second acceleration detector. Thereafter, the curtain airbags of the vehicle are reliably activated.

Abstract: An axle carrier assembly is provided for a vehicle. The axle carrier assembly includes an axle carrier, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and an actuator. The axle carrier is configured to rotatably support an axle. The first cylinder is rotatably supported by the axle carrier such that the first cylinder is rotatable about a first axis. The first cylinder is configured to support a vehicular swing member. The second cylinder is rotatably supported by the axle carrier such that the second cylinder is rotatable about a second axis. The second cylinder is configured to support a vehicular swing member. The actuator is associated with each of the first and second cylinders. The actuator is configured to substantially simultaneously rotate the first cylinder and the second cylinder with respect to the axle carrier.

Abstract: A method of reducing icing-related engine misfires during operation of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle can include an engine and an engine control unit operable for at least partially controlling operation of the engine. The vehicle can further include a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the engine control unit. The engine can include an air intake system and an exhaust system, wherein the air intake system can include a positive crankcase ventilation valve. The method includes predicting the presence of ice within the air intake system based upon an input to the engine control unit from at least one of the sensors.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock, a blocking member, and a pump. The differential is coupled with the axle and configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock is associated with the differential and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The blocking member is associated with the differential lock and is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When the blocking member is in the blocking position, the differential lock is inhibited from moving to the locked position. The pump includes an outlet in fluid communication with the blocking member. The pump is operably coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate movement of the blocking member into the blocking position when the axle speed is above a threshold speed. Vehicles including a differential assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a roll cage and a net structure. The roll cage at least partially defines a protected area and additionally at least partially defines an access opening configured to facilitate passage of an operator through the access opening and into the protected area. A net structure is attached to the roll cage and is configured to selectively block at least a portion of the access opening. Net structures and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An image based occupant classification system includes a supplemental restraint system, an image sensor, and an illumination source. The image sensor is in communication with the supplemental restraint system and is configured to monitor vehicular conditions. The illumination source is in communication with the supplemental restraint system and is configured to selectively actuate in response to the collision indicator. Vehicles are also provided.

Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a reflective structure, a mounting structure, and a collar. The reflective structure at least partially surrounds and reflects light from a light source. The mounting structure is formed as a unitary structure with the reflective structure. The mounting structure is elongated and extends longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end is adjacent to the reflective structure. The distal end is spaced from the reflective structure. The collar is engaged with the mounting structure such that an interface surface of the collar contacts an interface surface of the mounting structure. A fastener engagement portion of the collar is configured to selectively engage a fastener to facilitate mounting of the lamp assembly. The reflective structure and the mounting structure are both formed from a metal material, and the collar is formed from a different material. Vehicles are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated parking brake and clutch control system for a vehicle is provided that includes a clutch perch configured for mounting on a handlebar assembly of a vehicle. A clutch lever is pivotably coupled to the clutch perch and is pivotable between rest and clutch-applied positions, and between the rest position and a parking-brake-applied position. A brake lever is pivotably coupled to the clutch perch and is pivotable between rest and depressed positions. A lock pin is supported by and moveable with the brake lever. The clutch lever defines a pin-receiving aperture and is configured to receive respective ends of a clutch cable and a parking brake cable. The lock pin is selectively insertable into the pin-receiving aperture when the clutch lever is in the parking-brake-applied position, which prevents the clutch lever from pivoting to either the rest position or the clutch-applied position.

Abstract: A carrier rack for a vehicle is provided that includes a tubular frame member and a plurality of strapping members. The tubular frame member includes at least four corner portions and defines an outer perimeter of the carrier rack and also defines a carrier plane. Each of the strapping members is secured to a respective one of the corner portions, and is spaced apart from the carrier plane and positioned entirely interior of the outer perimeter of the carrier rack. The carrier plane is generally horizontally oriented, and each of the strapping members is below the carrier plane, when the carrier rack is attached to a vehicle and oriented to carry objects.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicular frame, a utility bed, a seat back, and a seat bottom. The utility bed is coupled with the vehicular frame. The utility bed comprises a bed frame, a bed floor, and an end wall. The bed floor comprises first and second floor portions. The first floor portion is pivotable between an upright position and a cargo support position. The second floor portion is coupled with the frame. The end wall is movably coupled with the bed frame and is moveable between an erected position and a collapsed position. The seat back is coupled with first floor portion. The seat bottom is coupled with the end wall. When the first floor portion is in the upright position with the end wall in the collapsed position, the seat back and the seat bottom cooperate to provide a seat.

Abstract: A hydraulic press is provided that includes a frame having a base, an upper member positioned above the base and a pair of laterally spaced side members extending upwardly from the base to the upper member. The hydraulic press also includes a cross-member extending between the pair of side members, with the cross-member being configured to support a work piece and moveable along the side members.

Abstract: A handlebar assembly is provided for a vehicle such as a motorcycle. The handlebar assembly includes a base, a left arm, a left handle, a right arm, and a right handle. The left and right arms are attached to the base and are rotatable with respect to the base about respective left and right arm axes. The left and right handles are respectively attached to the left and right arms and are respectively rotatable with respect to the left and right arms about left and right handle axes. Vehicles including the handlebar assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a motorcycle or ATV, includes a frame, an internal combustion engine, a radiator, a control module and a heat guard. The radiator is configured for receiving fresh air and for expelling heated air. The control module includes an engine control unit for the internal combustion engine. At least a portion of the heat guard is positioned adjacent to and between the radiator and the control module. The heat guard is configured to deflect at least a portion of the heated air expelled by the radiator from contacting the control module. The heat guard is also configured for receiving fresh air for cooling the heat guard to reduce radiation of heat from the heat guard to the control module.