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AssigneeHonda Motor Co., Ltd.
InventorsTomoo Shiozaki, Toshimasa Mitsubori, Masahiro Shimizu
Estimating the term…
A motorcycle is provided with a compact, lightweight power unit that allows for increased maneuverability and increased bank angles while turning. The power unit includes an engine and transmission integrated into a single unit. Often, the balance and maneuverability of a motorcycle are influenced by the heaviest components of the vehicle, such as the engine or power unit. The present advantage is accomplished by providing the power unit with a water pump, oil pump and transmission which are balanced on the motorcycle, limiting the weight variations and protrusions from the motorcycle. This results in allowing the motorcycle to achieve greater bank angles for better turning speeds and maneuverability. It desirable to keep the vehicle center of gravity as low as possible in a motorcycle which is likely to lean steeply around corners. The present arrangement provides the vehicle with a lower center of gravity thereby increasing maneuverability.
A power unit for a motorcycle, said power unit comprising:
A power unit adapted to be mounted on a frame, the power unit comprising an engine used for providing power and a transmission used for transferring the power to a drive wheel, the engine comprising a crankshaft, wherein:
A motorcycle comprising a frame, a front wheel pivotally attached to the frame and steerable by movement of a handlebar, a rear wheel rotatably attached to the frame, and a power unit operatively mounted on the frame, the motorcycle having a maximum bank angle and center of gravity during operation that effect the maneuverability of the motorcycle, wherein:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.