Adjustable height suspension mechanism for two-wheeled motor vehicles

Abstract

A suspension system for two-wheeled vehicles capable of adjusting effective height of the vehicle and the spring rate of the suspension. Damping adjustment mechanisms are also employed. In the front suspension of a two-wheeled vehicle, a left-right suspension mechanism is employed with one component of the suspension having a variable seat driven by hydraulic pressure. The other component includes two springs in series with a seat therebetween. A hydraulic cylinder may be actuated to effectively reduce or eliminate the operation of one of the springs to change the spring rate of the system by moving and retaining the seat toward one of the springs. Actuator motors control damping resistance through adjustable damping orifices defined by needle valves and associated seats. A unitary damping and suspension spring mechanism associated with the rear suspension provides a hydraulic cylinder in association with a seat for the suspension spring to vary the height of the vehicle. The cylinder is associated with the damping mechanism concentrically mounted inwardly of the suspension spring and a rubber suspension spring. The adjustable spring seat is positioned about the damping mechanism and mounted thereto through the adjustment mechanism. A further movable seat may be used to control the spring constant of the coil spring and rubber spring suspension mechanism.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.