Title of Invention	VEHICLE BODY COVER STRUCTURE IN MOTORCYCLE
Abstract	A motorcycle in which an engine unit arranged below a main frame is suspended from a body frame having a main frame extending down backward from a head pipe, in which the main frame is covered at its two sides with a pair of left and right main frame side covers, and in which the main frame is covered at its upper portion with an upper cover. At least part of the front upper ends of the paired main frame side covers (31L, 31R) supported by the body frame (F) are joined at the back of the head pipe (12), and the front portion of the upper cover (34) is fastened to the joined portions of the two main frame side covers (31L, 31R). Therefore, a stay for mounting at least the front portion of the upper cover on the body frame side can be eliminated to reduce the number of parts.

Title of Invention

VEHICLE BODY COVER STRUCTURE IN MOTORCYCLE

Abstract

A motorcycle in which an engine unit arranged below a main frame is suspended from a body frame having a main frame extending down backward from a head pipe, in which the main frame is covered at its two sides with a pair of left and right main frame side covers, and in which the main frame is covered at its upper portion with an upper cover. At least part of the front upper ends of the paired main frame side covers (31L, 31R) supported by the body frame (F) are joined at the back of the head pipe (12), and the front portion of the upper cover (34) is fastened to the joined portions of the two main frame side covers (31L, 31R). Therefore, a stay for mounting at least the front portion of the upper cover on the body frame side can be eliminated to reduce the number of parts.

Full Text	DESCRIPTION VEHICLE BODY COVER STRUCTURE IN MOTORCYCLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a motorcycle which comprises a vehicle body frame comprising a main frame extended downwardly rearward from a head pipe, an engine unit disposed on the lower side of the main frame and hung from the vehicle body frame, a left-right pair of main fram6 side covers covering both lateral sides of the main frame, and an upper cover covering the upper side of the main frame, and particularly to an improvement in a vehicle body cover structure including the main frame side covers and the upper cover, BACKGROUND ART Hitherto, a structure in which main frame side covers and an upper cover are fitted to stays provided on a vehicle body frame has been known, as, for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 10-16851. However, in the structure according to the prior art as above, the number of stays provided on the vehicle body frame is increased, leading to the increase in number of component parts* The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situations, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle body cover structure for motorcycle which makes it possible to reduce the number of component parts. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION In order to attain the above object, the present invention is firstly characterized in that, in a motorcycle which comprises a vehicle body frame comprising a main frame extended downwardly rearwards from a head pipe, an engine unit disposed on the lower side of the main frame and hung from the vehicle body frame, a left-right pair of main frame side covers covering both lateral sides of the main frame, and an upper cover covering the upper side of the main frame, at least portions of the upper ends of front portions of the left-right pair of main frame side covers supported by the vehicle body frame are overlapped with each other on the rear side of the head pipe, and a front portion of the upper cover is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers. According to the constitution of the first characteristic feature, a stay for fitting at least a front portion of the upper cover to the vehicle body frame side is unnecessary, the number of component parts can be reduced by reducing the number of stays to be provided on the vehicle body frame, and the layout of the cables and the like can be facilitated by eliminating a stay restricting the degree of freedom in laying out cables and the like disposed in the vicinity of the head pipe. Besides, appearance can be enhanced by good matching of the upper ends of front portions of the left-right pair of main frame side covers and a front portion of the upper cover. In addition to the constitution of the first characteristic feature, the present invention is secondly characterized in that at least portions of front portions of a left-right pair of rear side covers covering both sides of a rear portion of the vehicle body frame on the lower side of a rider's seat and supported by the vehicle body frame are overlapped with each other on the lower side of a front portion of the rider's seat, and a rear portion of the upper cover is fastened to the overlapped portions of the rear side covers. According to this constitution, it is unnecessary to provide the vehicle body frame with a stay for fitting the rear portion of the upper cover to the vehicle body frame side, so that the number of component parts can be more reduced, and a space for laying out component parts such as electrical equipments can be secured between the rear portion of the upper cover and the vehicle body frame. In addition to the second characteristic feature, the present invention is thirdly characterized in that the upper cover comprises a front upper cover and a rear upper cover disconnectably connected to each other, and a rear portion of the front upper cover is fastened to the main frame side covers. According to this constitution, a portion near the center in the front-rear direction of the upper cover can be fixed to the main frame side covers, it is unnecessary to detach the upper cover as a whole at the time of maintenance of an ignition unit or the like, and it is possible to detach only the rear upper cover, whereby maintenance work can be facilitated. In addition to the third characteristic feature, the present invention is fourthly characterized in that a front portion of the rear upper cover is engaged with a rear portion of the front upper cover while covering the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover to the main frame side covers. According to this constitution, the appearance can be enhanced, fitting and detaching of the rear upper cover is facilitated, and maintenance work can be more facilitated by covering the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover to the main frame side covers. In addition to the constitution of the first characteristic feature, the present invention is fifthly characterized in that the upper ends of the front portions of the main frame side covers are engaged with each other so as to maintain the overlapped condition of the main frame side covers. According to this constitution, at the time of fastening the front portion of the upper cover to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers, fastening work can be facilitated through maintaining the overlapped condition of the main frame side covers, and the fastened conditions of the upper ends of the front portions of the main frame side covers and the front portion of the upper cover can be made rigid. In addition to the first characteristic feature, the present invention is sixthly characterized in that the upper side of fastened portions of upper portions of the main frame side covers to the main frame is covered by the upper cover. According to this constitution, the fastened portions of the upper portions of the main frame side covers to the main frame are hidden by the upper cover, whereby appearance can be enhanced. In addition to the first characteristic feature, the present invention is seventhly characterized in that the outside surfaces of a left-right pair of rear side covers covering both sides of a rear portion of the vehicle body frame on the lower side of a rider's seat and supported by the vehicle body frame are each demarcated into a coated zone and non-coated zones. According to this constitution, without composing each rear side cover of a plurality of cover parts, a part or parts of the rear side cover are made to be non-coated covers, whereby an excellent color effect on a design basis can be obtained while preventing an increase in the number of component parts and contriving a reduction in cost, and it is possible to ensure that scratches and stains will not be conspicuous. In addition, the demarcation between the coated zone and non-coated zones can be freely changed. In addition to the seventh characteristic feature, the present invention is eighthly characterized in that portions of the rear side covers located on the lower side of a front half portion of the rider's seat are each set to be the non-coated zone. According to this constitution, the non-coated zone is disposed at the portion with which the rider' s feet are liable to come into contact, whereby it is possible to ensure that scratches and stains on the rear side covers will not be conspicuous. Further, in addition to the seventh characteristic feature, the present invention is ninthly characterized in that lower end portions of front portions of the rear side covers are each set to be the non-coated zone. According to this constitution, the non-coated zone is disposed at the portion with which the rider's feet are liable to come into contact, whereby it is possible to ensure that scratches and stains on the rear side covers will not be conspicuous, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figs. 1 to 13 show one embodiment of the present invention, wherein Fig. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle; Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view of a rear portion of the motorcycle; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle body cover; Fig. 4 is a side view of a front portion of the vehicle body cover; Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the front portion of the vehicle body cover in the condition where a front upper cover is detached; Fig. 8 is an enlarged view taken along arrow 8 of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 4; Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of a rear portion of the vehicle body cover in the condition where a rear upper cover is detached; Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 2; Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 2; and Fig. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 4. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, in Figs. 1 and 2, a vehicle body frame F constituting a skeleton of the motorcycle comprises a head pipe 12 for steerably supporting a front fork 11, a single main frame 13 extended downwardly rearwards from the head pipe 12, and a left-right pair of rear frames 14 -connected to a rear portion of the main frame 13 and extended upwardly rearwards. A front wheel WF is rotatably shaft-supported at the lower end of the front fork 11, and a steering handle 15 is connected to the upper end of the front fork 11. The main frame 13 consists of an angular pipe with a tetragonal cross section having a pair of left and right side surfaces vertically extending in parallel to each other, hanger plates 16 ... are directly fitted by welding respectively to both side surfaces of an intermediate portion of the main frame 13, and a pivot plate 17 is directly fitted by welding to both side surfaces of a rear portion of the main frame 13, An engine unit E is disposed on the lower side of the main frame 13, and the engine unit E is hung from the vehicle body frame F in such a manner as to be supported by the hanger plates 16 ... and the pivot plate 17, Foot steps 18 for mounting the rider's feet are provided on both sides of the engine unit E. The pivot plate 17 is provided with a cylindrical support shaft 20, front end portions of a left-right pair of rear forks 21 •.. are vertically oscillatably supported on both end portions of the support shaft 20, and a rear wheel WR is shaft-supported between the rear ends of the rear forks 21 .... The rear ends of the rear forks 14 ... are connected by a tail frame 22. A pair of connecting pipes 23 ... are disposed on both sides of a rear portion of the main frame 13, one-side ends of the connecting pipes 23 ... are fitted by welding to lower surfaces of intermediate portions of the rear frames 14 ..., and the other-side ends of the connecting pipes 23 are fitted in common by welding to a rear surface of the pivot plate 17. Namely, front portions of the rear frames 14 and the pivot plate 17 are connected by the pair of connecting pipes 23 .„ disposed on both sides of the main frame 13, and intermediate portions of the connecting pipes 23 are fitted by welding respectively to both side surfaces of a rear portion of the main frame 13. The upper side of the rear wheel WR is covered by a rear fender 24 fitted to the rear frames 14 ..., and a fuel tank 25 supported by the rear frames 14 ... is disposed on the upper side of the rear fender 24. A tandem seat 26 as a rider's seat is disposed so as to cover the fuel tank 25, and rear cushion units 27 ... are respectively provided between the rear frames 14 ... and the rear forks 21 .... Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 also, the vehicle body frame F is covered with a vehicle body cover 30 made of a synthetic resin. The vehicle body cover 30 comprises a left-right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R covering both lateral sides of the main frame 13, a left-right pair of inner shields 39L, 39R fastened to front portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, a left-right pair of leg shields 32L, 32R fastened to front portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R and the inner shields 39L, 39R so as to cover the rider's leg portions from the front side, a front top cover 33 connected to the leg shields 32L, 32R so as to cover the head pipe 12 from the front side, an upper cover 34 connected to the front top cover 33 so as to cover the head pipe 12 from the rear side and cover the main frame 13 from the upper side, an under cover 37 connected to lower portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, and a left-right pair of rear side covers 38L, 38R covering a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F together with the most part of the fuel tank 25 from both lateral sides. The left -right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R are supported by the vehicle body frame F, and upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are elastlcally supported by the main frame 13 in the vehicle body frame F by a support structure shown in Fig. 5. Namely, brackets 40, 40 for supporting upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are attached to both side surfaces of the main frame 13, and the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are provided integrally with support plate portions 41, 41 opposed to the brackets 40, 40. Elastic members 42, 42 are intermediately disposed between the brackets 40, 40 and the support plate portions 41, 41, and weld nuts 43, 43 are attached to the brackets 40, 40 at positions corresponding to the elastic members 42, 42. The elastic members 42, 42 have flange portions 42a, 42a making contact with the support plate portions 41, 41 from the opposite side of the brackets 40, 40, and metallic cylindrical collars 44, 44 comprising flange portions 44a, 44a sandwiching the flange portions 42a, 42a between them and the support plates 41, 41 are inserted into the elastic members 42, 42. Bolts 45, 45 penetrating through the collars 44, 44 and the support plates 41, 41 are meshed with and fastened to the weld nuts 43, 43, whereby the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are elastlcally supported on the vehicle body frame F through the brackets 40, 40. In Figs. 6 to 8, at least portions (in this embodiment, the portions over the entire vertical length) of the upper ends of front portions of the left-right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R are overlapped with each other on the rear side of the head pipe 12, for example, by laying the right-side main frame side cover 31R on the left-side main frame side cover 31L from the rear side. At the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, an upper portion of the left-side main frame side cover 31L is provided with a rectangular engaging hole 46 directed in the front-rear direction of the motorcycle, whereas the right-side main frame side cover 31R is provided with an engaging projection 47 to be engaged with the engaging hole 46. By this, the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are prevented from being separated to the left and right sides. In addition, the right-side main frame side cover 31R is provided with a rectangular engaging hole 48 directed in the left-right direction of the motorcycle, whereas the left-side main frame side cover 31L is provided with an engaging projection 49 to be engaged with the engaging hole 48. Namely, the upper ends of front portions of the left - right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R are engaged with each other so as to maintain the overlapped condition of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R. The upper cover 34 is composed of a front upper cover 35 and a rear upper cover 36 disconnectably connected to each other, and a front portion of the upper cover 34, namely, a front portion of the front upper cover 35 is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L# 31R on the rear side of the head pipe 12. The outside surface of the front upper cover 35 in the upper cover 34 is maintained in a non-coated condition remaining as a skin layer without coating after molding of the upper cover 35, and if required, a grain pattern 86 (hatched in Figs* 1 to 3) consisting of minute recesses and projections may be provided at the time of the molding step so as to ensure that scratches and stains will not be conspicuous. On the other hand, the outside surface of the rear upper cover 36 is coated so as to provide continuity with the rear side covers 38L, 38R. At a lower portion of the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R on the rear side of the head pipe 12, the left-side main frame side cover 31L is provided with an insertion hole 50, and a clip nut 52 provided with a screw hole 51 smaller in diameter than the insertion hole 50 is fitted into the insertion hole 50 so that the screw hole 51 is coaxially communicated with the insertion hole 50. The right-side main frame side cover 31R is overalapped with the left-side main frame side cover 31L so that a portion of the clip nut 52 is disposed therebetween, and the right-side main frame cover 31R is provided with an insertion hole 53 larger in diameter than the screw hole 51 coaxially with the screw hole 51. A front portion of the front upper cover 35 is provided with an insertion hole 54 corresponding to the insertion hole 35, and the front portion of the front upper cover 35 disposed so as to cover the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R from the rear side is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R by mating and fastening a screw member 55 inserted through the insertion holes 53, 54 to the screw hole 51. The screw member 55 integrally and coaxially comprises a screw shaft portion 55a mated with the screw hole 51, a large diameter shaft portion 55b having a diameter corresponding to the thickness of the overlapped portions of the right-side main frame side cover 31R and the front upper cover 35 and a diameter larger than that of the screw shaft portion 55a and inserted through the insertion holes 53, 54, and an enlarged diameter head portion 55c engaged with the outside surface of the front upper cover 35, whereby an excessive fastening load is prevented from acting on the overlapped portions of the right-side main frame side cover 31R and the front upper cover 35* Since the engaging projection 49 provided on the left-side main frame side cover 31L is engaged with the engaging hole 48 provided in the right-side main frame side cover 31R so as to be directed in the left-right direction of the motorcycle, at the time of fastening the screw member 55 the engaging projection 49 abut against the right-side main frame side cover 31R, whereby sinking-in can be prevented, and the screw member 55 can be easily fastened. Pairs of engaging claws 56, 56 ... roughly L - shaped and projected to the lower side are provided on both sides of the front upper cover 35, and upper portions of the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R are provided with engaging holes 57, 57 .« for engagement with the engaging claws 56, 56 .... The front upper cover 35 covers the upper side of the front portion side of the main frame 13 in such a manner that a front portion of the front upper cover 35 is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 311, 31R and both sides of the front upper cover 35 are engaged with upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R; also, the upper side of the fastening portion of the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R to the main frame 13 is covered by the front upper cover 35, as clearly shown in Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 9 also, fitting plate portions 58, 58 are integrally provided on both sides of a rear portion of the front upper cover 35, and support plate portions 59, 59 opposed to the fitting plate portions 58, 58 from the lower side are integrally provided at the upper ends of relatively rear portions of the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R. The support plate portions 59, 59 are provided with insertion holes 60, 60, and clip nuts 62, 62 having screw holes 61, 61 smaller in diameter than the insertion holes 60, 60 are fitted into the insertion holes 60, 60 so that the screw holes 61, 61 are coaxially communicated with the insertion holes 60, 60. The fitting plate portions 58, 58 are so disposed that portions of the clip nuts 62, 62 are disposed between them and the support plate portions 59, 59, and the fitting plate portions 58, 58 are provided with insertion holes 63, 63 larger in diameter than the screw holes 61, 61 coaxially with the screw holes 61, 62. The screw members 64, 64 inserted through the insertion holes 63, 63 are mated with and fastened to the screw holes 61, 61, whereby both sides of a rear portion of the front upper cover 35 are fastened to the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R. The screw member 64 integrally and coaxially comprises a screw shaft portion 64a to be mated with the screw hole 61, a large diameter shaft portion 64b having a length corresponding to the thickness of the fitting plate portion 58 and a diameter larger than that of the screw shaft portion 64a and inserted through the Insertion hole 63, and an enlarged diameter head portion 64c to be engaged with the outside surface of the fitting plate portion 58, so that an excessive fastening load is prevented from acting on the fitting plate portion 58. Referring to Fig. 10 also, a front portion of the rear upper cover 36 is formed to cover the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, and a pair of engaging projections 68, 68 projecting forwards are integrally provided at the front end of the rear upper cover 36. On the other hand, a pair of engaging holes 67, 67 for engagement by inserting the engaging projections 68, 68 from the rear side are provided at the rear end of the front upper cover 35 on the upper side of the fitting plate portions 58, 58. Namely, the front portion of the rear upper cover 36 is engaged with the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 so as to cover the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R. Engaging claws 69, 69 projecting downwards are provided on both sides of a relatively front portion of the rear upper cover 36, and engaging holes 70, 70 for engagement with the engaging claws 69, 69 are provided at upper portions of the rear ends of the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R. Engaging claws 71, 71 projecting downwards are provided on both sides of a relatively rear portion of the rear upper cover 36, and engaging holes 72, 72 for engagement with the engaging claws 71, 71 are provided at the upper ends of relatively front portions of the left and right rear side covers 38L, 38R. Namely, the rear upper cover 36 has its front portion engaged with a rear portion of the front upper cover 35, and has its both sides engaged with upper portions of the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R and the left and right rear side covers 38L, 38R. An ignition unit 88 is disposed on the vehicle body frame F at a portion covered from above by the rear upper cover 36. The ignition unit 88 comprises a regulator 89 fitted on the vehicle body frame F, and an ignition coil 90 and an ignition control unit 91 supported by a stay provided on the regulator 89. The left and right rear side covers 38L, 38R are elongated in the front-rear direction with a predetermined vertical width, is slightly inclined upwardly rearwards along a side surface of a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F, and is tapered rearwards. In Fig. 11, front portion fitting portions 73, 73 are integrally provided at the upper ends of intermediate portions in the front-rear direction of the rear side covers 38L, 38R. On the other hand, stays 74 corresponding to the front portion fitting portions 73 ,.♦ are attached to the outside surfaces of the rear frames 14 ... in the vehicle body frame F, and a flange portion 75a at one end of each of cylindrical nuts 75 ... penetrating through the stays 75 ... is attached to the inner surface side of the stays 74 .«. The nuts 75 ... penetrate through elastic members 93 .♦ fitted to the front portion fitting portions 73 ... so as to be intermediately disposed between the stays 73 ... and the front portion fitting portions 73 ..., and bolts 76 ... penetrating through washers 94 ... clamping parts of the elastic members 93 ... between them and the front portion fitting portions 73 .„ are mated with and fastened to the nuts 75 •„, whereby intermediate portions in the front-rear direction of the rear side covers 38L, 38R are elastically supported on a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F. In Fig. 12, rear portion fitting portions 77, 77 are integrally provided at the upper ends of rear portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R. The rear portion fitting portions 77, 77 are co-fastened to the tall frame 22 connecting between rear portions of the rear frames 14, 14, together with a grab rail 79 by pairs of bolts 78, 78 .... The tandem seat 26 is disposed at upper portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, and is tiltably connected to the upper ends of front portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R through a hinge 80 (See Fig. 4). Referring to Fig. 13 also, at least parts of the left-right pair of rear side covers 38L, 38R, in this embodiment lower end portions of front portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, are overlapped with each other on the lower side of a front portion of the tandem seat 26. Namely, a lower end portion of a front portion of the right-side rear side cover 38R is overlapped with the lower end of a front portion of the left-side rear side cover 38L from the front side; at the overlapped portion, the right-side rear side cover 38R is provided with an insertion hole 80, and a clip nut 82 having a screw hole 81 smaller in diameter than the insertion hole 80 is fitted in the insertion hole 80 so that the screw hole 81 is coaxially communicated with the insertion hole 80. The left-side rear side cover 38L is overlapped with the right-side rear side cover 38R, with a portion of the clip nut 82 therebetween, and the left-side rear side cover 38L is provided with an insertion hole 83 larger in diameter than the screw hole 81, coaxially with the screw hole 81. A rear portion of the rear upper cover 36 is so formed as to cover the overlapped portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R from the front side, and the rear portion of the rear upper cover 36 is provided with an insertion hole 84 corresponding to the insertion hole 83. The rear portion of the rear upper cover 36 so disposed as to cover the overlapped portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R from the front side is fastened to the overlapped portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R by mating and fastening a screw member 85 inserted through the insertion holes 83, 84 to the screw hole 81. The screw member 85 integrally and coaxially comprises a screw shaft portion 85a to be mated with the screw hole 81, a large diameter shaft portion 85b having a length corresponding to the thickness of the overlapped portions of the left-side rear side cover 38L and the rear upper cover 36 and a diameter larger than that of the screw shaft portion 85a and inserted through the insertion holes 83, 84, and an enlarged diameter head portion 85c to be engaged with the outside surface of the rear upper cover 36f so that an excessive fastening load is prevented from acting on the overlapped portions of the left-side rear side cover 38L and the rear upper cover 36. Meanwhile, the outside surfaces of the rear side covers 38L, 38R are each demarcated into non-coated zones Zl, Z2 and a coated zone Z3. Namely, portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R located on the lower side of a front half portion of the tandem seat 26 are each set as the first non-coated zone Zl, and the lower end portions of front portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R on the upper side of the foot steps 18 are each set as the second non-coated zone Z2. These non-coated zones Zl, Z2 remain as skin layers without any coating after molding of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, and if required, they may be provided in the molding step with a grain pattern 86 (hatched in Figs, 1 to 3) consisting of minute recesses and projections for ensuring that scratches and stains thereon will not be conspicuous. On the other hand, the coated zone Z3 other than the first and second non-coated zones Zl, Z2 occupies most part of the outside surfaces of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, and the non - coated zones Z1, Z 2 are exposed on the upper side and the lower side of a front portion of the coated zone Z3, with the coated zone Z3 therebetween. Demarcation of the outside surfaces of the rear side covers 38L, 38R into the non-coated zones Zl, Z2 and the coated zone Z3 is conducted by molding molded bodies of the rear side covers 38L, 38R using a coloring material in the molding material, then masking the portions corresponding to the non-coated zones Zl, Z2, coating the residual portion, namely, the portion corresponding to the coated zone Z3 with a paint of an appropriate main color, and thereafter the mask is removed. By this, the non-coated zones Zl, Z2 remaining as the skin layer having the grain pattern 86 are exposed. Next, the action or effect of this embodiment will be described. In the vehicle body cover 30 covering the vehicle body, at least one part of the upper ends of front portions (in this embodiment, the whole parts of the upper ends * of front portions) of the left-right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R supported on the vehicle body frame F while covering both lateral sides of the main frame 13 are overlapped with each other on the rear side of the head pipe 12, and a front portion of the upper cover 34 covering the upper side of the main frame 13 is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R. Therefore, a stay for fitting at least the front portion of the upper cover 34 to the side of the vehicle body frame F is unnecessary, the number of stays to be provided on the vehicle body frame F is reduced, hence the number of component parts can be reduced, and stays which would reduce the degree of freedom in laying out cables such as a throttle cable 95 and a carburetor choke cable 96 (See Fig. 4) in the vicinity of the head pipe 12 are eliminated, thereby facilitating the layout of the cables and the like. In addition, appearance can be enhanced by good matching of the upper ends of the front portions of the left-right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R and the front portion of the upper cover 34, Besides, the upper ends of the front portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are engaged with each other so as to maintain the overlapped condition of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R; therefore, at the time of fastening the front portion of the upper cover 34 to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, the fastening work can be facilitated by maintaining the overlapped conditions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, and the fastened condition of the upper ends of the front portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R and the front portion of the upper cover 34 can be made rigid. In addition, the upper side of the fastened portions of the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R onto the main frame 13 is covered by the upper cover 34, so that the fastened portions of the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R onto the main frame 13 are hidden by the upper cover 3 4, whereby appearance can be enhanced. The left-right pair of rear side covers 38L, 38R covering both sides of a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F on the lower side of the tandem seat 26 are supported by the vehicle body frame F, at least parts of the front portions (in this embodiment, the lower ends of the front portions) of the rear side covers 38L, 38R are overlapped with each other on the lower side of a front portion of the tandem seat 26, and a rear portion of the upper cover 34 is fastened to the overlapped portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide the vehicle body frame F with a stay for fitting the rear portion of the upper cover 34 to the side of the vehicle body frame F, whereby the number of component parts can be more reduced, and a space for disposing component parts such as electrical equipments can be secured between the rear portion of the upper cover 34 and the vehicle body frame F. The upper cover 34 is composed of the front upper cover 35 and the rear upper cover 36 disconnectably connected to each other, and a rear portion of the front upper cover 35 is fastened to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R. Therefore, a portion near the center in the front-rear direction of the upper cover 34 can be fixed to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, and at the time of maintenance of the ignition unit 88 or the like, it is unnecessary to detach the upper cover 34 as a whole; namely, detaching of only the rear upper cover 36 is enabled, whereby maintenance work can be facilitated. Further, the front portion of the rear upper cover 36 is engaged with the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 while covering the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R; therefore, the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R is covered by the rear upper cover 36, whereby appearance can be enhanced, the fitting and detaching of the rear upper cover 36 is facilitated, and maintenance work can be more facilitated. Incidentally, the outside surfaces of the left-right pair of rear side covers 38L, 38R are each demarcated into the coated zone Z3 and the first and second non-coated zones Zl, Z2. Therefore, without composing each of the rear side covers 38L, 38R of a plurality of cover components, portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R are set to be non-coated covers, whereby an excellent color effect on a design basis can be obtained while preventing an increase in the number of component parts and contriving a reduction in cost, and it is possible to ensure that scratches and stains will not be conspicuous* In addition, the demarcation between the coated zone Z3 and the non- coated zones Zl, Z2 can be freely changed. The first non-coated zone Zl is set as the portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R located on the lower side of a front half portion of the tandem seat 26, while the lower end portions of front portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R located on the upper side of the foot steps 18 are set as the second non-coated zone Z2, and the non-coated zones Zl, Z2 are provided with the grain pattern 86, Of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, those portions with which the rider's feet are liable to come into contact are provided with the first and second non-coated zones Zl, Z2. Therefore, even when the rider's feet come into contact with the first and second non-coated zones Zl, Z2 and scratch or stain the non-coated zones Zl, Z2, the color of the rear side covers 38L, 38R is prevented from being changed, and it is possible to ensure that the scratches and stains will hardly be conspicuous* Further, at the time of getting on and off the tandem seat 26, the rider's feet are liable to come into contact with the outside surface of the front upper cover 35 in the upper cover 34. The outside surface of the front upper cover 35 is maintained in a non-coated condition provided with a grain pattern 86. Therefore, even when the feet come into contact with the outside surface of the front upper cover 35 to scratch or stain the outside surface of the front upper cover 35, the color of the front upper cover 35 is prevented from being changed, and it is possible to ensure that the scratches and stains will hardly be conspicuous. Besides, when the scratches or stains on the outside surface of the front upper cover 35 have become conspicuous, the front upper cover 35 can be easily replaced because the front upper cover 35 can be easily detached from the main frame side covers 31L, 31R. While the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present Invention is not limited to or by the above embodiment, and various design modifications can be made without departure from the present invention as set forth in claims. For example, while the rear side covers 38L, 38R are each provided with two non-coated zones Zl, Z2 in the above embodiment, three or more non-coated zones may be set on each of the rear side covers 38L, 38R. In addition, while the rear side covers 38L, 38R are formed of a synthetic resin in the above embodiment, the rear side covers may be formed of other material such as metallic sheet, WE CLAIM: 1. A vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle which comprises a vehicle body frame (F) comprising a main frame (13) extended downwardly rearwards from a head pipe (12), an engine unit (E) disposed on the lower side of said main frame (13) and hung from said vehicle body frame (F), a left-right pair of main frame side covers (31L, 31R) covering both lateral sides of said main frame (13), and an upper cover (34) covering the upper side of said main frame (13), characterized in that at least portions of the upper ends of front portions of said left-right pair of main frame side covers (31L. 31R) supported by said vehicle body frame (F) are overlapped with each other on the rear side of said head pipe (12), and a front portion of said upper cover (34) is fastened to said overlapped portions of said main frame side covers (31L, 31R). 2. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least portions of front portions of a left-right pair of rear side covers (38L, 38R) covering both sides of a rear portion of said vehicle body frame (F) on the lower side of a rider's seat (26) and supported by said vehicle body frame (F) are overlapped with each other on the lower side of a front portion of said rider's seat (26), and a rear portion of said upper cover (34) isr fastened to said overlapped portions of said rear side covers (38L, 38R)- 3. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said upper cover (34) comprises a front upper cover (35) and a rear upper cover (36) disconnectably connected to each other, and a rear portion of said front upper cover (35) is fastened to said main frame side covers (31L, 31R). 4. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 3, wherein a front portion of said rear upper cover (36) is engaged with a rear portion of said front upper cover (35) while covering the location of fastening of said rear portion of said front upper cover (35) to said main frame side covers (31L5 31R). 5. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper ends of said front portions of said main frame side covers (31L, 31R) are engaged with each other so as to maintain the overlapped condition of said main frame side covers (31L, 31R). 6. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper side of fastened portions of upper portions of said main frame side covers (31L, 31R) to said main frame (13) is covered by said upper cover (34). 7. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outside surfaces of a left-right pair of rear side covers (38L, 38R) covering both sides of a rear portion of said vehicle body frame (F) on the lower side of a rider's seat (26) and supported by said vehicle body frame (F) are each demarcated into a coated zone (Z3) and non-coated zones (Zl, Z2), 8. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 7, wherein portions of said rear side covers (38L, 38R) located on the lower side of a front half portion of said rider's seat (26) are each set to be said non-coated zone (Zl). 9. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 7, wherein lower end portions of front portions of said rear side covers (38L5 38R) are each set to be said non-coated zone Z2).

Full Text

DESCRIPTION
VEHICLE BODY COVER STRUCTURE IN MOTORCYCLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a motorcycle which comprises a vehicle body frame comprising a main frame extended downwardly rearward from a head pipe, an engine unit disposed on the lower side of the main frame and hung from the vehicle body frame, a left-right pair of main fram6 side covers covering both lateral sides of the main frame, and an upper cover covering the upper side of the main frame, and particularly to an improvement in a vehicle body cover structure including the main frame side covers and the upper cover, BACKGROUND ART
Hitherto, a structure in which main frame side covers and an upper cover are fitted to stays provided on a vehicle body frame has been known, as, for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 10-16851.
However, in the structure according to the prior art as above, the number of stays provided on the vehicle body frame is increased, leading to the increase in number of
component parts*
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situations, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle body cover structure for

motorcycle which makes it possible to reduce the number of component parts. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In order to attain the above object, the present invention is firstly characterized in that, in a motorcycle which comprises a vehicle body frame comprising a main frame extended downwardly rearwards from a head pipe, an engine unit disposed on the lower side of the main frame and hung from the vehicle body frame, a left-right pair of main frame side covers covering both lateral sides of the main frame, and an upper cover covering the upper side of the main frame, at least portions of the upper ends of front portions of the left-right pair of main frame side covers supported by the vehicle body frame are overlapped with each other on the rear side of the head pipe, and a front portion of the upper cover is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers.
According to the constitution of the first characteristic feature, a stay for fitting at least a front portion of the upper cover to the vehicle body frame side is unnecessary, the number of component parts can be reduced by reducing the number of stays to be provided on the vehicle body frame, and the layout of the cables and the like can be facilitated by eliminating a stay restricting the degree of freedom in laying out cables and the like disposed in the vicinity of the head pipe. Besides, appearance can be enhanced by good matching of the

upper ends of front portions of the left-right pair of main frame side covers and a front portion of the upper cover.
In addition to the constitution of the first characteristic feature, the present invention is secondly characterized in that at least portions of front portions of a left-right pair of rear side covers covering both sides of a rear portion of the vehicle body frame on the lower side of a rider's seat and supported by the vehicle body frame are overlapped with each other on the lower side of a front portion of the rider's seat, and a rear portion of the upper cover is fastened to the overlapped portions of the rear side covers. According to this constitution, it is unnecessary to provide the vehicle body frame with a stay for fitting the rear portion of the upper cover to the vehicle body frame side, so that the number of component parts can be more reduced, and a space for laying out component parts such as electrical equipments can be secured between the rear portion of the upper cover and the vehicle body frame.
In addition to the second characteristic feature, the present invention is thirdly characterized in that the upper cover comprises a front upper cover and a rear upper cover disconnectably connected to each other, and a rear portion of the front upper cover is fastened to the main frame side covers. According to this constitution, a portion near the center in the front-rear direction of the upper cover can be fixed to the main frame side covers, it

is unnecessary to detach the upper cover as a whole at the time of maintenance of an ignition unit or the like, and it is possible to detach only the rear upper cover, whereby maintenance work can be facilitated.
In addition to the third characteristic feature, the present invention is fourthly characterized in that a front portion of the rear upper cover is engaged with a rear portion of the front upper cover while covering the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover to the main frame side covers. According to this constitution, the appearance can be enhanced, fitting and detaching of the rear upper cover is facilitated, and maintenance work can be more facilitated by covering the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover to the main frame side covers.
In addition to the constitution of the first characteristic feature, the present invention is fifthly characterized in that the upper ends of the front portions of the main frame side covers are engaged with each other so as to maintain the overlapped condition of the main frame side covers. According to this constitution, at the time of fastening the front portion of the upper cover to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers, fastening work can be facilitated through maintaining the overlapped condition of the main frame side covers, and the fastened conditions of the upper ends of the front portions of the main frame side covers and the front portion of the

upper cover can be made rigid.
In addition to the first characteristic feature, the present invention is sixthly characterized in that the upper side of fastened portions of upper portions of the main frame side covers to the main frame is covered by the upper cover. According to this constitution, the fastened portions of the upper portions of the main frame side covers to the main frame are hidden by the upper cover, whereby appearance can be enhanced.
In addition to the first characteristic feature, the present invention is seventhly characterized in that the outside surfaces of a left-right pair of rear side covers covering both sides of a rear portion of the vehicle body frame on the lower side of a rider's seat and supported by the vehicle body frame are each demarcated into a coated zone and non-coated zones. According to this constitution, without composing each rear side cover of a plurality of cover parts, a part or parts of the rear side cover are made to be non-coated covers, whereby an excellent color effect on a design basis can be obtained while preventing an increase in the number of component parts and contriving a reduction in cost, and it is possible to ensure that scratches and stains will not be conspicuous. In addition, the demarcation between the coated zone and non-coated zones can be freely changed.
In addition to the seventh characteristic feature, the present invention is eighthly characterized in that

portions of the rear side covers located on the lower side of a front half portion of the rider's seat are each set to be the non-coated zone. According to this constitution, the non-coated zone is disposed at the portion with which the rider' s feet are liable to come into contact, whereby it is possible to ensure that scratches and stains on the rear side covers will not be conspicuous.
Further, in addition to the seventh characteristic feature, the present invention is ninthly characterized in that lower end portions of front portions of the rear side covers are each set to be the non-coated zone. According to this constitution, the non-coated zone is disposed at the portion with which the rider's feet are liable to come into contact, whereby it is possible to ensure that scratches and stains on the rear side covers will not be conspicuous, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figs. 1 to 13 show one embodiment of the present invention, wherein Fig. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle; Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view of a rear portion of the motorcycle; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle body cover; Fig. 4 is a side view of a front portion of the vehicle body cover; Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the front portion of the vehicle body cover in the condition where a front

upper cover is detached; Fig. 8 is an enlarged view taken along arrow 8 of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 4; Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of a rear portion of the vehicle body cover in the condition where a rear upper cover is detached; Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 2; Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 2; and Fig. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 4. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First, in Figs. 1 and 2, a vehicle body frame F constituting a skeleton of the motorcycle comprises a head pipe 12 for steerably supporting a front fork 11, a single main frame 13 extended downwardly rearwards from the head pipe 12, and a left-right pair of rear frames 14 -connected to a rear portion of the main frame 13 and extended upwardly rearwards. A front wheel WF is rotatably shaft-supported at the lower end of the front fork 11, and a steering handle 15 is connected to the upper end of the front fork 11.
The main frame 13 consists of an angular pipe with a tetragonal cross section having a pair of left and right side surfaces vertically extending in parallel to each other, hanger plates 16 ... are directly fitted by welding respectively to both side surfaces of an intermediate portion of the main frame 13, and a pivot plate 17 is

directly fitted by welding to both side surfaces of a rear portion of the main frame 13,
An engine unit E is disposed on the lower side of the main frame 13, and the engine unit E is hung from the vehicle body frame F in such a manner as to be supported by the hanger plates 16 ... and the pivot plate 17, Foot steps 18 for mounting the rider's feet are provided on both sides of the engine unit E.
The pivot plate 17 is provided with a cylindrical support shaft 20, front end portions of a left-right pair of rear forks 21 •.. are vertically oscillatably supported on both end portions of the support shaft 20, and a rear wheel WR is shaft-supported between the rear ends of the rear forks 21 ....
The rear ends of the rear forks 14 ... are connected by a tail frame 22. A pair of connecting pipes 23 ... are disposed on both sides of a rear portion of the main frame 13, one-side ends of the connecting pipes 23 ... are fitted by welding to lower surfaces of intermediate portions of the rear frames 14 ..., and the other-side ends of the connecting pipes 23 are fitted in common by welding to a rear surface of the pivot plate 17. Namely, front portions of the rear frames 14 and the pivot plate 17 are connected by the pair of connecting pipes 23 .„ disposed on both sides of the main frame 13, and intermediate portions of the connecting pipes 23 are fitted by welding respectively to both side surfaces of a rear portion of the main frame 13.

The upper side of the rear wheel WR is covered by a rear fender 24 fitted to the rear frames 14 ..., and a fuel tank 25 supported by the rear frames 14 ... is disposed on the upper side of the rear fender 24. A tandem seat 26 as a rider's seat is disposed so as to cover the fuel tank 25, and rear cushion units 27 ... are respectively provided between the rear frames 14 ... and the rear forks 21 ....
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 also, the vehicle body frame F is covered with a vehicle body cover 30 made of a synthetic resin. The vehicle body cover 30 comprises a left-right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R covering both lateral sides of the main frame 13, a left-right pair of inner shields 39L, 39R fastened to front portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, a left-right pair of leg shields 32L, 32R fastened to front portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R and the inner shields 39L, 39R so as to cover the rider's leg portions from the front side, a front top cover 33 connected to the leg shields 32L, 32R so as to cover the head pipe 12 from the front side, an upper cover 34 connected to the front top cover 33 so as to cover the head pipe 12 from the rear side and cover the main frame 13 from the upper side, an under cover 37 connected to lower portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, and a left-right pair of rear side covers 38L, 38R covering a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F together with the most part of the fuel tank 25 from both lateral sides.

The left -right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R are supported by the vehicle body frame F, and upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are elastlcally supported by the main frame 13 in the vehicle body frame F by a support structure shown in Fig. 5.
Namely, brackets 40, 40 for supporting upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are attached to both side surfaces of the main frame 13, and the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are provided integrally with support plate portions 41, 41 opposed to the brackets 40, 40.
Elastic members 42, 42 are intermediately disposed between the brackets 40, 40 and the support plate portions
41, 41, and weld nuts 43, 43 are attached to the brackets
40, 40 at positions corresponding to the elastic members 42,
42. The elastic members 42, 42 have flange portions 42a,
42a making contact with the support plate portions 41, 41
from the opposite side of the brackets 40, 40, and metallic
cylindrical collars 44, 44 comprising flange portions 44a,
44a sandwiching the flange portions 42a, 42a between them
and the support plates 41, 41 are inserted into the elastic
members 42, 42. Bolts 45, 45 penetrating through the
collars 44, 44 and the support plates 41, 41 are meshed
with and fastened to the weld nuts 43, 43, whereby the
upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are
elastlcally supported on the vehicle body frame F through
the brackets 40, 40.

In Figs. 6 to 8, at least portions (in this embodiment, the portions over the entire vertical length) of the upper ends of front portions of the left-right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R are overlapped with each other on the rear side of the head pipe 12, for example, by laying the right-side main frame side cover 31R on the left-side main frame side cover 31L from the rear side.
At the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, an upper portion of the left-side main frame side cover 31L is provided with a rectangular engaging hole 46 directed in the front-rear direction of the motorcycle, whereas the right-side main frame side cover 31R is provided with an engaging projection 47 to be engaged with the engaging hole 46. By this, the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are prevented from being separated to the left and right sides. In addition, the right-side main frame side cover 31R is provided with a rectangular engaging hole 48 directed in the left-right direction of the motorcycle, whereas the left-side main frame side cover 31L is provided with an engaging projection 49 to be engaged with the engaging hole 48.
Namely, the upper ends of front portions of the left - right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R are engaged with each other so as to maintain the overlapped condition of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R.
The upper cover 34 is composed of a front upper cover 35 and a rear upper cover 36 disconnectably connected

to each other, and a front portion of the upper cover 34, namely, a front portion of the front upper cover 35 is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L# 31R on the rear side of the head pipe 12.
The outside surface of the front upper cover 35 in the upper cover 34 is maintained in a non-coated condition remaining as a skin layer without coating after molding of the upper cover 35, and if required, a grain pattern 86 (hatched in Figs* 1 to 3) consisting of minute recesses and projections may be provided at the time of the molding step so as to ensure that scratches and stains will not be conspicuous. On the other hand, the outside surface of the rear upper cover 36 is coated so as to provide continuity with the rear side covers 38L, 38R.
At a lower portion of the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R on the rear side of the head pipe 12, the left-side main frame side cover 31L is provided with an insertion hole 50, and a clip nut 52 provided with a screw hole 51 smaller in diameter than the insertion hole 50 is fitted into the insertion hole 50 so that the screw hole 51 is coaxially communicated with the insertion hole 50.
The right-side main frame side cover 31R is overalapped with the left-side main frame side cover 31L so that a portion of the clip nut 52 is disposed therebetween, and the right-side main frame cover 31R is provided with an insertion hole 53 larger in diameter than the screw hole 51

coaxially with the screw hole 51.
A front portion of the front upper cover 35 is provided with an insertion hole 54 corresponding to the insertion hole 35, and the front portion of the front upper cover 35 disposed so as to cover the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R from the rear side is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R by mating and fastening a screw member 55 inserted through the insertion holes 53, 54 to the screw hole 51.
The screw member 55 integrally and coaxially comprises a screw shaft portion 55a mated with the screw hole 51, a large diameter shaft portion 55b having a diameter corresponding to the thickness of the overlapped portions of the right-side main frame side cover 31R and the front upper cover 35 and a diameter larger than that of the screw shaft portion 55a and inserted through the insertion holes 53, 54, and an enlarged diameter head portion 55c engaged with the outside surface of the front upper cover 35, whereby an excessive fastening load is prevented from acting on the overlapped portions of the right-side main frame side cover 31R and the front upper cover 35*
Since the engaging projection 49 provided on the left-side main frame side cover 31L is engaged with the engaging hole 48 provided in the right-side main frame side cover 31R so as to be directed in the left-right direction

of the motorcycle, at the time of fastening the screw member 55 the engaging projection 49 abut against the right-side main frame side cover 31R, whereby sinking-in can be prevented, and the screw member 55 can be easily fastened.
Pairs of engaging claws 56, 56 ... roughly L - shaped and projected to the lower side are provided on both sides of the front upper cover 35, and upper portions of the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R are provided with engaging holes 57, 57 .« for engagement with the engaging claws 56, 56 ....
The front upper cover 35 covers the upper side of the front portion side of the main frame 13 in such a manner that a front portion of the front upper cover 35 is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 311*, 31R and both sides of the front upper cover 35 are engaged with upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R; also, the upper side of the fastening portion of the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R to the main frame 13 is covered by the front upper cover 35, as clearly shown in Fig. 5.
Referring to Fig. 9 also, fitting plate portions 58,
58 are integrally provided on both sides of a rear portion of the front upper cover 35, and support plate portions 59,
59 opposed to the fitting plate portions 58, 58 from the lower side are integrally provided at the upper ends of relatively rear portions of the left and right main frame

side covers 31L, 31R.
The support plate portions 59, 59 are provided with insertion holes 60, 60, and clip nuts 62, 62 having screw holes 61, 61 smaller in diameter than the insertion holes 60, 60 are fitted into the insertion holes 60, 60 so that the screw holes 61, 61 are coaxially communicated with the insertion holes 60, 60.
The fitting plate portions 58, 58 are so disposed that portions of the clip nuts 62, 62 are disposed between them and the support plate portions 59, 59, and the fitting plate portions 58, 58 are provided with insertion holes 63, 63 larger in diameter than the screw holes 61, 61 coaxially with the screw holes 61, 62.
The screw members 64, 64 inserted through the insertion holes 63, 63 are mated with and fastened to the screw holes 61, 61, whereby both sides of a rear portion of the front upper cover 35 are fastened to the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R.
The screw member 64 integrally and coaxially comprises a screw shaft portion 64a to be mated with the screw hole 61, a large diameter shaft portion 64b having a length corresponding to the thickness of the fitting plate portion 58 and a diameter larger than that of the screw shaft portion 64a and inserted through the Insertion hole 63, and an enlarged diameter head portion 64c to be engaged with the outside surface of the fitting plate portion 58, so that an excessive fastening load is prevented from

acting on the fitting plate portion 58.
Referring to Fig. 10 also, a front portion of the rear upper cover 36 is formed to cover the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, and a pair of engaging projections 68, 68 projecting forwards are integrally provided at the front end of the rear upper cover 36. On the other hand, a pair of engaging holes 67,
67 for engagement by inserting the engaging projections 68,
68 from the rear side are provided at the rear end of the front upper cover 35 on the upper side of the fitting plate portions 58, 58.
Namely, the front portion of the rear upper cover 36 is engaged with the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 so as to cover the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R.
Engaging claws 69, 69 projecting downwards are provided on both sides of a relatively front portion of the rear upper cover 36, and engaging holes 70, 70 for engagement with the engaging claws 69, 69 are provided at upper portions of the rear ends of the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R. Engaging claws 71, 71 projecting downwards are provided on both sides of a relatively rear portion of the rear upper cover 36, and engaging holes 72, 72 for engagement with the engaging claws 71, 71 are provided at the upper ends of relatively

front portions of the left and right rear side covers 38L, 38R.
Namely, the rear upper cover 36 has its front portion engaged with a rear portion of the front upper cover 35, and has its both sides engaged with upper portions of the left and right main frame side covers 31L, 31R and the left and right rear side covers 38L, 38R.
An ignition unit 88 is disposed on the vehicle body frame F at a portion covered from above by the rear upper cover 36. The ignition unit 88 comprises a regulator 89 fitted on the vehicle body frame F, and an ignition coil 90 and an ignition control unit 91 supported by a stay provided on the regulator 89.
The left and right rear side covers 38L, 38R are elongated in the front-rear direction with a predetermined vertical width, is slightly inclined upwardly rearwards along a side surface of a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F, and is tapered rearwards.
In Fig. 11, front portion fitting portions 73, 73 are integrally provided at the upper ends of intermediate portions in the front-rear direction of the rear side covers 38L, 38R. On the other hand, stays 74 corresponding to the front portion fitting portions 73 ,.♦ are attached to the outside surfaces of the rear frames 14 ... in the vehicle body frame F, and a flange portion 75a at one end of each of cylindrical nuts 75 ... penetrating through the stays 75 ... is attached to the inner surface

side of the stays 74 .«. The nuts 75 ... penetrate through elastic members 93 *.♦ fitted to the front portion fitting portions 73 ... so as to be intermediately disposed between the stays 73 ... and the front portion fitting portions 73 ..., and bolts 76 ... penetrating through washers 94 ... clamping parts of the elastic members 93 ... between them and the front portion fitting portions 73 .„ are mated with and fastened to the nuts 75 •„, whereby intermediate portions in the front-rear direction of the rear side covers 38L, 38R are elastically supported on a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F.
In Fig. 12, rear portion fitting portions 77, 77 are integrally provided at the upper ends of rear portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R. The rear portion fitting portions 77, 77 are co-fastened to the tall frame 22 connecting between rear portions of the rear frames 14, 14, together with a grab rail 79 by pairs of bolts 78, 78 ....
The tandem seat 26 is disposed at upper portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, and is tiltably connected to the upper ends of front portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R through a hinge 80 (See Fig. 4).
Referring to Fig. 13 also, at least parts of the left-right pair of rear side covers 38L, 38R, in this embodiment lower end portions of front portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, are overlapped with each other on the lower side of a front portion of the tandem seat 26.
Namely, a lower end portion of a front portion of

the right-side rear side cover 38R is overlapped with the lower end of a front portion of the left-side rear side cover 38L from the front side; at the overlapped portion, the right-side rear side cover 38R is provided with an insertion hole 80, and a clip nut 82 having a screw hole 81 smaller in diameter than the insertion hole 80 is fitted in the insertion hole 80 so that the screw hole 81 is coaxially communicated with the insertion hole 80.
The left-side rear side cover 38L is overlapped with the right-side rear side cover 38R, with a portion of the clip nut 82 therebetween, and the left-side rear side cover 38L is provided with an insertion hole 83 larger in diameter than the screw hole 81, coaxially with the screw hole 81.
A rear portion of the rear upper cover 36 is so formed as to cover the overlapped portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R from the front side, and the rear portion of the rear upper cover 36 is provided with an insertion hole 84 corresponding to the insertion hole 83. The rear portion of the rear upper cover 36 so disposed as to cover the overlapped portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R from the front side is fastened to the overlapped portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R by mating and fastening a screw member 85 inserted through the insertion holes 83, 84 to the screw hole 81.
The screw member 85 integrally and coaxially comprises a screw shaft portion 85a to be mated with the

screw hole 81, a large diameter shaft portion 85b having a length corresponding to the thickness of the overlapped portions of the left-side rear side cover 38L and the rear upper cover 36 and a diameter larger than that of the screw shaft portion 85a and inserted through the insertion holes 83, 84, and an enlarged diameter head portion 85c to be engaged with the outside surface of the rear upper cover 36f so that an excessive fastening load is prevented from acting on the overlapped portions of the left-side rear side cover 38L and the rear upper cover 36.
Meanwhile, the outside surfaces of the rear side covers 38L, 38R are each demarcated into non-coated zones Zl, Z2 and a coated zone Z3.
Namely, portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R located on the lower side of a front half portion of the tandem seat 26 are each set as the first non-coated zone Zl, and the lower end portions of front portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R on the upper side of the foot steps 18 are each set as the second non-coated zone Z2. These non-coated zones Zl, Z2 remain as skin layers without any coating after molding of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, and if required, they may be provided in the molding step with a grain pattern 86 (hatched in Figs, 1 to 3) consisting of minute recesses and projections for ensuring that scratches and stains thereon will not be conspicuous.
On the other hand, the coated zone Z3 other than the first and second non-coated zones Zl, Z2 occupies most part

of the outside surfaces of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, and the non - coated zones Z1, Z 2 are exposed on the upper side and the lower side of a front portion of the coated zone Z3, with the coated zone Z3 therebetween.
Demarcation of the outside surfaces of the rear side covers 38L, 38R into the non-coated zones Zl, Z2 and the coated zone Z3 is conducted by molding molded bodies of the rear side covers 38L, 38R using a coloring material in the molding material, then masking the portions corresponding to the non-coated zones Zl, Z2, coating the residual portion, namely, the portion corresponding to the coated zone Z3 with a paint of an appropriate main color, and thereafter the mask is removed. By this, the non-coated zones Zl, Z2 remaining as the skin layer having the grain pattern 86 are exposed.
Next, the action or effect of this embodiment will be described. In the vehicle body cover 30 covering the vehicle body, at least one part of the upper ends of front portions (in this embodiment, the whole parts of the upper ends * of front portions) of the left-right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R supported on the vehicle body frame F while covering both lateral sides of the main frame 13 are overlapped with each other on the rear side of the head pipe 12, and a front portion of the upper cover 34 covering the upper side of the main frame 13 is fastened to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R.

Therefore, a stay for fitting at least the front portion of the upper cover 34 to the side of the vehicle body frame F is unnecessary, the number of stays to be provided on the vehicle body frame F is reduced, hence the number of component parts can be reduced, and stays which would reduce the degree of freedom in laying out cables such as a throttle cable 95 and a carburetor choke cable 96 (See Fig. 4) in the vicinity of the head pipe 12 are eliminated, thereby facilitating the layout of the cables and the like. In addition, appearance can be enhanced by good matching of the upper ends of the front portions of the left-right pair of main frame side covers 31L, 31R and the front portion of the upper cover 34,
Besides, the upper ends of the front portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R are engaged with each other so as to maintain the overlapped condition of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R; therefore, at the time of fastening the front portion of the upper cover 34 to the overlapped portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, the fastening work can be facilitated by maintaining the overlapped conditions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, and the fastened condition of the upper ends of the front portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R and the front portion of the upper cover 34 can be made rigid.
In addition, the upper side of the fastened portions of the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R onto the main frame 13 is covered by the upper cover 34,

so that the fastened portions of the upper portions of the main frame side covers 31L, 31R onto the main frame 13 are hidden by the upper cover 3 4, whereby appearance can be enhanced.
The left-right pair of rear side covers 38L, 38R covering both sides of a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F on the lower side of the tandem seat 26 are supported by the vehicle body frame F, at least parts of the front portions (in this embodiment, the lower ends of the front portions) of the rear side covers 38L, 38R are overlapped with each other on the lower side of a front portion of the tandem seat 26, and a rear portion of the upper cover 34 is fastened to the overlapped portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R.
Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide the vehicle body frame F with a stay for fitting the rear portion of the upper cover 34 to the side of the vehicle body frame F, whereby the number of component parts can be more reduced, and a space for disposing component parts such as electrical equipments can be secured between the rear portion of the upper cover 34 and the vehicle body frame F.
The upper cover 34 is composed of the front upper cover 35 and the rear upper cover 36 disconnectably connected to each other, and a rear portion of the front upper cover 35 is fastened to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R. Therefore, a portion near the center in the front-rear direction of the upper cover 34 can be fixed to

the main frame side covers 31L, 31R, and at the time of maintenance of the ignition unit 88 or the like, it is unnecessary to detach the upper cover 34 as a whole; namely, detaching of only the rear upper cover 36 is enabled, whereby maintenance work can be facilitated.
Further, the front portion of the rear upper cover 36 is engaged with the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 while covering the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R; therefore, the location of fastening of the rear portion of the front upper cover 35 to the main frame side covers 31L, 31R is covered by the rear upper cover 36, whereby appearance can be enhanced, the fitting and detaching of the rear upper cover 36 is facilitated, and maintenance work can be more facilitated.
Incidentally, the outside surfaces of the left-right pair of rear side covers 38L, 38R are each demarcated into the coated zone Z3 and the first and second non-coated zones Zl, Z2. Therefore, without composing each of the rear side covers 38L, 38R of a plurality of cover components, portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R are set to be non-coated covers, whereby an excellent color effect on a design basis can be obtained while preventing an increase in the number of component parts and contriving a reduction in cost, and it is possible to ensure that scratches and stains will not be conspicuous* In addition, the demarcation between the coated zone Z3 and the non-

coated zones Zl, Z2 can be freely changed.
The first non-coated zone Zl is set as the portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R located on the lower side of a front half portion of the tandem seat 26, while the lower end portions of front portions of the rear side covers 38L, 38R located on the upper side of the foot steps 18 are set as the second non-coated zone Z2, and the non-coated zones Zl, Z2 are provided with the grain pattern 86,
Of the rear side covers 38L, 38R, those portions with which the rider's feet are liable to come into contact are provided with the first and second non-coated zones Zl, Z2. Therefore, even when the rider's feet come into contact with the first and second non-coated zones Zl, Z2 and scratch or stain the non-coated zones Zl, Z2, the color of the rear side covers 38L, 38R is prevented from being changed, and it is possible to ensure that the scratches and stains will hardly be conspicuous*
Further, at the time of getting on and off the tandem seat 26, the rider's feet are liable to come into contact with the outside surface of the front upper cover 35 in the upper cover 34. The outside surface of the front upper cover 35 is maintained in a non-coated condition provided with a grain pattern 86. Therefore, even when the feet come into contact with the outside surface of the front upper cover 35 to scratch or stain the outside surface of the front upper cover 35, the color of the front upper cover 35 is prevented from being changed, and it is

possible to ensure that the scratches and stains will hardly be conspicuous. Besides, when the scratches or stains on the outside surface of the front upper cover 35 have become conspicuous, the front upper cover 35 can be easily replaced because the front upper cover 35 can be easily detached from the main frame side covers 31L, 31R.
While the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present Invention is not limited to or by the above embodiment, and various design modifications can be made without departure from the present invention as set forth in claims.
For example, while the rear side covers 38L, 38R are each provided with two non-coated zones Zl, Z2 in the above embodiment, three or more non-coated zones may be set on each of the rear side covers 38L, 38R. In addition, while the rear side covers 38L, 38R are formed of a synthetic resin in the above embodiment, the rear side covers may be formed of other material such as metallic sheet,

WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle which comprises a vehicle body frame (F) comprising a main frame (13) extended downwardly rearwards from a head pipe (12), an engine unit (E) disposed on the lower side of said main frame (13) and hung from said vehicle body frame (F), a left-right pair of main frame side covers (31L, 31R) covering both lateral sides of said main frame (13), and an upper cover (34) covering the upper side of said main frame (13), characterized in that at least portions of the upper ends of front portions of said left-right pair of main frame side covers (31L. 31R) supported by said vehicle body frame (F) are overlapped with each other on the rear side of said head pipe (12), and a front portion of said upper cover (34) is fastened to said overlapped portions of said main frame side covers (31L, 31R).
2. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least portions of front portions of a left-right pair of rear side covers (38L, 38R) covering both sides of a rear portion of said vehicle body frame (F) on the lower side of a rider's seat (26) and supported by said vehicle body frame (F) are overlapped with each other on the lower side of a front portion of said rider's seat (26), and a rear portion of said upper cover (34) isr fastened to said overlapped portions of said rear side covers (38L, 38R)-
3. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said upper cover (34) comprises a front upper cover (35) and a rear upper cover (36) disconnectably connected to each other, and a rear portion of said front upper cover (35) is fastened to said main frame side covers (31L, 31R).

4. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 3, wherein a front portion of said rear upper cover (36) is engaged with a rear portion of said front upper cover (35) while covering the location of fastening of said rear portion of said front upper cover (35) to said main frame side covers (31L5 31R).
5. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper ends of said front portions of said main frame side covers (31L, 31R) are engaged with each other so as to maintain the overlapped condition of said main frame side covers (31L, 31R).
6. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper side of fastened portions of upper portions of said main frame side covers (31L, 31R) to said main frame (13) is covered by said upper cover (34).
7. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outside surfaces of a left-right pair of rear side covers (38L, 38R) covering both sides of a rear portion of said vehicle body frame (F) on the lower side of a rider's seat (26) and supported by said vehicle body frame (F) are each demarcated into a coated zone (Z3) and non-coated zones (Zl, Z2),
8. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 7, wherein portions of said rear side covers (38L, 38R) located on the lower side of a front half portion of said rider's seat (26) are each set to be said non-coated zone (Zl).

9. The vehicle body cover structure in a motorcycle as claimed in claim 7, wherein lower end portions of front portions of said rear side covers (38L5 38R) are each set to be said non-coated zone Z2).

Documents:

1036-chenp-2003-abstract.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-claims filed.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-claims granted.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-correspondnece-others.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-correspondnece-po.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-description(complete)filed.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-description(complete)granted.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-drawings.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-form 1.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-form 19.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-form 26.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-form 3.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-form 5.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-other document.pdf

1036-chenp-2003-pct.pdf

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Patent Number

211788

Indian Patent Application Number

1036/CHENP/2003

PG Journal Number

52/2007

Publication Date

28-Dec-2007

Grant Date

09-Nov-2007

Date of Filing

01-Jul-2003

Name of Patentee

M/S. HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Applicant Address

1-1, Minami Aoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8556

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	YAMAGUCHI, Masaaki	c/o Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Gijutsu Kenkyusho 4-1, Chuo 1-chome Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0193

PCT International Classification Number

B62J 17/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/JP2001/006300

PCT International Filing date

2001-07-19

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2001-1323	2001-01-09	Japan