Abstract: A vehicle power unit supporting apparatus supports a transversely-mounted power unit having a power source and a speed reduction gear connected to each other. The power unit is supported on a vehicle body by at least a power-source-side mount and a speed-reduction-gear side mount on both of the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction. These mounts are disposed at a position higher than a position of the center of gravity of the power unit. Spring axis lines of the power-source side mount and the speed-reduction-gear side mount are inclined to intersect with each other at a position higher than the position of the center of gravity of the power unit when the vehicle is viewed from the front. An elastic center of the entire power unit supporting apparatus is located at a position lower than the position of the center of gravity of the power unit.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis assembly includes a frame assembly having a plurality of frame members connected together, a drivetrain, a suspension system, and an exhaust system. The connection of the frame members provides a low-profile configuration for reduced step height and a kick-up portion to allow ascent of steeper inclines. The frame further includes an exhaust pipe supported within a frame member and two castings bolted to removable wheel arches. The exhaust pipe has a circular cross-section that changes to a rectangular cross-section near the back of the chassis assembly.

Abstract: To concentrate mass, to lower the center of gravity, to efficiently and optimally arrange an intake part for making a compact vehicle body. A cylinder inclined to the rear is arranged under a fuel tank and a body of an intake box is housed between a radiator arranged in front of the cylinder and the cylinder. An upper part of the body of the intake box is fixed to a body frame at the bottom of the fuel tank and air taken in is supplied to an intake port through an intake funnel and a throttle body respectively built-in. A lid of an intake duct can be extractably inserted into a window hole provided to the front of the body, a duct part integrated with the lid is arranged over the radiator, and an air intake guide port takes a flow of air in front of the radiator.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a straddle-type vehicle, can include an engine, a catalyst and an air cleaner. The catalyst can be disposed in an expansion chamber of the vehicle. At least a part of the air cleaner can be disposed above a swing arm of the vehicle, and at least a part of the expansion chamber can be disposed below the swing arm. The air cleaner can further be disposed to the rear of a shock absorber of the vehicle. Thus, the influence of heat from the catalyst and the engine on the air cleaner can be reduced. Consequently, efficiency of air induction into the engine can be increased, thereby improving engine output.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a motorcycle includes a bracket which includes a joint portion, an engine support portion, and a swing-arm support portion. The joint portion is configured to be connected to a vehicle-body frame. The engine support portion is configured to support an engine. The swing-arm support portion is provided separately from the joint portion and configured to support a swing arm which is swingable with respect to the vehicle-body frame and at a rear end of which a rear wheel is provided. An exhaust pipe extends rearwards from the engine. A muffler is connected to a rear end of the exhaust pipe and disposed along the swing arm. A muffler is connected to a rear end of the muffler support stay and a front end of which is connected to the bracket separately from the joint portion.

Abstract: The assembly (10) for admitting combustion air to the engine of a motorcycle comprises: an air filter (12); a housing (11) for mounting at the top portion of the motorcycle and forming a support for the air filter (12); an air inlet module (13) fitted to the housing and including at least one movable shutter (131, 131?); control means for controlling the movements of the shutter (131, 131?); and assembly means (17, 171-174) for assembling the assembly at the top portion (21) of the motorcycle. The air filter (12) is generally annular and subdivides the inside volume of the housing (11) into a radially inner chamber and a radially outer chamber. The radially inner chamber is fed with air through the air inlet module (13), while the radially outer chamber forms, around the air filter (12), a chamber for stabilizing the flow of air downstream from the filter.

Abstract: An isolator for an engine mount or an exhaust system is designed to be mounted directly into a hole defined by a supporting structure of a vehicle. A rod extends between an elastomeric isolator disposed in the hole and a component of the vehicle being supported.

Abstract: A vehicle with an engine connection. The vehicle further includes an engine, a rear wheel and a rear suspension that absorbs an impact when the rear wheel moves vertically. The engine connection has a front end connected to a rear surface of the engine, and a coil-shaped portion provided between the rear suspension and the rear wheel. A front end of the coil-shaped portion is connected to a rear end of the engine connection. The exhaust pipe is configured to enable division into the engine connection and the coil-shaped portion.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a drive unit formed by the transmission and the engine, having exhaust-gas-carrying pipes and at least one muffler and catalyst housing. A holding part can be fastened to the transmission and/or the engine and on whose supporting leg the exhaust system can be fastened or suspended. A fastening clamp for accommodating a catalyst housing is provided on the end of the respective supporting leg.

Abstract: One embodiment of an exhaust system support assembly formed in accordance with the present disclosure includes a wishbone link (10) that couples an exhaust member (26) to a vehicle (56) The wishbone link includes a leg (12) branching into a first arm (14) and a second arm (16) A first pivot assembly (20) pivotally couples the first arm (14) to the exhaust member (26), and a second pivot assembly (22) pivotally couples the second arm (16) to the exhaust member (26) A third pivot assembly (24) pivotally couples the leg (12) to the vehicle (56) so that the wishbone link (10) is movable in two or more degrees of freedom relative to the vehicle (56).

Abstract: A scooter type motorcycle capable of improving cooling efficiency of brake calipers includes a vehicle body cover, covering a rear wheel brake device, is formed with a drive-induced airflow introducing port. A drive-induced airflow guiding duct, supported with vehicle body frames, for guiding drive-induced airflow from the drive-induced airflow introducing port to the brake calipers of the rear wheel brake device, is provided. The drive-induced airflow guiding duct has an inflow port formed at its one end for the drive-induced airflow entering at the drive-induced airflow introducing port to flow in. An airflow delivery port is formed at its other end and opening in the vicinity of the brake calipers for delivering the drive-induced airflow, introduced through the inflow port, to the brake calipers.

Abstract: A front cross member is installed between a pair of (right and left) front side members, and a plate-shaped sub-cross member, as a mounting member for a suspension or the like, is installed ahead of the front cross member. The front cross member and the sub-cross member are coupled by a backbone brace which is secured to the front cross member and the sub-cross member at positions in right and left portions of the front cross member and the sub-cross member by bolts or the like.

Abstract: A longitudinal stringer type exhaust flex pipe assembly is provided having two end pieces and multiple interlaced interlocking longitudinal stringer elements forming a flexible cylinder. Every other longitudinal stringer element is affixed to each end piece, such that each stringer element is affixed to only one end piece. The stringer elements each have a male and a female interlocking feature that allows them to slide freely between each other while maintaining a relatively airtight seal. This provides a flex pipe assembly that is compliant in the compression, extension, axial bending, and torsional directions. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention is a two part motorcycle exhaust guard that attaches to the front and rear sections of a motorcycle's exhaust can. The front guard is made of a set of cantilevered steel, metal or alloy plates that house an interchangeable polymer or composite wear pad on an outer surface thereof. The front guard is itself attached to the exhaust but is reinforced from forceful removal through the use of a retention strap. The rear guard is also adapted to house a wear pad and mounts on the rear of the exhaust can.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle for traveling over land includes a frame, an engine, a transmission, and a seating arrangement. The frame has a forward end and a rearward end. The vehicle includes a longitudinal axis extending from the forward end to the rearward end. A single or tandem seating arrangement is arranged along the longitudinal axis in certain embodiments. The engine is secured to the frame. The engine includes at least one cylinder and a crankshaft with a crankcase fastened generally beneath the cylinder. A transmission is coupled to the engine crankshaft. The transmission extends forwardly from the crankshaft toward the forward end of the frame along the longitudinal axis. A side-by-side seating arrangement is secured to the frame generally along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. An air intake is provided at the forward side of the cylinder with an exhaust out the rearward side.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a motorcycle in which a bank angle is secured while a necessary passage area of exhaust gas is maintained. A connection pipe connecting left and right exhaust pipes is disposed in an area enclosed by a bottom surface of an engine and left and right bank angle lines in a front view.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe is connected to an engine with a muffler attached to an exhaust pipe. An exhaust valve is provided for controlling the flow rate of an exhaust gas on the side of the exhaust pipe. A recessed portion is directed toward the center of the vehicle body and is formed on the side of the swing arm with the exhaust valve being disposed in front in the vicinity of the recessed portion. Operating wires are laid along an air cleaner case so as to open and close the exhaust valve. A servo motor is disposed at such a position that it can be covered with the seat cowl so as to drive the operating wires. The muffler is provided with a muffler protector and a cover portion that integral extends from the muffler protector with the exhaust valve being covered with the cover portion.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for rapid design of emissions component installations. The method assists in the rapid design of emissions component installations by: interpreting a tube design input which may be an exhaust pipe with one or more aftertreatment components, calculating a final tube design and tube drawing, determining the manufacturability of the final tube design, determining the manufacturing cost of the final tube design, and displaying the drawing, manufacturability result, and manufacturing cost to a user. The method also evaluates the final tube design for portions that can be replaced with a more cost effective alternative. The method also receives the emissions reduction features of the installation from the user, and recommends secondary components to mitigate operational consequences, such as reduced fuel economy or reduced oil change intervals, of the emissions reduction features.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe structure has, under a floor of a vehicle, an exhaust passage for exhaust gas discharged from a vehicle-installed engine, and at least one muffler is provided on an intermediate portion of the exhaust passage. The at least one muffler includes a main muffler having the greatest muffler capacity. An external cylinder forming an outer shell portion of the main muffler has a circular sectional shape having a diameter of 100 mm to 150 mm, or a sectional shape that is substantially equal to an area of the circular sectional shape. The external cylinder has a length of 800 mm to 12000 mm. The main muffler is disposed in a tunnel portion that is formed between the front wheels and the rear wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle having a sufficient length of exhaust pipe and a member disposed above a rear suspension that is not too high. An exhaust pipe is connected to a rearward side of an engine. A rear suspension absorbs shocks generated when a rear wheel moves up and down. A coil-form part of the exhaust pipe is located between the rear suspension and a tire house of the rear wheel, within which the rear wheel moves up and down.

Abstract: A saddle ride type all-terrain vehicle includes an engine, a front wheel and rear wheels, a saddle type rider's seat, and a rear fender provided so as to cover the surroundings of the saddle type rider's seat and the rear wheels. The vehicle further includes an exhaust pipe led out to the vehicle body rear side from the engine, a muffler connected to the exhaust pipe, and an oxygen concentration sensor provided in the vicinity of a connection portion between the exhaust pipe and the muffler, wherein the oxygen concentration sensor is located inside the rear fender.

Abstract: At the underside of a vehicle body, a fuel tank and an exhaust muffler are disposed alongside of each other along a vehicle body longitudinal direction, with a drive shaft being disposed between the fuel tank and the exhaust muffler. The front and rear of the fuel tank are attached with tank bands to two cross members. The exhaust muffler is attached to the two cross members via rubber supports. Because the exhaust muffler and the fuel tank are attached to common cross members, the noise vibration characteristics of the vehicle body are improved while suppressing an increase in the weight of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A motorcycle, having both left and right mufflers, has an exhaust structure which enables an increase in the allowable margin through which the rear wheel is permitted to rise. A main exhaust pipe extends from an engine to one side of a shock absorber disposed on the rear side of the engine. The main exhaust pipe is branched in the vicinity of the shock absorber into a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe. The first branch pipe is connected to a first muffler disposed on the same side as the main exhaust pipe, and the second branch pipe is connected to a second muffler after passing between the shock absorber and a rear wheel to the opposed side of the vehicle body. The second branch pipe does not interfere with the rising motion of the rear wheel, and a sufficient allowable margin is secured for the rear wheel.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle for smoothly introducing an exhaust air from a radiator rearward and improving cooling performance for cooling respective members of the vehicle is provided with a front structure, in which a cooling fan is provided on a rear surface of the radiator so that a central portion of the cooling fan is offset from a center of the radiator toward a side opposite to a side on which the belt transmission is arranged, an exhaust pipe connected to a front portion of the cylinder assembly is provided to extend toward the side on which the belt transmission is arranged so that the exhaust pipe extends downward at a portion above the belt transmission, and the inlet duct is provided on the side on which the exhaust pipe is provided so as to vertically extend along the vehicle body frame provided vertically through a portion below the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: To provide a motorcycle exhaust system, which is less susceptible to the elevated temperature of the exhaust gases and vibrations induced by the motorcycle combustion engine (E) and in which the sectional area of the exhaust passage can be properly adjusted independence on the operating condition of the motorcycle combustion engine (E), the motorcycle exhaust system includes a motorcycle combustion engine (E) mounted at a location generally intermediate between front and rear wheels (3 and 9), an exhaust passage fluidly connected at one end with an exhaust port of the motorcycle combustion engine (E), a silencer (17) fluidly connected with the opposite end of the exhaust passage and supported by the motorcycle frame structure (FR) at a location generally above the rear wheel (9); and an exhaust control valve (24) disposed in an inlet of the silencer (17) for variably adjusting the sectional area of the exhaust passage.

Abstract: An exhaust control apparatus for a motorcycle includes an exhaust collection pipe, which collects and combines exhaust gas from a plurality of exhaust pipes, and an exhaust valve. The exhaust valve is operatively attached to the collection pipe and controls flow of exhaust gas within the collection pipe. A pivot shaft of the exhaust valve is situated at an angle and is displaced from the centers of the exhaust pipes, such that the shaft is not aligned with the centers of the exhaust pipes. This arrangement of the pivot shaft provides a smooth, non-turbulent flow of exhaust gas, and reduces impedance to the flow of exhaust gas. The exhaust control apparatus may be mounted to reside within a recess formed in a motorcycle body frame, to reduce vehicle width.

Abstract: To provide an exhaust device for enhancing the appearance quality, secure the degree of freedom in designing and enhance the cooling performance. An exhaust device in which a second exhaust muffler at a rear portion of an exhaust system extends rearwardly from an engine is disposed in a rear portion of a rear cowl wherein a rear end surface of the second exhaust muffler is covered with a resin-made muffler rear cover.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle is capable of preventing the temperature of air supplied to an engine and the temperature of a battery from being excessively increased and has a large minimum ground clearance. An object-mountable supporting box is bridged between left and right frame members of a body frame. A battery is located above a bottom plate of the supporting box. An air cleaner is located between the left and right frame members and rearward relative to the supporting box. An intake passage is located in an area which is between the left and right frame members, above the bottom plate of the supporting box, and beside the battery. An exhaust passage passes through an area above a bottom of the frame body and below the bottom plate of the supporting box.

Abstract: To provide an exhaust pipe structure in which the length of the exhaust pipe can be elongated while the total dimension is restricted. Provided is an exhaust pipe structure which includes an upstream-side exhaust pipe connected to exhaust ports of an engine. An exhaust chamber is provided which has an exhaust-gas inlet and an exhaust-gas outlet, and in which the upstream-side exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust-gas inlet. In addition, the exhaust pipe structure includes a downstream-side exhaust pipe which is connected to the exhaust-gas outlet and which extends in such a direction as to move away from the exhaust ports. In the exhaust pipe structure, the exhaust-gas inlet is formed at a position farther away from the exhaust ports than the exhaust-gas outlet is positioned.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a body frame, an engine arranged in a forward manner of a rear cushion, and an air cleaner connected to the engine through an intake passage. The air cleaner is arranged in a rearward manner of a connection of an upper end of the rear cushion and the body frame, and the connection is arranged substantially just below the intake passage.

Abstract: A sound dampening assembly adapted to engage an exhaust pipe in an automotive engine exhaust system adjacent an outlet of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a bottle portion having a single opening and an interior defining a predetermined amount of volume and a neck portion having a first end attached to the opening of the bottle portion and extending from the bottle portion. The neck portion is in fluid communication with the bottle portion interior and includes a second end adapted to be attached to the exhaust pipe. The neck portion has an interior defining a predetermined amount of volume and the bottle portion and the neck portion are sized to attenuate vibration at a predetermined frequency in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A diverter for vehicle exhaust fumes inhibits or prevents the accumulation of exhaust fumes in a trailer towed by a vehicle. The diverter includes a flexible component (67) which is able to accommodate misalignment between the vehicle and trailer during transport. A coupling (64, 65) is used to removably attach the diverter to a vehicle exhaust (62).

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine having a first cylinder and a second cylinder from which pulses of exhaust gas exit and are routed along separate paths towards the exhaust mufflers. The exhaust system independently routes the pulses of exhaust gas from the two cylinders. The exhaust gases that are expelled from the first cylinder are routed through a first exhaust pipe. The exhaust gases that are expelled from the second cylinder are routed through a second exhaust pipe assembly. The second exhaust pipe assembly routes the exhaust gasses from an exhaust port for the second cylinder laterally across the motorcycle to achieve a true dual exhaust system. The second exhaust pipe assembly provides an approximate equal length flow path as compared to the path used by the exhaust gasses that are expelled from the first cylinder.

Abstract: A low floor vehicle is a scooter-type motorcycle in which a power unit with a longitudinal V-type engine is mounted below a low floor. The power unit is substantially U-shaped when the power unit is viewed from the top by configuring the transmission unit of the power unit so that the transmission unit is connected to the engine on one side of the V-type engine, is extended backward on one side of the vehicle and drives a chain drive mechanism so as to drive a rear wheel from the other side of the vehicle in the vicinity of a pivot of a swing arm for the rear wheel. A first exhaust pipe connected to a rear cylinder in a bank of the V-type engine is extended backward from the cylinder, the rear end is extended downward via space which is an opening substantially U-shaped when the opening is viewed from the top, the lower end is extended backward and the rear end is connected to a second exhaust pipe connected to a front cylinder in the bank of the V-type engine.

Abstract: A scooter-type motorcycle has a structure in which an article accommodation box is disposed below a rider's seat which is upward openable, and a power unit including an engine and a power transmission is disposed below the article accommodation box to be vertically swingable together with a rear wheel. The power unit is connected to a swing shaft which is disposed above a front portion of an engine crank case, and a starter motor for starting an operation of the engine is disposed above a rear portion of the crank case. An air cleaner, a suction pipe, a throttle body and an intake manifold are arranged substantially horizontally from a rear side portion of a motorcycle body towards a front side portion thereof so as to constitute an engine intake device to be connected to the engine. The throttle body is disposed between the swing shaft and the starter motor.

Abstract: A muffler suspension kit for use in attaching a replacement or original catalytic converter, or exhaust pipe muffler to a vehicle includes a flexible clamping band formed of stainless or regular steel. The clamping band extends around a replacement muffler and clamps an angle-shaped suspension bracket against a muffler. The suspension bracket has a plurality of apertures therein for connection to one or more elongate, longitudinally, adjustable J-hooks. The J-hooks are connected to grommets on the vehicle for attaching the muffler to the vehicle. The selective position of attachment of the J-hooks to the suspension bracket and the longitudinal adjustability of the J-hooks provides a wide range of adjustment when attaching a muffler to a vehicle.

Abstract: A snowmobile has a frame assembly. A drive assembly depends from the frame assembly and abuts the terrain. An engine powers the drive assembly. The engine includes an output shaft. A transmiss0n assembly transfers power of the engine to the drive assembly. The transmission assembly includes a transfer shaft driven by the output shaft. The frame assembly has a frame member disposed rearward of the engine. The frame member unitarily forms side sections, a rear section and a bottom section. The transfer shaft transversely extends between the side sections and is journaled by the side sections. The frame member supports the engine in front of the transfer shaft.

Abstract: An exhaust insulator adapted for use in a motor vehicle exhaust system includes a vibration dampening mechanism and a heat shield. The heat shield snaps into position around the vibration dampening mechanism. The insulator is used in conjunction with a hanger which connects the exhaust pipes to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: An exhaust system provided with a tail pipe arrangement which extends adjacent to a wall part of a body of a motor vehicle, so that the exhaust system or the tail pipe arrangement, on the one hand, has sufficient space for relative movements and, on the other hand, is integrated in the visible dimensional structure of the vehicle body, viewed in the driving direction, the tail pipe arrangement is situated by a free end in front of the wall part, and, viewed from the rearward side of the motor vehicle upon the tail pipe arrangement, a first countour of an end area of the wall part corresponds basically at least in sections with an exterior second contour of the tail pipe arrangement.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine transmission in a saddle type vehicle such as an all-terrain-vehicle. In one embodiment, the cooling system has an induction duct, connected to a belt case that houses a transmission, for inducting cooling air into the belt case. The system further includes a discharge duct connected to the belt case for exhausting the cooling air from the belt case, the discharge duct extending toward a rear fender of the vehicle. In addition, the system has an air exhaust aperture through which the cooling-air exits the discharge duct, the exhaust aperture located at an end of the discharge duct, the discharge duct generally forming an inverted “U” shape as viewed from a rear end of the vehicle, and the air exhaust aperture positioned so that the cooling air exiting the discharge duct does not directly strike the rear fender of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine having a first cylinder and a second cylinder from which pulses of exhaust gas exit and are routed along separate paths towards the exhaust mufflers. The exhaust system independently routes the pulses of exhaust gas from the two cylinders. The exhaust gases that are expelled from the first cylinder are routed through a first exhaust pipe. The exhaust gases that are expelled from the second cylinder are routed through a second exhaust pipe assembly. The second exhaust pipe assembly routes the exhaust gasses from an exhaust port for the second cylinder laterally across the motorcycle to achieve a true dual exhaust system. The second exhaust pipe assembly provides an approximate equal length flow path as compared to the path used by the exhaust gasses that are expelled from the first cylinder.

Abstract: An exhaust system has a plurality of isolator assemblies which are used to mount the exhaust system to a vehicle. Each of the isolator assemblies has an exhaust rod which is attached to a component of the exhaust system and which includes a first end which engages an elastomeric isolator attached to the vehicle through a U-shaped member. Each of the first ends of the exhaust rods are aligned to be generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle when the exhaust system is installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: In a snowmobile, a four-cycle engine is mounted in such a manner that its crankshaft is arranged along the body width direction and the central axis of a cylinder(s) is tilted rearward by angle &agr; with respect to the vertical direction of the body, forming a rear tilted engine. At least part of the engine intake system including an air cleaner box and throttle body, connected to the intake port(s) of the engine is accommodated in the space inside the topmost projected portion of the engine hood. Exhaust is led out to the muffler located in front of the cylinder(s) by the exhaust system connected to the exhaust port(s) at the front of the cylinder head. Further, the intake passage is arranged between the engine body and the steering post.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a two-cylinder V-engine, having front and rear cylinders and mounted on a saddle-type all-terrain vehicle, includes a muffler disposed behind the two-cylinder V-engine and provided with two connecting openings, a front-cylinder exhaust pipe having one end connected to the exhaust port of the front cylinder, and a rear-cylinder exhaust pipe having one end connected to the rear cylinder. The front-cylinder exhaust pipe is bent so as to extend rearward along side surfaces of the front and the rear cylinders to the muffler and is detachably connected to the connecting opening. The rear-cylinder exhaust pipe is fitted in the other connecting opening and is welded to the muffler.

Abstract: A fuel cell and a reformer are disposed above and in the vicinity of a horizontal straight line connecting the center of a front axle and the center of a rear axle of a motor vehicle. A fuel tank is disposed in a position above the fuel cell and the reformer. In the case of a fuel cell powered motor vehicle, e.g. a buggy classified as an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), the drive shaft for transmitting power to the front axle and/or the rear axle can arranged without interfering with components of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: Separation of, or damage to, the inlet duct and outlet duct connected to a belt-type variable transmission is reduced, and durability of the belt-type variable transmission is improved, by preventing induction of foreign matter such as water, mud, sand or dust into the inlet duct. An induction box is provided between a front cover and a front upper part of a vehicle frame that extends above the front wheel axle shaft, and this induction box is fixed to a side of the vehicle frame. A cooling air induction port is provided in an upper face of the induction box adjacent to the bottom face of the front cover. A duct linkage port in the bottom face of the induction box and an air induction port of the belt-type variable transmission are connected by an inlet duct.

Abstract: A snowmobile assembly including a snowmobile chassis having a motor compartment at a front portion and an endless belt channel at a rear portion. A motor is located substantially in the motor compartment substantially in front of the endless belt channel. The motor includes at least one fuel control mechanism arranged toward a front portion of the snowmobile chassis. By arranging the at least one fuel control mechanism toward the front portion of the snowmobile chassis, the snowmobile assembly provides for greater mass centralization and/or a lower center of gravity than it would otherwise have if the at least one fuel control mechanism arranged toward the rear t portion of the snowmobile chassis. The greater mass centralization and/or a lower center of gravity can also be achieved by arranging the at least one exhaust port toward the rear of the snowmobile chassis. A drive train couples the motor to an endless belt drive shaft located in the endless belt channel.

Abstract: The engine compartment structure has an engine compartment and an engine unit. The engine compartment has side members, a rear cross member, and a steering rack mounted on the rear cross member. The engine unit has an engine, a transfer case, and a transaxle. The transfer case has an output shaft. The center of the output shaft is positioned lower than the center of an axle of transaxle. The steering rack is positioned lower than the output shaft. With this engine compartment structure, the height of a floor tunnel which houses a propeller shaft can be lowered. Also, the cross sectional height of the side members can be increased.

Abstract: A snowmobile design, including a modular front suspension system and a stabilizer assembly, a lightweight frame structure and a drive train that reduces the center of gravity of the snowmobile. The modular front suspension system for a snowmobile that is substantially self-contained and self-supporting. The present modular front suspension system is assembled around a primary support structure, such as an extrusion or other structural member. The primary support structure can be easily attached to or detached from, the snowmobile frame. The modularity of the present suspension system decreases assembly costs. A stabilizer assembly extends through the center opening and is mechanically coupled to the ski spindle housings. The chassis for a snowmobile includes a plurality of front structural members defining a motor compartment.

Abstract: The exhaust system has an exhaust comprising at least one silencer and/or catalytic converter which has a housing with a housing casing having a material thickness of not more than 1 mm and with housing ends. The exhaust furthermore has metallic pipes which are rigidly connected to said housing ends and at least one of which has a material thickness of, likewise, not more than 1 mm. The retaining element for holding the exhaust on the vehicle body has, for each housing end, a holder with a metallic retaining member connected to the pipe connected to the housing end or possibly to the housing itself. The at least one pipe having a material thickness of not more than 1 mm and to which the retaining member is connected or the housing casing to which the retaining member is connected is surrounded by a sleeve-like reinforcing element to which the retaining member is fastened, for example, by welding or brazing or adhesive bonding.