Abstract: A bicycle steerer tube assembly having an oblong asymmetric cross section formed along a portion of the steerer tube. The asymmetric portion of the steerer tube has a first diameter that is generally aligned with an axis of rotation of the front wheel and a second diameter that is generally aligned with a plane of rotation of the front wheel. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and provides lateral stiffness to the wheel assembly and the second diameter accommodates longitudinal impact absorption of the fork and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A lightweight gas spring with a volume compensator, which is incorporated into a fork leg of a two-wheel vehicle fork. The fork leg includes a housing having an upper inner telescoping hollow rod with a closed top and bottom end which is partially inserted into a lower outer telescoping rod having a closed bottom end. The inner upper telescoping rod inside includes a stationary volume compensator, a reciprocating piston, a first expandable and contractible gas chamber between the volume compensator and the piston which functions as a positive gas spring, and a second expandable and contractible gas chamber between the piston and the bottom end which can function as a negative gas spring, an air bypass channel which is longitudinally positioned on the inner surface of the inner telescoping rod may open to the first and second gas chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle component with a wheel mount at which a wheel with a hub can be received, with the wheel mount including two tube components provided with a mounting device at each of its end portions. At the mounting device of at least one tube component a bushing device is arranged to be exchangeable and to be suitable and intended to receive and support a hub.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a valve controlling the flow rate of fluid between a compression chamber and a rebound chamber in a housing and separated by a piston. The valve has an orifice component and a blocker component, one of which has a permanent magnet, and the other of which has a magnetically permeable material. Upon the application of sufficient fluid pressure, the blocker component is forced away from the orifice component, despite the magnetic bias that tends to attract the two structures. Because the magnetic force decreases as the two components are spaced farther apart, the shock absorber has excellent performance characteristics. Alternatively, a mechanical spring urges the blocker closed, and magnetic attraction between the blocker and a spaced opener mitigates the increased force of the compressed spring tending to close the valve.

Abstract: A body frame for a vehicle such as a motorcycle with a minimized number of parts. A main frame is connected to a head pipe and supports a rear arm to which a rear wheel is attached. A tank rail is connected to the head pipe at one end and to the main frame at the other end.

Abstract: A slider tube unit for a suspension fork of a bicycle, including two spaced-apart slider tubes and a wheel receiving space in-between, and at least one connector bracket connecting the two slider tubes above the wheel receiving space. The connector bracket includes a connector body which in its longitudinal extension from the one slider tube to the other slider tube is configured hollow wherein the connector body consists of an open basic profile and a reinforcing device closing the opening of the basic profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a suspension. In one embodiment, a method includes altering a temperature of a first suspension component and then pressing the first suspension component and a second suspension component into engagement while the temperature remains substantially altered.

Abstract: A front structure of a saddle type vehicle is provided with the added function of damping vibrations generated in the direction different from the direction of an axis of a telescopic fork, in addition to functioning as a steering damper. An automatic two-wheeled vehicle includes a head pipe provided on a front portion of a vehicle body frame, a steering stem supported by the head pipe, and a fork member coupled to the steering stem and supporting a front wheel. The fork member includes an upper pipe coupled to the steering stem, and a bottom pipe slidably coupled to the upper pipe and rotatably supporting the front wheel at a lower portion thereof. A damper member is provided between the bottom pipe and the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A lubricated guide unit is for a motorcycle fork tube that includes an outer tube and an inner tube telescopically slidable within the outer tube. The guide unit includes upper and lower sliding bushings axially spaced apart and disposed within a cavity of the outer tube and guide sliding movement of the inner tube. A first sealing device is mounted at an open end of the outer tube and seals against the outer surface of the inner tube. A second sealing device is mounted in the outer tube and seals against the outer surface of the inner tube. The second sealing device is axially spaced from the first sealing device such that a sealed, lubrication chamber is defined between the two sealing devices and the facing circumferential surfaces of the inner and outer tubes, the two bushings being disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle including a front wheel, a rear wheel, and a frameset supported by the front wheel and the rear wheel. The rear wheel includes a first end cap and a second end cap, and each end cap has an aligned hole extending through the end cap. The rear wheel includes an axle that is positioned in the holes in the end caps and that defines an axial direction. The frameset includes a first dropout and a second dropout, each including an opening. The axle is positioned in the opening of each dropout. Each drop out has a lip that defines a slot aligned with and larger than the openings. Each of the lips is dimensioned to receive a corresponding end cap of the rear wheel. The lip of the first dropout has an axial length less than the lip of the second dropout.

Abstract: A front fork for a saddle-type vehicle includes a front wheel and a pair of left and right leg members disposed on opposite sides of the front wheel. Each of the left and right leg members includes an outer tube having a lower end portion thereof journaling an axle of the front wheel, an inner tube slidably fitted into the outer tube and having an upper portion thereof connected to a head pipe of the vehicle, and a spring installed in a compressed state between the outer and inner tubes. The respective springs of the left and right leg members are set to have different weights from one another. As such, the front fork is configured to correct a weight imbalance between left and right sides of the vehicle body, while increasing freedom in the layout of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A bicycle damping system is arranged to reduce vibrations that originate at the bicycle wheel and are transmitted to the rider of the bicycle. Desirably, a front fork assembly is configured to be supported by a bicycle frame and includes a pair of fork legs, which extend in a downward direction along opposing sides of a front wheel of the bicycle. Preferably, the fork legs are configured to support the front wheel at their lower ends. Each of the fork legs can define a cavity and a damping member is positioned within the cavity. The damping member can be forced into contact with a surface of the fork leg. Seat stays, chain stays, the seat post and other components of the bicycle can also include a damping system.

Abstract: A suspension fork for a bicycle includes at least one stanchion tube and at least one slider tube interacting therewith and a wheel receiving space, and a damper system. The damper system includes a damper chamber divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a movable piston and a damping device for rebound damping and a damping device for compression damping. The damper system is disposed at the stanchion tube, the damping device for rebound damping and the damping device for compression damping are disposed above the movable piston.

Abstract: A combination of a front fork of a bicycle and a parking rack, wherein the front fork includes two shafts, each shaft having first and second ends and the parking rack includes a space receiving the front fork for parking the bicycle, the combination comprises a fixture member provided between the first and second ends of one of the shafts and facing opposite to another shaft; and a locking apparatus, which is installed to the parking rack and corresponding to the fixture member, selectively locking the fixture member to the parking rack between a locking position and an unlocking position.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension adjustor is provided with a rotational input member, an axial output member and a rotation-to-axial movement converting structure. The rotation-to-axial movement converting structure includes a first converting member operatively coupled to a rotational input member and a second converting member facing the first converting member. At least one rolling member is operatively disposed between the first and second converting members. One of the converting members is operatively coupled to an axial output member. The rolling member is in rolling contact with the first and second converting members so that the rolling member induces relative displacement with respect to both of the first and second converting members as the rotational input member rotates the first converting member in response to a rotational movement of the rotational input member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle suspension system gas spring. In one embodiment, a vehicle suspension system gas spring includes a compressible main gas chamber and an additional volume combinable with the main chamber to change a gas spring rate of the system. In one embodiment, a low friction piston seal is created by a flexible seal member.

Abstract: This invention allows motorcycle owner to easily change the rake and height of motorcycle while maintaining stock aesthetic appearance not being offered in market today, and the ability to service fork tube hydraulic oil without incurring costly mechanical fees. The upper tree assembly with spherical bearing is connected by a center stem internal of the frame neck bearing housing. The lower tree assembly with spherical bearing and interchangeable degree rake pucks are connected to said center stem. Tube extensions inserted into motorcycle owners stock factory fork tubes and attached to said upper tree and lower tree allows height adjustments. A removable screw in the top of tube extensions inserted into a hollow bore through the center of tube extension allows motorcycle owner to service fork tube hydraulic oil.

Abstract: A bicycle air shock absorber assembly that includes a hollow piston rod that is telescopically associated with a hollow compression rod. The piston rod and compression rod are positioned within the casing of the shock assembly. A piston is supported by the piston rod and divides the volume of the compression rod to form a negative air spring chamber and a positive air spring chamber that includes the volume of the piston rod. An optional coil spring is positioned within the casing and contributes in parallel with the positive air spring chamber to resist compression of the shock assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension system of the present invention generally includes a bicycle suspension and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a fluid pump, a fluid responder and a fluid path. The fluid pump is mountable to a bicycle handlebar. The fluid responder is mountable to the bicycle suspension. The fluid path links the fluid pump and the fluid responder. The fluid responder is operatively connected to the bicycle suspension to operate the bicycle suspension between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between the fluid pump and the fluid responder.

Abstract: A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle.

Abstract: A shock absorber is provided having an exterior that looks like a two-piece structure formed with an outer tube and a separate bracket without using the separate bracket. Also provided is a straddle type vehicle having a shock absorber and a manufacturing method for the shock absorber. The shock absorber comprises a cylindrical outer tube, wherein the outer tube includes a first cylindrical part, and a second cylindrical part having an outer surface roughness greater than the outer surface roughness of the first part. The first part and the second part are adjacent each other in a longitudinal direction of the outer tube, and the second part has an equipment attaching section adapted for attaching a piece of equipment.

Abstract: A steering safety mechanism is provided for a bicycle and includes a frame, a steering stem, at least one first fastener, at least one second fastener, and a damping element. The frame includes a head tube portion. An end of the steering stem is received through the head tube portion. The first fastener is attached to the frame, and the second fastener is attached to the steering stem. The damping element has a first end attached to the first fastener and a second end attached to the second fastener.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer assembly that includes a stub tube, a steerer tube that extends upward from the stub tube, a pair of forks, and a fork crown or crown cap. A key and keyway are formed between the stub tube and a crown portion of each fork. The crown cap overlies the crown portion of each fork thereby preventing dissociation of the key and keyway between each of the pair of forks and the stub tube when the crown cap is positioned thereabout.

Abstract: A straddle type all terrain vehicle is provided with a chain guide for covering an outer peripheral edge of at least an engaged portion of a driven sprocket with a drive chain from outside in a radial direction inside a chain cover. A rear axle housing is formed with upper and lower flange portions extending upward and downward at opposite end portions in the vehicle width direction of the rear axle housing. The rear axle housing is coupled to a rear end portion of the rear swing arm for swinging forward and rearward about mounted portions of the upper flange portion. The chain cover is mounted on the swing arm side and the chain guide is mounted on the rear axle housing side, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body including a head pipe, a lower side bracket disposed below the head pipe for supporting the head pipe upward in a substantial center of the bracket in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of legs of a front fork fixed in vicinities of the ends of the lower side bracket. The lower side bracket is formed to have a downward sloping shape, which slopes from the ends of the lower side bracket toward its center.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer assembly that includes a stub tube, a steerer tube that extends upward from the stub tube, a pair of forks, and a fork crown or crown cap. A key and keyway are formed between the stub tube and a crown portion of each fork. The crown cap overlies the crown portion of each fork thereby preventing dissociation of the key and keyway between each of the pair of forks and the stub tube when the crown cap is positioned thereabout.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle suspension system includes a first stroke adjustment unit and a second stroke adjustment unit. The first stroke adjustment unit is configured to adjust a stroke of a suspension by changing a position of the suspension at a first position or a second position. The second stroke adjustment unit is configured to change the position of the suspension at the second position independently from the first position.

Abstract: A suspension system for use with a motorcycle includes a single body having two double-acting pneumatic cylinders in axial alignment therein. The suspension system may be sold in a kit, and may be retrofitted on an existing OEM motorcycle front wheel fork.

Abstract: A coil spring suspension designed for a handlebar-steered vehicle. The coil spring suspension generally includes a first tube, a coil spring, a shaft and a guide. A first end of the coil spring is disposed within the first tube and fixedly supported proximate a first end of the first tube. The coil spring extends beyond a second end of the first tube. The shaft fixedly supports a second end of the coil spring. The shaft and the first tube are slidably displaced relative to each other upon suspension loading to lengthwise compress the coil spring. The guide is disposed within the first tube and connected to the coil spring between the first and second ends of the coil spring. The guide is displaced with the coil spring under suspension loading and limiting lateral displacement of the coil spring.

Abstract: A damper for a bicycle having a primary unit and a remote unit that is substantially entirely outside of the primary unit. The primary unit includes a damper tube, a spring chamber, and a piston rod that supports a main piston. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber. The remote unit comprises a remote fluid chamber, and an inertial valve within the remote unit. The inertial valve is preferably responsive to terrain-induced forces and preferably not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle. The shock absorber forms a flow path separated from the piston rod that connects the remote fluid chamber and the compression chamber of the damper tube.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer tube assembly having an oblong asymmetric cross section formed along a portion of the steerer tube. The asymmetric portion of the steerer tube has a first diameter that is generally aligned with an axis of rotation of the front wheel and a second diameter that is generally aligned with a plane of rotation of the front wheel. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and provides lateral stiffness to the wheel assembly and the second diameter accommodates longitudinal impact absorption of the fork and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A triple tree system for mounting the front fork of a motorcycle to the handlebars and to the frame thereof. The system includes upper and lower triple tree members. The upper triple tree member includes a pair of apertures, each containing a threaded connector member fastened at one end to an internally threaded end of one handlebar member, and fastened at an opposite end to an internally threaded end of one fork tube. The lower triple tree member includes a pair of apertures, each accepting one of the fork tubes there through. Threaded apertures, each of which intersect an aperture holding a fork tube, contain a set screw that advances a rod into the fork tube aperture, thereby contacting one of the fork tubes therein, to lock the fork tubes to the lower triple tree member. A stem member is attached between the upper and lower triple tree members and attached to the frame of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension includes a stroke adjustment unit, a suspension damper, a damper adjustment unit, and a control mechanism. The stroke adjustment unit is configured to adjust a stroke of the bicycle suspension, which is configured to expand and contract within the stroke. The suspension damper is configured to apply damping force to the bicycle suspension. The damper adjustment unit is configured to adjust the damping force applied by the suspension damper. The control mechanism operatively couples the stroke adjustment unit to the damper adjustment unit and is configured to sequentially adjust the stroke and the damping force.

Abstract: A fork assembly for a bicycle includes a pair of forks and a steerer tube that extend in generally opposite directions from a fork crown. The assembly includes first and second means for securing the steerer tube to the fork crown. Preferably, the steerer tube is threaded and bonded to the fork crown. The fork crown includes a pair of cavities that each slidably receives a respective fork. Preferably, each fork is formed of a carbon fiber material and has an end whose shape substantially matches a shape of a respective cavity formed in the crown. The forks and crown cavities cooperate to efficiently communicate loads between the forks and the fork crown while maintaining a lightweight and robust fork, fork crown, and steerer tube assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle suspension system is provided with a first tubular element, a piston, a piston rod, a first sealing member and a switching valve. The piston is coupled to the piston rod, and is slidably disposed in the first tubular element. The first sealing member is disposed in the first tubular element adjacent such that a first air chamber is formed between the piston and the first sealing member. The switching valve is coupled to the first sealing member. The switching valve opens a communication passageway between the first air chamber and a second air chamber to connect the first and second air chambers when in the opened position, and closes the communication passageway between the first air chamber and the second air chamber to separate the first and second air chambers when in the closed position.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an ultra-light weight suspension fork for bicycles that provides smooth action of the suspension system that hitherto has been unachievable. This fork assembly contains a telescoping mechanism located in the head tube of the bicycle that uses linear roller bearings to reduce stiction and prevent torsional losses, but limits weight by only using two such bearings. Side-to-side load is eliminated by the use of two longitudinal members in close proximity to the inner tube of this telescoping mechanism. The telescoping mechanism is coupled to the wheel via an arched single-sided fork crown designed to maintain torsional and braking stiffness. The arched crown contains arches in two dimensions. The fork crown is coupled to the wheel via a shaped fork tube whose wall is thickened while the outside diameter is reduced so that the connection point to the axle mechanism has the same outside diameter as the fork tube thereby enabling significant strengthening of the assembly.

Abstract: A top cover for a headset of a bicycle includes a bottom ring, a side wall, a C-shaped clip and a fastening unit. The side wall extends upwards from the bottom ring. The C-shaped clip extends upwards from a top end of the side wall and has a through hole at each of two distal ends thereof. The fastening unit passes through the through holes of the C-shaped clip for tightening the C-shaped clip. Thus, the top cover of the present invention can enhance convenience of assembly and disassembly of the bicycle, and prevent components of the headset from getting lost during assembly and disassembly of the bicycle.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame, a fork, a from wheel, an upper arm, a lower arm, a handlebar, and a suspension element. The fork is pivotable with respect to the frame about a steering axis. The front wheel is rotatably coupled with the fork. The upper arm and the lower arm are each pivotally coupled with each of the fork and the frame. The handlebar is pivotally coupled with the frame and is configured to facilitate steering of the front wheel. The suspension element is coupled with each of the frame and the fork.

Abstract: A motorcycle with reduced fatigue due to vibrations in travel. A handle bracket is connected to an upper end of a steering shaft through a damper member, and left and right handle bodies are fixed to left and right ends of the handle bracket.

Abstract: A wheel assembly, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a hub, a pair of laterally spaced bearings, and is constructed to cooperate with a frame of a bicycle. The bearings include an outer race that is directly engaged with the hub. An inner race of each bearing is constructed to directly receive a portion of the bicycle frame such that the wheel is supported by direct interaction of the bicycle frame and the bearing members. Optionally, a hollow axle may extend between adjacent bearings to further enhance the lateral stiffness of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable coil spring system placed within a leg of a vehicle such as a mountain bicycle fork. The spring system comprises an adjustable first soft spring seated on top of a second firm spring having greater length than the first soft spring. A coupler assembly is positioned between two springs comprised of a threaded bolt threadedly received within a coupler. A spring adjustment mechanism may comprise a knob connected to the threaded bolt through a non-round shaped shaft, wherein the threaded bolt is disposed within the first soft spring. As the knob rotates, the coupler is moved up along the threaded bolt, decreasing the length of the first soft spring, thereby increasing firm spring characteristics of the spring system. As the knob rotates in an opposite direction, the coupler moves down, increasing the length of the first soft spring, thereby increasing soft spring characteristics of the spring system.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheel of a vehicle defining a wheel centerline comprises a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage includes a ground link, a coupler link and a spaced pair of follower links. The ground link is connected to the vehicle. The coupler link is connected to the wheel and is located aft of the ground link. The follower links pivotally interconnect the ground link to the coupler link. Each of the follower links defines a link axis. The follower links extend aftwardly from the ground link at diverging angles such that the link axes intersect one another at a steering axis which is positioned forward of the wheel centerline. The steering mechanism may be fitted to a motorcycle having front and rear wheels wherein the four-bar linkage is housed within a wheel hub of the front wheel.

Abstract: A telescopic fork (1) for two-wheelers, in particular bicycles, is provided and includes a plunger tube (2) and a fixed tube (3) having a spring element (4), which is impinged by a piston (5) connected to the plunger tube (2), with the piston (5) having a piston rod (6) connected to the plunger tube (2). For adjusting the spring travel, the piston rod (6) is adjustable in height and connected to the plunger tube (2), with an adjustment cylinder (8) being provided for this purpose connected to the plunger tube (2), in which an adjustment piston (9) is guided connected to the piston rod (6) and the cylinder chambers (13, 14) located at both sides of the adjustment piston (9) are filled with fluid and are at least provided with one connecting channel that can be opened and closed for the fluid to flow.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and kit for modifying a stock inverted front fork assembly of a motorcycle. The resultant modified stock inverted front fork assembly includes shortened lower stock cartridge components of a factory stock inverted front fork assembly, and an air cylinder assembly operatively connected to the shortened lower stock cartridge components of the factory stock inverted front fork assembly. The air cylinder assembly has a cylinder body capable of being screwed into a top portion of a stock fork tube, a piston inside of the cylinder body, a spring button attachment point, and a shaft connected to the piston at a proximal end of the shaft and connected to the spring button attachment point at a distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A motorcycle in which a central axis of a shaft and a central axis of front forks are not parallel to each other, and assembly work of the shaft, front forks and an upper bracket is not complicated. A steering shaft is rotatably supported by a head pipe. An upper bracket supports the steering shaft and front forks. The steering shaft includes upper and lower steering shafts. The upper steering shaft is inserted in the upper bracket and then fixed to the lower steering shaft.

Abstract: A reverse braking system for a commercial vehicle including sensors (102) for detecting an object in the path of the vehicle when reversing such that a park brake air supply (108) is connected to the brake chambers (111) to apply the brakes automatically when an object is detected. The brakes can only then be released when the vehicle parking brake has been applied.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a wheel support member, a wheel, and a brake caliper. The wheel support member has a wheel mount portion. The wheel is rotatably attached to the wheel mount portion. The brake caliper is attached to the wheel support member at a location spaced from the wheel mount portion such that the brake caliper is at least substantially concealed from view by the wheel support member when the motorcycle is viewed in a direction from the wheel support member to the wheel along a rotational axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle drop out comprising a seat stay mount having a first receiving portion, a chain stay mount having a second receiving portion, a back plate releasably connected to the seat stay mount and the chain stay mount, the back plate comprising a first member for engaging the first receiving portion and a second member for engaging the second receiving portion, the back plate comprising a third slot for receiving an axle, the slot cooperatively disposed between the seat stay mount and the chain stay mount, and the seat stay mount and the chain stay mount having a gap therebetween for receiving a belt.

Abstract: A shock absorber, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a secondary chamber whose volume selectively contributes to a volume associated with a primary chamber of the shock. A piston is supported by a compression rod and cooperates with a shock tube to define the primary chamber. The secondary chamber is fluidly isolated from the primary chamber by a valve arrangement positioned proximate the piston. A plunger extends along a longitudinal length of the shock and forms or interacts with the valve arrangement such that the secondary chamber is selectively fluidly connected to the primary chamber so the primary and secondary chambers of the shock assembly contribute to the performance of the shock for a selected portion of shock travel.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a head pipe, a handlebar pipe that is rotatable relative to the head pipe, a main frame extending rearward from the head pipe, and a handlebar lock located on a topside of the main frame to prevent the handlebar pipe from rotating relative to the head pipe.