Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is disclosed having a frame with front, rear, right, and left sides. An engine and at least two wheel axes are disposed on the frame. A plurality of wheels are disposed on the at least two wheel axes. The engine includes a cylinder disposed adjacent a crankshaft and a generator operatively connected to the crankshaft. An output shaft, separate from the crankshaft, operatively connects to the engine to transmit power from the engine to at least one of the plurality of wheels through at least one of the wheel axes. The output shaft is disposed between the cylinder and the generator in a plane substantially perpendicular to at least one of the wheel axes.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed with a hull, a seating assembly, and a four stroke internal combustion engine below the seating assembly. The engine has at least one intake valve for each of the combustion cylinder chambers, at least one exhaust valve for each of the combustion cylinder chambers, and a valve actuation assembly located in a cylinder head for operating the intake and exhaust valves. At least one air intake passageway is operatively coupled to the combustion cylinder chambers through the intake valves. An air intake manifold is connected to the cylinder head and operatively connected to the at least one air intake passageway. The engine also has a supercharger for boosting air to the air intake manifold. The watercraft also includes a propulsion unit, operatively coupled to the crankshaft, which is located on one end of the two ends of the crankcase.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is disclosed having a frame with front, rear, right, and left sides. The frame defines a frame centerline extending longitudinally between the front and the rear sides. The ATV includes an engine with at least one cylinder having an axis that defines an engine centerline. The all terrain vehicle also includes an output shaft defining an output shaft centerline. A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) operatively connects the engine to the output shaft and defines a CVT centerline. The engine centerline, output shaft centerline, and CVT centerline are positioned with respect to one another and the frame centerline. In one embodiment, the engine centerline is disposed between the output shaft centerline and the CVT centerline. In this embodiment, the engine centerline also may lie between the frame centerline and the CVT centerline.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is disclosed having a frame with front, rear, right, and left sides. An engine and at least two wheel axes are disposed on the frame. A plurality of wheels are disposed on the at least two wheel axes. The engine includes a cylinder disposed adjacent a crankshaft and a generator operatively connected to the crankshaft. An output shaft, separate from the crankshaft, operatively connects to the engine to transmit power from the engine to at least one of the plurality of wheels through at least one of the wheel axes. The output shaft is disposed between the cylinder and the generator in a plane substantially perpendicular to at least one of the wheel axes.

Abstract: A decompressor for use in an internal combustion engine is disclosed The decompressor is at least partially located within the venting passageway in response to pressure in the combustion chamber for selectively opening the venting passageway such that combustion gas located within the chamber is vented to the induction passageway. The decompressor opens the venting passageway when the engine is off and during an engine start up operation. The decompressor includes an expansible cavity operatively connected to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A dry sump lubrication system for a four cycle engine is disclosed. The dry sump lubrication system has at least two lubricant storage chambers. A first lubricant storage chamber stores a first volume of lubricant. The first lubricant storage chamber may be located in a lower part of the crankcase. A second lubricant storage chamber is an oil tank and stores a second volume of lubricant. The oil tank may be secured to the output end of the crankcase. The first lubricant storage chamber is capable of storing at least 30% of a total volume of lubricant within the dry sump lubrication system.

Abstract: A coating is plasma sprayed onto a cylinder bore and cylinder head sealing surface of a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine. The coating is harder and/or more wear resistant than the cylinder block, itself. A cylinder head mounts to the cylinder head sealing surface so that the coating is at least partially disposed between the cylinder block and the cylinder head. The coating therefore protects the cylinder block from exposure to the cavitating pressures that can develop in the combustion chamber of the cylinder. A depression is formed in the cylinder head sealing surface to account for the thickness of the coating. A chamfer is formed in the transition between the cylinder bore and the cylinder head sealing surface.

Abstract: A decompressor for use in an internal combustion engine is disclosed The decompressor is at least partially located within the venting passageway in response to pressure in the combustion chamber for selectively opening the venting passageway such that combustion gas located within the chamber is vented to the induction passageway. The decompressor opens the venting passageway when the engine is off and during an engine start up operation. The decompressor includes an expansible cavity operatively connected to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A starter assembly for an internal combustion is described. The starter assembly has a starter motor with a rotatable output shaft. An intermediate shaft transmits rotational motion between the output shaft and the crankshaft. A first gear is connected operatively between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft to transmit rotational motion therebetween. A friction-plate clutch is associated with the first gear and is constructed and arranged to operatively decouple the first gear from the intermediate shaft in response to torque shocks from the engine that exceed a predetermined threshold. A second gear is connected operatively between the intermediate shaft and at least a third gear that is operatively connected to the crankshaft. The second gear transmits rotational motion between the intermediate shaft and the third gear. A clutch is associated with the second gear permitting selective decoupling of the second gear from the third gear.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed with a hull, a seating assembly, and a four stroke internal combustion engine below the seating assembly. The engine has at least one intake valve for each of the combustion cylinder chambers, at least one exhaust valve for each of the combustion cylinder chambers, and a valve actuation assembly located in a cylinder head for operating the intake and exhaust valves. At least one air intake passageway is operatively coupled to the combustion cylinder chambers through the intake valves. An air intake manifold is connected to the cylinder head and operatively connected to the at least one air intake passageway. The engine also has a supercharger for boosting air to the air intake manifold. The watercraft also includes a propulsion unit, operatively coupled to the crankshaft, which is located on one end of the two ends of the crankcase.

Abstract: A dry sump lubrication system for a four cycle engine is disclosed. The dry sump lubrication system has at least two lubricant storage chambers. A first lubricant storage chamber stores a first volume of lubricant. The first lubricant storage chamber may be located in a lower part of the crankcase. A second lubricant storage chamber is an oil tank and stores a second volume of lubricant. The oil tank may be secured to the output end of the crankcase. The first lubricant storage chamber is capable of storing at least 30% of a total volume of lubricant within the dry sump lubrication system.

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: 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: 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 stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed having a power take off housing located at one end of the engine. A crankshaft is operatively connected to a drive shaft and the cam shaft within the power take off housing. Furthermore, the crankshaft is operatively coupled within the power take off housing to at least one of a generator, an engine starting mechanism, a balance shaft, and a supercharger.

Abstract: A transmission system for a straddle vehicle offers an automatic mode based on preprogrammed values for consistent shifting each time certain engine conditions are encountered. A variety of preset shifting parameters may be provided to allow different shifting modes. By this, an operator can select the degree of aggressiveness of the transmission. The automatic transmission may be modulated so that a preset shifting delay is provided to allow the operator to experience the sensation of shifting.

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: 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 transmission system for a straddle vehicle offers an automatic mode based on preprogrammed values for consistent shifting each time certain engine conditions are encountered. A variety of preset shifting parameters may be provided to allow different shifting modes. By this, an operator can select the degree of aggressiveness of the transmission. The automatic transmission may be modulated so that a preset shifting delay is provided to allow the operator to experience the sensation of shifting.