Abstract: A motorcycle frame of the Softail.RTM. type having a main frame and a rear frame pivotally coupled to each other. The frame has inwardly displaced contoured members extending between the lower and upper longitudinal members to allow the drive member to be carried outside the contoured members. The frame also has a truss assembly extending between the lower longitudinal members which results in an improved load path from the transmission plate to the contoured members.

Abstract: In a Softail.RTM.-type motorcycle frame, a rear damper mounting bracket is connected to a threaded receiver, which is in turn connected to an adjuster plate. The adjuster plate has two longitudinal slots for fastening the adjuster plate to the swing arm lower cross member. An adjuster bracket is also connected to the swing arm lower cross member. An adjuster bolt is located through a hole in the adjuster bracket and threaded into the threaded receiver. An adjuster lock-down nut and fasteners through the adjuster plate slots keep the adjuster plate in the selected position. The dampers are connected to the rear damper mounting bracket by conventional means. By selectively threading the adjuster bolt into or out of the threaded receiver, the ride height of the motorcycle frame can be carefully controlled. Also, the alignment between the main frame and the swing arm can be carefully adjusted.

Abstract: A swing arm assembly with the swing arm side plate on the drive side of the motorcycle being spaced inward from the corresponding motorcycle frame side plate wherein the belt or chain extends between the swing arm side plate located on the drive side of the motorcycle and the corresponding motorcycle frame side plate, instead of extending inward of the swing arm side plate.