Rear suspension for a motorcycle

Abstract

A rear single-sided swingarm suspension for a motorcycle includes a single-sided swingarm that has an axle bearing assembly pivotably connected to the rearward end thereof for swinging motion in a plane parallel to the plane of travel of the swingarm. A cantilevered wheel axle is journalled in the axle bearing assembly and is affixed to the rear wheel. A control arm, which is shorter than the swingarm, extends generally parallel to the swingarm and is pivotably connected to the motorcycle frame at a point rearward of the forward end of the swingarm. The axle bearing assembly also is pivotably attached to the rear end of the control arm. The wheel axle is journalled in the axle bearing assembly at a point rearward of the rear end of the swing arm and on the opposite side of the swingarm from the control arm. The axle bearing assembly may include an axle housing having a splined tube extending generally parallel to the swingarm, and an upright member having a cooperably splined cylinder which receives the splined tube, so as to allow linear movement and securing of the position of the rear wheel axle with respect to the axis of the swingarm and thereby select the drive chain tension. The suspension results in the path of travel of the wheel axle during swingarm motion being more nearly vertical, thereby better isolating propulsion drive forces on the wheel from weight loads and road shocks.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.