Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) includes a frame and a pair of front and rear wheels suspended from the frame. A straddle-type seat has a main portion and a secondary portion to accommodate a driver and a passenger. The wheelbase of the ATV is increased in length (compared to conventional ATVs) so as to increase stability and comfort for the driver, and/or to accommodate a passenger behind the driver. The passenger and secondary seat portion are disposed in front of the rear wheel axis and moved closer to the center of the wheelbase. Moreover, the combined center or gravity of the ATV, rider, and passenger is moved closer to the center of the wheelbase to improve stability, comfort and/or safety. The driver and passenger each have sufficient space to actively position themselves without significantly interfering with each other.

Abstract: A transmission system for a straddle vehicle which provides two operating modes, namely semi-automatic and automatic. With the semi-automatic transmission system, an operator only uses a switching means mounted on a sheeting bar of the vehicle for activating a clutch actuator and a shift actuator. The clutch actuator disengages a transmission clutch while the shift actuator operates a shifter for changing the transmission ratio. With the automatic transmission system, an Electronic Control Unit reads inputs signals such as speed of the engine (RPM), speed of the vehicle, opening of a throttle valve and position of a shifter and accomplishes a smooth shifting by activating a clutch actuator, a shift actuator and a modulated controlling valve.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle, or all terrain vehicle, has an engine located towards the rear of the vehicle such that a main portion of the engine, or power unit, is disposed beneath the seat. The fuel tank extends generally vertically beneath the steering member. The radiator is located at a rear portion of the vehicle rearwardly of the engine where it is protected from collisions and objects striking the front grille. A front storage compartment is also provided in the front portion of the vehicle. The vehicle also has a pivotally connected and removable seat for easy access to the engine. There is also a gap between the seat and the front wheel well through which the driver can pass his feet or where an optional container or auxiliary fuel tank can be secured.

Abstract: Disclosed is an all terrain vehicle with an improved engine and power train. The engine is located under the seat and the hingably seat provides for ready access to the engine for maintenance and repair. The engine is placed in the vehicle such that the crankshaft is parallel to the line of travel; that is to say that the crankshaft is in line with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The engine has a split output shaft; that is to say, two output shafts. One shaft extends forwardly of the engine to a front transmission on the front axle and the second extends rearwardly to a rear transmission on the rear axle. The output shafts run directly to the transmissions in a straight line. The front and rear output shafts are connected by gears which enables different ratios of revolution between the front and rear axle if necessary. The all terrain vehicle is also equipped with a unique parking gear which essentially locks the two output shafts to the transmission housing.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes an engine located under a hingably mounted seat, the seat providing ready access to the engine for maintenance and repair. The vehicle includes an engine having a clutch housing and a clutch cover sealably connected to the clutch housing. At least one of the clutch housing and the clutch cover include a bottom wall having at least one coolant-fillable cooling channel within the thickness of the bottom wall provided to cool oil above the clutch housing and the clutch cover. The vehicle also includes a frame having a plurality of engine mounting points. The engine is supportable by the frame and includes a crankcase and a plurality of mounting points adapted to engage the plurality of engine mounting points on the frame. The plurality of mounting points include at least one uppermost mounting point, wherein the at least one uppermost mounting point is positioned on the crankcase.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive straddle-type all-terrain vehicle has a progressive limited-slip differential that functions as an open differential when the wheel speed differential is less than a predetermined threshold, or cutting point, and functions as a progressive limited-slip differential when the wheel speed differential exceeds the cutting point. The progressive limited-slip differential is able to transfer torque to the wheel with greater traction as a generally linear function of the wheel speed differential, meaning that the more one wheel slips with respect to the other, the more torque is transferred from the slipping wheel to the wheel with traction. The progressive limited-slip differential comprises a rotary shear pump that drives a piston against a pack of clutch plates. The force of the piston against the clutch pack locks the left and right axles together to provide optimal traction in slippery conditions.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a saddle type vehicle are described. Configurations are shown in which the engine is located more towards the rear of the vehicle and in which the fuel tank extends generally vertically beneath the steering member. A radiator may also be located at a rear portion of the vehicle, rearwardly of the engine. A front storage compartment is also provided in the front portion of the vehicle. The resulting vehicle has improved access and storage capabilities and also has a lower center of gravity.

Abstract: A system reduces the amount of work exerted by an ATV operator to change transmission gears. The system includes a foot lever assembly with a mechanical portion, such as a mechanical linkage, attached to an automated portion, such as an electrical switch. When the ATV operator applies a predetermined amount of force to the foot lever assembly, a clutch assembly and a gear box are actuated in a single motion, assisted by the automated portion of the foot lever assembly. Thus, the operator is able to exert less work in order to change the gears.

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle has configurations in which the engine is located more towards the rear of the vehicle and the fuel tank extends generally vertically beneath the steering member. A radiator may also be located at a rear portion of the vehicle, rearwardly of the engine. A front storage compartment s also provided in the front portion of the vehicle. The resulting vehicle has improved access and storage capabilities and also has a lower center of gravity. The engine may be a four stroke engine, which is more environmentally friendly than a two stroke engine. Because of the increased space requirements of a four stroke engine, a secondary portion of the engine is provided forward of the seat to define an uppermost portion that defines a bottom portion of an access area that the user uses to mount and dismount the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an all terrain vehicle with an improved engine and power train. The engine is located under the seat and the hingably seat provides for ready access to the engine for maintenance and repair. The engine is placed in the vehicle such that the crankshaft is parallel to the line of travel; that is to say that the crankshaft is in line with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The engine has a split output shaft; that is to say, two output shafts. One shaft extends forwardly of the engine to a front transmission on the front axle and the second extends rearwardly to a rear transmission on the rear axle. The output shafts run directly to the transmissions in a straight line. The front and rear output shafts are connected by gears which enables different ratios of revolution between the front and rear axle if necessary. The all terrain vehicle is also equipped with a unique parking gear which essentially locks the two output shafts to the transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission system for a straddle vehicle which provides two operating modes, namely semi-automatic and automatic. With the semi-automatic transmission system, an operator only uses a switching means mounted on a sheeting bar of the vehicle for activating a clutch actuator and a shift actuator. The clutch actuator disengages a transmission clutch while the shift actuator operates a shifter for changing the transmission ratio. With the automatic transmission system, an Electronic Control Unit reads inputs signals such as speed of the engine (RPM), speed of the vehicle, opening of a throttle valve and position of a shifter and accomplishes a smooth shifting by activating a clutch actuator, a shift actuator and a modulated controlling valve.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprises an engine located under a hingably mounted seat, the seat providing ready access to the engine for maintenance and repair. The engine is placed in the vehicle such that the crankshaft is parallel to the line of travel and the crankshaft is in line with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The engine has two output shafts. The front output shaft extends forwardly of the engine to a front differential on the front axle and the rear output shaft extends rearwardly to a rear differential on the rear axle. The front and rear output shafts are in communication with one another by gears which enables different ratios of revolution between-the front and rear axle. The all terrain vehicle is also equipped with a parking gear which locks the two output shafts and prevents rotation with respect to the transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission system for a straddle vehicle which provides two operating modes, namely semi-automatic and automatic. With the semi-automatic transmission system, an operator only uses a switching means mounted on a steering bar of the vehicle for activating a clutch actuator and a shift actuator. The clutch actuator disengages a transmission clutch while the shift actuator operates a shifter for changing the transmission ratio. With the automatic transmission system, an Electronic Control Unit reads inputs signals such as speed of the engine (RPM), speed of the vehicle, opening of a throttle valve and position of a shifter and accomplishes a smooth shifting by activating a clutch actuator, a shift actuator and a modulated controlling valve.

Abstract: An ergonomic shifter mountable to a handlebar of a motor vehicle, the shifter comprising a housing mountable to the handlebar and a unitary shifter toggle switch movably connected to the housing, the unitary shifter toggle switch being movable from a neutral position to an upshift position and a downshift position. Preferably, the unitary shifter toggle switch is pivotally connected to the housing. Preferably, the shifter is mounted to the handlebar adjacent a gripping portion of the handlebar so that the driver can easily upshift or downshift the vehicle. Preferably, the unitary shifter toggle switch has a plurality of small protrusions for enhancing a driver's grip.

Abstract: In a personal recreational watercraft, an improvement resides in a suspension mechanism, which permits greater maneuverability and stability, and reduces driver fatigue. To overcome the strong forces, a suspension system is employed which permits up and down vertical movement, while resisting lateral movement and torsional forces. The suspension apparatus also reduces shock effects caused by choppy or rough water.

Abstract: In a personal recreational watercraft, an improvement resides in a suspension mechanism, which permits greater maneuverability and stability, and reduces driver fatigue. To overcome the strong forces, a suspension system is employed which permits up and down vertical movement, while resisting lateral movement and torsional forces. The suspension apparatus also reduces shock effects caused by choppy or rough water.

Abstract: A bus duct joint comprising a plurality of conductive links for joining the buses, a plurality of intervening insulators and a single pressure providing bolt passing through the links and the insulators and between the ends of the buses being joined to provide substantially uniform pressure on the surfaces of the buses. The intervening insulators align and retain the conductive links and locate the joint with respect to the buses.