A study was conducted of the potential of unconventional motorcycle configurations for improved accident avoidance performance. Configurations investigated included both front and rear steered motorcycles with low center of gravity and long wheelbase. Stability and obstacle avoidance characteristics were investigated analytically using mathematical models of both the uncontrolled and rider-controlled motorcycle. An analysis was also performed of the sensitivity of the optimum front-rear brake proportioning to road surface conditions and lateral acceleration. The rear steered configuration proved unacceptable from a control standpoint; however, the front steered configuration has advantages in the moderate-to-high speed regime in terms of the margin of safety in performing an obstacle avoidance maneuver, and rider skill level required in braking. These advantages accrue at the expense of low speed maneuverability and weight, and overall complexity of the machine.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Advanced Motorcycle Handling and Dynamics. Volume I: Summary Technical Report


    Contributors:
    R. Schwarz (author)

    Publication date :

    1979


    Size :

    20 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Motorcycle handling. volume I: summary report

    Weir, D.H. / Zellner, J.W. | Tema Archive | 1978


    Motorcycle Handling. Volume I: Summary Report

    D. H. Weir / J. W. Zellner | NTIS | 1978


    Motorcycle Handling. Volume II: Technical Report

    D. H. Weir / J. W. Zellner / G. L. Teper | NTIS | 1978


    Motorcycle handling volume II: technical report

    Weir, D.H. / Zellner, J.W. / Teper, G.L. | Tema Archive | 1978


    Motorcycle Braking Performance. Volume I. Summary Technical Report

    R. D. Ervin / C. C. MacAdam / Y. Watanabe | NTIS | 1977