Title of Invention	METER SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SADDLE-RIDING TYPE VEHICLE
Abstract	[Object] To reduce cost by minimizing the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required in a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, in which a stay supporting a meter unit is mounted on a front fork steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a vehicle body frame. [Solving Means] A meter visor 16c covering a meter unit 17 from a forward direction is formed integrally with a stay 16 formed of a synthetic resin. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 5

Title of Invention

METER SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SADDLE-RIDING TYPE VEHICLE

Abstract

[Object] To reduce cost by minimizing the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required in a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, in which a stay supporting a meter unit is mounted on a front fork steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a vehicle body frame. [Solving Means] A meter visor 16c covering a meter unit 17 from a forward direction is formed integrally with a stay 16 formed of a synthetic resin. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 5

Full Text	[Name of Document] Specification [Title of the Invention] Meter Support Structure for Saddle-Riding Type Vehicle [Technical Field] [0001] The present invention relates to an improved meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, in which a stay supporting a meter unit is mounted on a front fork steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a vehicle body frame. [Background Art] [0002] A known arrangement (see Patent Document 1) includes a stay and a meter visor. The stay formed of steel is mounted onto a bottom bridge and a top bridge of a front fork. A headlight and a meter unit are mounted on the stay. The meter unit is covered from a forward direction with the meter visor that constitutes a member separate from the stay. [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3153044 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] The known arrangement disclosed in Patent Document 1, however, entails an increased cost because of a number of parts used and a number of assembly man-hours involved. [0004] The present invention has been made to solve the foregoing problem of the background art and it is an object of the present invention to provide a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle that achieves a reduced cost by minimizing the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required. [0005] The stay formed of steel as disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a bar member and a small sheet member. This presents an appearance problem in that a harness, a support portion of the meter unit, a rear portion of a headlight, and the like are visible from a rear side of a front cowl. [0006] In view of the foregoing, it is a second object of the present invention to provide a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle that allows appearance to be enhanced. [Means for Solving the Problem] To achieve the first object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle. The support structure includes a stay for supporting a meter unit mounted on a front fork that is steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a vehicle body frame. The stay, of a synthetic resin, is integrally formed with a meter visor for covering the meter unit from a forward direction. [0008] To achieve the second object, a second aspect of the present invention provides a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, including a stay for supporting a meter unit mounted on a front fork steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a vehicle body frame. Typically, the stay is formed of a synthetic resin. The stay includes a stay main portion and a meter support portion. The stay main portion is supported on the front fork. The stay main portion has a back plate portion for substantially covering a headlight from a rearward direction. The meter support portion integrally continues into the stay main portion for supporting the meter unit. [0009] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, a headlight disposed forwardly of the stay is supported by a front cowl having an opening, through which the headlight faces front, and covering the headlight. Further, the front cowl is disposed on the stay. [0010] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the third aspect of the present invention, the front cowl and the stay, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in a front view, are joined together so as to form therebetween an accommodation chamber for accommodating a part of the meter unit and the headlight. [0011] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the stay includes an air vent hole. [0012] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the air vent hole is disposed in the stay so as to fall within an area that substantially overlaps the headlight in a front view. [0013] In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the third aspect of the present invention, the stay includes harness insertion holes, through which harnesses are to be passed. [0014] In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, a positioning pin disposed on a lower portion of the stay is inserted in a positioning hole disposed in a bottom bridge of the front fork. [0015] In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the stay main portion of the stay formed of a synthetic resin includes a pair of left and right side cover portions provided in a connected row arrangement with both sides of the back plate portion. The side cover portions are j oined to the front cowl so as to cover inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl from an inward direction. [Effects of the Invention] [0016] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the stay is formed of a synthetic resin and the meter visor is integrally formed with the stay. This reduces the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required, achieving a cost reduction. [0017] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the stay main portion of the stay formed of a synthetic resin includes the back plate portion that substantially covers the headlight from the rearward direction. This allows the harness, the meter unit support portion, and the headlight to be hidden. Moreover, the stay is formed of a synthetic resin, which allows the back plate portion to be easily formed. Further, stiffness of the stay main portion can be enhanced by the back plate portion. [0018] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the stay serves also as a rear cover of the headlight. This promotes further reduction in the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required. [0019] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the meter unit and the headlight can be brought compactly together, while achieving a good appearance. [0020] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, running wind entering a space inside the front cowl through a gap between the front cowl and the headlight effectively circulates through the air vent holes in the stay, so that running resistance by the running wind can be reduced. [0021] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the running wind entering the space inside the front cowl through the gap between the front cowl and the headlight can flow through the air vent holes more smoothly and easily, so that the running resistance can be reduced more. [0022] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the harnesses can be hidden behind the front cowl and the stay and routed collectively. According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the stay can be positioned correctly relative to the front fork, facilitating centering of the meter unit. [0024] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the pair of left and right side cover portions included in the stay main portion can cover the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl from the inward direction. This eliminates the need for parts dedicated to covering the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl. Accordingly, a structure having a reduced number of parts used covers the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl from the inward direction for the improved appearance. Moreover, the stay, formed from a synthetic resin, allows the side cover portions to be easily formed. [Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention] [0025] Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0026] Figs. 1 through 10 are views showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view showing a front portion of a motorcycle. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a front fork, a stay, a meter unit, a headlight, and a front cowl. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a front view on arrow 4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is a view showing a portion, through which the headlight is pivotally supported on the front cowl, on arrow 9 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a view on arrow 10 of Fig. 8. [0027] Referring to Fig. 1, the motorcycle includes a head pipe 11 disposed at a front end of a vehicle body frame F. A bottom bridge 13 and a top bridge 14 of a front fork 12 that j ournals a front wheel (not shown) are steerably supported on the head pipe 11. A bar-like steering handlebar 15 is connected to an upper portion of the front fork 12. Referring also to Figs. 2 through 4, a stay 16 formed of a synthetic resin is mounted onto the bottom bridge 13 and the top bridge 14 of the front fork 12. A meter unit 17 is mounted on an upper portion of the stay 16. A meter visor 16c covering the meter unit 17 from a forward direction is formed integrally with the upper portion of the stay 16. A headlight 18 is disposed forwardly of the stay 16. The headlight 18 is supported by a front cowl 19 that includes an opening 2 0 in a front surface thereof. The headlight 18 faces front through the opening 20. The front cowl 19 is mounted to the stay 16. [0029] Referring also to Figs. 5 and 6, the stay 16 integrates together a stay main portion 16a, a meter support portion 16b, and the meter visor 16c. The stay main portion 16a is disposed at an upper forward portion of the front fork 12. The stay main portion 16a has a back plate portion 16aa that substantially covers the headlight 18 from a rearward direction and a pair of left and right side cover portions 16ab, 16ab that continue from either side of the back plate portion 16aa. The meter support portion 16b protrudes forwardly from an upper end of the stay main portion 16a. The meter visor 16c protrudes upwardly from an upper end of the meter support portion 16b. The stay main portion 16a is mounted to the bottom bridge 13 and the top bridge 14 of the front fork 12. [0030] The bottom bridge 13 has a pair of left and right lower support bosses 21, 21 and a positioning plate 22 disposed forwardly protrudingly on a front surface thereof. The positioning plate 22 is disposed at a central portion between the lower support bosses 21 .. The top bridge 14 has a pair of left and right upper support bosses 23, 23 disposed forwardly protrudingly thereon. The positioning plate 22 has a positioning hole 2 4 made the rein. [0031] The stay main portion 16a includes a pair of lower mounting plates 25, 25 integrally disposed rearwardly protrudingly on a lower portion thereof. The lower mounting plates 25, 25 abut on front ends of the lower support bosses 21, 21, respectively. The stay main portion 16a further includes a positioning pin 26 integrally formed on the lower portion thereof. The positioning pin 26, which extends downwardly, is to be inserted in the positioning hole 24 from above. In addition, the stay main portion 16a also has a pair of upper mounting plates 27, 27 disposed on an upper portion thereof. The upper mounting plates 27, 27 abut on front ends of the upper support bosses 23, 23, respectively. [0032] Accordingly, with the positioning pin 26 inserted in the positioning hole 24, the lower mounting plates 2 5 .. abutted on the front ends of the lower support bosses 21 .. are fastened to the lower support bosses 21 .., respectively, with threaded members 28, 28, and the upper mounting plates 27 .. abutted on the front ends of the upper support bosses 23 .. are fastened to the upper support bosses 23 .., respectively, with threaded members 29, 29. This results in the stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 being mounted on the bottom bridge 13 and the top bridge 14 of the front fork 12. [0033] The meter support portion 16b includes a through hole 30, through which an upper portion of the meter unit 17 is visible. The meter unit 17 has a shoulder portion 31. The shoulder portion 31, which is endlessly continuously formed on an outer periphery of the meter unit 17, abuts on a lower surface of the meter support portion 16b along a circumferential edge of the through hole 3 0. Moreover, the meter support portion 16b also includes meter support bosses 32, 32 integrally formed thereon and disposed on either side of the meter unit 17. The meter unit 17 has mounting plates 33, 33 disposed protrudingly on either side thereof. The mounting plates 33 .. abut on front ends of the meter support bosses 32 .. Hence, the pair of mounting plates 33 .. abutted on the front ends of the meter support bosses 32 .. is fastened to the meter support bosses 32 .. with threaded members 34, 34. Specifically, the meter unit 17 is mounted to the meter support portion 16b, that is, the upper portion of the stay 16. [0034] The front cowl 19, formed of a synthetic resin, has an upper portion that overlaps from the forward direction the meter visor 16c included in the stay 16. While having a forwardly protruding transverse cross-sectional shape, the front cowl 19 has an outline substantially identical with the stay 16 in a front view. The front cowl 19 also includes arms 19a, 19a protruding sideways in either direction. The arms 19a .. are disposed on either side of the opening 20. Flashers 37, 37 are disposed on leading ends of the arms 19a .. [0035] The front cowl 19 is attached to the stay 16 at two places each at an upper portion, a vertically-intermediate portion, and a lower portion of the front cowl 19. More specifically, the meter visor 16c of the stay 16 includes rearwardly recessed cowl support portions 38, 3 8 as shown in Fig. 5. The cowl support portions 3 8 . . are disposed at two places on either side of the meter visor 16c. The front cowl 19 has mounting protrusions 39, 3 9 integrally formed on the upper portion thereof. The mounting protrusions 39 .. advance into the cowl support portions 3 8 .. from the forward direction. Metal nuts 40 .. are fitted to the mounting protrusions 3 9 . . Threaded members 41 . . are then passed through the cowl support portions 3 8 .. from a rearward direction of the meter visor 16c and threadedly engaged with the nuts 4 0 . . Tightening the threaded members 41 .. allows the upper portion of the front cowl 19 to be attached to the meter visor 16c. [0036] Referring also to Fig. 7, the front cowl 19 includes mounting protrusions 42, 42 formed integrally therewith on both sides in the rear at the vertically intermediate portion thereof. The mounting protrusions 42 .. advance into areas downward of both sides of the meter support portion 16b of the stay 16. Nuts 43 *. are fitted to the mounting protrusions 42 .. Hence, threadedly engaging and tightening threaded members 44 . . , which are passed through the meter support portion 16b from above, allows the vertically intermediate portion of the front cowl 19 to be attached to the meter support portion 16b of the stay 16. [0037] Reference is now made to Fig. 5. The stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 includes cowl support portions 45, 45 formed integrally therewith in a protruding condition on both sides at a lower portion thereof. The cowl support portions 45 .. protrude upwardly. Nuts 46, 46 are fitted to the cowl support portions 45 .. Hence, threadedly engaging and tightening threaded members 4 7 . . , which are passed through the lower portion of the front cowl 19 on both sides from the forward direction, allows the lower portion of the front cowl 19 to be attached to the lower portion of the stay main portion 16a in the stay 16. [0038] Specifically, the front cowl 19 and the stay 16, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in the front view, are thereby joined together such that the side cover portions 16ab, 16ab of the stay main portion 16a cover both left and right sides of the front cowl 19 from an inward direction. This forms an accommodation chamber 4 8 for accommodating the meter unit 17 and the headlight 18 between the front cowl 19 and the stay 16. [0039] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the front cowl 19 includes a pair of left and right headlight support portions 49, 49 integrally formed therewith in a protruding condition on an inner surface thereof upward of the opening 20. The headlight support portions 49 .. protrude rearwardly. Each of the headlight support portions 4 9 .. includes a rectangular support hole 50 made therein. The headlight 18, on the other hand, includes support plates 51, 51 disposed on an upper portion thereof. The support plates 51 .. penetrate through the support holes 50 . . to protrude upwardly. The support plates 51 .. further include through holes 52, 52. In addition, clips 53, 53 are fitted at upper portions of the support plates 51 . . The clips 53 are passed through the through holes 52 .. so as to be in abutment on upper surfaces of the headlight support portions 4 9 .. Each of the clips 53 .. includes a curved portion 53a that protrudes upwardly, into which an upper end of the support plate 51 is fitted. [0040] Referring also to Fig. 10, the headlight 18 is supported in the front cowl 19 so as to be swingable about pivots that are formed at portions of abutment between the upper ends of the support plates 51 .. and the curved portions 53a .. of the clips 53 . . The front cowl 19 includes a sliding surface 56 formed on an inner surface at the lower portion thereof. The sliding surface 56 follows along an arcuate line having a radius R about the aforementioned pivot, over which a protrusion 54 formed in a protruding condition on a lower portion of the headlight 18 can slide. A nut 55 is embedded in the protrusion 54. The front cowl 19 further includes a slot 57 extending longitudinally formed in the lower portion thereof. A bolt 58, which is passed through the slot 57 from a downward direction of the front cowl 19, is threadedly engaged with the nut 55. [0041] Accordingly, by loosening the bolt 58, the headlight 18 can swing about the pivots that are formed at the portions of abutment between the upper ends of the support plates 51 .. and the curved portions 53a .. of the clips 53 .. Tightening the bolt 58, on the other hand, secures the headlight 18 in position. Aiming adjustment of the headlight 18 can thereby be made. [0042] Referring to Figs. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the stay main portion 16a in the stay 16 includes a large plurality of air vent holes 59, 59 .. disposed in a grid pattern. Moreover, each of the air vent holes 59, 59 .. is disposed in the stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 such that each falls within an area that substantially overlaps the headlight 18 in a front view. [0043] In addition, the stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 includes a pair of harness insertion holes 60, 61. Such harnesses, for example, as a harness 63 extended from the headlight 18 and harnesses 64, 64 extended from the flashers 3 7 .. are passed through one 6 0 of the pair of harness insertion holes 60, 61. A harness 62 extended from the meter unit 17 may, for example, be passed through the other 61 of the pair of harness insertion holes 60, 61. [0044] Effects of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The meter unit 17 is mounted in the stay 16 formed of a synthetic resin. Further, the meter visor 16c is integrally formed to cover the meter unit 17 from the forward direction. Consequently, the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required can be minimized to achieve a cost reduction. [0045] The stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 includes the back plate portion 16aa that substantially covers the headlight 18 from the rearward direction. The harnesses 62, 63, 64 .., the support portion of the meter unit 17, and the headlight 18 can therefore be hidden. Moreover, the back plate portion 16aa can be easily formed and promote increased stiffness of the stay main portion 16a. Further, the pair of left and right side cover portions 16ab, 16ab included in the stay main portion 16a can cover the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 19 from the inward direction. This eliminates the need for parts dedicated to covering the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 19. Accordingly, a structure having a reduced number of parts used covers the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 19 from the inward direction for the improved appearance. Moreover, the stay 16, formed from a synthetic resin, allows the side cover portions 16ab .. to be easily formed. The headlight 18 disposed forwardly of the stay 16 is swingably supported by the front cowl 19 that covers the headlight 18. The front cowl 19, in turn, is mounted to the stay 16. Accordingly, the stay 16 serves also as a rear cover of the headlight 18. This promotes further reduction in the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required. [0047] The front cowl 19 and the stay 16, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in the front view, are joined together so as to form therebetween the accommodation chamber 4 8 for accommodating a part of the meter unit 17 and the headlight 18. The meter unit 17 and the headlight 18 can thereby be brought compactly together, while achieving a good appearance. [0048] The stay 16 includes the large plurality of air vent holes 59, 59 .. Running wind entering a space inside the front cowl 19 through a gap between the front cowl 19 and the headlight 18 effectively circulates through the air vent holes 59, 59 .. in the stay 16, so that running resistance by the running wind can be reduced. Moreover, each of the air vent holes 59, 59 .. is disposed in the stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 such that each falls within the area that substantially overlaps the headlight 18 in the front view. This allows the running wind entering the space inside the front cowl 19 through the gap between the front cowl 19 and the headlight 18 to flow through the air vent holes 59, 59 .. more smoothly and easily, so that the running resistance can be reduced more. [0049] The stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 also includes the harness insertion holes 60, 61, through which the harnesses 62, 63, 64 .. can be passed. The harnesses 62, 63, 64 .. can thereby be hidden behind the front cowl 19 and the stay 16 and routed collectively. [0050] The positioning pin 26 formed on the lower portion of the stay main portion 16a in the stay 16 is inserted in the positioning hole 24 disposed in the bottom bridge 13 of the front fork 12. This ensures that the stay 16 is positioned correctly relative to the front fork 12, facilitating centering of the meter unit 17. [0051] Figs. 11 through 18 are views showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a front fork, a stay, a meter unit, a headlight, and a front cowl. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the stay, the meter unit, the headlight, and the front cowl, taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 13. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 13. Fig. 17 is a view on arrow 17 of Fig. 11, showing a harness guide member in a condition before its being folded. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 17. [0052] Referring first to Figs. 11 through 13, a stay 76 formed from a synthetic resin is mounted to a bottom bridge 73 and a top bridge 74 included in a front fork 72. A meter unit 77 is mounted at an upper portion of the stay 76. Further, a headlight 18 is disposed forwardly of the stay 76. The headlight 18 is supported by a front cowl 79 that includes an opening 80 disposed at a front thereof, through which the headlight 18 faces front. The front cowl 79 is mounted to the stay 76. The stay 76 integrates a stay mam portion /oa. anu a meter support portion 76b. The stay main portion 76a, disposed at an upper forward portion of the front fork 72, includes a back plate portion 76aa and a pair of left and right side cover portions 76ab, 76ab. Specifically, the back plate portion 76aa substantially covers the headlight 18 from the rearward direction. The side cover portions 76ab, 76ab extend rearwardly from either side of the back plate portion 76aa. The meter support portion 76b protrudes upwardly toward the front from an upper end of the stay main portion 76a. The stay main portion 76a is mounted to the bottom bridge 73 and the top bridge 74 of the front fork 72. [0054] The bottom bridge 73 includes a pair of left and right lower support bosses 81, 81 disposed on a front surface thereof so as to protrude forwardly. Further, the top bridge 74 includes a pair of left and right upper support bosses 82, 82 disposed on a front surface thereof so as to protrude forwardly. [0055] The stay main portion 76a includes a pair of lower mounting plates 83, 83 integrally disposed downwardly protrudingly on a lower portion thereof. The lower mounting plates 83, 83 abut on front ends of the lower support bosses 81, 81, respectively. Two locations on an upper portion of the back plate portion 76aa in the stay main portion 76a abut on front ends of the pair of left and right upper support bosses 82 .., respectively. [0056] The lower mounting plates 83 .. abutted on the front ends of the lower support bosses 81 .. are then fastened to the lower support bosses 81 .. with bolts 84, 84. The back plate portion 76aa abutted on the front ends of the upper support bosses 82 .. are fastened to the upper support bosses 82 .. with bolts 85, 85. As a result, the stay main portion 76a of the stay 76 is mounted to the bottom bridge 73 and the top bridge 74 of the front fork 72. [0057] The meter unit 77 includes a speedometer 86 and a fuel gauge 87. The meter support portion 76b includes a pair of through holes 88, 89, through which the speedometer 86 and the fuel gauge 87 in the meter unit 77 face. The meter unit 77 has a flange 90 on an outer periphery thereof. The flange 90 is endlessly continuously formed so as to oppose a lower surface of the meter support portion 76b at peripheral edges of the through holes 88, 89. The meter support portion 76b further includes meter support bosses 91, 91 integrated therewith. The meter support bosses 91 .. are disposed on left and right sides of the meter unit 77. The back plate portion 76aa further includes a meter support boss 92 integrated therewith. The meter support boss 92 is disposed downwardly of the meter unit 77 at a position corresponding to a middle point between the through holes 88, 89. The flange 90 of the meter unit 77 includes mounting plate portions 93 .., 94 disposed so as to protrude sideways. The mounting plate portions 93 .., 94 abut on front ends of the meter support bosses 91 .., 92. The mounting plate portions 93 .., 94 abutted on the front ends of the meter support bosses 91 .., 92 are then fastened to the meter support bosses 91 .., 92 with threaded members 95 .., 96. Specifically, the meter unit 77 is mounted to the upper portion of the stay 76 so as to be supported by the meter support portion 76b and the back plate portion 76aa. [0058] The front cowl 79 is formed of a synthetic resin. While having a forwardly protruding transverse cross-sectional shape, the front cowl 79 has an outline substantially identical with the stay 76 in a front view. The front cowl 79 also includes arms 79a, 79a protruding sideways in either direction. The arms 79a .. are disposed on either side of the opening 80. Flashers 97, 97 are disposed on leading ends of the arms 79a .. [0059] The front cowl 79 is attached to the stay 76 at one place on an upper portion thereof, and at two places each at a vertically intermediate portion and a lower portion thereof. Specifically, the meter support portion 76b in the stay 76 includes a cowl support portion 98 disposed at an upper portion at the center in the crosswise direction. The cowl support portion 9 8 protrudes forwardly. The front cowl 79, on the other hand, includes a mounting protrusion 99 integrally formed therewith at an upper portion thereof. The mounting protrusion 99 opposes the cowl support portion 98 from the front direction. A metal nut 100 is mounted on the mounting protrusion 99. A threaded member 101 passed through the cowl support portion 98 from a rearward direction of the cowl support portion 98 is then screwed into the nut 100. The upper portion of the front cowl 79 is attached to the meter support portion 76b by tightening the threaded member 101. Referring also to Fig. 14, the front cowl 79 further includes temporary fixing plate portions 103, 103 integrally formed therewith. The temporary fixing plate portions 103, 103 oppose from the outside support plate portions 102, 102 extending in the fore-aft direction. The support plate portions 102, 102 are integrally formed with the side cover portions 76ab .. on both sides of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76. The support plate portions 102, 102 further include fitting holes 104, 104 formed therein. The temporary fixing plate portions 103 .. include fitting protrusions 105, 105 integrally formed therewith in a protruding condition. The fitting protrusions 105, 105 snap resiliently into the fitting holes 104, 104. When the front cowl 79 is to be mounted to the stay 76, the front cowl 79 can be temporarily fixed to the stay 76 by snapping the fitting protrusions 105 .. resiliently into the fitting holes 104 .. This facilitates mounting of the front cowl 79 to the stay 76. [0061] Referring also to Fig. 15, the front cowl 79 further includes mounting plate portions 106, 106 integrally formed therewith in a protruding condition. Located on both sides at the vertically intermediate portion of the front cowl 79, the mounting plate portions 106 .. have a substantially L-shaped transverse section protruding rearwardly. Metal nuts 107 .. are mounted to the mounting plate portions 106 .. The side cover portions 76ab .. on both sides of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 include support portions 108, 108 formed thereon on both sides at a vertically intermediate portion. The support portions 108 .. oppose the mounting plate portions 106 .. Threaded members 109, 109 passed through the support portions 108 .. from a rearward side of the stay 76 are screwed into the nuts 107 .. Then, tightening the bolts 109 .. results in the both sides of the vertically intermediate portion of the front cowl 79 being attached to the both sides of the vertically intermediate portion of the side cover portions 76ab .. on both sides of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76. [0062] Referring also to Fig. 16, the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 further includes cowl support portions 110, 110 integrally formed therewith on both side at a lower portion thereof. The cowl support portions 110, 110 are of a tubular shape protruding forwardly. Metal nuts 111 .. are fitted on lower portions at leading ends of the cowl support portions 110 .. The front cowl 79, on the other hand, includes flat mounting portions 112 .. formed at the lower portion thereof. The mounting portions 112 .. abut on the nuts 111 .. from the downward direction. Threaded members 113 .. passed through the mounting portions 112 .. from the downward direction are screwed into the nuts 111 . . Tightening the threaded members 113 .. then results in the both sides of the lower portion of the front cowl 79 being attached to the both sides on the lower portion of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76. [0063] Specifically, the front cowl 79 and the stay 76, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in the front view, are thereby joined together such that the side cover portions 76ab, 76ab of the stay main portion 76a cover both left and right sides of the front cowl 79 from an inward direction. This forms an accommodation chamber 114 for accommodating part of the meter unit 77 and the headlight 18 between the front cowl 79 and the stay 76. [0064] In the same manner as in the first embodiment of the present invention, the headlight 18 is swingably supported so as to permit aiming adjustments on an inner surface of the front cowl 79 at a position upward of the opening 80. [0065] The back plate portion 76aa of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 includes a large plurality of air vent holes 115, 115 .. disposed in a grid pattern. Moreover, each of the air vent holes 115, 115 .. is disposed in the back plate portion 76aa of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 such that each falls within an area that substantially overlaps the headlight 18 in a front view. [0066] In addition, the stay main portion 76a of the stay 76 includes a pair of harness insertion holes 116, 117. Such harnesses, for example, as a harness 63 extended from the headlight 18 and harnesses 118, 118 extended from the flashers 97 .. are passed through one 116 of the pair of harness insertion holes 116, 117. A harness 119 extended from the meter unit 77 may, for example, be passed through the other one 117 of the pair of harness insertion holes 116, 117. [0067] The harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 passed through the harness insertion holes 116, 117 are supported by a harness guide member 120 formed of a synthetic resin and fastened to a lower surface of the bottom bridge 73 in the front fork 72. [0068] Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, the harness guide member 120 includes a first holding plate 120a, a second holding plate 120b, a hinge 120c, a pair of side plates 120d, 120d, and engagement pins 120e, 120e, all integrated therewith. Specifically, the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 can be held in position between the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b. The hinge 120c connects the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b. The side plates 120d, 120d are connected to the first holding plate 120a. The engagement pins 120e, 120e protrude sideways from the side plates 120d, 120d. [0069] The hinge 120c disposed between the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b is formed by thinning an area between the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b so that the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b can be switched between a straight line open position as shown in Figs. 17 and 18 and a folded position, in which the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a as shown by a chain line in Fig. 18. [0070] The first holding plate 120a includes a recess 121 formed integrated therewith at a central portion thereof in the longitudinal direction. The harnesses 63, 118 . ., 119 are accommodated in the recess 121. The second holding plate 120b includes a holding portion 122 integrated therewith at a central portion thereof in the longitudinal direction. The holding portion 122, being substantially circular in shape, holds the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 lengthily along the longitudinal direction thereof. [0071] The first holding plate 120a includes a rectangular insertion hole 123 formed on the end thereof adjacent to the hinge 120c. The second holding plate 120b includes a rectangular insertion hole 124 formed on the end thereof adjacent to the hinge 120c. The insertion hole 124 is continuous with the insertion hole 123 when the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a. In addition, the first holding plate 120a includes a circular insertion hole 125 formed on the end thereof remote from the hinge 120c. The second holding plate 120b includes an oblong insertion hole 126 formed on the end thereof remote from the hinge 120c. The insertion hole 126 is continuous with the insertion hole 125 when the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a. [0072] The side plates 120d .. are provided in a connected row arrangement with the first holding plate 120a so as to be fitted between the pair of lower mounting plates 83, 83 protruded downwardly from the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76. The engagement pins 120e .. are passed through and engaged with lock holes 127, 127 formed in the lower mounting plates 83 . . [0073] The harness guide member 120 is held in position by the stay 76 when the two side plates 120d .. are fitted between the two lower mounting plates 83 .. by letting the engagement pins 12Oe .. pass through and engage the lock holes 127 .. before the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a. After the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 are passed through the harness insertion holes 116, 117 in the stay 76, the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a so that the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 are sandwiched between the second holding plate 120b and the first holding plate 120a. In the condition of the second holding plate 12 0b being folded over the side of the first holding plate 120a, bolts 128, 128 are passed through the insertion holes 123, 124 continuous on the end of the first and second holding plates 120a, 120b adjacent to the hinge 120c and the insertion holes 125, 12 6 continuous on the end of the first and second holding plates 120a, 120b remote from the hinge 120c, respectively. The bolts 128 . . are then screwed and tightened into threaded holes 129, 129 formed in the bottom bridge 73. This results in the harness guide member 12 0, which has been folded down with the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 held therein being fastened to the bottom bridge 73, [0074] Effects of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 formed of a synthetic resin has the back plate portion 76aa for substantially covering the headlight 18 from the rearward direction. The harnesses 63, 118 .., 119, the support portion of the meter unit 77, and the headlight 18 can therefore be hidden. Moreover, the back plate portion 76aa can be easily formed and promote increased stiffness of the stay main portion 76a. Further, the pair of left and right side cover portions 76ab .. included in the stay main portion 76a can cover the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 79 from the inward direction. This eliminates the need for parts dedicated to covering the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 79. Accordingly, a structure having a reduced number of parts used covers the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 79 from the inward direction for the improved appearance. Moreover, the stay 76, formed from a synthetic resin, allows the side cover portions 76ab .. to be easily formed. [0075] The headlight 18 disposed forwardly of the stay 76 is swingably supported by the front cowl 79 that covers the headlight 18. The front cowl 79, in turn, is mounted to the stay 76. Accordingly, the stay 76 serves also as a rear cover of the headlight 18. This promotes further reduction in the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required. [0076] The front cowl 79 and the stay 76, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in the front view, are joined together so as to form therebetween the accommodation chamber 114 for accommodating part of the meter unit 77 and the headlight 18. The meter unit 77 and the headlight 18 can thereby be brought compactly together, while achieving a good appearance. [0077] The stay 76 includes the large plurality of air vent holes 115, 115 .. Running wind entering a space inside the front cowl 79 through a gap between the front cowl 79 and the headlight 18 effectively circulates through the air vent holes 115, 115 .. in the stay 76, so that running resistance by the running wind can be reduced. Moreover, each of the air vent holes 115, 115 .. is disposed in the stay main portion 76a of the stay 76 such that each falls within the area that substantially overlaps the headlight 18 in the front view. This allows the running wind entering the space inside the front cowl 7 9 through the gap between the front cowl 79 and the headlight 18 to flow through the air vent holes 115, 115 .. more smoothly and easily, so that the running resistance can be reduced more. [0078] The stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 also includes the harness insertion holes 116, 117, through which the harnesses 63, 118 . ., 119 can be passed. The harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 can thereby be hidden behind the front cowl 79 and the stay 76 and routed collectively. [0079] While the present invention has been particularly described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [Brief Description of the Drawings] [0080] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view showing a front portion of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a front fork, a stay, a meter unit, a headlight, and a front cowl. [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a front view on arrow 4 of Fig. 1. [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 3. [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 4. [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a view showing a portion, through which the headlight is pivotally supported on the front cowl, on arrow 9 of Fig. 8. [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a view on arrow 10 of Fig. 8. [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a front fork, a stay, a meter unit, a headlight, and a front cowl according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the stay, the meter unit, the headlight, and the front cowl, taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 13. [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12. [Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13. [Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 13. [Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 13. [Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a view on arrow 17 of Fig. 11, showing a harness guide member in a condition before its being folded. [Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 17. [Description of Reference Symbols] 11: Head Pipe 12, 72: Front Fork 13: Bottom Bridge 16, 76: Stay 16a, 76a: Stay main portion 16aa, 76aa: Back plate portion 16ab, 76ab: Side cover portion 16b, 76b: Meter support portion 16c: Meter Visor 17, 77: Meter Unit 18: Headlight 19, 79: Front Cowl 20, 80: Opening 24: Positioning Hole 26: Positioning Pin 48, 114: Accommodation Chamber 59, 115: Air Vent Hole 60, 61, 116, 117: Harness Insertion Hole 62, 63, 64, 118, 119: Harness F: Vehicle Body Frame [Name of Document] Claims [Claim 1] A meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, the support structure including a stay (16) for supporting a meter unit (17) mounted on a front fork (12) steerably supported by a head pipe (11) at a front end of a vehicle body frame (F) , the stay (16), of a synthetic resin, being integrally formed with a meter visor (16c) for covering the meter unit (17) from a forward direction. [Claim 2] A meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, the support structure including a stay (16, 76) for supporting a meter unit (17, 77) mounted on a front fork (12, 72) steerably supported by a head pipe (11) at a front end of a vehicle body frame (F), the stay (16, 76), of a synthetic resin, including a stay main portion (16a, 76a) supported on the front fork (12, 72), the stay main portion (16a, 76a) having a back plate portion (16aa, 76aa) for substantially covering a headlight (18) from a rearward direction, and a meter support portion (16b, 76b) integrally continuing into the stay main portion (16a, 76a) for supporting the meter unit (17, 77). [Claim 3] The meter support structure according to claim 1 or wherein a headlight (18) disposed forwardly of the stay (16, 76) is supported by a front cowl (19, 79) having an opening (20, 80), through which the headlight (18) faces front, and covering the headlight (18) ; and wherein the front cowl (19, 79) is disposed on the stay (16, 76) . [Claim 4] The meter support structure according to claim 3, wherein the front cowl (19, 79) and the stay (16, 76), each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in a front view, are joined together so as to form therebetween an accommodation chamber (48, 114) for accommodating a part of the meter unit (17, 77) and the headlight (18). [Claim 5] The meter support structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the stay (16, 76) includes an air vent hole (59, 115). [Claim 6] The meter support structure according to claim 5, wherein the air vent hole (59, 115) is disposed in the stay (16, 76) so as to fall within an area that substantially overlaps the headlight (18) in a front view, [Claim 7] The meter support structure according to claim 3, wherein the stay (16, 76) includes harness insertion holes (60, 61/116, 117), through which harnesses (62, 63, 64; 63, 118, 119) are to be passed. [Claim 8] The meter support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a positioning pin (26) disposed on a lower portion of the stay (16) is inserted in a positioning hole (24) disposed in a bottom bridge (13) of the front fork (12). [Claim 9] The meter support structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the stay main portion (16a, 76a) includes a pair of left and right side cover portions (16ab, 76ab) provided in a connected row arrangement with both sides of the back plate portion (16aa, 76aa); and wherein the side cover portions (16ab, 76ab) are joined to the front cowl (19, 79) so as to cover inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl (19, 79) from an

Full Text

[Name of Document] Specification [Title of the Invention]
Meter Support Structure for Saddle-Riding Type Vehicle
[Technical Field] [0001]
The present invention relates to an improved meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, in which a stay supporting a meter unit is mounted on a front fork steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a vehicle body frame. [Background Art] [0002]
A known arrangement (see Patent Document 1) includes a stay and a meter visor. The stay formed of steel is mounted onto a bottom bridge and a top bridge of a front fork. A headlight and a meter unit are mounted on the stay. The meter unit is covered from a forward direction with the meter visor that constitutes a member separate from the stay.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3153044 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

The known arrangement disclosed in Patent Document 1, however, entails an increased cost because of a number of parts used and a number of assembly man-hours involved.
[0004]
The present invention has been made to solve the foregoing problem of the background art and it is an object of the present invention to provide a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle that achieves a reduced cost by minimizing the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required.
[0005]
The stay formed of steel as disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a bar member and a small sheet member. This presents an appearance problem in that a harness, a support portion of the meter unit, a rear portion of a headlight, and the like are visible from a rear side of a front cowl.
[0006]
In view of the foregoing, it is a second object of the present invention to provide a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle that allows appearance to be enhanced.
[Means for Solving the Problem]

To achieve the first object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle. The support structure includes a stay for supporting a meter unit mounted on a front fork that is steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a vehicle body frame. The stay, of a synthetic resin, is integrally formed with a meter visor for covering the meter unit from a forward direction. [0008]
To achieve the second object, a second aspect of the present invention provides a meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, including a stay for supporting a meter unit mounted on a front fork steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a vehicle body frame. Typically, the stay is formed of a synthetic resin. The stay includes a stay main portion and a meter support portion. The stay main portion is supported on the front fork. The stay main portion has a back plate portion for substantially covering a headlight from a rearward direction. The meter support portion integrally continues into the stay main portion for supporting the meter unit. [0009]
In accordance with a third aspect of the present

invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, a headlight disposed forwardly of the stay is supported by a front cowl having an opening, through which the headlight faces front, and covering the headlight. Further, the front cowl is disposed on the stay.
[0010]
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the third aspect of the present invention, the front cowl and the stay, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in a front view, are joined together so as to form therebetween an accommodation chamber for accommodating a part of the meter unit and the headlight.
[0011]
In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the stay includes an air vent hole.
[0012]
In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the air vent

hole is disposed in the stay so as to fall within an area that substantially overlaps the headlight in a front view. [0013]
In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the third aspect of the present invention, the stay includes harness insertion holes, through which harnesses are to be passed. [0014]
In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, a positioning pin disposed on a lower portion of the stay is inserted in a positioning hole disposed in a bottom bridge of the front fork. [0015]
In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the arrangements according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the stay main portion of the stay formed of a synthetic resin includes a pair of left and right side cover portions provided in a connected row arrangement with both sides of the back plate portion. The side cover portions are j oined to the front cowl so as to cover inner surfaces on

both sides of the front cowl from an inward direction.
[Effects of the Invention]
[0016]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the stay is formed of a synthetic resin and the meter visor is integrally formed with the stay. This reduces the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required, achieving a cost reduction.
[0017]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the stay main portion of the stay formed of a synthetic resin includes the back plate portion that substantially covers the headlight from the rearward direction. This allows the harness, the meter unit support portion, and the headlight to be hidden. Moreover, the stay is formed of a synthetic resin, which allows the back plate portion to be easily formed. Further, stiffness of the stay main portion can be enhanced by the back plate portion.
[0018]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the stay serves also as a rear cover of the headlight. This promotes further reduction in the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours

required. [0019]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the meter unit and the headlight can be brought compactly together, while achieving a good appearance. [0020]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, running wind entering a space inside the front cowl through a gap between the front cowl and the headlight effectively circulates through the air vent holes in the stay, so that running resistance by the running wind can be reduced. [0021]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the running wind entering the space inside the front cowl through the gap between the front cowl and the headlight can flow through the air vent holes more smoothly and easily, so that the running resistance can be reduced more. [0022]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the harnesses can be hidden behind the front cowl and the stay and routed collectively.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the stay can be positioned correctly relative to the front fork, facilitating centering of the meter unit.
[0024]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the pair of left and right side cover portions included in the stay main portion can cover the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl from the inward direction. This eliminates the need for parts dedicated to covering the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl. Accordingly, a structure having a reduced number of parts used covers the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl from the inward direction for the improved appearance. Moreover, the stay, formed from a synthetic resin, allows the side cover portions to be easily formed.
[Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention]
[0025]
Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026]
Figs. 1 through 10 are views showing a first

embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view showing a front portion of a motorcycle. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a front fork, a stay, a meter unit, a headlight, and a front cowl. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a front view on arrow 4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is a view showing a portion, through which the headlight is pivotally supported on the front cowl, on arrow 9 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a view on arrow 10 of Fig. 8. [0027]
Referring to Fig. 1, the motorcycle includes a head pipe 11 disposed at a front end of a vehicle body frame F. A bottom bridge 13 and a top bridge 14 of a front fork 12 that j ournals a front wheel (not shown) are steerably supported on the head pipe 11. A bar-like steering handlebar 15 is connected to an upper portion of the front fork 12.

Referring also to Figs. 2 through 4, a stay 16 formed of a synthetic resin is mounted onto the bottom bridge 13 and the top bridge 14 of the front fork 12. A meter unit 17 is mounted on an upper portion of the stay 16. A meter visor 16c covering the meter unit 17 from a forward direction is formed integrally with the upper portion of the stay 16. A headlight 18 is disposed forwardly of the stay 16. The headlight 18 is supported by a front cowl 19 that includes an opening 2 0 in a front surface thereof. The headlight 18 faces front through the opening 20. The front cowl 19 is mounted to the stay 16. [0029]
Referring also to Figs. 5 and 6, the stay 16 integrates together a stay main portion 16a, a meter support portion 16b, and the meter visor 16c. The stay main portion 16a is disposed at an upper forward portion of the front fork 12. The stay main portion 16a has a back plate portion 16aa that substantially covers the headlight 18 from a rearward direction and a pair of left and right side cover portions 16ab, 16ab that continue from either side of the back plate portion 16aa. The meter support portion 16b protrudes forwardly from an upper end of the stay main portion 16a. The meter visor 16c protrudes upwardly from an upper end of the meter

support portion 16b. The stay main portion 16a is mounted to the bottom bridge 13 and the top bridge 14 of the front fork 12. [0030]
The bottom bridge 13 has a pair of left and right lower support bosses 21, 21 and a positioning plate 22 disposed forwardly protrudingly on a front surface thereof. The positioning plate 22 is disposed at a central portion between the lower support bosses 21 .. The top bridge 14 has a pair of left and right upper support bosses 23, 23 disposed forwardly protrudingly thereon. The positioning plate 22 has a positioning hole 2 4 made the rein. [0031]
The stay main portion 16a includes a pair of lower mounting plates 25, 25 integrally disposed rearwardly protrudingly on a lower portion thereof. The lower mounting plates 25, 25 abut on front ends of the lower support bosses 21, 21, respectively. The stay main portion 16a further includes a positioning pin 26 integrally formed on the lower portion thereof. The positioning pin 26, which extends downwardly, is to be inserted in the positioning hole 24 from above. In addition, the stay main portion 16a also has a pair of

upper mounting plates 27, 27 disposed on an upper portion thereof. The upper mounting plates 27, 27 abut on front ends of the upper support bosses 23, 23, respectively.
[0032]
Accordingly, with the positioning pin 26 inserted in the positioning hole 24, the lower mounting plates 2 5 .. abutted on the front ends of the lower support bosses 21 .. are fastened to the lower support bosses 21 .., respectively, with threaded members 28, 28, and the upper mounting plates 27 .. abutted on the front ends of the upper support bosses 23 .. are fastened to the upper support bosses 23 .., respectively, with threaded members 29, 29. This results in the stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 being mounted on the bottom bridge 13 and the top bridge 14 of the front fork 12.
[0033]
The meter support portion 16b includes a through hole 30, through which an upper portion of the meter unit 17 is visible. The meter unit 17 has a shoulder portion 31. The shoulder portion 31, which is endlessly continuously formed on an outer periphery of the meter unit 17, abuts on a lower surface of the meter support portion 16b along a circumferential edge of the through hole 3 0. Moreover, the meter support portion 16b also

includes meter support bosses 32, 32 integrally formed thereon and disposed on either side of the meter unit 17. The meter unit 17 has mounting plates 33, 33 disposed protrudingly on either side thereof. The mounting plates 33 .. abut on front ends of the meter support bosses 32 .. Hence, the pair of mounting plates 33 .. abutted on the front ends of the meter support bosses 32 .. is fastened to the meter support bosses 32 .. with threaded members 34, 34. Specifically, the meter unit 17 is mounted to the meter support portion 16b, that is, the upper portion of the stay 16. [0034]
The front cowl 19, formed of a synthetic resin, has an upper portion that overlaps from the forward direction the meter visor 16c included in the stay 16. While having a forwardly protruding transverse cross-sectional shape, the front cowl 19 has an outline substantially identical with the stay 16 in a front view. The front cowl 19 also includes arms 19a, 19a protruding sideways in either direction. The arms 19a .. are disposed on either side of the opening 20. Flashers 37, 37 are disposed on leading ends of the arms 19a .. [0035]
The front cowl 19 is attached to the stay 16 at two

places each at an upper portion, a vertically-intermediate portion, and a lower portion of the front cowl 19. More specifically, the meter visor 16c of the stay 16 includes rearwardly recessed cowl support portions 38, 3 8 as shown in Fig. 5. The cowl support portions 3 8 . . are disposed at two places on either side of the meter visor 16c. The front cowl 19 has mounting protrusions 39, 3 9 integrally formed on the upper portion thereof. The mounting protrusions 39 .. advance into the cowl support portions 3 8 .. from the forward direction. Metal nuts 40 .. are fitted to the mounting protrusions
3 9 . . Threaded members 41 . . are then passed through the cowl support portions 3 8 .. from a rearward direction of the meter visor 16c and threadedly engaged with the nuts
4 0 . . Tightening the threaded members 41 .. allows the upper portion of the front cowl 19 to be attached to the meter visor 16c.
[0036]
Referring also to Fig. 7, the front cowl 19 includes mounting protrusions 42, 42 formed integrally therewith on both sides in the rear at the vertically intermediate portion thereof. The mounting protrusions 42 .. advance into areas downward of both sides of the meter support portion 16b of the stay 16. Nuts 43 *. are

fitted to the mounting protrusions 42 .. Hence, threadedly engaging and tightening threaded members 44 . . , which are passed through the meter support portion 16b from above, allows the vertically intermediate portion of the front cowl 19 to be attached to the meter support portion 16b of the stay 16.
[0037]
Reference is now made to Fig. 5. The stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 includes cowl support portions 45, 45 formed integrally therewith in a protruding condition on both sides at a lower portion thereof. The cowl support portions 45 .. protrude upwardly. Nuts 46, 46 are fitted to the cowl support portions 45 .. Hence, threadedly engaging and tightening threaded members 4 7 . . , which are passed through the lower portion of the front cowl 19 on both sides from the forward direction, allows the lower portion of the front cowl 19 to be attached to the lower portion of the stay main portion 16a in the stay 16.
[0038]
Specifically, the front cowl 19 and the stay 16, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in the front view, are thereby joined together such that the side cover portions 16ab,

16ab of the stay main portion 16a cover both left and right sides of the front cowl 19 from an inward direction. This forms an accommodation chamber 4 8 for accommodating the meter unit 17 and the headlight 18 between the front cowl 19 and the stay 16. [0039]
Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the front cowl 19 includes a pair of left and right headlight support portions 49, 49 integrally formed therewith in a protruding condition on an inner surface thereof upward of the opening 20. The headlight support portions 49 .. protrude rearwardly. Each of the headlight support portions 4 9 .. includes a rectangular support hole 50 made therein. The headlight 18, on the other hand, includes support plates 51, 51 disposed on an upper portion thereof. The support plates 51 .. penetrate through the support holes 50 . . to protrude upwardly. The support plates 51 .. further include through holes 52, 52. In addition, clips 53, 53 are fitted at upper portions of the support plates 51 . . The clips 53 are passed through the through holes 52 .. so as to be in abutment on upper surfaces of the headlight support portions 4 9 .. Each of the clips 53 .. includes a curved portion 53a that protrudes upwardly, into which an upper end of the

support plate 51 is fitted. [0040]
Referring also to Fig. 10, the headlight 18 is supported in the front cowl 19 so as to be swingable about pivots that are formed at portions of abutment between the upper ends of the support plates 51 .. and the curved portions 53a .. of the clips 53 . . The front cowl 19 includes a sliding surface 56 formed on an inner surface at the lower portion thereof. The sliding surface
56 follows along an arcuate line having a radius R about the aforementioned pivot, over which a protrusion 54 formed in a protruding condition on a lower portion of the headlight 18 can slide. A nut 55 is embedded in the protrusion 54. The front cowl 19 further includes a slot
57 extending longitudinally formed in the lower portion thereof. A bolt 58, which is passed through the slot 57 from a downward direction of the front cowl 19, is threadedly engaged with the nut 55.
[0041]
Accordingly, by loosening the bolt 58, the headlight 18 can swing about the pivots that are formed at the portions of abutment between the upper ends of the support plates 51 .. and the curved portions 53a .. of the clips 53 .. Tightening the bolt 58, on the other hand,

secures the headlight 18 in position. Aiming adjustment of the headlight 18 can thereby be made. [0042]
Referring to Figs. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the stay main portion 16a in the stay 16 includes a large plurality of air vent holes 59, 59 .. disposed in a grid pattern. Moreover, each of the air vent holes 59, 59 .. is disposed in the stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 such that each falls within an area that substantially overlaps the headlight 18 in a front view. [0043]
In addition, the stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 includes a pair of harness insertion holes 60, 61. Such harnesses, for example, as a harness 63 extended from the headlight 18 and harnesses 64, 64 extended from the flashers 3 7 .. are passed through one 6 0 of the pair of harness insertion holes 60, 61. A harness 62 extended from the meter unit 17 may, for example, be passed through the other 61 of the pair of harness insertion holes 60, 61. [0044]
Effects of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The meter unit 17 is mounted in the stay 16 formed of a synthetic resin.

Further, the meter visor 16c is integrally formed to cover the meter unit 17 from the forward direction. Consequently, the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required can be minimized to achieve a cost reduction. [0045]
The stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 includes the back plate portion 16aa that substantially covers the headlight 18 from the rearward direction. The harnesses 62, 63, 64 .., the support portion of the meter unit 17, and the headlight 18 can therefore be hidden. Moreover, the back plate portion 16aa can be easily formed and promote increased stiffness of the stay main portion 16a. Further, the pair of left and right side cover portions 16ab, 16ab included in the stay main portion 16a can cover the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 19 from the inward direction. This eliminates the need for parts dedicated to covering the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 19. Accordingly, a structure having a reduced number of parts used covers the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 19 from the inward direction for the improved appearance. Moreover, the stay 16, formed from a synthetic resin, allows the side cover portions 16ab .. to be easily formed.

The headlight 18 disposed forwardly of the stay 16 is swingably supported by the front cowl 19 that covers the headlight 18. The front cowl 19, in turn, is mounted to the stay 16. Accordingly, the stay 16 serves also as a rear cover of the headlight 18. This promotes further reduction in the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required.
[0047]
The front cowl 19 and the stay 16, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in the front view, are joined together so as to form therebetween the accommodation chamber 4 8 for accommodating a part of the meter unit 17 and the headlight 18. The meter unit 17 and the headlight 18 can thereby be brought compactly together, while achieving a good appearance.
[0048]
The stay 16 includes the large plurality of air vent holes 59, 59 .. Running wind entering a space inside the front cowl 19 through a gap between the front cowl 19 and the headlight 18 effectively circulates through the air vent holes 59, 59 .. in the stay 16, so that running resistance by the running wind can be reduced. Moreover,

each of the air vent holes 59, 59 .. is disposed in the stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 such that each falls within the area that substantially overlaps the headlight 18 in the front view. This allows the running wind entering the space inside the front cowl 19 through the gap between the front cowl 19 and the headlight 18 to flow through the air vent holes 59, 59 .. more smoothly and easily, so that the running resistance can be reduced more. [0049]
The stay main portion 16a of the stay 16 also includes the harness insertion holes 60, 61, through which the harnesses 62, 63, 64 .. can be passed. The harnesses 62, 63, 64 .. can thereby be hidden behind the front cowl 19 and the stay 16 and routed collectively. [0050]
The positioning pin 26 formed on the lower portion of the stay main portion 16a in the stay 16 is inserted in the positioning hole 24 disposed in the bottom bridge 13 of the front fork 12. This ensures that the stay 16 is positioned correctly relative to the front fork 12, facilitating centering of the meter unit 17. [0051]
Figs. 11 through 18 are views showing a second

embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a front fork, a stay, a meter unit, a headlight, and a front cowl. Fig. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the stay, the meter unit, the headlight, and the front cowl, taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 13. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 13. Fig. 17 is a view on arrow 17 of Fig. 11, showing a harness guide member in a condition before its being folded. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 17. [0052]
Referring first to Figs. 11 through 13, a stay 76 formed from a synthetic resin is mounted to a bottom bridge 73 and a top bridge 74 included in a front fork 72. A meter unit 77 is mounted at an upper portion of the stay 76. Further, a headlight 18 is disposed forwardly of the stay 76. The headlight 18 is supported by a front cowl 79 that includes an opening 80 disposed at a front thereof, through which the headlight 18 faces front. The front cowl 79 is mounted to the stay 76.

The stay 76 integrates a stay mam portion /oa. anu a meter support portion 76b. The stay main portion 76a, disposed at an upper forward portion of the front fork 72, includes a back plate portion 76aa and a pair of left and right side cover portions 76ab, 76ab. Specifically, the back plate portion 76aa substantially covers the headlight 18 from the rearward direction. The side cover portions 76ab, 76ab extend rearwardly from either side of the back plate portion 76aa. The meter support portion 76b protrudes upwardly toward the front from an upper end of the stay main portion 76a. The stay main portion 76a is mounted to the bottom bridge 73 and the top bridge 74 of the front fork 72.
[0054]
The bottom bridge 73 includes a pair of left and right lower support bosses 81, 81 disposed on a front surface thereof so as to protrude forwardly. Further, the top bridge 74 includes a pair of left and right upper support bosses 82, 82 disposed on a front surface thereof so as to protrude forwardly.
[0055]
The stay main portion 76a includes a pair of lower mounting plates 83, 83 integrally disposed downwardly

protrudingly on a lower portion thereof. The lower mounting plates 83, 83 abut on front ends of the lower support bosses 81, 81, respectively. Two locations on an upper portion of the back plate portion 76aa in the stay main portion 76a abut on front ends of the pair of left and right upper support bosses 82 .., respectively. [0056]
The lower mounting plates 83 .. abutted on the front ends of the lower support bosses 81 .. are then fastened to the lower support bosses 81 .. with bolts 84, 84. The back plate portion 76aa abutted on the front ends of the upper support bosses 82 .. are fastened to the upper support bosses 82 .. with bolts 85, 85. As a result, the stay main portion 76a of the stay 76 is mounted to the bottom bridge 73 and the top bridge 74 of the front fork 72. [0057]
The meter unit 77 includes a speedometer 86 and a fuel gauge 87. The meter support portion 76b includes a pair of through holes 88, 89, through which the speedometer 86 and the fuel gauge 87 in the meter unit 77 face. The meter unit 77 has a flange 90 on an outer periphery thereof. The flange 90 is endlessly continuously formed so as to oppose a lower surface of

the meter support portion 76b at peripheral edges of the through holes 88, 89. The meter support portion 76b further includes meter support bosses 91, 91 integrated therewith. The meter support bosses 91 .. are disposed on left and right sides of the meter unit 77. The back plate portion 76aa further includes a meter support boss 92 integrated therewith. The meter support boss 92 is disposed downwardly of the meter unit 77 at a position corresponding to a middle point between the through holes 88, 89. The flange 90 of the meter unit 77 includes mounting plate portions 93 .., 94 disposed so as to protrude sideways. The mounting plate portions 93 .., 94 abut on front ends of the meter support bosses 91 .., 92. The mounting plate portions 93 .., 94 abutted on the front ends of the meter support bosses 91 .., 92 are then fastened to the meter support bosses 91 .., 92 with threaded members 95 .., 96. Specifically, the meter unit 77 is mounted to the upper portion of the stay 76 so as to be supported by the meter support portion 76b and the back plate portion 76aa. [0058]
The front cowl 79 is formed of a synthetic resin. While having a forwardly protruding transverse cross-sectional shape, the front cowl 79 has an outline

substantially identical with the stay 76 in a front view. The front cowl 79 also includes arms 79a, 79a protruding sideways in either direction. The arms 79a .. are disposed on either side of the opening 80. Flashers 97, 97 are disposed on leading ends of the arms 79a .. [0059]
The front cowl 79 is attached to the stay 76 at one place on an upper portion thereof, and at two places each at a vertically intermediate portion and a lower portion thereof. Specifically, the meter support portion 76b in the stay 76 includes a cowl support portion 98 disposed at an upper portion at the center in the crosswise direction. The cowl support portion 9 8 protrudes forwardly. The front cowl 79, on the other hand, includes a mounting protrusion 99 integrally formed therewith at an upper portion thereof. The mounting protrusion 99 opposes the cowl support portion 98 from the front direction. A metal nut 100 is mounted on the mounting protrusion 99. A threaded member 101 passed through the cowl support portion 98 from a rearward direction of the cowl support portion 98 is then screwed into the nut 100. The upper portion of the front cowl 79 is attached to the meter support portion 76b by tightening the threaded member 101.

Referring also to Fig. 14, the front cowl 79 further includes temporary fixing plate portions 103, 103 integrally formed therewith. The temporary fixing plate portions 103, 103 oppose from the outside support plate portions 102, 102 extending in the fore-aft direction. The support plate portions 102, 102 are integrally formed with the side cover portions 76ab .. on both sides of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76. The support plate portions 102, 102 further include fitting holes 104, 104 formed therein. The temporary fixing plate portions 103 .. include fitting protrusions 105, 105 integrally formed therewith in a protruding condition. The fitting protrusions 105, 105 snap resiliently into the fitting holes 104, 104. When the front cowl 79 is to be mounted to the stay 76, the front cowl 79 can be temporarily fixed to the stay 76 by snapping the fitting protrusions 105 .. resiliently into the fitting holes 104 .. This facilitates mounting of the front cowl 79 to the stay 76. [0061]
Referring also to Fig. 15, the front cowl 79 further includes mounting plate portions 106, 106 integrally formed therewith in a protruding condition. Located on both sides at the vertically intermediate

portion of the front cowl 79, the mounting plate portions 106 .. have a substantially L-shaped transverse section protruding rearwardly. Metal nuts 107 .. are mounted to the mounting plate portions 106 .. The side cover portions 76ab .. on both sides of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 include support portions 108, 108 formed thereon on both sides at a vertically intermediate portion. The support portions 108 .. oppose the mounting plate portions 106 .. Threaded members 109, 109 passed through the support portions 108 .. from a rearward side of the stay 76 are screwed into the nuts 107 .. Then, tightening the bolts 109 .. results in the both sides of the vertically intermediate portion of the front cowl 79 being attached to the both sides of the vertically intermediate portion of the side cover portions 76ab .. on both sides of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76.
[0062]
Referring also to Fig. 16, the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 further includes cowl support portions 110, 110 integrally formed therewith on both side at a lower portion thereof. The cowl support portions 110, 110 are of a tubular shape protruding forwardly. Metal nuts 111 .. are fitted on lower portions at leading ends of the cowl support portions 110 .. The front cowl 79, on

the other hand, includes flat mounting portions 112 .. formed at the lower portion thereof. The mounting portions 112 .. abut on the nuts 111 .. from the downward direction. Threaded members 113 .. passed through the mounting portions 112 .. from the downward direction are screwed into the nuts 111 . . Tightening the threaded members 113 .. then results in the both sides of the lower portion of the front cowl 79 being attached to the both sides on the lower portion of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76. [0063]
Specifically, the front cowl 79 and the stay 76, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in the front view, are thereby joined together such that the side cover portions 76ab, 76ab of the stay main portion 76a cover both left and right sides of the front cowl 79 from an inward direction. This forms an accommodation chamber 114 for accommodating part of the meter unit 77 and the headlight 18 between the front cowl 79 and the stay 76. [0064]
In the same manner as in the first embodiment of the present invention, the headlight 18 is swingably supported so as to permit aiming adjustments on an inner

surface of the front cowl 79 at a position upward of the opening 80.
[0065]
The back plate portion 76aa of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 includes a large plurality of air vent holes 115, 115 .. disposed in a grid pattern. Moreover, each of the air vent holes 115, 115 .. is disposed in the back plate portion 76aa of the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 such that each falls within an area that substantially overlaps the headlight 18 in a front view.
[0066]
In addition, the stay main portion 76a of the stay 76 includes a pair of harness insertion holes 116, 117. Such harnesses, for example, as a harness 63 extended from the headlight 18 and harnesses 118, 118 extended from the flashers 97 .. are passed through one 116 of the pair of harness insertion holes 116, 117. A harness 119 extended from the meter unit 77 may, for example, be passed through the other one 117 of the pair of harness insertion holes 116, 117.
[0067]
The harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 passed through the harness insertion holes 116, 117 are supported by a

harness guide member 120 formed of a synthetic resin and fastened to a lower surface of the bottom bridge 73 in the front fork 72. [0068]
Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, the harness guide member 120 includes a first holding plate 120a, a second holding plate 120b, a hinge 120c, a pair of side plates 120d, 120d, and engagement pins 120e, 120e, all integrated therewith. Specifically, the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 can be held in position between the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b. The hinge 120c connects the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b. The side plates 120d, 120d are connected to the first holding plate 120a. The engagement pins 120e, 120e protrude sideways from the side plates 120d, 120d. [0069]
The hinge 120c disposed between the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b is formed by thinning an area between the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b so that the first holding plate 120a and the second holding plate 120b can be switched between a straight line open position as shown in Figs. 17 and 18 and a folded position, in which the

second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a as shown by a chain line in Fig. 18. [0070]
The first holding plate 120a includes a recess 121 formed integrated therewith at a central portion thereof in the longitudinal direction. The harnesses 63, 118 . ., 119 are accommodated in the recess 121. The second holding plate 120b includes a holding portion 122 integrated therewith at a central portion thereof in the longitudinal direction. The holding portion 122, being substantially circular in shape, holds the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 lengthily along the longitudinal direction thereof. [0071]
The first holding plate 120a includes a rectangular insertion hole 123 formed on the end thereof adjacent to the hinge 120c. The second holding plate 120b includes a rectangular insertion hole 124 formed on the end thereof adjacent to the hinge 120c. The insertion hole 124 is continuous with the insertion hole 123 when the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a. In addition, the first holding plate 120a includes a circular insertion hole 125 formed on the end thereof remote from the hinge 120c. The second holding plate 120b

includes an oblong insertion hole 126 formed on the end thereof remote from the hinge 120c. The insertion hole 126 is continuous with the insertion hole 125 when the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a. [0072]
The side plates 120d .. are provided in a connected row arrangement with the first holding plate 120a so as to be fitted between the pair of lower mounting plates 83, 83 protruded downwardly from the stay main portion 76a in the stay 76. The engagement pins 120e .. are passed through and engaged with lock holes 127, 127 formed in the lower mounting plates 83 . . [0073]
The harness guide member 120 is held in position by the stay 76 when the two side plates 120d .. are fitted between the two lower mounting plates 83 .. by letting the engagement pins 12Oe .. pass through and engage the lock holes 127 .. before the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a. After the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 are passed through the harness insertion holes 116, 117 in the stay 76, the second holding plate 120b is folded over the first holding plate 120a so that the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 are sandwiched

between the second holding plate 120b and the first holding plate 120a. In the condition of the second holding plate 12 0b being folded over the side of the first holding plate 120a, bolts 128, 128 are passed through the insertion holes 123, 124 continuous on the end of the first and second holding plates 120a, 120b adjacent to the hinge 120c and the insertion holes 125, 12 6 continuous on the end of the first and second holding plates 120a, 120b remote from the hinge 120c, respectively. The bolts 128 . . are then screwed and tightened into threaded holes 129, 129 formed in the bottom bridge 73. This results in the harness guide member 12 0, which has been folded down with the harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 held therein being fastened to the bottom bridge 73, [0074]
Effects of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 formed of a synthetic resin has the back plate portion 76aa for substantially covering the headlight 18 from the rearward direction. The harnesses 63, 118 .., 119, the support portion of the meter unit 77, and the headlight 18 can therefore be hidden. Moreover, the back plate portion 76aa can be easily formed and

promote increased stiffness of the stay main portion 76a. Further, the pair of left and right side cover portions 76ab .. included in the stay main portion 76a can cover the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 79 from the inward direction. This eliminates the need for parts dedicated to covering the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 79. Accordingly, a structure having a reduced number of parts used covers the inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl 79 from the inward direction for the improved appearance. Moreover, the stay 76, formed from a synthetic resin, allows the side cover portions 76ab .. to be easily formed.
[0075]
The headlight 18 disposed forwardly of the stay 76 is swingably supported by the front cowl 79 that covers the headlight 18. The front cowl 79, in turn, is mounted to the stay 76. Accordingly, the stay 76 serves also as a rear cover of the headlight 18. This promotes further reduction in the number of parts used and the number of assembly man-hours required.
[0076]
The front cowl 79 and the stay 76, each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in the front view, are joined together so as

to form therebetween the accommodation chamber 114 for accommodating part of the meter unit 77 and the headlight 18. The meter unit 77 and the headlight 18 can thereby be brought compactly together, while achieving a good appearance.
[0077]
The stay 76 includes the large plurality of air vent holes 115, 115 .. Running wind entering a space inside the front cowl 79 through a gap between the front cowl 79 and the headlight 18 effectively circulates through the air vent holes 115, 115 .. in the stay 76, so that running resistance by the running wind can be reduced. Moreover, each of the air vent holes 115, 115 .. is disposed in the stay main portion 76a of the stay 76 such that each falls within the area that substantially overlaps the headlight 18 in the front view. This allows the running wind entering the space inside the front cowl 7 9 through the gap between the front cowl 79 and the headlight 18 to flow through the air vent holes 115, 115 .. more smoothly and easily, so that the running resistance can be reduced more.
[0078]
The stay main portion 76a in the stay 76 also includes the harness insertion holes 116, 117, through

which the harnesses 63, 118 . ., 119 can be passed. The
harnesses 63, 118 .., 119 can thereby be hidden behind
the front cowl 79 and the stay 76 and routed collectively.
[0079]
While the present invention has been particularly described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[Brief Description of the Drawings]
[0080]
[Fig. 1]
Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view showing a front portion of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 2]
Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a front fork, a stay, a meter unit, a headlight, and a front cowl.
[Fig. 3]
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1.
[Fig. 4]

Fig. 4 is a front view on arrow 4 of Fig. 1. [Fig. 5]
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3. [Fig. 6]
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3. [Fig. 7]
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 3. [Fig. 8]
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 4. [Fig. 9]
Fig. 9 is a view showing a portion, through which the headlight is pivotally supported on the front cowl, on arrow 9 of Fig. 8. [Fig. 10]
Fig. 10 is a view on arrow 10 of Fig. 8. [Fig. 11]
Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a front fork, a stay, a meter unit, a headlight, and a front cowl according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 12]
Fig. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the stay, the meter unit, the headlight, and the front cowl, taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 13. [Fig. 13]
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 12. [Fig. 14]
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13. [Fig. 15]
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 13. [Fig. 16]
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 13. [Fig. 17]
Fig. 17 is a view on arrow 17 of Fig. 11, showing a harness guide member in a condition before its being folded. [Fig. 18]
Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 17. [Description of Reference Symbols]

11: Head Pipe
12, 72: Front Fork
13: Bottom Bridge
16, 76: Stay
16a, 76a: Stay main portion 16aa, 76aa: Back plate portion 16ab, 76ab: Side cover portion 16b, 76b: Meter support portion 16c: Meter Visor
17, 77: Meter Unit
18: Headlight
19, 79: Front Cowl
20, 80: Opening
24: Positioning Hole
26: Positioning Pin
48, 114: Accommodation Chamber
59, 115: Air Vent Hole
60, 61, 116, 117: Harness Insertion Hole 62, 63, 64, 118, 119: Harness
F: Vehicle Body Frame

[Name of Document] Claims
[Claim 1]
A meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, the support structure including a stay (16) for supporting a meter unit (17) mounted on a front fork (12) steerably supported by a head pipe (11) at a front end of a vehicle body frame (F) , the stay (16), of a synthetic resin, being integrally formed with a meter visor (16c) for covering the meter unit (17) from a forward direction.
[Claim 2]
A meter support structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, the support structure including a stay (16, 76) for supporting a meter unit (17, 77) mounted on a front fork (12, 72) steerably supported by a head pipe (11) at a front end of a vehicle body frame (F), the stay (16, 76), of a synthetic resin, including a stay main portion
(16a, 76a) supported on the front fork (12, 72), the stay main portion (16a, 76a) having a back plate portion (16aa, 76aa) for substantially covering a headlight (18) from a rearward direction, and a meter support portion (16b, 76b) integrally continuing into the stay main portion
(16a, 76a) for supporting the meter unit (17, 77).
[Claim 3]
The meter support structure according to claim 1 or

wherein a headlight (18) disposed forwardly of the stay (16, 76) is supported by a front cowl (19, 79) having an opening (20, 80), through which the headlight (18) faces front, and covering the headlight (18) ; and
wherein the front cowl (19, 79) is disposed on the stay (16, 76) . [Claim 4]
The meter support structure according to claim 3,
wherein the front cowl (19, 79) and the stay (16, 76), each being formed to have an outline substantially identical with each other in a front view, are joined together so as to form therebetween an accommodation chamber (48, 114) for accommodating a part of the meter unit (17, 77) and the headlight (18). [Claim 5]
The meter support structure according to claim 3 or
4,
wherein the stay (16, 76) includes an air vent hole
(59, 115).
[Claim 6]
The meter support structure according to claim 5, wherein the air vent hole (59, 115) is disposed in
the stay (16, 76) so as to fall within an area that

substantially overlaps the headlight (18) in a front view, [Claim 7]
The meter support structure according to claim 3,
wherein the stay (16, 76) includes harness insertion holes (60, 61/116, 117), through which harnesses (62, 63, 64; 63, 118, 119) are to be passed. [Claim 8]
The meter support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein a positioning pin (26) disposed on a lower portion of the stay (16) is inserted in a positioning hole (24) disposed in a bottom bridge (13) of the front fork (12). [Claim 9]
The meter support structure according to claim 3 or 4,
wherein the stay main portion (16a, 76a) includes a pair of left and right side cover portions (16ab, 76ab) provided in a connected row arrangement with both sides of the back plate portion (16aa, 76aa); and
wherein the side cover portions (16ab, 76ab) are joined to the front cowl (19, 79) so as to cover inner surfaces on both sides of the front cowl (19, 79) from an

Documents:

2123-che-2007 form-3 21-06-2011.pdf

2123-CHE-2007 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 21-06-2011.pdf

2123-CHE-2007 AMENDED CLAIMS 21-06-2011.pdf

2123-CHE-2007 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED 21-06-2011.pdf

2123-CHE-2007 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 21-06-2011.pdf

2123-che-2007-abstract.pdf

2123-che-2007-claims.pdf

2123-che-2007-correspondnece-others.pdf

2123-che-2007-description(complete).pdf

2123-che-2007-drawings.pdf

2123-che-2007-form 1.pdf

2123-che-2007-form 18.pdf

2123-che-2007-form 26.pdf

2123-che-2007-form 3.pdf

2123-che-2007-form 5.pdf

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Patent Number

250087

Indian Patent Application Number

2123/CHE/2007

PG Journal Number

49/2011

Publication Date

09-Dec-2011

Grant Date

05-Dec-2011

Date of Filing

20-Sep-2007

Name of Patentee

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

Applicant Address

1-1, MINAMI-AOYAMA 2-CHOME MINATO-KU TOKYO 107-8556

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	YOKURA, YASUFUMI	C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193

PCT International Classification Number

B65K35/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2006-259596	2006-09-25	Japan
2	2007-206967	2007-08-08	Japan