Indian Patents. 254847:STRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE

Title of Invention	STRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE
Abstract	In a motorcycle 100A, a front end 165e of a fuel tank 165A is positioned forwardly of a steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A.

Full Text	GTRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field or the invention The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle including at least a pair of forks for suspending a wheel, and a steering shaft disposed above the upper ends of the forks and supported by a body frame such that the wheel is steerable. 2. Description of the Related Art In the structure of conventional straddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles, a pair of forks for suspending a wheel (in many cases, a front wheel) have been widely employed. In general, such a pair of forks are fixed by a top bridge for coupling the upper ends of the elongated cylindrical forks, and an under bracket for coupling intermediate portions of the forks that is disposed below the top bridge. Between the top bridge and the under bracket is disposed a cylindrical steering shaft that is supported by a head pipe of a body frame such that the front wheel is steerable. Another structure is also widely employed, such as in scooters, in which the forks do not extend to the top 1 bridge and the upper ends of the forks are coupled to each other by the under bracket. Such structure is intended to reduce vehicle weight and secure a space around the forks. In regard to the structure in which the upper ends of the forks are coupled to each other by the under bracket, a method is known to enhance the rigidity of a wheel suspension device, which is made up of the forks, the under bracket and so forth, by bending a metal plate into a rectangular shape to form an under bracket (see JP-B-2850240 (Pages 3 to 4 and FIGs. 2 to 3), for example). In the above-mentioned conventional method of bending a metal plate into a rectangular shape to form an under bracket, however, there is still room for improvement to further enhance the rigidity of the wheel suspension device. The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing circumstances, and therefore has an object to provide a straddle-type vehicle in which the rigidity of a wheel suspension device can be enhanced and a space can be secured around forks. 2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To solve the problem described above, the present invention is characterized as follows. A first characteristic of the present invention provides a straddle-type vehicle (motorcycle 100A) including: a body frame (body frame 120) ; a pair of forks (under bracket 139A and front forks 141L and 141R) for suspending a wheel (front wheel 150); a steering shaft (steering shaft 133A) coupled to the forks at its lower end and supported by the body frame such that the wheel is steerable; an engine (engine 160) mounted on the body frame; and a fuel tank (fuel tank 165A) for storing, fuel to be supplied to the engine, in which a front end (front end 165e) of the fuel tank is positioned forwardly of the steering shaft as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle. A second characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1, in which: the body frame has a head pipe part (head pipe 120hp) for rotatably supporting the steering shaft; and the head pipe part is covered by the fuel tank as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle. A third characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1, further including: a headlight part (headlight 210) for 3 casting light forward, in which the headlight part is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank. A fourth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim l, further including: a front cowl (front cowl 200) disposed forwardly of the steering shaft, in which the front cowl is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank. A fifth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 4, further including a front cowl (front cowl 200) for covering the headlight part from a side, in which the front cowl is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank. A sixth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 3, in which the fuel tank includes a mount part (cowl mount parts 165a and 165b) formed at the front end for attachment of the headlight part. A seventh characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1, further including; a battery (battery 185), in which the battery is disposed close to the steering shaft. An eighth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1, further including: an air cleaner (air cleaner 162) connected to the engine, in which at least a part of the 4 air cleaner is disposed above an upper end (upper end 160te) of the engine in a vertical direction of the vehicle. A ninth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 8, further including: a seat (seat 180A) for an operator to sit on, in which; the seat is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank with a predetermined gap (gap where an upper cleaner chamber 162b is disposed); the engine is disposed below the fuel tank; and the air cleaner extends to the predetermined gap. A tenth characteristic of ' the present invention provides the straddle type vehicle according to Claim 2, in which: the body frame has a down tube (down tube 12Od) extending downward from the head pipe part; and the straddle-type.Vehicle further includes a fuel tank support part (support stays 121L and 121R) for coupling the down tube and the fuel tank to support the fuel tank. An eleventh characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 7, further including: a bridge part (under bracket 139A) for coupling the pair of left and right forks (front forks 141L and 141R), in which: the steering shaft is provided to extend upright from the bridge part; and the battery is disposed at a side of the steering shaft. 5 A twelfth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 11, in which the battery is disposed between the steering shaft and the front end of the fuel tank. According to the characteristics of the present invention, a straddle-type vehicle can be provided in which the rigidity of a wheel suspension device can be enhanced and a space can be secured around forks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the motorcycle according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a front view of the motorcycle according to the first embodiment ; FIG. 4 is a left side view of a wheel suspension device and (a part of) a body frame according to the first embodiment FIG. 5 shows a plan view and a front view of the wheel suspension device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a left side view of the wheel suspension device and a part of the body frame according to the first embodiment; 6 FIG. 7 is an exploded plan view of the wheel suspension achive and a part of the body frame according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a left side view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a left side view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a left side view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 11 shows a plan view and a front view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 12 shows a plan view and a front view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 14 is a plan view of the motorcycle according to the modified sample of the first embodiment; FIG. 15 is a front view of the motorcycle according to the modified example of the first embodiment; 7 FIG. 16 is a right side view of a motorcycle according to a second embodiment; FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged plan view of the motorcycle according to the second embodiment; FIG. 18 is a right side view of a wheel suspension device and (a part of) a body frame according to the second embodiment; FIG. 19 is a right side view of a motorcycle according to a third embodiment; FIG, 20 is a right side view of a wheel suspension device and a part of a body frame according to the third embodiment; FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged side view of the vicinity of a head pipe according to the third embodiment; and FIG. 22 is a partial exploded perspective view of the head pipe and the vicinity thereof according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] Now,description will be made of a first embodiment of a straddle-type vehicle according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or 8 similar parts are given identical or similar reference numerals or symbols It should be noted, however, that the drawings are only schematic and may be different from the actual parts in regard to, for example, dimensional proportion. Thus, the specific dimensions or the like shall be established while taking account of the following explanation.It should also be understood that some differences may exist in relative dimensions and proportions between the drawings. (Overall structure of straddle-type vehicle) First, the overall structure of a motorcycle 10 as a straddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGs. 1 to 3. FIGs. 1 to 3 are a left side view, a plan view and a front view, respectively, of the motorcycle 10. The motorcycle 10 has a front wheel 50 and a rear wheel 70, and uses an engine 60 as a power source to drive the rear wheel 70. A body frame 20 forms the framework of the motorcycle 10. The engine 60 and so forth are attached to the body frame 20. The body frame 20 includes a head pipe 20hp. The head pipe 20hp supports a front wheel suspension device ES1(not shown in FIGs. 1 to 3; see FIGs. 4 (a), 9 4(b) and 5) so as to be swingable by means of handlebars 31. The front wheel suspension device FS1 is made up of a top bridge 32, a steering shaft 33, a reinforcement shaft 34, an under bracket 39 and front forks 40L and 40R. A radiator 61 cools the engine 60 using coolant. In the motorcycle 10, the position of the radiator 61 is characteristic. Specifically, at least a part of the radiator 61 is disposed at a side of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp). An electric fan (not shown) for supplying cooling air to the radiator of is disposed below the radiator 61. (Structure of wheel suspension device) Now, the structure of the wheel suspension device provided in the motorcycle 10, specifically the front wheel suspension device FS1 for suspending the front wheel 50, will be described with reference to FIGs. 4 (a) and 5. FIG, 4 (a) is a left side view of the front wheel suspension device FS1. FIG. 4 (b) is a left side view of a part of the body frame 20 including the head pipe 20hp. FIG. 5 shows a plan view and a front view of the front wheel suspension device FS1. As mentioned earlier, the front wheel suspension device FSI is made up of a top bridge 32, a steering 10 shaft 33, a reinforcement shaft 34, an under bracket 39 and front forks 40L and 40R. The top bridge 32 is coupled to an upper end 33e of the steering shaft 33. The top bridge 32 couples the reinforcement shaft 34 to the steering shaft 33. The steering shaft 33 is supported by the body frame 20, specifically the head pipe 20hp, such that the front wheel 50 is steerable. The steering shaft 33 is disposed above upper ends 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R. That is, in the motorcycle 10, the front forks 40L and 40R do not intend to the top bridge 32 and the upper ends 40e thereof are coupled to the under bracket 39, Also, a lower end 33f of the steering shaft 33 is coupled to the upper enab 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R. The reinforcement shaft 34 (reinforcement column) is provided to ensure and improve the rigidity of the front wheel suspension device FS1. The reinforcement shaft 34 is disposed rearwardly of the steering shaft 33 as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 10. The reinforcement shaft 34 has a generally columnar shape. The steering shaft 33 is coupled to the top bridge 32 using a nut 33n. Likewise, the reinforcement shaft 34 is coupled to the top bridge 32 using a nut 34n. The under bracket 39 is coupled to the upper ends 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R. The steering shaft 11 33 and the reinforcement shaft 34 are screwed into a female thread (not shown) formed in the under bracket 39. That is, the top bridge 32 (reinforcement column coupling part) couples the reinforcement shaft 34 and the steering shaft 33 (wheel suspension device). More specifically, in the front wheel suspension device FSl, the reinforcement shaft 34 is coupled to the steering shaft 33 by the top bridge 32 and to the front forks 4 0L and 40R by the under bracket 39. The front forks 40L and 40R are disposed on the left and right sides of the front wheel 50 to suspend the front wheel 50. The front forks 40L and 40R have an outer tube 40out and an inner tube 40in telescopically received in the outer tube 40out. The front forks 40L and 40R move (linearly) the front wheel 50 vertically (practically, in directions at a predetermined caster angle) according to changes in road conditions to absorb shock received by the front wheel 50. In the front wheel suspension device FSl, the front forks 40L and 40R are upright forks in which the outer tube 40out is disposed below the inner tube 40in. (Mounting state of wheel suspension device) Now, the mounting state of the wheel suspension device provided in the motorcycle 10, specifically the 12 front wheel suspension device FS1, will be described with reference to FIGs. 6 and 7. FIG, 6 is a left side view of the front wheel suspension device FS1 and a part of the body frame 20. FIG. 7 is an exploded plan view of the front wheel suspension device FS1 and a part of the body frame 20. As shown in FIGs. 6 and 7, the steering shaft 33 is inserted through a pipe hole 20a formed in the head pipe 20hp, The top bridge 32 is coupled to the upper end 33e of the steerinq shaft 33 and an upper end 34e of the reinforcement shaft 34. A steering shaft hole 32b and a reinforcement shaft hole 32c are formed in the top bridge 32. The steering shaft 33, which has been inserted through the head pipe 20hp and the steering shaft hole 32b, is then coupled to the top bridge 32 using the nut 33n. The reinforcement shaft 34, which has been inserted through the reinforcement shaft hole 32c, is then coupled to the top bridge 32 using the nut 34n. (Modified examples of wheel suspension device) Now, description will be made of modified examples of the wheel suspension device provided in the motorcycle 10 described above, specifically modified examples of the front wheel suspension device FS1. 13 Specifically, modified examples 1-1 to 1-3 illustrate a modified example of how the reinforcement shaft is coupled to the front forks 40L and 40R and the steering shaft. Modified examples 2-1 and 2-2 illustrate a modified example of the position where the reinforcement shaft is disposed. (1) Modified example 1-1 FIG. 8 is a left side view of a front wheel suspension device FS2 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FSl. In the following description, different parts than the front wheel suspension device FSl will be mainly focused and similar parts may not be mentioned appropriately. In the front wheel suspension device FSl, the reinforcement shaft 34 is coupled to the front fork 40L (4OR) and the steering shaft 33 by the top bridge 32 and the under bracket 39. In the front wheel suspension device FS2, the reinforcement shaft 34A is coupled to the steering shaft 32 by the top bridge 32 (reinforcement column coupling part) and to the front fork 40L (40R) by a reinforcement bracket 35. The reinforcement bracket 35 (fork-sioe reinforcement bracket) is coupled to the front fork 40L (40R), specifically the inner tube 40in, at a position 14 below the under bracket 39A. The reinforcement bracket 35 and the inner tube 40in are coupled to each other by a nut (not shown)or by a male thread and a female thread (not shown), The under bracket 39A is coupled to the upper end 40e of the front fork 40L 140R), Compared to the under bracket 39 (see FIG. 4), the under bracket 39A is coupled to the steering shaft 33, but not to the reinforcement shaft 34A. (2) Modified example 1-2 FIG. 9 is a left side view of a front wheel suspension device FS3 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FS1. In the front wheel suspension device FS3, the reinforcement shaft 34B is coupled to the steering shaft 33A by a reinforcement bracket 36 and to the front fork 40L (40R) by the under bracket 39. The reinforcement bracket 36 (steering shaft-side reinforcement bracket) is coupled to the steering shaft 33A at a position below the top bridge 32A. The reinforcement bracket 36 and the steering shaft 33A are coupled to each other by a nut (not shown) or by a male thread and a female thread (not shown]. 15 The top bridge 32A is coupled to. the upper end 33Ae of the steering shaft 33A. Compared to the top bridge 32 (see FIG. 4), the top bridge 32A is coupled to the steering shaft 33A, but not to the reinforcement shaft 34A. (3) Modified example 1-3 FIG. 10 is a left side view of a front wheel suspension device FS4 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FS1, In the front wheel suspension device FS4, the reinforcement shaft 34C is coupled to the steering shaft 33A by the reinforcement bracket 36 and to the front fork 40L (40R) by the reinforcement bracket 35. The reinforcement bracket 35 (fork-side reinforcement bracket) is coupled to the front fork 40L (40R), specifically the inner tube 40in, at a position below the under bracket 39A. The reinforcement bracket 36 (steering shaft-side reinforcement bracket) is coupled to the steering shaft 33A at a position below the top bridge 32A. The top bridge 32A is coupled to the upper end 33Ae of the steering shaft 33A. The top bridge 32A is coupled to the steering shaft 33A, but not to the reinforcement shaft 34C. 16 The under bracket JSSA is coupled to the upper end 40e of the front fork 40L (40R). The under bracket 39A is coupled to the steering shaft 33A, but not to the reinforcement shaft 34C. (4) Modified example 2-1 Now, description will be made of still other modified examples which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FS1. Modified examples 2-1 and 2-2 illustrate a modified example of the position where the reinforcement shaft is disposed. FIG. 11 shows a plan view' and a front view of a front wheel suspension device FS5 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FSl. In the front wheel suspension device FSl, the reinforcement shaft 34 is disposed rearwardly of the steering shaft 33 (see FIG. 5) . In the front wheel suspension device FS5, the reinforcement shaft 34D is disposed forwardly of the steering shaft 33. Because the reinforcement shaft 34D is disposed forwardly of the steering shaft 33, the under bracket 39B is different in shape from the under bracket 39 (see FIG. 5) . Specifically, the under bracket 39B is shaped such that the reinforcement shaft 34D and the steering shaft 17 33 can be coupled to its front part and rear part, respectively. In this modified example, inverted front forks 41L and 41R are substituted for the upright front forks 40L and 4OR. (5) Modified example 2-2 FIG. 12 shows a plan view and a front view of a front wheel suspension device FS6 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FS1. In the front wheel suspension device FS6, the reinforcement shaft 34E is disposed forwardly of the steering shaft 33. In addition, in the front wheel suspension device FS6, the reinforcement shaft 34F is disposed rearwardlv of the steering shaft 33. Because the reinforcement shaft 34E and the reinforcement shaft 34F are disposed forwardly and rearwardly, respectively of the steering shaft 33, the under bracket 39C is different in shape from the under bracket 39 (see FIG. 5) and the under bracket 39B (see FIG. 11) .specifically, the under bracket 39C is shaped such that the reinforcement shaft 34E and the reinforcement shaft 34F can be coupled to its front part and rear part, respectively. 18 In addition the under bracket 39C is shaped such that the steering shaft 33 can be coupled thereto at an intermediate portion between the reinforcement shaft 34E and the reinforcement shaft 34F'. Also in this modified example, inverted front forks 41L and 41R are substituted for the upright front forks 40L and 40R. (Modified examples of straddle-type vehicle) Now, a modified example of the straddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGs. 13 to 15. FIGs. 13 to 15 show a motorcycle 10A which is a partly modified form of the motorcycle 10 (see FIGs. 1 to 3) as the straddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment. In the following description, different parts than the motorcycle 10 will be mainly focused and similar parts may not be mentioned appropriately. FIGs. 13 to 15 are a left side view, a plan view and a front view, respectively, of the motorcycle 10A. In the motorcycle 10, the shape and the position of the radiator 61 are characteristic, with the radiator 61 disposed in an area including a side of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp). In the motorcycle 10A, the radiator 61A has a typical shape and is disposed forwardly of the engine 60. 19 Specifically the radiator 61A is attached to the body frame 20. Meanwhile, in the motorcycle 10A, at least a part of reserve talks 625 and 62P. (coolant tanks) for storing coolant to be supplied to the radiator 61A is disposed at a side of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp). (Function ana errect) According to this embodiment, the reinforcement shaft (for example, the reinforcement shaft 34) is disposed at least forwardly or rearwardly of the steering shaft (for example, the steering shaft 33) . Thus, the rigidity of the wheel suspension device (for example, the front wheel suspension device FS1) can be enhanced, even in the case where the steering shaft 33 is disposed above the upper ends 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R, that is, the upper ends 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R does not extend to the top bridge (for example, the top bridge 32). Also, the reinforcement shaft 34 is disposed forwardly or rearwardly of the steering shaft 33, not at a side thereof Thus, spaces on the left and right sides of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp) are advantageously not occupied, unlike with a typical conventional pole of forks which extend from the left and right sides of the front wheel 50 to the top bridge 32. 20 Thus, variable parts can be disposed in the spaces on the left and right sides of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp) with increased flexibility. For example, as described above, relatively heavy or large parts such as the radiator 61 and the reserve tanks 62L and 62R may be disposed in these spaces. In addition, such parts may be collectively positioned around the longitudinal centerline of the motorcycle 10 (or the motorcycle 10A; the same applies below). Heavy palls disposed in these spaces increase the load to be carried by the front wheel 50. The increased load carried by the front wheel 50 improves the stability of the motorcycle 10, especially during high-speed running. Conventionally, it has been difficult to shorten the wheelbase to a specific length or less while balancing the respective loads to be carried by the front wheel 50 and the rear wheel 70. According to this embodiment, however, it is easy to shorten the wheelbase of the motorcycle 10 while balancing such loads, thereby improving the moving performance. In addition, since the reinforcement shaft 34 is disposed forwardly or rearwardly of the steering shaft 33, the frontal projected area of the motorcycle 10 can be reduced easily. 21 In the case where the reinforcement shafts are disposed both forwardly and rearwardly as in the front wheel suspension device FS6, much higher rigidity can be ensured with the spaces on the left and right sides of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp) unoccupied. In this embodiment, upright forks are used as the front fork" 40T. and 40R. Compared to inverted fork?, upright forks bend suitably, whereby suitable rigidity for a wheel suspension device can be obtained easily. In the embodiment, the radiator 61, the reserve tank 62L and so forth are disposed in the spaces on the left and right sides of the head pipe 20hp. Thus, the radiator 61 and the reserve tanks 62L and 62R can be used as a heater to provide heat to the operator of the motorcycle 10 in extremely cold weather. [Second Embodiment] Now, description will be made of a second embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGs. 16 to 18. The motorcycle 10 described in the first embodiment is mid- to large-sized and places emphasis on high-speed running performance and cornering performance. A motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment is smaller than the motorcycle 10 and seeks for greater convenience and economy than the motorcycle 10. In the following description, different parts than the 22 motorcycle 10 will be mainly focused and similar parts may not be mentioned appropriately. (Overall structure of straddle-type vehicle) FIG. 16 is a right side view of the motorcycle 100. FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged plan view of the motorcycle 100. The motorcycle 100 has a front wheel 150 and a rear wheel 170, and uses an engine 160 as a power source to drive the rear wheel 170. The head pipe 120hp of the body frame 120 supports a front wheel suspension device FS100 (not shown in FIG. 16; see FIG. 18) so as to be swingable by means of handlebars 131. The front wheel suspension device FS100 is made up of a top bridge 132, a steering shaft 133, a reinforcement shaft 134, an under bracket 139 and a front fork 140R (and a similar fork disposed on the left side of the motorcycle 100). A fuel tank 165 stores fuel to be supplied to the engine 160. The operator (rider and passenger) of the motorcycle 100 sitS on a seat 180. The seat 180 is disposed rearwardly of and adjacent to the fuel tank 165. A front end 180e of the seat 180 extends to a position above a cylinder head 160a of the engine 160 as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100. 23 A front end 165e of the fuel tank 165 is positioned forwardly of the steering shaft 133 (head pipe 120hp) as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100. A headlight 190 casts light forward from the motorcycle 100. The headlight 190 is fixed to the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165 via a mount stay 191. An instrument panel 195 indicates the running speed of the motorcycle 100, the speed of the engine 160 and so forth. As shown in FIG. 17, the top bridge 132 is coupled to the steering shaft 133 and the reinforcement shaft 134. The handlebars 131 are fixed to the top bridge 132 via a handle bracket 137. The fuel tank 165 has a generally U-shape in the plan view of the motorcycle 100 so as not to interfere with the reinforcement shaft 134 or the like as the reinforcement shaft 134 or the like swings about the steering shaft 133, (Structure of wheel suspension device) FIG. 18(a) is a right side view of the front wheel suspension device FS100 provided in the motorcycle 100. FIG, 18(b) is a light side view of a part of the body frame 120 including the head pipe 120hp. The steering shaft 133 is supported by the body frame 120, specifically the head pipe 120hp, such that 24 the front wheel 150 is steerable. The steering shaft 133 is disposed above the upper end 140e of the front fork 140R. That is, also in the motorcycle 100, the front fork 140R does not extend to the top bridge 132 and the upper end 140e thereof is coupled to the under bracket 139. The reinforcement shaft 134 (reinforcement column) is provided to ensure and improve the rigidity of the front wheel suspension device FS100. The reinforcement shaft 134 is disposed rearwardly of the steering shaft 133 as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100. (Function and effect) In the motorcycle 100, since spaces can be secured on the left and right sides of the steering shaft 133, the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165 extends to a position forwardly of the steering shaft 133 (head pipe 120hp) as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100, Thus, the capacity of the fuel tank 165 can be increased, thereby incremaning the travel distance of the motorcycle 100. A front end 180e of the seat 180 extends to a position above a cylinder load 160a of the engine 160 as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100. Thus, the seat 180 can be made longitudinally longer, thereby allowing 25 the operator and passenger of the motorcycle 100 to more freely selectively to sit, [Third Embodiment] Now, description will be made of a third embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGs. 19 to 22. A motorcycle 100A according to this embodiment also is a small type that seeks for great convenience and economy as the motorcycle 100 according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 16). The main differences between the motorcycle 100 and the motorcycle 100A are the front wheel suspension device FS110 and the shape of the fuel tank 165A. In addition, the motorcycle 100A is provided with a front cowl 200. In the following description, different parts than the motorcycle 100 will be mainly focused and similar parts may not be mentioned appropriately. (Overall structure of straddle-type vehicle) FIG. 19 is a right side view of the motorcycle 100A. As shown in FIG 19, the motorcycle 100A has a front wheel 150 and a rear wheel 170, and uses an engine 160 as a power source to drive the rear wheel 170. The engine 160 is mounted on the body frame 120 and disposed below the fuel tank 165A. A carburetor 161 and an air cleaner 162 are connected to the engine 160. Specifically, the carburetor 161 for supplying air-fuel 26 mixture to the engine 160 is connected to the engine 160. Also, the air cleaner 162 for cleaning air to be supplied to the engine 160 (carburetor 161) is connected to the carburetor 161. The fuel tank 165A stores fuel to be supplied to the engine 160 (carburetor 161) . The fuel tank 165A is arranged such that the front end 165e thereof is positioned forwardly (F direction in the drawing) of the steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A, as the fuel tank 165 provided in the motorcycle 100 according to the second embodiment. The operator of the motorcycle 100A sits on a seat 180A. The seat 180A is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank 165A with a predetermined gap, specifically with an upper cleaner chamber 162b making up the air cleaner 162 interposed therebetween. The upper cleaner chamber 162b is covered by a tank cover 166. The front cowl 200 is disposed forwardly of the steering shaft 133A. The front cowl 200 is fixed to the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A. Also, the front cowl 200 has a headlight 210 (headlight part) for casting light forward specifically, the front cowl 200 covers the headlight 210 from a side. A battery 185 stores electricity to be used in the motorcycle 100A specifically electricity to be supplied 27 to the headlight 210, an ignition coil (not shown) and so forth. In this embodiment, the battery 185 is disposed close to the steering shaft 133A. Specifically, the battery 185 is disposed at a side of the steering shaft 133A. Also, the battery 185 is disposed between the steering shaft 133A and the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A. The air cleaner 162 is made up of a lower cleaner chamber 162a and an upper cleaner chamber 162b. At least a part or the air cleaner 162, specifically the upper cleaner chamber 162b, is disposed above an upper end 160te of the engine 160 in the vertical direction of the vehicle (UP/DN direction in the drawing). Further, the upper cleaner chamber 162b extends to the gap (predetermined gap) formed between the fuel tank 165A and the seat 180A. Specifically, the upper cleaner chamber 162b extends to a position above the body frame 120. (Structure of wheel suspension device) FIG. 20 is a right side view of the front wheel suspension device FS110 and a part of the body frame 120 provided in the motorcycle 100A. As shown in FIG. 20, the front wheel suspension device FS110 is made up of front forks 141L and 141R(the front fork 141L as not 28 shown in FIG. 20; see FIG. 22), an under bracket 139A (bridge part) for coupling the pair of left and right front forks 141L and 141R, and a steering shaft 133A provided to extend upright from the under bracket 139A. Also, a top bridge 132A is coupled to the steering shaft 133A. The front wheel suspension device FS110 does not have a reinforcement shaft 134 such as given in the front wheel suspension device FS100 (see FIG. 18(b)) of the motorcycle 100. (Structure of vicinity of head pipe) FIG. 21 is a right side view of the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp as a part of the body frame 120. FIG. 22 is a partial exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp. As shown in FIGs. 21 and 22, the head pipe 120hp (head pipe part) rotatably supports the steering shaft 133A. In this embodiment, the head pipe 120hp is covered by the fuel tank 165A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A. A down tube 120d extends downward from the head pipe 120hp. Support stays 121L and 121R for supporting the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A are attached to the down tube 120d. 29 The support stays 121L and 121R couple the down tube 120d and the fuel tank 165A to each other to support the fuel tank 165A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the support stay 121R has a rod-like stay part 121Ra, a rotary part 121Rb rotatably attached to the down tube 120d, and a coupling arm part 121Rc to be coupled to the support stay 121L. A bolt hole (not shown) for receiving a bolt 122 therethrough is formed in the stay part 121Ra. The bolt 122 is screwed into the bolt hole formed in the stay part 121Ra via - half insertion hole (not shown) formed in the fuel tank 165A. Also, a bolt hole (not shown) for receiving a bolt 123 therethrough is formed in the coupling arm part 121Rc. Specifically, the coupling arm part 12lRc is coupled to a coupling arm part 121Lc making up the support stay 121L using the bolt 123. Although not illustrated in its entirety, the support stay 121L is symmetric in shape to the support stay 121R. Cowl mount parts 165a and 165b are formed at the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A. The front cowl 200 is mounted to the cowl mount parts 165a and 165b. In addition, a mount stay 165c (see FIG. 21) is formed at a rear part of the fuel tank 165A. A bolt insertion hole (not shown) for insertion of a bolt 124 is formed in the 30 mount stay 165c. The mount stay 165c is fixed to the body frame 120 using the bolt 124. Also, the battery 185 is fixed to the head pipe 120hp using a mount stay part 125. (Function and effect) In the motorcycle 100A, the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A is positioned forwardly of the steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle 100A. That is, the head pipe 120hp, which receives the steering shaft 133A therethrough to rotatably support the steering shaft 133A, is covered by the fuel tank 165A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A. Thus. the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp cannot be seen easily. In conventional types of motorcycle such as the motorcycle 100A, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp can be seen entirely (for example/ see JP-B-Hei 06-15356). In general, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp is in a mess with various harnesses and so forth, which can deteriorate the appearance of the Motorcycle. Thus, in some cases, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp is desired to be concealed so as not to be seen. However, it has not been easy to conceal the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp without: using a dedicated part for improving the appearance such as an exterior cover. 31 In the motorcycle 100A, as described above, the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A extends to a position forwardly of the steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A. Thus, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp can be concealed without using a dedicated part for improving the appearance. In this embodiment, the front cowl 200 is fixed to the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A. Thus, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp can be seen less easily. The motorcycle 100A may not necessarily be provided with a front cowl 200. In this embodiment, the battery 185 is disposed close to the steering shaft 133A. Thus, the load to be carried by the Front wheel 150 increases. The increased load carried by the front wheel 150 improves the stability and operability of the motorcycle 100A. In this embodiment the battery 185 may not necessarily be disposed at a side of the steering shaft 133A. In this embodiment, since the fuel tank 165A extends to a position forwardly of the steering shaft 133A, the necessary capacity of the fuel tank 165A can be ensured and the fuel tank 165A can be located more forwardly. That is, the air cleaner 162 upper cleaner chamber 162b) can be provided in the gap between the fuel tank 165A and 32 the seat 180A formed by locating the fuel tank 165A more forwardly. In this way the capacity of the air cleaner 162 can be increased easily. In addition, since the carburetor 161 and the upper cleaner chamber 162b can be disposed above the engine 160, the carburetor 161 can be made as a downdraft type easily. The air cleaner 162 (upper cleaner chamber 162b) may not necessarily extend to the gap between the fuel tank 165A and the seat 180A. In this embodiment, the fuel tank 165A is supported by the support stays 121L and 121R for coupling the down tube 120d and the fuel tank 165A to each other. Thus, utilizing the shape of the down tube 120d extending downward from the head pipe 120hp, the fuel tank 165A can be supported reliably using the support stays 121L and 121R with a simple structure. The fuel tank 165A may be supported usinq a part other than the support stays 121L and 121R. [Other embodiments] The present invention has been disclosed by way of the first to third embodiments described above. It should not be interpreted, however, that the description and the directory as a part of this disclosure limit the scope of the present invention. Rather, various 33 alternative embodiments will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. For sample, while the steering shaft, the reinforcement shaft and the under bracket are provided as separate parts in the embodiments described above, such parts may be provided as an integral unit. Also, the motorcycle is taken as an example in the embodiments described above. However, the present invention may of course be applied to other straddle-type vehicles (such as those having three or four wheels). The straddle-type vehicle refers to vehicles having two to four wheels on which the operator rides as if straddling a saddle, and also includes scooter-type vehicles on which the operator rides with both feet placed side by side on a footboard. In addition, although the front wheel is taken as an example in the embodiments described above, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, it should be understood that the present invention covers various embodiments which are not described herein. Consequently, the technical scope of the present invention can be determined only by the particular matter of the invention according to the 34 appropriate claims based on the aforementioned description. 35 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A straddle-type vehicle comprising: a body frame; a pair of forks for suspending a wheel; a steering shaft coupled to the forks at its lower end and supported by the body frame such that the wheel is steerable; an engine mounted on the body frame; and a fuel tank for storing fuel to be supplied to the engine, wherein a front end of the fuel tank is positioned forwardly or the steering shaft as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle. 2. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein: the body frame has a head pipe part for rotatably supporting the steering shaft; and the head pipe part is covered by the fuel tank as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle, 3. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising: a headlight part for casting light forward, 36 wherein the headlight part is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank. 4. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising: a front cowl disposed forwardly of the steering shaft, wherein the front cowl is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank. 5. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 3, further comprising: a front cowl for covering the headlight part from a side, where the front cowl is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank. 6. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the fuel tank includes a mount part formed at the front end for attachment of the headlight part. 7. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising: a battery, 37 wherein the battery is disposed close to the steering shaft, 8. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising: an air cleaner connected to the engine, wherein at least a part of the air cleaner is disposed above an upper end of the engine in a vertical direction of the vehicle. 9. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 8, further comprising: a seat for an operator to sit on, wherein: the heat is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank with a predetermined gap; the engine is disposed below the fuel tank; and the air cleaner extends to the predetermined gap. 10. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 2, wherein: the body frame has a down tube extending downward from the head pipe part; and 38 the straddle-type vehicle further comprises a fuel tank support part for coupling the down tubs and the fuel tank to support the fuel tank. 11. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 7, further comprising: a bridge part for coupling the pair of left and right forks, wherein: the steering shaft is provided to extend upright from the bridge part; and the battery is disposed at a side of the steering shaft. 39 12. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the battery is disposed between the steering shaft and the front end of the fuel tank. In a motorcycle 100A, a front end 165e of a fuel tank 165A is positioned forwardly of a steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A.

Full Text

GTRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field or the invention
The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle including at least a pair of forks for suspending a wheel, and a steering shaft disposed above the upper ends of the forks and supported by a body frame such that the wheel is steerable.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the structure of conventional straddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles, a pair of forks for suspending a wheel (in many cases, a front wheel) have been widely employed.
In general, such a pair of forks are fixed by a top bridge for coupling the upper ends of the elongated cylindrical forks, and an under bracket for coupling intermediate portions of the forks that is disposed below the top bridge.
Between the top bridge and the under bracket is disposed a cylindrical steering shaft that is supported by a head pipe of a body frame such that the front wheel is steerable.
Another structure is also widely employed, such as in scooters, in which the forks do not extend to the top
1

bridge and the upper ends of the forks are coupled to each other by the under bracket. Such structure is intended to reduce vehicle weight and secure a space around the forks.
In regard to the structure in which the upper ends of the forks are coupled to each other by the under bracket, a method is known to enhance the rigidity of a wheel suspension device, which is made up of the forks, the under bracket and so forth, by bending a metal plate into a rectangular shape to form an under bracket (see JP-B-2850240 (Pages 3 to 4 and FIGs. 2 to 3), for example).
In the above-mentioned conventional method of bending a metal plate into a rectangular shape to form an under bracket, however, there is still room for improvement to further enhance the rigidity of the wheel suspension device.
The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing circumstances, and therefore has an object to provide a straddle-type vehicle in which the rigidity of a wheel suspension device can be enhanced and a space can be secured around forks.
2

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To solve the problem described above, the present invention is characterized as follows. A first characteristic of the present invention provides a straddle-type vehicle (motorcycle 100A) including: a body frame (body frame 120) ; a pair of forks (under bracket 139A and front forks 141L and 141R) for suspending a wheel (front wheel 150); a steering shaft (steering shaft 133A) coupled to the forks at its lower end and supported by the body frame such that the wheel is steerable; an engine (engine 160) mounted on the body frame; and a fuel tank (fuel tank 165A) for storing, fuel to be supplied to the engine, in which a front end (front end 165e) of the fuel tank is positioned forwardly of the steering shaft as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle.
A second characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1, in which: the body frame has a head pipe part (head pipe 120hp) for rotatably supporting the steering shaft; and the head pipe part is covered by the fuel tank as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle.
A third characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1, further including: a headlight part (headlight 210) for
3

casting light forward, in which the headlight part is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank.
A fourth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim l, further including: a front cowl (front cowl 200) disposed forwardly of the steering shaft, in which the front cowl is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank.
A fifth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 4, further including a front cowl (front cowl 200) for covering the headlight part from a side, in which the front cowl is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank.
A sixth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 3, in which the fuel tank includes a mount part (cowl mount parts 165a and 165b) formed at the front end for attachment of the headlight part.
A seventh characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1, further including; a battery (battery 185), in which the battery is disposed close to the steering shaft.
An eighth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1, further including: an air cleaner (air cleaner 162) connected to the engine, in which at least a part of the
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air cleaner is disposed above an upper end (upper end 160te) of the engine in a vertical direction of the vehicle.
A ninth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 8, further including: a seat (seat 180A) for an operator to sit on, in which; the seat is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank with a predetermined gap (gap where an upper cleaner chamber 162b is disposed); the engine is disposed below the fuel tank; and the air cleaner extends to the predetermined gap.
A tenth characteristic of ' the present invention provides the straddle type vehicle according to Claim 2, in which: the body frame has a down tube (down tube 12Od) extending downward from the head pipe part; and the straddle-type.Vehicle further includes a fuel tank support part (support stays 121L and 121R) for coupling the down tube and the fuel tank to support the fuel tank.
An eleventh characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 7, further including: a bridge part (under bracket 139A) for coupling the pair of left and right forks (front forks 141L and 141R), in which: the steering shaft is provided to extend upright from the bridge part; and the battery is disposed at a side of the steering shaft.
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A twelfth characteristic of the present invention provides the straddle-type vehicle according to Claim 11, in which the battery is disposed between the steering shaft and the front end of the fuel tank.
According to the characteristics of the present invention, a straddle-type vehicle can be provided in which the rigidity of a wheel suspension device can be enhanced and a space can be secured around forks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the motorcycle according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the motorcycle according to the first embodiment ;
FIG. 4 is a left side view of a wheel suspension device and (a part of) a body frame according to the first embodiment
FIG. 5 shows a plan view and a front view of the wheel suspension device according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a left side view of the wheel suspension device and a part of the body frame according to the first embodiment;
6
FIG. 7 is an exploded plan view of the wheel suspension achive and a part of the body frame according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a left side view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a left side view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a left side view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment;
FIG. 11 shows a plan view and a front view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment;
FIG. 12 shows a plan view and a front view of a wheel suspension device according to a modified example of the first embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to a modified example of the first embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the motorcycle according to the modified sample of the first embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a front view of the motorcycle according to the modified example of the first embodiment;
7
FIG. 16 is a right side view of a motorcycle according to a second embodiment;
FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged plan view of the motorcycle according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a right side view of a wheel suspension device and (a part of) a body frame according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a right side view of a motorcycle according to a third embodiment;
FIG, 20 is a right side view of a wheel suspension device and a part of a body frame according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged side view of the vicinity of a head pipe according to the third embodiment; and
FIG. 22 is a partial exploded perspective view of the head pipe and the vicinity thereof according to the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment]
Now,description will be made of a first embodiment of a straddle-type vehicle according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or
8
similar parts are given identical or similar reference numerals or symbols It should be noted, however, that the drawings are only schematic and may be different from the actual parts in regard to, for example, dimensional proportion.
Thus, the specific dimensions or the like shall be established while taking account of the following explanation.It should also be understood that some
differences may exist in relative dimensions and
proportions between the drawings.
(Overall structure of straddle-type vehicle)
First, the overall structure of a motorcycle 10 as a
straddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment will
be described with reference to FIGs. 1 to 3. FIGs. 1 to
3 are a left side view, a plan view and a front view,
respectively, of the motorcycle 10.
The motorcycle 10 has a front wheel 50 and a rear
wheel 70, and uses an engine 60 as a power source to
drive the rear wheel 70.
A body frame 20 forms the framework of the
motorcycle 10. The engine 60 and so forth are attached
to the body frame 20. The body frame 20 includes a head
pipe 20hp.
The head pipe 20hp supports a front wheel suspension
device ES1(not shown in FIGs. 1 to 3; see FIGs. 4 (a),
9

4(b) and 5) so as to be swingable by means of handlebars 31. The front wheel suspension device FS1 is made up of a top bridge 32, a steering shaft 33, a reinforcement shaft 34, an under bracket 39 and front forks 40L and 40R.
A radiator 61 cools the engine 60 using coolant. In the motorcycle 10, the position of the radiator 61 is characteristic. Specifically, at least a part of the radiator 61 is disposed at a side of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp).
An electric fan (not shown) for supplying cooling air to the radiator of is disposed below the radiator 61. (Structure of wheel suspension device)
Now, the structure of the wheel suspension device provided in the motorcycle 10, specifically the front wheel suspension device FS1 for suspending the front wheel 50, will be described with reference to FIGs. 4 (a) and 5.
FIG, 4 (a) is a left side view of the front wheel suspension device FS1. FIG. 4 (b) is a left side view of a part of the body frame 20 including the head pipe 20hp. FIG. 5 shows a plan view and a front view of the front wheel suspension device FS1.
As mentioned earlier, the front wheel suspension device FSI is made up of a top bridge 32, a steering
10

shaft 33, a reinforcement shaft 34, an under bracket 39 and front forks 40L and 40R.
The top bridge 32 is coupled to an upper end 33e of the steering shaft 33. The top bridge 32 couples the reinforcement shaft 34 to the steering shaft 33.
The steering shaft 33 is supported by the body frame 20, specifically the head pipe 20hp, such that the front wheel 50 is steerable. The steering shaft 33 is disposed above upper ends 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R.
That is, in the motorcycle 10, the front forks 40L and 40R do not intend to the top bridge 32 and the upper ends 40e thereof are coupled to the under bracket 39, Also, a lower end 33f of the steering shaft 33 is coupled to the upper enab 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R.
The reinforcement shaft 34 (reinforcement column) is provided to ensure and improve the rigidity of the front wheel suspension device FS1. The reinforcement shaft 34 is disposed rearwardly of the steering shaft 33 as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 10. The reinforcement shaft 34 has a generally columnar shape.
The steering shaft 33 is coupled to the top bridge 32 using a nut 33n. Likewise, the reinforcement shaft 34 is coupled to the top bridge 32 using a nut 34n.
The under bracket 39 is coupled to the upper ends 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R. The steering shaft
11

33 and the reinforcement shaft 34 are screwed into a female thread (not shown) formed in the under bracket 39.
That is, the top bridge 32 (reinforcement column coupling part) couples the reinforcement shaft 34 and the steering shaft 33 (wheel suspension device). More specifically, in the front wheel suspension device FSl, the reinforcement shaft 34 is coupled to the steering shaft 33 by the top bridge 32 and to the front forks 4 0L and 40R by the under bracket 39.
The front forks 40L and 40R are disposed on the left and right sides of the front wheel 50 to suspend the front wheel 50.
The front forks 40L and 40R have an outer tube 40out and an inner tube 40in telescopically received in the outer tube 40out. The front forks 40L and 40R move (linearly) the front wheel 50 vertically (practically, in directions at a predetermined caster angle) according to changes in road conditions to absorb shock received by the front wheel 50.
In the front wheel suspension device FSl, the front forks 40L and 40R are upright forks in which the outer tube 40out is disposed below the inner tube 40in. (Mounting state of wheel suspension device)
Now, the mounting state of the wheel suspension device provided in the motorcycle 10, specifically the
12

front wheel suspension device FS1, will be described with reference to FIGs. 6 and 7.
FIG, 6 is a left side view of the front wheel suspension device FS1 and a part of the body frame 20. FIG. 7 is an exploded plan view of the front wheel suspension device FS1 and a part of the body frame 20.
As shown in FIGs. 6 and 7, the steering shaft 33 is inserted through a pipe hole 20a formed in the head pipe 20hp,
The top bridge 32 is coupled to the upper end 33e of the steerinq shaft 33 and an upper end 34e of the reinforcement shaft 34. A steering shaft hole 32b and a reinforcement shaft hole 32c are formed in the top bridge 32.
The steering shaft 33, which has been inserted through the head pipe 20hp and the steering shaft hole 32b, is then coupled to the top bridge 32 using the nut 33n. The reinforcement shaft 34, which has been inserted through the reinforcement shaft hole 32c, is then coupled to the top bridge 32 using the nut 34n. (Modified examples of wheel suspension device)
Now, description will be made of modified examples of the wheel suspension device provided in the motorcycle 10 described above, specifically modified examples of the front wheel suspension device FS1.
13

Specifically, modified examples 1-1 to 1-3 illustrate a modified example of how the reinforcement shaft is coupled to the front forks 40L and 40R and the steering shaft. Modified examples 2-1 and 2-2 illustrate a modified example of the position where the reinforcement shaft is disposed. (1) Modified example 1-1
FIG. 8 is a left side view of a front wheel suspension device FS2 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FSl. In the following description, different parts than the front wheel suspension device FSl will be mainly focused and similar parts may not be mentioned appropriately.
In the front wheel suspension device FSl, the reinforcement shaft 34 is coupled to the front fork 40L (4OR) and the steering shaft 33 by the top bridge 32 and the under bracket 39. In the front wheel suspension device FS2, the reinforcement shaft 34A is coupled to the steering shaft 32 by the top bridge 32 (reinforcement column coupling part) and to the front fork 40L (40R) by a reinforcement bracket 35.
The reinforcement bracket 35 (fork-sioe reinforcement bracket) is coupled to the front fork 40L (40R), specifically the inner tube 40in, at a position
14

below the under bracket 39A. The reinforcement bracket 35 and the inner tube 40in are coupled to each other by a nut (not shown)or by a male thread and a female thread (not shown),
The under bracket 39A is coupled to the upper end 40e of the front fork 40L 140R), Compared to the under bracket 39 (see FIG. 4), the under bracket 39A is coupled to the steering shaft 33, but not to the reinforcement shaft 34A. (2) Modified example 1-2
FIG. 9 is a left side view of a front wheel suspension device FS3 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FS1.
In the front wheel suspension device FS3, the reinforcement shaft 34B is coupled to the steering shaft 33A by a reinforcement bracket 36 and to the front fork 40L (40R) by the under bracket 39.
The reinforcement bracket 36 (steering shaft-side reinforcement bracket) is coupled to the steering shaft 33A at a position below the top bridge 32A. The reinforcement bracket 36 and the steering shaft 33A are coupled to each other by a nut (not shown) or by a male thread and a female thread (not shown].
15

The top bridge 32A is coupled to. the upper end 33Ae of the steering shaft 33A. Compared to the top bridge 32 (see FIG. 4), the top bridge 32A is coupled to the steering shaft 33A, but not to the reinforcement shaft 34A. (3) Modified example 1-3
FIG. 10 is a left side view of a front wheel suspension device FS4 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FS1,
In the front wheel suspension device FS4, the reinforcement shaft 34C is coupled to the steering shaft 33A by the reinforcement bracket 36 and to the front fork 40L (40R) by the reinforcement bracket 35.
The reinforcement bracket 35 (fork-side reinforcement bracket) is coupled to the front fork 40L (40R), specifically the inner tube 40in, at a position below the under bracket 39A.
The reinforcement bracket 36 (steering shaft-side reinforcement bracket) is coupled to the steering shaft 33A at a position below the top bridge 32A.
The top bridge 32A is coupled to the upper end 33Ae of the steering shaft 33A. The top bridge 32A is coupled to the steering shaft 33A, but not to the reinforcement shaft 34C.
16

The under bracket JSSA is coupled to the upper end
40e of the front fork 40L (40R). The under bracket 39A
is coupled to the steering shaft 33A, but not to the
reinforcement shaft 34C.
(4) Modified example 2-1
Now, description will be made of still other modified examples which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FS1. Modified examples 2-1 and 2-2 illustrate a modified example of the position where the reinforcement shaft is disposed.
FIG. 11 shows a plan view' and a front view of a front wheel suspension device FS5 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FSl.
In the front wheel suspension device FSl, the reinforcement shaft 34 is disposed rearwardly of the steering shaft 33 (see FIG. 5) . In the front wheel suspension device FS5, the reinforcement shaft 34D is disposed forwardly of the steering shaft 33.
Because the reinforcement shaft 34D is disposed forwardly of the steering shaft 33, the under bracket 39B is different in shape from the under bracket 39 (see FIG. 5) . Specifically, the under bracket 39B is shaped such that the reinforcement shaft 34D and the steering shaft
17

33 can be coupled to its front part and rear part, respectively.
In this modified example, inverted front forks 41L and 41R are substituted for the upright front forks 40L and 4OR. (5) Modified example 2-2
FIG. 12 shows a plan view and a front view of a front wheel suspension device FS6 which may be provided in the motorcycle 10 in substitution for the front wheel suspension device FS1.
In the front wheel suspension device FS6, the reinforcement shaft 34E is disposed forwardly of the steering shaft 33. In addition, in the front wheel suspension device FS6, the reinforcement shaft 34F is disposed rearwardlv of the steering shaft 33.
Because the reinforcement shaft 34E and the reinforcement shaft 34F are disposed forwardly and rearwardly, respectively of the steering shaft 33, the under bracket 39C is different in shape from the under bracket 39 (see FIG. 5) and the under bracket 39B (see FIG. 11) .specifically, the under bracket 39C is shaped such that the reinforcement shaft 34E and the reinforcement shaft 34F can be coupled to its front part and rear part, respectively.
18

In addition the under bracket 39C is shaped such that the steering shaft 33 can be coupled thereto at an intermediate portion between the reinforcement shaft 34E and the reinforcement shaft 34F'.
Also in this modified example, inverted front forks 41L and 41R are substituted for the upright front forks 40L and 40R. (Modified examples of straddle-type vehicle)
Now, a modified example of the straddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGs. 13 to 15. FIGs. 13 to 15 show a motorcycle 10A which is a partly modified form of the motorcycle 10 (see FIGs. 1 to 3) as the straddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment.
In the following description, different parts than the motorcycle 10 will be mainly focused and similar parts may not be mentioned appropriately.
FIGs. 13 to 15 are a left side view, a plan view and a front view, respectively, of the motorcycle 10A.
In the motorcycle 10, the shape and the position of the radiator 61 are characteristic, with the radiator 61 disposed in an area including a side of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp).
In the motorcycle 10A, the radiator 61A has a typical shape and is disposed forwardly of the engine 60.
19

Specifically the radiator 61A is attached to the body frame 20.
Meanwhile, in the motorcycle 10A, at least a part of reserve talks 625 and 62P. (coolant tanks) for storing coolant to be supplied to the radiator 61A is disposed at a side of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp). (Function ana errect)
According to this embodiment, the reinforcement shaft (for example, the reinforcement shaft 34) is disposed at least forwardly or rearwardly of the steering shaft (for example, the steering shaft 33) . Thus, the rigidity of the wheel suspension device (for example, the front wheel suspension device FS1) can be enhanced, even in the case where the steering shaft 33 is disposed above the upper ends 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R, that is, the upper ends 40e of the front forks 40L and 40R does not extend to the top bridge (for example, the top bridge 32).
Also, the reinforcement shaft 34 is disposed forwardly or rearwardly of the steering shaft 33, not at a side thereof Thus, spaces on the left and right sides of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp) are advantageously not occupied, unlike with a typical conventional pole of forks which extend from the left and right sides of the front wheel 50 to the top bridge 32.
20

Thus, variable parts can be disposed in the spaces on the left and right sides of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp) with increased flexibility. For example, as described above, relatively heavy or large parts such as the radiator 61 and the reserve tanks 62L and 62R may be disposed in these spaces. In addition, such parts may be collectively positioned around the longitudinal centerline of the motorcycle 10 (or the motorcycle 10A; the same applies below).
Heavy palls disposed in these spaces increase the load to be carried by the front wheel 50. The increased load carried by the front wheel 50 improves the stability of the motorcycle 10, especially during high-speed running.
Conventionally, it has been difficult to shorten the wheelbase to a specific length or less while balancing the respective loads to be carried by the front wheel 50 and the rear wheel 70. According to this embodiment, however, it is easy to shorten the wheelbase of the motorcycle 10 while balancing such loads, thereby improving the moving performance.
In addition, since the reinforcement shaft 34 is disposed forwardly or rearwardly of the steering shaft 33, the frontal projected area of the motorcycle 10 can be reduced easily.
21

In the case where the reinforcement shafts are disposed both forwardly and rearwardly as in the front wheel suspension device FS6, much higher rigidity can be ensured with the spaces on the left and right sides of the steering shaft 33 (head pipe 20hp) unoccupied.
In this embodiment, upright forks are used as the front fork" 40T. and 40R. Compared to inverted fork?, upright forks bend suitably, whereby suitable rigidity for a wheel suspension device can be obtained easily.
In the embodiment, the radiator 61, the reserve tank 62L and so forth are disposed in the spaces on the left and right sides of the head pipe 20hp. Thus, the radiator 61 and the reserve tanks 62L and 62R can be used as a heater to provide heat to the operator of the motorcycle 10 in extremely cold weather. [Second Embodiment]
Now, description will be made of a second embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGs. 16 to 18. The motorcycle 10 described in the first embodiment is mid- to large-sized and places emphasis on high-speed running performance and cornering performance.
A motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment is smaller than the motorcycle 10 and seeks for greater convenience and economy than the motorcycle 10. In the following description, different parts than the
22

motorcycle 10 will be mainly focused and similar parts may not be mentioned appropriately. (Overall structure of straddle-type vehicle)
FIG. 16 is a right side view of the motorcycle 100. FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged plan view of the motorcycle 100. The motorcycle 100 has a front wheel 150 and a rear wheel 170, and uses an engine 160 as a power source to drive the rear wheel 170.
The head pipe 120hp of the body frame 120 supports a front wheel suspension device FS100 (not shown in FIG. 16; see FIG. 18) so as to be swingable by means of handlebars 131. The front wheel suspension device FS100 is made up of a top bridge 132, a steering shaft 133, a reinforcement shaft 134, an under bracket 139 and a front fork 140R (and a similar fork disposed on the left side of the motorcycle 100).
A fuel tank 165 stores fuel to be supplied to the engine 160. The operator (rider and passenger) of the motorcycle 100 sitS on a seat 180.
The seat 180 is disposed rearwardly of and adjacent to the fuel tank 165. A front end 180e of the seat 180 extends to a position above a cylinder head 160a of the engine 160 as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100.
23

A front end 165e of the fuel tank 165 is positioned forwardly of the steering shaft 133 (head pipe 120hp) as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100.
A headlight 190 casts light forward from the motorcycle 100. The headlight 190 is fixed to the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165 via a mount stay 191.
An instrument panel 195 indicates the running speed of the motorcycle 100, the speed of the engine 160 and so forth.
As shown in FIG. 17, the top bridge 132 is coupled to the steering shaft 133 and the reinforcement shaft 134. The handlebars 131 are fixed to the top bridge 132 via a handle bracket 137.
The fuel tank 165 has a generally U-shape in the plan view of the motorcycle 100 so as not to interfere with the reinforcement shaft 134 or the like as the reinforcement shaft 134 or the like swings about the steering shaft 133, (Structure of wheel suspension device)
FIG. 18(a) is a right side view of the front wheel suspension device FS100 provided in the motorcycle 100. FIG, 18(b) is a light side view of a part of the body frame 120 including the head pipe 120hp.
The steering shaft 133 is supported by the body frame 120, specifically the head pipe 120hp, such that
24

the front wheel 150 is steerable. The steering shaft 133 is disposed above the upper end 140e of the front fork 140R.
That is, also in the motorcycle 100, the front fork 140R does not extend to the top bridge 132 and the upper end 140e thereof is coupled to the under bracket 139.
The reinforcement shaft 134 (reinforcement column) is provided to ensure and improve the rigidity of the front wheel suspension device FS100. The reinforcement shaft 134 is disposed rearwardly of the steering shaft 133 as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100. (Function and effect)
In the motorcycle 100, since spaces can be secured on the left and right sides of the steering shaft 133, the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165 extends to a position forwardly of the steering shaft 133 (head pipe 120hp) as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100, Thus, the capacity of the fuel tank 165 can be increased, thereby incremaning the travel distance of the motorcycle 100.
A front end 180e of the seat 180 extends to a position above a cylinder load 160a of the engine 160 as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100. Thus, the seat 180 can be made longitudinally longer, thereby allowing
25

the operator and passenger of the motorcycle 100 to more freely selectively to sit, [Third Embodiment]
Now, description will be made of a third embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGs. 19 to 22. A motorcycle 100A according to this embodiment also is a small type that seeks for great convenience and economy as the motorcycle 100 according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 16).
The main differences between the motorcycle 100 and the motorcycle 100A are the front wheel suspension device FS110 and the shape of the fuel tank 165A. In addition, the motorcycle 100A is provided with a front cowl 200. In the following description, different parts than the
motorcycle 100 will be mainly focused and similar parts
may not be mentioned appropriately. (Overall structure of straddle-type vehicle)
FIG. 19 is a right side view of the motorcycle 100A.
As shown in FIG 19, the motorcycle 100A has a front
wheel 150 and a rear wheel 170, and uses an engine 160 as
a power source to drive the rear wheel 170.
The engine 160 is mounted on the body frame 120 and
disposed below the fuel tank 165A. A carburetor 161 and
an air cleaner 162 are connected to the engine 160.
Specifically, the carburetor 161 for supplying air-fuel
26
mixture to the engine 160 is connected to the engine 160. Also, the air cleaner 162 for cleaning air to be supplied to the engine 160 (carburetor 161) is connected to the carburetor 161.
The fuel tank 165A stores fuel to be supplied to the engine 160 (carburetor 161) . The fuel tank 165A is arranged such that the front end 165e thereof is positioned forwardly (F direction in the drawing) of the steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A, as the fuel tank 165 provided in the motorcycle 100 according to the second embodiment.
The operator of the motorcycle 100A sits on a seat 180A. The seat 180A is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank 165A with a predetermined gap, specifically with an upper cleaner chamber 162b making up the air cleaner 162 interposed therebetween. The upper cleaner chamber 162b is covered by a tank cover 166.
The front cowl 200 is disposed forwardly of the steering shaft 133A. The front cowl 200 is fixed to the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A. Also, the front cowl 200 has a headlight 210 (headlight part) for casting light forward specifically, the front cowl 200 covers the headlight 210 from a side.
A battery 185 stores electricity to be used in the motorcycle 100A specifically electricity to be supplied
27
to the headlight 210, an ignition coil (not shown) and so forth.
In this embodiment, the battery 185 is disposed close to the steering shaft 133A. Specifically, the battery 185 is disposed at a side of the steering shaft 133A. Also, the battery 185 is disposed between the steering shaft 133A and the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A.
The air cleaner 162 is made up of a lower cleaner chamber 162a and an upper cleaner chamber 162b. At least a part or the air cleaner 162, specifically the upper cleaner chamber 162b, is disposed above an upper end 160te of the engine 160 in the vertical direction of the vehicle (UP/DN direction in the drawing).
Further, the upper cleaner chamber 162b extends to the gap (predetermined gap) formed between the fuel tank 165A and the seat 180A. Specifically, the upper cleaner chamber 162b extends to a position above the body frame 120. (Structure of wheel suspension device)
FIG. 20 is a right side view of the front wheel suspension device FS110 and a part of the body frame 120 provided in the motorcycle 100A. As shown in FIG. 20, the front wheel suspension device FS110 is made up of front forks 141L and 141R(the front fork 141L as not
28

shown in FIG. 20; see FIG. 22), an under bracket 139A (bridge part) for coupling the pair of left and right front forks 141L and 141R, and a steering shaft 133A provided to extend upright from the under bracket 139A. Also, a top bridge 132A is coupled to the steering shaft 133A.
The front wheel suspension device FS110 does not have a reinforcement shaft 134 such as given in the front wheel suspension device FS100 (see FIG. 18(b)) of the motorcycle 100. (Structure of vicinity of head pipe)
FIG. 21 is a right side view of the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp as a part of the body frame 120. FIG. 22 is a partial exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp.
As shown in FIGs. 21 and 22, the head pipe 120hp
(head pipe part) rotatably supports the steering shaft
133A. In this embodiment, the head pipe 120hp is covered
by the fuel tank 165A as viewed from a side of the
motorcycle 100A.
A down tube 120d extends downward from the head pipe 120hp. Support stays 121L and 121R for supporting the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A are attached to the down tube 120d.
29

The support stays 121L and 121R couple the down tube 120d and the fuel tank 165A to each other to support the fuel tank 165A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the support stay 121R has a rod-like stay part 121Ra, a rotary part 121Rb rotatably attached to the down tube 120d, and a coupling arm part 121Rc to be coupled to the support stay 121L.
A bolt hole (not shown) for receiving a bolt 122 therethrough is formed in the stay part 121Ra. The bolt
122 is screwed into the bolt hole formed in the stay part
121Ra via - half insertion hole (not shown) formed in the
fuel tank 165A.
Also, a bolt hole (not shown) for receiving a bolt
123 therethrough is formed in the coupling arm part 121Rc.
Specifically, the coupling arm part 12lRc is coupled to a
coupling arm part 121Lc making up the support stay 121L
using the bolt 123. Although not illustrated in its
entirety, the support stay 121L is symmetric in shape to
the support stay 121R.
Cowl mount parts 165a and 165b are formed at the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A. The front cowl 200 is mounted to the cowl mount parts 165a and 165b. In addition, a mount stay 165c (see FIG. 21) is formed at a rear part of the fuel tank 165A. A bolt insertion hole (not shown) for insertion of a bolt 124 is formed in the
30

mount stay 165c. The mount stay 165c is fixed to the
body frame 120 using the bolt 124. Also, the battery 185
is fixed to the head pipe 120hp using a mount stay part
125.
(Function and effect)
In the motorcycle 100A, the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A is positioned forwardly of the steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle 100A. That is, the head pipe 120hp, which receives the steering shaft 133A therethrough to rotatably support the steering shaft 133A, is covered by the fuel tank 165A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A.
Thus. the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp cannot be seen easily. In conventional types of motorcycle such as the motorcycle 100A, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp can be seen entirely (for example/ see JP-B-Hei 06-15356).
In general, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp is in a mess with various harnesses and so forth, which can deteriorate the appearance of the Motorcycle. Thus, in some cases, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp is desired to be concealed so as not to be seen. However, it has not been easy to conceal the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp without: using a dedicated part for improving the appearance such as an exterior cover.
31

In the motorcycle 100A, as described above, the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A extends to a position forwardly of the steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A. Thus, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp can be concealed without using a dedicated part for improving the appearance.
In this embodiment, the front cowl 200 is fixed to the front end 165e of the fuel tank 165A. Thus, the vicinity of the head pipe 120hp can be seen less easily. The motorcycle 100A may not necessarily be provided with a front cowl 200.
In this embodiment, the battery 185 is disposed close to the steering shaft 133A. Thus, the load to be carried by the Front wheel 150 increases. The increased load carried by the front wheel 150 improves the stability and operability of the motorcycle 100A. In this embodiment the battery 185 may not necessarily be disposed at a side of the steering shaft 133A.
In this embodiment, since the fuel tank 165A extends to a position forwardly of the steering shaft 133A, the necessary capacity of the fuel tank 165A can be ensured and the fuel tank 165A can be located more forwardly. That is, the air cleaner 162 upper cleaner chamber 162b) can be provided in the gap between the fuel tank 165A and
32

the seat 180A formed by locating the fuel tank 165A more forwardly.
In this way the capacity of the air cleaner 162 can be increased easily. In addition, since the carburetor 161 and the upper cleaner chamber 162b can be disposed above the engine 160, the carburetor 161 can be made as a downdraft type easily. The air cleaner 162 (upper cleaner chamber 162b) may not necessarily extend to the gap between the fuel tank 165A and the seat 180A.
In this embodiment, the fuel tank 165A is supported by the support stays 121L and 121R for coupling the down tube 120d and the fuel tank 165A to each other. Thus, utilizing the shape of the down tube 120d extending downward from the head pipe 120hp, the fuel tank 165A can be supported reliably using the support stays 121L and 121R with a simple structure. The fuel tank 165A may be supported usinq a part other than the support stays 121L and 121R. [Other embodiments]
The present invention has been disclosed by way of
the first to third embodiments described above. It should not be interpreted, however, that the description and the directory as a part of this disclosure limit the scope of the present invention. Rather, various
33

alternative embodiments will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
For sample, while the steering shaft, the reinforcement shaft and the under bracket are provided as separate parts in the embodiments described above, such parts may be provided as an integral unit.
Also, the motorcycle is taken as an example in the embodiments described above. However, the present invention may of course be applied to other straddle-type vehicles (such as those having three or four wheels). The straddle-type vehicle refers to vehicles having two to four wheels on which the operator rides as if straddling a saddle, and also includes scooter-type vehicles on which the operator rides with both feet placed side by side on a footboard.
In addition, although the front wheel is taken as an example in the embodiments described above, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited thereto.
As described above, it should be understood that the present invention covers various embodiments which are not described herein. Consequently, the technical scope of the present invention can be determined only by the particular matter of the invention according to the
34

appropriate claims based on the aforementioned description.
35

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a body frame;
a pair of forks for suspending a wheel;
a steering shaft coupled to the forks at its lower end and supported by the body frame such that the wheel is steerable;
an engine mounted on the body frame; and
a fuel tank for storing fuel to be supplied to the engine,
wherein a front end of the fuel tank is positioned forwardly or the steering shaft as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle.
2. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
1, wherein:
the body frame has a head pipe part for rotatably supporting the steering shaft; and
the head pipe part is covered by the fuel tank as viewed from a side of the straddle-type vehicle,
3. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
1, further comprising:
a headlight part for casting light forward,
36

wherein the headlight part is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank.
4. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
1, further comprising:
a front cowl disposed forwardly of the steering shaft,
wherein the front cowl is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank.
5. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
3, further comprising:
a front cowl for covering the headlight part from a side,
where the front cowl is fixed to the front end of the fuel tank.
6. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
3, wherein the fuel tank includes a mount part formed at
the front end for attachment of the headlight part.
7. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
1, further comprising:
a battery,
37

wherein the battery is disposed close to the steering shaft,
8. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
1, further comprising:
an air cleaner connected to the engine,
wherein at least a part of the air cleaner is
disposed above an upper end of the engine in a vertical
direction of the vehicle.
9. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
8, further comprising:
a seat for an operator to sit on, wherein:
the heat is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank with a predetermined gap;
the engine is disposed below the fuel tank; and the air cleaner extends to the predetermined gap.
10. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
2, wherein:
the body frame has a down tube extending downward from the head pipe part; and
38

the straddle-type vehicle further comprises a fuel tank support part for coupling the down tubs and the fuel tank to support the fuel tank.
11. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
7, further comprising:
a bridge part for coupling the pair of left and right forks,
wherein:
the steering shaft is provided to extend upright from the bridge part; and
the battery is disposed at a side of the steering shaft.
39
12. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in Claim
11, wherein the battery is disposed between the steering
shaft and the front end of the fuel tank.

In a motorcycle 100A, a front end 165e of a fuel tank 165A is positioned forwardly of a steering shaft 133A as viewed from a side of the motorcycle 100A.

Documents:

00227-kol-2007 correspondence-1.2.pdf

00227-kol-2007 form-18.pdf

00227-kol-2007 p.a.pdf

00227-kol-2007-correspondence-1.1.pdf

00227-kol-2007-priority document others.pdf

00227-kol-2007-priority document.pdf

0227-kol-2007-abstract.pdf

0227-kol-2007-claims.pdf

0227-kol-2007-correspondence others.pdf

0227-kol-2007-description(complete).pdf

0227-kol-2007-drawings.pdf

0227-kol-2007-form-2.pdf

0227-kol-2007-form-3.pdf

0227-kol-2007-form-5.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-ABSTRACT.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-DRAWINGS.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-FORM-1.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-FORM-2.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-FORM-3.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(13-02-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(14-06-2012)-ABSTRACT.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(14-06-2012)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(14-06-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(14-06-2012)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

227-KOL-2007-(14-06-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

227-KOL-2007-(14-06-2012)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

227-KOL-2007-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

227-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

227-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

227-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS-1.3.pdf

227-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE-1.4.pdf

227-KOL-2007-FORM 13.pdf

227-KOL-2007-OTHERS.pdf

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Patent Number

254847

Indian Patent Application Number

227/KOL/2007

PG Journal Number

52/2012

Publication Date

28-Dec-2012

Grant Date

26-Dec-2012

Date of Filing

12-Feb-2007

Name of Patentee

YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Applicant Address

2500, SHINGAI, IWATA-SHI, SHIZUOKA-KEN,

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	TOORU HORIUCHI	C/O YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, 2500, SHINGAI IWATA-SHI, SHIZUOKA 4388501
2	TAKUYA KINOSHITA	C/O YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, 2500, SHINGAI, IWATA-SHI, SHIZUOKA 4388501

PCT International Classification Number

B60K11/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2006-211176	2006-08-02	Japan
2	2006-041022	2006-02-17	Japan