Abstract: A side step assembly can be installed on a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle. The side step kit can include a vehicle step stay and a side step cover. The vehicle step stay can include a first stay member and a second stay member. The first stay member can be configured to be attached onto a frame assembly of the vehicle. The second stay member can be configured to be attached to the first stay member and onto the frame assembly. The side step cover can be supported by the vehicle step stay when the vehicle step stay is connected to the frame assembly and the side step cover is mounted on the vehicle step stay. The side step cover can include a tread surface extending above and along the first stay member when the side step cover is mounted on the vehicle step stay.

Abstract: A reaction cable differential interlock system can include a differential lock lever, a shift lever, a mode select lever, a linkage mechanism, and a single cable. The differential lock lever can be configured to be movably mounted on a differential gear assembly and connected to a differential lock collar of the differential gear assembly. The shift lever can be movable between a plurality of transmission mode positions and the mode select lever can be movable between a plurality of differential mode positions. The linkage mechanism can be coupled to the shift lever and the mode select lever, and the single cable can extend from the linkage mechanism to the differential lock lever.

Abstract: A side step assembly can be installed on a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle. The side step kit can include a vehicle step stay and a side step cover. The vehicle step stay can include a first stay member and a second stay member. The first stay member can be configured to be attached onto a frame assembly of the vehicle. The second stay member can be configured to be attached to the first stay member and onto the frame assembly. The side step cover can be supported by the vehicle step stay when the vehicle step stay is connected to the frame assembly and the side step cover is mounted on the vehicle step stay. The side step cover can include a tread surface extending above and along the first stay member when the side step cover is mounted on the vehicle step stay.

Abstract: A shift gate assembly that can include a shift plate, a gate seal and a shift lever. The shift plate can include a lever opening having an opening centerline. The gate seal can be made of an elastic material and connected to the shift plate and extend along the lever opening. The gate seal can include a slit extending along the lever opening and offset with respect to the opening centerline. The shift lever can extend through the lever opening and the slit, be selectively movable along the lever opening and the slit, and elastically deform the gate seal as the shift lever moves along the slit.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a frame including a front frame part and a separate rear frame part connected to the front frame part via frame joints. A surface is supported by one of the front frame part and the rear frame part. An engine is supported by the rear frame part and is positioned behind the seating surface. Front wheels operably coupled to the front frame part are drivingly coupled to the engine via a front drive unit. Rear wheels operably coupled to the rear frame part are drivingly coupled to the engine via a rear drive unit. A brake system is mounted to the frame and includes front wheel brakes and rear wheel brakes. The brake system further includes a brake modulator and a master brake cylinder operably connected to the brake modulator. The brake modulator is mounted to the front frame part.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle includes a frame including a front frame part and a separate rear frame part connected to the front frame part via frame joints. A surface is supported by one of the front frame part and the rear frame part. An engine is supported by the rear frame part and is positioned behind the seating surface. Front wheels operably coupled to the front frame part are drivingly coupled to the engine via a front drive unit. Rear wheels operably coupled to the rear frame part are drivingly coupled to the engine via a rear drive unit. A brake system is mounted to the frame and includes front wheel brakes and rear wheel brakes. The brake system further includes a brake modulator and a master brake cylinder operably connected to the brake modulator. The brake modulator is mounted to the front frame part.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle frame assembly configured to accommodate different first and second suspension system configurations via mounting fixtures. The vehicle frame assembly can include a main frame assembly, and a frame assembly connected to and extending away from the main frame assembly. Multiple mounting locations can be provided on at least one of the main frame assembly and the frame assembly, each of the mounting locations being configured to accommodate one of the mounting fixtures. The mounting locations can include a first set configured for use with the first suspension system configuration, and a second set configured for use with the second suspension system configuration.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle frame assembly configured to accommodate different first and second suspension system configurations via mounting fixtures. The vehicle frame assembly can include a main frame assembly, and a frame assembly connected to and extending away from the main frame assembly. Multiple mounting locations can be provided on at least one of the main frame assembly and the frame assembly, each of the mounting locations being configured to accommodate one of the mounting fixtures. The mounting locations can include a first set configured for use with the first suspension system configuration, and a second set configured for use with the second suspension system configuration.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe and a heat insulating cover surrounding an outer surface of the exhaust pipe. The cover includes a planar section defining a surface area. An inner surface of the planar section is spaced from the outer surface to define a gap there between. A separate reinforcement is mounted to the planar section. A mounting boss provided in the gap is in direct contact with the inner surface. An exhaust constituent sensor is mounted to the exhaust pipe. A distal end portion of the sensor is received in the mounting boss and projects through an opening in the outer surface and into an exhaust passage. The direct contact of the mounting boss with the inner surface forms a mechanical seal preventing high temperature air from around the exhaust pipe from flowing toward a proximal end portion of the sensor.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a one-piece accelerator pedal without moving linkages that is mounted to a pin for rotational movement relative to a mounting stay. The throttle cable is operatively connected to the accelerator pedal for movement thereby as the pedal rotates, at least one of the pedal and mounting stay configured to provide a first ratio of pedal stroke movement relative to cable stroke movement at initial depression of the accelerator pedal, and a different, second ratio of pedal stroke movement relative to cable stroke movement upon further depression of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a one-piece accelerator pedal without moving linkages that is mounted to a pin for rotational movement relative to a mounting stay. The throttle cable is operatively connected to the accelerator pedal for movement thereby as the pedal rotates, at least one of the pedal and mounting stay configured to provide a first ratio of pedal stroke movement relative to cable stroke movement at initial depression of the accelerator pedal, and a different, second ratio of pedal stroke movement relative to cable stroke movement upon further depression of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a convenient mechanism and system for users of vehicles that include handbrakes to operate reverse lockout deactivation mechanisms in connection with the handbrake. For example, saddle-type vehicles such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), snowmobile, motorcycle, or the like may benefit from certain embodiments. For example, the system that combines brake, reverse lockout deactivation, and parking brake mechanisms may benefit from a dual rate, dual direction spring system. An apparatus can include a first lever configured to pivot about a first axis. The apparatus can also include a second lever mounted with the first lever and configured further to pivot about a second axis offset from the first axis. The second lever can be configured to be biased to a first position by a first spring and a second spring.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe and a heat insulating cover surrounding an outer surface of the exhaust pipe. The cover includes a planar section defining a surface area. An inner surface of the planar section is spaced from the outer surface to define a gap there between. A separate reinforcement is mounted to the planar section. A mounting boss provided in the gap is in direct contact with the inner surface. An exhaust constituent sensor is mounted to the exhaust pipe. A distal end portion of the sensor is received in the mounting boss and projects through an opening in the outer surface and into an exhaust passage. The direct contact of the mounting boss with the inner surface forms a mechanical seal preventing high temperature air from around the exhaust pipe from flowing toward a proximal end portion of the sensor.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a convenient mechanism and system for users of vehicles that include handbrakes to operate reverse lockout deactivation mechanisms in connection with the handbrake. For example, saddle-type vehicles such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), snowmobile, motorcycle, or the like may benefit from certain embodiments. For example, the system that combines brake, reverse lockout deactivation, and parking brake mechanisms may benefit from a dual rate, dual direction spring system. An apparatus can include a first lever configured to pivot about a first axis. The apparatus can also include a second lever mounted with the first lever and configured further to pivot about a second axis offset from the first axis. The second lever can be configured to be biased to a first position by a first spring and a second spring.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a differential, a lock and a differential lock controller. The lock is associated with the differential and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The differential lock controller is configured to selectively facilitate movement of the lock between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A rear axle support assembly includes a swing arm assembly, a second axle tube, and a rear final gear assembly. The swing arm assembly includes a first support arm, a second support arm laterally spaced from the first support arm, a first axle tube attached to the first support arm, and an axle support bracket attached to the second support arm. Each of the first and second axle tubes is configured to receive an axle therewithin. The second axle tube includes an axle tube mount flange. The first axle tube is releasably attached to the rear final gear assembly. The axle tube mount flange is positioned laterally between, and is releasably attached to each one of, the axle support bracket of the swing arm assembly and the rear final gear assembly, and in direct, contacting engagement with the rear final gear assembly.

Abstract: A boot assembly includes a boot and a retention band. The retention band includes a ring, a lever attached to the ring and a clasp associated with the ring and configured for selective engagement with the lever. The boot includes an annular wall defining a hollow interior configured to receive a portion of a drive assembly of a vehicle. The boot further includes a rib, the rib being integral with the annular wall and extending radially outwardly from the annular wall. The rib and the annular wall cooperate to define an annular channel that is configured to receive the retention band. The rib extends radially outwardly beyond the ring, the lever and the clasp of the retention band when the retention band is seated within the annular channel.

Abstract: A control system for a saddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes a reverse lever, a hand brake lever, a throttle lever and at least one mount bracket. Each of the reverse lever, the hand brake lever and the throttle lever are pivotably coupled to the at least one mount bracket and the at least one mount bracket is configured to be connected to a first one of a right handlebar and a left handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a saddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes a reverse lever, a hand brake lever, a throttle lever and at least one mount bracket. Each of the reverse lever, the hand brake lever and the throttle lever are pivotably coupled to the at least one mount bracket and the at least one mount bracket is configured to be connected to a first one of a right handlebar and a left handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a swing member, an axle tube, a cushion bracket, a protrusion, an axle, and a cushion member. The swing member is pivotable about a first axis. The axle tube is coupled with the swing member, the cushion bracket, and the protrusion. The axle is rotatable about a second axis. The cushion member includes lower and upper ends. The lower end is pivotally coupled with the cushion bracket and is pivotable about a third axis. The second and third axes reside in a first plane. The protrusion is located above the first plane and is spaced from the cushion member by a first distance having a minimum value. The lower end of the cushion member is spaced from the axle tube by a second distance having a minimum value. The minimum value of the first distance is less than the minimum value of the second distance.