Abstract: A method for assembling a motorcycle of a family of motorcycles, including selecting the motorcycle of the family of motorcycles to be assembled; in response to selecting the first motorcycle: selecting a first suspension package from a group of suspension packages; attaching the first suspension package to the core assembly; selecting a first ergonomic package from a group of ergonomic packages; and attaching the first ergonomic package to the core assembly; and in response to selecting the second motorcycle: selecting a second suspension package from the group of suspension packages; attaching the second suspension package to the core assembly; selecting a second ergonomic package from the group of ergonomic packages; and attaching the second ergonomic package to the core assembly, the first motorcycle being different from the second motorcycle.

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 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.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle has two front wheels and two rear wheels, the rear wheels being connected to a spool gear driven by a motor. The vehicle also has a left front brake, a right front brake and a single rear brake. Speeds of left and right front wheels are respectively monitored by left and right front speed sensors. A single sensor monitors a common speed of left and right rear wheels. Two user actuated braking input devices, for example a hand lever and a foot lever, may be used independently or concurrently to provide a braking command. An anti-lock braking system may use speed measurements from the various speed sensors to control selective application of pressure on the left front brake, the right front brake and the rear brake.

Abstract: A method of managing wheel slip in a vehicle. The vehicle has a frame, an internal combustion engine, front and rear wheels operatively connected to the engine, a throttle valve for controlling a supply of air to the engine, a steering assembly operatively connected to at least the front wheels for steering the vehicle, and an unassisted continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connecting the front wheels and the rear wheels to the engine. The method includes: determining a sensed deceleration of the vehicle; comparing the sensed deceleration of the vehicle to a threshold deceleration; and increasing a torque output of the engine from a current engine torque output value to an increased engine torque output value when the sensed deceleration of the vehicle is greater than the threshold deceleration. A method for managing wheel slip in accordance with a drive mode of the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes front suspension assemblies; rear suspension assemblies; a left driven wheel and a right driven wheel with first left and right brake assemblies; a left wheel and a right wheel with second left and right brake assemblies; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) module; a drive mode coupler connected between the transmission and the left and right wheels for changing between a 2×4 and a 4×4 drive configuration; and a drive mode switch for controlling the drive mode coupler, the ABS module selectively performing brake traction control of at least one wheel based on the position of the drive mode switch. A method for controlling traction of the vehicle includes sensing the drive mode switch position and when the drive mode changes from a 2×4 position to a 4×4 position, causing the ABS module to perform brake traction control on at least one wheel.

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 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.

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 of managing wheel slip in a vehicle. The vehicle has a frame, an internal combustion engine, front and rear wheels operatively connected to the engine, a throttle valve for controlling a supply of air to the engine, a steering assembly operatively connected to at least the front wheels for steering the vehicle, and an unassisted continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connecting the front wheels and the rear wheels to the engine. The method includes: determining a sensed deceleration of the vehicle; comparing the sensed deceleration of the vehicle to a threshold deceleration; and increasing a torque output of the engine from a current engine torque output value to an increased engine torque output value when the sensed deceleration of the vehicle is greater than the threshold deceleration. A method for managing wheel slip in accordance with a drive mode of the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes front suspension assemblies; rear suspension assemblies; a left driven wheel and a right driven wheel with first left and right brake assemblies; a left wheel and a right wheel with second left and right brake assemblies; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) module; a drive mode coupler connected between the transmission and the left and right wheels for changing between a 2×4 and a 4×4 drive configuration; and a drive mode switch for controlling the drive mode coupler, the ABS module selectively performing brake traction control of at least one wheel based on the position of the drive mode switch. A method for controlling traction of the vehicle includes sensing the drive mode switch position and when the drive mode changes from a 2×4 position to a 4×4 position, causing the ABS module to perform brake traction control on at least one wheel.

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: An off-road vehicle has two front wheels and two rear wheels, the rear wheels being connected to a spool gear driven by a motor. The vehicle also has a left front brake, a right front brake and a single rear brake. Speeds of left and right front wheels are respectively monitored by left and right front speed sensors. A single sensor monitors a common speed of left and right rear wheels. Two user actuated braking input devices, for example a hand lever and a foot lever, may be used independently or concurrently to provide a braking command. An anti-lock braking system may use speed measurements from the various speed sensors to control selective application of pressure on the left front brake, the right front brake and the rear brake.

Abstract: A swing arm for a vehicle includes a left member including at least one left tube extending longitudinally and a right member including at least one right tube extending longitudinally. Respective front end portions of the left and right members are adapted to be pivotably connected to a frame of the vehicle. Respective rear end portions of the left and right members are adapted to mount a rear wheel axle. A cross member extends laterally between the left and right members and includes a stamped first portion being rigidly connected to at least one of the left and right members. A stamped second portion of the cross member is rigidly connected to at least the other of the left and right members. The first and second portions are connected to each other and define a space therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle swing arm has longitudinally extending and laterally spaced apart left and right members, with front end portions adapted to be pivotably connected to a vehicle frame. A left and a right axle holder are connected respectively to a rear end portion of the left and right members, and adapted to receive laterally therethrough, a left and right end portion respectively of a laterally extending axle. A left and right axle adjuster, slidably disposed at least in part inside the left and right axle holder respectively, are adapted to hold the corresponding end portion of the axle extending therethrough. At least a portion of each axle adjuster is slidable in an axle adjustment direction perpendicular to the axle. A left and right fender mounting bracket are respectively connected to the left and right axle holder and adapted to be connected to a corresponding side of a fender.

Abstract: A swing arm for a vehicle includes a left member including at least one left tube extending longitudinally and a right member including at least one right tube extending longitudinally. Respective front end portions of the left and right members are adapted to be pivotably connected to a frame of the vehicle. Respective rear end portions of the left and right members are adapted to mount a rear wheel axle. A cross member extends laterally between the left and right members and includes a stamped first portion being rigidly connected to at least one of the left and right members. A stamped second portion of the cross member is rigidly connected to at least the other of the left and right members. The first and second portions are connected to each other and define a space therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle swing arm has longitudinally extending and laterally spaced apart left and right members, with front end portions adapted to be pivotably connected to a vehicle frame. A left and a right axle holder are connected respectively to a rear end portion of the left and right members, and adapted to receive laterally therethrough, a left and right end portion respectively of a laterally extending axle. A left and right axle adjuster, slidably disposed at least in part inside the left and right axle holder respectively, are adapted to hold the corresponding end portion of the axle extending therethrough. At least a portion of each axle adjuster is slidable in an axle adjustment direction perpendicular to the axle. A left and right fender mounting bracket are respectively connected to the left and right axle holder and adapted to be connected to a corresponding side of a fender.

Abstract: An adjustable height suspension system for a vehicle is disclosed. A pivot arm has a first end pivotably connected to the vehicle frame about a pivot axis. A shock absorber assembly is connected to the frame at a first connection point and connected to the pivot arm at a second connection point. An air spring is connected to the frame at a third connection point and connected to the pivot arm at a fourth connection point. The fourth connection point is closer to the pivot axis than the second connection point. The air spring has at least one inlet and at least one outlet provided by at least one opening. A valve selectively communicates the interior of the air spring to the atmosphere via the outlet. An adjustable height suspension system having first and second pivot arms and first and second air springs is also described.