Abstract: A motorcycle has a V type engine with its cylinders inclined other than vertically or horizontally, with a crankshaft extending transversely on the cylinders lying in a forwardly-directed vertical plane. A transmission is mounted to the motorcycle rearwardly of the engine, and has a main shaft adjacent to the crankshaft with its axis rearwardly of and at an elevation beneath the axis of the crankshaft. Stud bolts screw into the crankcase, the arrangement of the shafts enabling the wall thickness of the crankcase to be locally increased to provide for sufficient strength of threads without creating interference with the gears on the main shaft.

Abstract: A cylinder block construction for an overhead cam shaft type V-engine having a timing chain passage formed to allow the cylinder block to be used for diametrically opposite cylinders. Timing chain guides are positioned in the timing chain passage with one of the timing chain guides providing chain tension control. Tension control is achieved by pivotably mounting one of the chain guides and biasing the chain guide against the timing chain with a chain tension means mounted in an opening in the cylinder block. Symmetrical openings are formed on either side of the timing chained passage to receive the chain tension means. The unused opening is capped.

Abstract: A motorcycle carries a multiple cylinder overhead cam shaft V-type engine whose cylinders are inclined in the plane of longitudinal (forward) movement of the vehicle. One cylinder (preferably the forward cylinder) is laterally offset to the right, and the other is laterally offset to the left. An overhead cam shaft is provided for each cylinder, and is driven by a drive located on the respective cylinder on the outside, in the direction of offset. An ignition plug and its cord are mounted on the opposite side, whereby to be shielded from obstacles by structure associated with the neighboring cylinder.

Abstract: A motorcycle has a front frame, and a rear arm pivotally mounted to the frame for mounting the rear wheel. The rear wheel is driven by a propeller shaft that has a universal joint intersected by the axis of a bearing structure which mounts the rear arm. The bearing structure which mounts the rear arm lies inboard of the propeller shaft, whereby to enable reduction of the widthwise dimension of the motorcycle, and to enable a lighter-weight assembly of this portion of the motorcycle to be utilized, because it is unnecessary to bifurcate the bearing structure or to place part of it laterally outside of the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A frame for a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or a power-driven cycle or a bicycle which has a bifurcated rear portion that forms a chamber to receive a suspension member. The suspension member interlinks the frame and an upper portion of a rear arm that has pivot points for the joinder to the suspension, for the frame, and for the rear wheel.

Abstract: A V-shaped engine, with its "V" lying in a forwardly-extending frame, has a front cylinder, a rear cylinder, and a crank-case beneath the cylinders. A frame surrounds an area above and rearwardly of the engine. The front cylinder and a rear portion of the crankcase are secured to the frame. Elastic means connects the rear cylinder to the frame.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine having a V-shaped cylinder arrangement in which a space is defined between the fore and aft cylinders. Carburetors for the fore and aft cylinder are disposed in the space between the cylinders and an air filter is located behind the engine. The motorcycle has a frame which is formed with an inside cavity connected with the air filter and the carburetors so that the inside cavity constitutes a part of the intake passage.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine having a V-shaped cylinder arrangement in which a space is defined between the fore and aft cylinders. Carburetors for the fore and aft cylinder are disposed in the space between the cylinders and an air filter is located behind the engine. The motorcycle has a frame which is formed with an inside cavity connected with the air filter and the carburetors so that the inside cavity constitutes a part of the intake passage.