Vehicle

A waterproof cover is attached to a portion of a body frame positioned behind a rear end of a left side member and ahead of left and right engine supports of the body frame when looking at a vehicle standing in an upright state from the left of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the waterproof cover overlaps at least one of a right side member and the left side member when looking at the vehicle from the front of the vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-206642 filed on Oct. 25, 2017 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-146026 filed on Aug. 2, 2018. The entire contents of each application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle including a body frame that is able to lean and two front wheels that are aligned side by side in a left-and-right direction.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent No. JP-B-5941601 describes a vehicle including a body frame that can lean and a right front wheel and a left front wheel that are aligned side by side in a left and right direction.

This vehicle leans to the right of the vehicle when the vehicle turns to the right and leans to the left of the vehicle when the vehicle turns to the left. The vehicle includes a link mechanism that supports the right front wheel and the left front wheel at a front portion of the body frame. An engine is fixed to an engine supporting portion directly behind the link mechanism so as not to be displaced on the body frame of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor of preferred embodiments of the present invention has discovered that rust is likely to be caused at a portion of the body frame of the vehicle described in JP-B-5941601.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide vehicles in which the occurrence of rust is significantly reduced or prevented.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle includes a body frame that leans right when the vehicle turns right and leans left when the vehicle turns left; a right front wheel that rotates about a right axle extending in a direction of a right axle axis; a left front wheel provided leftward of the right front wheel and that rotates about a left axle extending in a direction of a left axle axis; a linkage that changes a relative position of the right front wheel and the left front wheel in an up-and-down direction of the body frame as the body frame leans; a right shock absorber that supports the right front wheel at a lower portion thereof and absorbs a relative displacement of the lower portion to an upper portion thereof along a right extension and contraction axis extending in the up-and-down direction of the body frame; a left shock absorber that supports the left front wheel at a lower portion thereof and absorbs a relative displacement of the lower portion to an upper portion thereof along a left extension and contraction axis extending in the up-and-down direction of the body frame; an engine fixed to an engine support of the body frame so as not to be displaced; and a body cover that covers at least a portion of the linkage; wherein the linkage includes a right side member that supports the upper portion of the right shock absorber such that the upper portion is able to turn about a right steering axis; a left side member that supports the upper portion of the left shock absorber such that the upper portion is able to turn about a left steering axis; an upper cross member that supports an upper portion of the right side member at a right end portion of the upper cross member such that the upper portion is able to turn about a right upper axis extending in a front-and-rear direction of the body frame, supports an upper portion of the left side member at a left end portion of the upper cross member such that the upper portion is able to turn about a left upper axis extending parallel to the right upper axis, and is supported on the body frame at a middle portion of the upper cross member so as to turn about a middle upper axis extending parallel to the right upper axis and the left upper axis; and a lower cross member that supports a lower portion of the right side member at a right end portion of the lower cross member such that the lower portion is able to turn about a right lower axis extending parallel to the right upper axis, supports a lower portion of the left side member at a left end portion of the lower cross member such that the lower portion is able to turn about a left lower axis extending parallel to the left upper axis, and is supported on the body frame at a middle portion of the lower cross member so as to turn about a middle lower axis extending parallel to the middle upper axis; and the vehicle satisfies at least one of a condition (A) and a condition (B): the condition (A) in which a right waterproof cover is located behind a rear end of the right side member and ahead of the engine support of the body frame when the vehicle standing in an upright state is seen from the right of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the right waterproof cover overlaps the right side member when the vehicle is seen from the front of the vehicle; and the condition (B) in which a left waterproof cover is located behind a rear end of the left side member and ahead of the engine support of the body frame when the vehicle standing in an upright state is seen from the left of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the left waterproof cover overlaps the left side member when the vehicle is seen from the front of the vehicle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle includes a rigid engine fixed so as not to be displaced relative to the engine support located directly behind the linkage on the body frame. In relation to vehicles having such a rigid engine, the inventor discovered the likelihood of rust occurring at a portion of a body frame described below.

In a vehicle including a rigid engine, the body frame is heated by heat generated by the engine. The inventor discovered the possibility of rust being caused by the heated body frame.

The inventor discovered that rust tends to be caused at a location that satisfies three conditions: the location is exposed to a certain temperature; the location is splashed with water; and the location is not dried quickly.

It is preferable that the engine is supported over a wide span. On the other hand, it is preferable that the vehicle is not expanded in the widthwise direction. Additionally, the engine should be positively cooled. Thus, the periphery of the engine support is not covered with a cover on many occasions. Due to this, a body frame portion of the body frame that is located on the periphery of the engine to support the engine is not covered so as to be exposed to outside air. In addition, heat is conducted sufficiently to the body frame portion, and hence, the body frame portion is dried easily. Due to this, this body frame portion tends to be subjected to a flow of outside air and be dried easily, and hence, the body frame portion does not rust easily.

On the other hand, the heat of the engine is not easily conducted to a body frame portion located on the periphery of the linkage disposed far away from the engine, and hence, this body frame portion does not rust easily.

The inventor discovered that a middle body frame portion located in the middle of the body frame between the engine and the linkage tends to rust easily when compared with the two body frame portions described above. The reason that the middle body frame portion tends to rust easily is as follows.

The middle body frame portion extends from a portion that supports the linkage towards the engine support and is inevitably positioned directly behind the linkage on the body frame.

Water splashed up by the right front wheel adheres to the right side member, and water spreading from this right side member adheres to the middle body frame portion. Alternatively, water splashed up by the right front wheel flies directly to the middle body frame portion and adheres to it. Similarly, water splashed up by the left front wheel adheres to the left side member, and water spreading from the left side member adheres to the middle body frame portion. Alternatively, water splashed up by the left front wheel flies directly to the middle body frame portion and adheres to it. Muddy water splashed up by tires tends to cause the body frame to rust more.

Further, the middle frame portion is warmed to a certain temperature. When the vehicle is running, air flows easily to a space directly behind the linkage, but when the vehicle is at a stop, the flow of air is interrupted by the linkage, and hence, fresh air does not reach easily the space directly behind the linkage, such that the air becomes stagnant in the space. When the vehicle is running, the water adhering to the linkage is forced to fly therefrom and adheres to the middle body frame portion. The air in the space at the middle body frame portion stagnates when the vehicle is at a stop, and this produces a difficult condition where the above-described space is not dried over a long period of time. Due to this, this middle body frame portion satisfies the three rust causing conditions: the middle body frame portion is warmed to a certain temperature, water adheres to the middle body frame portion, and the middle body frame portion is left undried over a long period of time. The inventor has discovered from these situations that a rust preventive measure should be taken particularly on the middle body frame portion.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof cover is mounted on the middle body frame portion of the body frame at a location where the waterproof cover overlaps at least a portion of at least one of the right side member and the left side member when the vehicle standing in the upright state is seen from the front of the vehicle1. This prevents the middle body frame portion that tends to rust easily from being splashed with water.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the engine preferably includes a crankcase and a cylinder block mounted on an upper portion of the crankcase and extending upwards in the up-and-down direction of the body frame, and the body frame may support the engine by the engine support being connected to the cylinder block.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body frame preferably includes a link support that supports the upper cross member and the lower cross member; a right frame extending from the link support rearwards in a front-and-rear direction of the body frame; and a left frame extending from the link support rearwards in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame; the engine support is preferably provided on the right frame and the left frame, and the condition (A) preferably includes a condition that the right waterproof cover is located rightward of the right frame in a left-and-right direction of the body frame, and the condition (B) preferably includes a condition that the left waterproof cover is located leftward of the left frame in the left-and-right direction of the body frame.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the condition (A) preferably includes a condition that the right waterproof cover includes a plane extending parallel to a turning locus of the linkage on a front surface of the right waterproof cover in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame, and the condition (B) preferably includes a condition that the left waterproof cover includes a plane extending parallel to a turning locus of the linkage on a front surface of the left waterproof cover in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame. This enables the waterproof covers to be disposed near the linkage, such that an intrusion of water is efficiently prevented at a more upstream side.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle preferably includes a fuel tank disposed directly above the engine, the body cover preferably includes an upper cover that covers the fuel tank, and the condition (A) preferably includes a condition that the right waterproof cover is separate from the upper cover, and the condition (B) preferably includes a condition that the left waterproof cover is separate from the upper cover.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide the vehicles in which the occurrence of rust is significantly reduced or prevented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments will be described in detail below.

In the accompanying drawings, an arrow F denotes ahead of a vehicle. An arrow B denotes behind the vehicle. An arrow U denotes above the vehicle. An arrow D denotes below the vehicle. An arrow R denotes on the right of the vehicle. An arrow L denotes on the left of the vehicle.

A vehicle turns with a body frame leaning in a left-and-right direction of the vehicle relative to a vertical direction. Then, in addition to the directions based on the vehicle, directions based on the vehicle body frame are defined. In the accompanying drawings, an arrow FF denotes ahead of the vehicle body frame. An arrow FB denotes behind the vehicle body frame. An arrow FU denotes above the vehicle body frame. An arrow FD denotes below the vehicle body frame. An arrow FR denotes on the right of the vehicle body frame. An arrow FL denotes on the left of the vehicle body frame.

In this description, a “front-and-rear direction of the body frame,” a “left-and-right direction of the body frame,” and an “up-and-down direction of the body frame” refers to a front-and-rear direction, a left-and-right direction and an up-and-down direction based on the body frame as viewed from a rider who rides the vehicle. “The side of the body frame” denotes on the right or on the left of the body frame.

When referred to in this description, an expression reading “something extends in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle body frame” includes a situation in which something extends in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle body frame while being inclined in relation to the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle body frame and that something extends with a gradient which is closer to the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle body frame rather than the left-and-right direction and the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame.

In this description, an expression reading “something extends in the left-and-right direction of the vehicle body frame” includes a situation in which something extends in the left-and-right direction of the vehicle body frame while being inclined in relation to the left-and-right direction of the vehicle body frame and that something extends with a gradient which is closer to the left-and-right direction of the vehicle body frame rather than the front-and-rear direction and the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame.

In this description, an expression reading “something extends in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame” includes a situation in which something extends in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame while being inclined in relation to the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame and that something extends with a gradient which is closer to the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame rather than the front-and-rear direction and the left-and-right direction of the vehicle body frame.

In this description, an “upright state of the vehicle” or the “vehicle stands upright” refers to a state in which the vehicle remains not steered and the up-and-down direction of the body frame coincides with a vertical direction. In this state, the direction based on the vehicle coincides with the direction based on the body frame. When the vehicle is turning with the body frame leaning to the left or right from the vertical direction, the left-and-right direction of the vehicle does not coincide with the left-and-right direction of the body frame. The up-and-down direction of the vehicle does not coincide with the up-and-down direction of the body frame, too. However, the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle coincides with the front-and-rear direction of the body frame.

In this description, “rotation or rotating” refers to a member that is displaced at an angle of 360 degrees or more about a center axis thereof. In this description, “turn or turning” refers to a member that is displaced at an angle of less than 360 degrees about a center axis thereof.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 7, a vehicle1according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. A vehicle1is preferably driven by power generated from a power source and including a body frame that is able to lean and two front wheels which are aligned side by side in a left-and-right direction of the body frame.

FIG. 1is a left side view of the entire vehicle1as viewed from the left of the vehicle. The vehicle1includes a vehicle main body2, a pair of left and right front wheels3, a rear wheel4, a linkage5, and a steering force transmission6.

The vehicle main body2includes a body frame21, a body cover22, a seat24, and an engine unit25. InFIG. 1, the vehicle1is in an upright state. The following description which will be provided with reference toFIG. 1is based on the premise that the vehicle1is standing in the upright state.

The body frame21extends in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle1. The body frame21includes a headpipe211and a link support212.

The headpipe211supports an upstream side steering shaft60, which will be described below, so as to turn. The headpipe211extends in an up-and-down direction of the body frame21.

The link support212is provided ahead of the headstock211in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle1. The link support212supports the linkage5so as to turn.

The body frame21supports the engine unit25behind the headstock211in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle1. The engine unit25supports the rear wheel4so as to swing up and down. The engine unit25includes a power source such as an engine or an electric motor with a battery and a device such as a transmission. The power source generates power by which the vehicle1is driven.

The body cover22includes a front cover221, a pair of left and right front fenders223and a rear fender224. The body cover22is a body element which covers at least a portion of body elements which are mounted on the vehicle1such as the pair of left and right front wheels3, the body frame21, and the linkage5. In this preferred embodiment, the body cover22covers at least a portion of the linkage.

The front cover221is disposed ahead of the seat24.

The front cover221covers the linkage5and at least a portion of the steering force transmission6.

At least portions of the pair of left and right front fenders223are individually disposed directly below the front cover221. At least portions of the pair of left and right front fenders223are disposed directly above the pair of left and right front wheels3, respectively.

At least a portion of the rear fender224is disposed directly above the rear wheel4.

At least portions of the pair of left and right front wheels3are disposed directly below the front cover221.

At least a portion of the rear wheel4is disposed below the seat24. At least a portion of the rear wheel4is disposed directly below the rear fender224.

FIG. 2is a front view of a front portion of the vehicle1as viewed from the front of the body frame21. InFIG. 2, the vehicle1is standing in the upright state. The following description which will be provided with reference toFIG. 2is based on the premise that the vehicle1is standing in the upright state.FIG. 2shows the front portion of the vehicle1as seen through the front cover221that is indicated by dashed lines.

The pair of left and right front wheels3include a left front wheel31and a right front wheel32. The left front wheel31and the right front wheel32are provided in the left-and-right direction of the vehicle body frame21. The right front wheel32is provided on the right of the left front wheel31on the body frame21.

The vehicle1includes a left shock absorber33, a right shock absorber34, a left bracket317, and a right bracket327.

FIG. 3is a side view showing the left shock absorber33and the left front wheel31. Since the right shock absorber34preferably has a structure symmetrical with the left shock absorber33, the reference numbers showing the elements of the right shock absorber34are also added inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 3, the left shock absorber33is preferably a so-called telescopic shock absorber. The left shock absorber33includes a left front telescopic element331, a left rear telescopic element332, and a left inner connector337.

The left front telescopic element331includes a left front outer tube333and a left front inner tube334. A lower portion of the left front inner tube334is connected to a left inner connector337. An upper portion of the left front inner tube334is inserted into the left front outer tube333. An upper portion of the left front outer tube333is connected to the left bracket317. The left front inner tube334is displaced relative to the left front outer tube333along a left extension and contraction axis c which extends in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21. The left front telescopic element331is able to extend and contract in the direction of the left extension and contraction axis c as a result of the left front inner tube334being displaced relative to the left front outer tube333along the left extension and contraction axis c.

At least a portion of the left rear telescopic element332is provided behind the left front telescopic element331. The left rear telescopic element332includes a left rear outer tube335and a left rear inner tube336. The left rear outer tube335and the left front outer tube333are connected together so as not to move relative to each other.

A lower portion of the left rear inner tube336is connected to a left inner connector337. An upper portion of the left rear inner tube336is inserted into the left rear outer tube335. An upper portion of the left rear outer tube335is connected to the left bracket317.

The left rear inner tube336is displaced relative to the left rear outer tube335along the left extension and contraction axis c which extends in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21. The left rear telescopic element332is able to extend and contract in the direction of the left extension and contraction axis c as a result of the left rear inner tube336being displaced relative to the left rear outer tube335along the left extension and contraction axis c.

The left inner connector337rotatably supports a left axle311of the left front wheel31. The left inner connector337connects a lower portion of the left front inner tube334and a lower portion of the left rear inner tube336together.

The left shock absorber33attenuates or absorbs a displacement of the left front wheel31relative to the left front outer tube333and the left rear outer tube335along the left extension and contraction axis c by an extending or contracting action of the left front telescopic element331and an extending or contracting action of the left rear telescopic element332.

As shown inFIG. 3, the right shock absorber34is preferably a so-called telescopic shock absorber. The right shock absorber34includes a right front telescopic element341, a right rear telescopic element342, and a right inner connector347.

The right front telescopic element341includes a right front outer tube343and a right front inner tube344. A lower portion of the right front inner tube344is connected to a right inner connector347. An upper portion of the right front inner tube344is inserted into a right front outer tube343. An upper portion of the right front outer tube343is connected to the right bracket327. With respect to the right front outer tube343, the right inner tube344displaces along a right extension and contraction axis d which extends in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame21. The right front telescopic element341is able to extend and contract in the direction of the right extension and contraction axis d as a result of the right front inner tube344being displaced relative to the right front outer tube343along the right extension and contraction axis d.

At least a portion of the right rear telescopic element342is provided behind the right front telescopic element341. The right rear telescopic element342includes a right rear outer tube345and a right rear inner tube346. The right rear outer tube345and the right front outer tube343are connected together so as not to move relative to each other.

A lower portion of the right rear inner tube346is connected to a rear inner connector347. An upper portion of the right rear inner tube346is inserted to the right rear outer tube345. An upper portion of the right rear outer tube345is connected to the right bracket327.

With respect to the right rear outer tube345, the right rear inner tube346is displaced along the right extension and contraction axis d which extends in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame21. The right rear telescopic element342is able to extend and contract in the direction of the right extension and contraction axis d as a result of the right rear inner tube346being displaced relative to the right rear outer tube345along the right extension and contraction axis d.

The right inner connector347rotatably supports a right axle321of the right front wheel32. The right inner connector347connects a lower portion of the right front inner tube344and a lower portion of the right rear inner tube346together.

The right shock absorber34attenuates or absorbs the displacement of the right front wheel32relative to the right front outer tube343and the right rear outer tube345along the right extension and contraction axis d by an extending or contracting action of the right front telescopic element341and an extending or contracting action of the right rear telescopic element342.

As shown inFIG. 4, the vehicle1includes the steering force transmission6. The steering force transmission6includes a handlebar23(an example of a steering force input), the upstream side steering shaft60(an example of a rear shaft member), a connecting member80, and a downstream side steering shaft68(an example of a front shaft member).

The body frame21includes the headpipe211that supports the upstream side steering shaft60so as to turn and the link support212that supports the downstream side steering shaft68so as to turn. As shown inFIG. 2, the link support212extends in the direction of a middle steering axis Z which extends in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21. In this preferred embodiment, a turning center (a central steering axis) of the handlebar23coincides with a turning center (a rear axis) of the upstream side steering shaft.

A steering force is inputted into the handlebar23. The upstream side steering shaft60is connected to the handlebar23. The upper portion of the upstream side steering shaft60is located behind the lower portion of the upstream side steering shaft60in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle body frame21. The upstream side steering shaft60is supported in the headpipe211so as to turn therein.

The connecting member80connects the upstream side steering shaft60and the downstream side steering shaft68together. The connecting member80is displaced as the upstream side steering shaft60turns. The connecting member80transmits the turning motion of the upstream side steering shaft60to the downstream side steering shaft68.

The downstream side steering shaft68is supported in the link support212so as to turn therein. The downstream side steering shaft68is connected to the connecting member80. The downstream side steering shaft68is provided ahead of the upstream side steering shaft60in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21. The downstream side steering shaft68turns in accordance with the displacement of the connecting member80. As a result of the downstream side steering shaft68turning, the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32are steered or turned via a tie-rod67.

The steering force transmission6transmits a steering force exerted on a handlebar23by the rider when operating the handlebar23to the left bracket317and the right bracket327. A specific structure will be described in detail below.

In the vehicle1according to this preferred embodiment, the linkage5preferably uses a four parallel joint link system (also referred to as a parallelogram link).

As shown inFIG. 2, the linkage5is disposed above the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32. The linkage5includes an upper cross member51, a lower cross member52, a left side member53, and a right side member54. The linkage5is turnably supported on the link support212which extends to the middle steering axis Z. Even though the upstream side steering shaft60is turned as a result of the operation of the handlebar23, the linkage5is prevented from following the turning motion of the upstream side steering shaft60and hence does not turn.

The upper cross member51includes a plate member512. The plate member512is provided ahead of the link support212. The plate member512extends in a left-and-right direction of the body frame21.

A middle portion of the upper cross member51is connected to the link support212by a connecting portion C. The upper cross member51is able to turn relative to the link support212about a middle upper axis Mu that passes through the connecting portion C to extend in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21.

A left end portion of the upper cross member51is connected to the left side member53by a connecting portion A. The upper cross member51is able to turn relative to the left side member53about a left upper axis which passes through the connecting portion A to extend in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21.

A right end portion of the upper cross member51is connected to the right side member54by a connecting portion E. The upper cross member51is able to turn relative to the right side member54about a right upper axis that passes through the connecting portion E to extend in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21.

FIG. 4is a plan view of the front portion of the vehicle1as seen from above the body frame21. InFIG. 4, the vehicle1is standing in the upright state. The following description which will be provided with reference toFIG. 4is based on the premise that the vehicle1is standing in the upright state.

As shown inFIG. 4, the lower cross member52includes a lower front cross element522a and a lower rear cross element522b. The lower front cross element522a is provided ahead of the link support212. The lower rear cross element522b is provided behind the link support212. The lower front cross element522a and the lower rear cross member522b extend in the left-and-right direction of the body frame21. The lower front cross element522a and the lower rear cross member522b are connected together by a left connecting block523a and a right connecting block532b. The left connecting block523a is disposed on the left of the link support212. The right connecting block523b is disposed on the right of the link support212.

Returning toFIG. 2, the lower cross member52is disposed below the upper cross member51. The lower cross member52extends parallel to the upper cross member51. A middle portion of the lower cross member52is connected to the link support212by a connecting portion I. The lower cross member52is able to turn about a middle down or lower axis Md that passes through the connecting portion I to extend in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21.

A left end portion of the lower cross member52is connected to the left side member53by a connecting portion G. The lower cross member52is able to turn about a left lower axis which passes through the connecting portion G to extend in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21.

A right end portion of the lower cross member52is connected to the right side member54by a connecting portion H. The lower cross member52is able to turn about a right lower axis which passes through the connecting portion H to extend in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21. A length of the upper cross member51from the connecting portion E to the connecting portion A is equal or substantially equal to a length of the lower cross member from the connecting portion H to the connecting portion G.

The middle upper axis Mu, the right upper axis, the left upper axis, the middle lower axis Md, the right lower axis, and the left lower axis extend parallel to one another. The middle upper axis Mu, the right upper axis, the left upper axis, the middle lower axis Md, the right lower axis, and the left lower axis are disposed above the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the left side member53is disposed on the left of the link support212. The left side member53is disposed above the left front wheel31. The left side member53extends parallel to the middle steering axis Z of the link support212. An upper portion of the left side member53is disposed behind a lower portion thereof.

A lower portion of the left side member53is connected to the left bracket317. The left bracket317is able to turn about a left steering axis X relative to the left side member53. The left steering axis X extends parallel to the middle steering axis Z of the link support212.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the right side member54is disposed on the right of the link support212. The right side member54is disposed above the right front wheel32. The right side member54extends parallel to the middle steering axis Z of the link support212. An upper portion of the right side member54is disposed behind a lower portion thereof.

A lower portion of the right side member54is connected to the right bracket327. The right bracket327is able to turn about a right steering axis Y relative to the right side member54. The right steering axis Y extends parallel to the middle steering axis Z of the link support212.

Thus, as has been described above, the upper cross member51, the lower cross member52, the left side member53, and the right side member54are supported by the link support212so that the upper cross member51and the lower cross member52are held in postures which are parallel to each other and so that the left side member53and the right side member54are held in postures which are parallel to each other.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the steering force transmission6includes a middle transmission plate61, a left transmission plate62, a right transmission plate63, a middle joint64, a left joint65, a right joint66, and the tie-rod67.

The middle transmission plate61is connected to a lower portion of the downstream side steering shaft68. The middle transmission plate61cannot turn relative to the downstream side steering shaft68. The middle transmission plate61is able to turn about the middle steering axis Z relative to the link support212.

The left transmission plate62is disposed on the left of the middle transmission plate61. The left transmission plate62is connected to the left bracket317. The left transmission plate62cannot turn relative to the left bracket317. The left transmission plate62is able to turn about the left steering axis X relative to the left side member53.

The right transmission plate63is disposed on the right of the middle transmission plate61. The right transmission plate63is connected to the right bracket327. The right transmission plate63cannot turn relative to the right bracket327. The right transmission plate63is able to turn about the right steering axis Y relative to the right side member54.

As shown inFIG. 4, the middle joint64is connected to a front portion of the middle transmission plate61via a shaft portion that extends in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21. The middle transmission plate61and the middle joint64are able to turn relative to each other about this shaft portion.

The left joint65is disposed directly on the left of the middle joint64. The left joint65is connected to a front portion of the left transmission plate62via a shaft that extends in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21. The left transmission plate62and the left joint65are able to turn relative to each other about this shaft portion.

The right joint66is disposed directly on the right of middle joint64. The right joint66is connected to a front portion of the right transmission plate63via a shaft that extends in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21. The right transmission plate63and the right joint66are able to turn relative to each other about this shaft portion.

A shaft portion that extends in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21is provided at a front portion of the middle joint64. A shaft portion that extends in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21is provided at a front portion of the left joint65. A shaft portion that extends in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21is provided at a front portion of the right joint66.

The tie-rod67extends in the left-and-right direction of the body frame21. The tie-rod67is connected to the middle joint64, the left joint65, and the right joint66via those shaft portions. The tie rod67and the intermediate joint64are able to turn relatively about the shaft portion which is provided at the front portion of the intermediate joint64. The tie-rod67and the left joint65are able to turn relative to each other about the shaft portion that is provided at the front portion of the left joint65. The tie rod67and the right joint66are able to turn relative to each other about the shaft portion that is provided at the front portion of the right joint66.

Next, referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, a steering operation of the vehicle1will be described.FIG. 5is a plan view, as seen from above the body frame21, of the front portion of the vehicle1with the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32turned or steered to the left.

When the rider operates the handlebar23, the upstream side steering shaft60turns. The turning motion of the upstream side steering shaft60is transmitted to the downstream side steering shaft68via the connecting member80. The downstream side steering shaft68turns relative to the link support212about a front steering axis b. In the case of the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32being turned to the left as shown inFIG. 5, as the handlebar23is operated, the middle transmission plate61turns relative to the link support212in a direction indicated by an arrow T about the front steering axis b.

In association with the turning of the middle transmission plate61in the direction indicated by the arrow T, the middle joint64of the tie-rod67turns relative to the middle transmission plate61in a direction indicated by an arrow S. This moves the tie-rod67leftward and rearward with its posture kept unchanged.

As the tie-rod67moves leftward and rearward, the left joint65and the right joint66of the tie-rod67turn in the direction indicated by the arrow S relative to the left transmission plate62and the right transmission plate63, respectively. This causes the left transmission plate62and the right transmission plate63to turn in the direction indicated by the arrow T with the tie rod67maintaining its posture unchanged.

When the left transmission plate62turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T, the left bracket317, which cannot turn relative to the left transmission plate62, turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T about the left steering axis X relative to the left side member53.

When the right transmission plate63turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T, the right bracket327, which cannot turn relative to the right transmission plate63, turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T about the right steering axis Y relative to the right side member54.

When the left bracket317turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T, the left shock absorber33, which is connected to the left bracket317via the left front outer tube333and the left rear outer tube335, turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T about the left steering axis X relative to the left side member53. When the left shock absorber33turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T, the left front wheel31, which is supported on the left shock absorber33, turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T about the left steering axis X relative to the left side member53.

When the right bracket327turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T, the right shock absorber34, which is connected to the right bracket327via the right front outer tube343and the right rear outer tube345, turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T about the right steering axis Y relative to the right side member54. When the right shock absorber34turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T, the right front wheel32, which is supported on the right shock absorber34, turns in the direction indicated by the arrow T about the right steering axis Y relative to the right side member54.

When the rider operates the handlebar23so as to turn the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32to the right, the elements described above turn in the direction indicated by the arrow S. Since the elements move the other way around in relation to the left-and-right direction, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Thus, as has been described above, as the rider operates the handlebar23, the steering force transmission6transmits the steering force accordingly to the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32. The left front wheel31and the right front wheel32turn about the left steering axis X and the right steering axis Y, respectively, in the direction corresponding to the direction in which the handlebar23is operated by the rider.

Next, referring toFIGS. 2 and 6, a leaning operation of the vehicle1will be described.FIG. 6is a front view of the front portion of the vehicle1as viewed from the front of the body frame21, showing a state in which the body frame21leans to the left of the vehicle1.FIG. 6shows a state in which the front portion of the leaning vehicle1is seen through the front cover221that is indicated by dashed lines.

As shown inFIG. 2, with the vehicle1standing in the upright state, when looking at the vehicle1from the front of the body frame21, the linkage5has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape. As shown inFIG. 6, with the vehicle1leaning to the left, when looking at the vehicle1from the front of the body frame21, the linkage5has a parallelogram shape.

The deformation of the linkage5is interlocked with the leaning of the body frame21in the left-and-right direction of the vehicle1. The operation of the linkage5means that the upper cross member51, the lower cross member52, the left side member53, and the right side member54that define the linkage5turn relatively about turning axes which pass through the corresponding connecting portions A, C, E, G, H, I, such that the shape of the linkage5changes.

For example, as shown inFIG. 6, when the rider causes the vehicle1to lean to the left, the link support212leans to the left relative to the vertical direction. When the link support212leans, the upper cross member51turns counterclockwise as seen from the front of the vehicle1about the middle upper axis Mu that passes through the connecting portion C relative to the link support212. Similarly, the lower cross member52turns counterclockwise as seen from the front of the vehicle1about the middle lower axis Md that passes through the connecting portion I relative to the link support212. This causes the upper cross member51to move to the left relative to the lower cross member52.

As the upper cross member51moves to the left, the upper cross member51turns counterclockwise as seen from the front of the vehicle1about the left upper axis that passes through the connecting portion A and the right upper axis that passes through the connecting portion E relative to the left side member53and the right side member54, respectively. Similarly, the lower cross member52turns counterclockwise as seen from the front of the vehicle1about the left lower axis that passes through the connecting portion G and the right lower axis that passes through the connecting portion H relative to the left side member53and the right side member54, respectively. This causes the left side member53and the right side member54to lean to the left relative to the vertical direction with their postures kept parallel to the link support212.

As this occurs, the lower cross member52moves to the left relative to the tie-rod67. As the lower cross member52moves to the left, the shaft portions that are provided at the respective front portions of the middle joint64, the left joint65, and the right joint66turn relative to the-tie rod67. This allows the tie-rod67to hold a parallel posture to the upper cross member51and the lower cross member52.

As the left side member53leans to the left, the left bracket317, which is connected to the left side member53, leans to the left. As the left bracket317leans to the left, the left shock absorber33, which is connected to the left bracket317, leans to the left. As the left shock absorber33leans to the left, the left front wheel31, which is supported on the left shock absorber33, leans to the left with its posture kept parallel to the link support212.

As the right side member54leans to the left, the right bracket327, which is connected to the right side member54, leans to the left. As the right bracket327leans to the left, the right shock absorber34, which is connected to the right bracket327, leans to the left. As the right shock absorber34leans to the left, the right front wheel32, which is supported on the right shock absorber34, leans to the left with its posture kept parallel to the link support212.

The leaning operations of the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32are described based on the vertical direction. However, when the vehicle1leans (when the linkage5is activated to operate), the up-and-down direction of the body frame21does not coincide with the vertical up-and-down direction. In a case in which the leaning operations are described based on the up-and-down direction of the body frame21, when the linkage5is activated to operate, the relative positions of the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32to the body frame21change. In other words, the linkage5changes the relative positions of the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32to the body frame21in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21to cause the body frame21to lean relative to the vertical direction.

When the rider causes the vehicle1to lean to the right, the elements lean to the right. Since the elements move the other way around in relation to the left-and-right direction, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

FIG. 7is a front view of the front portion of the vehicle with the vehicle1leaning and steered.FIG. 7shows a state in which the vehicle1is steered to the left while leaning to the left. The steering operation turns the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32to the left, and the leaning operation causes the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32to lean to the left together with the body frame21. More specifically, in this state, the linkage5exhibits the parallelogram shape, and the tie-rod67moves towards the left and rear of the body frame21from its position that the tie-rod67takes when the body frame21stays in the upright state.

Thus, as has been described above, the vehicle1of this preferred embodiment includes the body frame21that leans to the right of the vehicle1when the vehicle1turns right and leans to the left of the vehicle1when the vehicle1turns left; the right front wheel32that is able to turn about the right steering axis that extends in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21; the left front wheel31that is provided on the left of the right front wheel32in the left-and-right direction of the body frame21and that is able to turn about the left steering axis that is parallel to the right steering axis; the right shock absorber34that supports the right front wheel32at the lower portion of the right shock absorber34and absorbs the displacement of the right front wheel32in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21towards the upper portion of the right shock absorber34; the left shock absorber33that supports the left front wheel31at the lower portion of the left shock absorber33and absorbs the displacement of the left front wheel31in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21towards the upper portion of the left shock absorber33; and the linkage5that supports the right front wheel32and the left front wheel31so as to be displaced relative to each other in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21.

The linkage5preferably includes the right side member54that supports the upper portion of the right shock absorber34so as to turn about the right steering axis; the left side member53that supports the upper portion of the left shock absorber33so as to turn about the left steering axis; the upper cross member51that supports the upper portion of the right side member54at the right end portion thereof so as to turn about the right upper axis that extends in the front-and-rear direction of the body frame21, supports the upper portion of the left side member53at the left end portion thereof so as to turn about the left upper axis that is parallel to the right upper axis, and is supported on the body frame21at the middle portion thereof so as to turn about the middle upper axis Mu that is parallel to the right upper axis and the left upper axis; and the lower cross member52that supports the lower portion of the right side member54at the right end portion thereof so as to turn about the right lower axis that is parallel to the right upper axis, supports the lower portion of the left side member53so as to turn about the left lower axis that is parallel to the left upper axis, and is supported on the body frame21at the middle portion thereof so as to turn about the middle lower axis Md that is parallel to the middle upper axis Mu.

Next, the body frame21will be described in detail.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of the body frame21.FIG. 9is a front view showing a front portion of the body frame21.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the body frame21includes a main frame40, an upper bracket41, a connecting bracket70, and the link support212. The main frame40extends in at least the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle1.

The main frame40supports a vehicle mounted component such as the engine unit25(refer toFIG. 1). The main frame40includes a right frame40R and a left frame40L that is provided on the left of the right frame40R. A front upper portion of the right frame40R and a front upper portion of the left frame40L are connected to an upper portion of the link support212via the upper bracket41. A front lower portion of the right frame40R and a front lower portion of the left frame40L are connected to a lower portion of the link support212via the connecting bracket70.

In this preferred embodiment, the right frame40R and the left frame40L each preferably include a plurality of metallic pipes that are connected to one another.

The right frame40R extends in at least the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle1. The right frame40R supports right portions of the vehicle mounted components excluding the body frame21.

The left frame40L is provided directly on the left of the vehicle1relative to the right frame40R. The left frame40L extends in at least the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle1. The left frame40L supports left portions of the vehicle mounted components excluding the body frame21.

In this preferred embodiment, the right frame40R and the left frame40L support the engine unit25(refer toFIG. 1) and a rear bracket49as vehicle mounted components.

In this preferred embodiment, the right frame40R preferably has a structure that is laterally symmetrical with that of the left frame40L. Due to this, the left frame40L will be described below with reference toFIG. 8, and a detailed description of the right frame40R will be omitted here. For reference numerals of respective members of the right frame40R, R is listed in place of L at the end of each of the reference numerals of the respective corresponding members of the left frame40L.

The left frame40L includes a left upper frame42L, a left lower frame43L, a left engine support44L, and left vertical frames45L.

The left upper frame42L and the left lower frame43L extend in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle1. The left upper frame42L and the left lower frame43L are preferably made of one or more pipes. The left engine support44L is provided on the left upper frame42L at a middle portion of the left upper frame42L in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle1.

The left engine support44L is provided by, for example, welding two pipes to the left upper frame42L. A first left fastening hole44b is provided in the left engine support44L, so that a first fastening bolt is inserted through the first left fastening hole44b to be fastened to a left portion of the engine unit25. A second left fastening hole43b is provided at a rear end of the left lower frame43L, so that a second fastening bolt is inserted through the second left fastening hole43b to be fastened to the left portion of the engine unit25. The left portion of the engine unit25is supported on the left frame40L by the first fastening bolt and the second fastening bolt. The engine unit25is fixed to the left engine support44L of the body frame21so as not to be displaced.

The two left vertical frames45L connect the left engine support44L and the left lower frame43L together. The left vertical frames45L preferably include one or more pipes. The left engine support44L and upper portions of the left vertical frames45L are connected together and the left lower frame43L is connected to lower portion of the left vertical frames45L.

The rear bracket49is connected to a rear end of the left upper frame42L. The left frame40L supports a left portion of the rear bracket49. A rear suspension suspends the rear wheel4and is attached to the rear bracket49.

The upper bracket41connects a front portion of the right upper frame42R and a front portion of the left upper frame42L to the link support212. The upper bracket41is preferably a monolithic metallic member made by, for example, casting. The upper bracket41is welded, for example, to a rear surface of an upper portion of the link support212. Two insertion holes41ar,41a1that open to the rear are provided in a rear portion of the upper bracket41. The front portion of the right upper frame42R and the front portion of the left upper frame42L are welded, for example, to the upper bracket41while being inserted into the corresponding insertion holes41ar,41a1, respectively. The link support212is connected to the right upper frame42R and the left upper frame42L via the upper bracket41.

The link support212extends in the up-and-down direction of the body frame21. The link support212is provided ahead of front ends40RF,40LF of the right frame40R and the left frame40L. In this preferred embodiment, a frontmost portion of a portion of the right lower frame43R, which preferably includes one or more pipes that are exposed to an exterior, is called the front end40RF of the right frame40R. A frontmost portion of a portion of the left lower frame43L, which preferably includes one or more pipes that are exposed to an exterior, is called the front end40LF of the left frame40L.

The connecting bracket70connects a front portion of the right lower frame43R and a front portion of the left lower frame43L of the link support212to the link support212. The connecting bracket70is, for example, a monolithic metallic member made by, for example, casting. The connecting bracket70is welded, for example, to a rear surface of a lower portion of the link support212. Two insertion holes43ar,43althat open to the rear are provided in a rear portion of the connecting bracket70. The front end40RF of the right upper frame43R and the front end40LF of the left upper frame42L are welded, for example, to the connecting bracket70while being inserted into the corresponding insertion holes43ar,43a1, respectively. The link support212is connected to the right lower frame43R and the left lower frame43L via the connecting bracket70.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the vehicle1includes a waterproof cover90. The waterproof cover90is attached to a portion of the body frame21. The waterproof cover90includes a right waterproof cover90R and a left waterproof cover90L that is preferably separate from the right waterproof cover90R. The right waterproof cover90R and the left waterproof cover90L are preferably made of, for example, resin. In this preferred embodiment, the right waterproof cover90R is separate from the body cover22, and the left waterproof cover90L is separate from the body cover22.

The right waterproof cover90R is attached to a portion of the vehicle1. As shown inFIG. 9, the right waterproof cover90R is mounted such that at least a portion of the right waterproof cover90R overlaps the right side member54when looking at the vehicle1standing in the upright state from the front of the vehicle1. The left waterproof cover90L is mounted such that at least a portion of the left waterproof cover90L overlaps the left side member53when looking at the vehicle1standing in the upright state from the front of the vehicle1.

It is preferable that a right edge of the right waterproof cover90R is located rightward of a right edge of the right side member54when the vehicle1stands in the upright state. It is preferable that a left edge of the right waterproof cover90R is located leftward of a left edge of the right side member54when the vehicle1leans to the right or the left to the maximum extent. It is preferable that the upper edge of the right waterproof cover90R is located above the upper edge of the right side member54when the vehicle1leans to the right to the maximum extent. It is preferable that a lower edge of the right waterproof cover90R is located below a lower edge of the right side member54when the vehicle1leans to the left to the maximum extent. By using this structure, no matter which posture the vehicle1takes, the right side member54overlaps the right waterproof cover90R at all times when looking at the vehicle1from the front of the vehicle1.

It is preferable that a left edge of the left waterproof cover90L is located leftward of a left edge of the left side member53when the vehicle1stands in the upright state. It is preferable that a right edge of the left waterproof cover90L is located rightward of a right edge of the left side member53when the vehicle1leans to the right or the left to a maximum extent. It is preferable that an upper edge of the left waterproof cover90L is located above an upper edge of the left side member53when the vehicle1leans to the left to the maximum extent. It is preferable that a lower edge of the left waterproof cover90L is located below a lower edge of the left side member53when the vehicle1leans to the right to the maximum extent. By using this structure, no matter which posture the vehicle1takes, the left side member53overlaps the left waterproof cover90L at all times when looking at the vehicle1from the front of the vehicle1.

When the vehicle1standing in the upright state is seen from a left side of the vehicle1as shown inFIG. 8, the right waterproof cover90R is attached to a portion of the body frame21that is located behind a rear end of the right side member54and ahead of a right engine support44R of the body frame21. In this preferred embodiment, the right waterproof cover90R is attached to the upper bracket41and the connecting bracket70.

When the vehicle1standing in the upright state is seen from the left side of the vehicle1as shown inFIG. 8, the left waterproof cover90L is attached to a portion of the body frame21that is located behind a rear end of the left side member53and ahead of a left engine support44L of the body frame21. In this preferred embodiment, the left waterproof cover90L is attached to the upper bracket41and the connecting bracket70.

The vehicle1includes a fuel tank (whose illustration is omitted) disposed directly above the engine unit (an engine)25. The fuel tank is covered by an upper cover93(refer toFIG. 1) that defines a portion of the body cover22. The right waterproof cover90R and the left waterproof cover90L are preferably separate from the body cover22including the upper cover93.

The vehicle1including the structure described above has a rigid engine structure in which the engine unit25is fixed to the engine supports44L,44R so as not to be displaced directly behind the linkage5on the body frame21. In the vehicle1including the rigid engine structure, the inventor has discovered that a portion of the body frame21tends to rust easily as described below.

In the vehicle1having the rigid engine structure, the body frame21is heated by heat that the engine unit25emits. The inventor discovered a possibility that the body frame21rusts when the body frame21is so heated.

The inventor has also discovered that rust tends to be caused at a location that satisfies three conditions: the location is exposed to a certain temperature; the location is splashed with water; and the location is not dried quickly.

It is preferable that the engine unit25is supported over a wide span. On the other hand, it is preferable that the vehicle1is not expanded in the widthwise direction. Additionally, the engine unit25should be positively cooled. When providing a cover, a space where to accommodate the cover is necessary, and the cover cuts off a flow of running air. Then, the periphery of the support of the engine unit25is not covered with a cover on many occasions. Due to this, a body frame portion21of the body frame21that supports the engine unit25is not covered so as to be exposed to outside air. Additionally, heat is conducted sufficiently to the body frame portion21and is hence easily dried. Due to this, this body frame portion tends to be subjected to a flow of outside air and be dried easily, and hence, the body frame portion does not rust easily.

On the other hand, the heat of the engine unit25is not easily conducted to a body frame portion located on the periphery of the linkage5that is disposed far away from the engine unit25, and hence, this body frame portion does not rust easily.

The inventor has discovered that a middle body frame portion located in the middle of the body frame21between the engine unit25and the linkage5(hereinafter, referred to as a middle body frame portion) tends to rust easily when compared with the two body frame portions described above. The reason that the middle body frame portion tends to rust easily is as follows.

The middle body frame portion extends from the portion that supports the linkage5towards the engine supports44L,44R and is inevitably positioned directly behind the linkage5on the body frame21.

Water splashed up by the right front wheel32adheres to the right side member54, and water carried by running air spreads from this right side member54and adheres to the middle body frame portion. Alternatively, water splashed up by the right front wheel32flies directly to the middle body frame portion and adheres to it. Similarly, water splashed up by the left front wheel31adheres to the left side member53, and water carried by running air spreads from the left side member53and adheres to the middle body frame portion. Alternatively, water splashed up by the left front wheel31flies directly to the middle body frame portion and adheres to it. Water splashed up by tires contains mud, and hence, the body frame21easily rusts.

Further, the middle frame portion is warmed to a certain temperature. At least a portion of running air that flows to the linkage5from the front is interrupted by the linkage5. Namely, a space directly behind the linkage5is an area into which air does not tend to flow easily. When the vehicle1is at a stop, air that flows in from the front is interrupted by the linkage5and does not flow into the space easily, such that air in the space tends to easily become stagnant. In addition, when the vehicle1is running, water adhering to the right side member54and the left side member53is carried by running air that has passed through the linkage5and spreads to the middle body frame portion and adheres to it. With the vehicle1standing at a stop, the air in the space remains stagnant, and this stopped state tends to in general extend longer than the running state of the vehicle1. More specifically, the middle body frame portion has a condition in which it is not dried easily over a long period of time.

Because of this, the middle body frame portion satisfies the three conditions: the middle body frame portion is warmed to a certain temperature; water adheres to the middle body frame portion; and the middle body frame portion is not dried easily. The inventor has discovered from these situations that a rust preventive measure should be taken particularly on the middle body frame portion.

In this preferred embodiment, the waterproof cover90is mounted on the middle body frame portion of the body frame21at a location where the waterproof cover90overlaps at least a portion of at least one of the right side member54and the left side member53when the vehicle1standing in the upright state and seen from the front of the vehicle1. Due to this, even though water adhering to the right side member54and the left side member53is carried by running air and spreads rearward, the water adheres to the waterproof cover90, such that the middle body frame portion, which would tend to rust easily otherwise, is prevented from being splashed with the water. This significantly reduces or prevents the middle body frame portion from rusting.

When looking at the vehicle1from the front of the vehicle1, the body cover22opens to the front so that at least a portion of the linkage5is exposed. In addition, the body cover22defines a gap between an upper edge of the right front wheel32and an upper edge of the left front wheel31and a lower edge of a front portion of the body frame22when the vehicle1standing in the upright state is not steered. This provides the body cover22with a compact structure.

In the vehicle1including the body cover22described above, some scattering drops of muddy water splashed up by the right front wheel32adhere directly to the right side member54and other drops are carried to a space defined between the right front wheel32and the left front wheel31. In addition, some scattering drops of muddy water splashed up by the left front wheel31adhere directly to the left side member53and other drops are carried to the space defined between the right front wheel32and the left front wheel31. The scattering drops of muddy water carried to the space between the right front wheel32and the left front wheel31are carried further around to the front of the linkage5by running air. Then, the scattering drops of muddy water enter an inside of the body cover22from the opening in the body cover22and adhere to the linkage5. Thus, muddy water adheres to the engine supports44R,44L through the route described above.

In this preferred embodiment, however, the muddy water that enters from the opening in the body cover22to adhere to the linkage5adheres to the waterproof cover90, and thus, it becomes difficult for the muddy water to be splashed over the middle body frame portion. This significantly reduces or prevents the middle body frame portion of the body frame21, which tends to easily rust, from rusting.

The vehicle1preferably has a so-called outboard suspension system in which the right shock absorber34is provided directly on the right of the right front wheel32and the left shock absorber33is provided directly on the left of the left front wheel31.

Different from preferred embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle including a right shock absorber provided on the left of a right front wheel32and a left shock absorber provided on the right of a left front wheel31is called a vehicle having an inboard suspension system. In the vehicle having the inboard suspension system, water splashed up by the right front wheel32adheres to the right shock absorber, and water splashed up by the left front wheel31adheres to the left shock absorber. Due to this, in the vehicle having the inboard suspension system, scattering drops of muddy water do not easily enter a space defined between the right front wheel32and the left front wheel31.

However, in the vehicle1having the outboard suspension system in this preferred embodiment, scattering drops of muddy water splashed up by the right front wheel32are not interrupted by anything and are able to enter the space defined between the right front wheel32and the left front wheel31. In addition, scattering drops of muddy water splashed up by the left front wheel31are not interrupted by anything and are able to enter this space. Because of this, in the vehicle1having the outboard suspension system, scattering drops of muddy water enters easily the space between the right front wheel32and the left front wheel31to adhere to the middle body frame portion. Due to this, the waterproof cover90effectively protects the vehicle1having the outboard suspension system.

A certain design property and a good external appearance are required of the body cover22, and therefore, the shape of the body cover22and paint applied to the body cover22are regarded as important factors. The waterproof cover90is preferably separate from the upper cover93of the body cover22. Therefore, the shape of the waterproof cover90is able to be designed freely without being restrained by the design property and the good external appearance required of the body cover22. Additionally, the shape of the upper cover93is able to be designed separately from the shape of the waterproof cover90, and a highly design-oriented shape is easily achieved for the upper cover93.

Further, the waterproof cover90includes the right waterproof cover90R and the left waterproof cover90L which are separate from each other. When looking at the vehicle1standing upright from the front of the vehicle1, the right waterproof cover90R is located so as to overlap the right side member54, and the left waterproof cover90L is located so as to overlap the left side member53. Because of this, since the waterproof cover90of this preferred embodiment is separated laterally in the left-and-right direction, the waterproof cover90is prevented from being enlarged in size and hence is compact in size.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, the vehicle1preferably has the so-called outboard suspension system, however, the present invention may be applied to a vehicle having a so-called inboard suspension system.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, the vehicle1preferably includes a fairing in which the periphery of the steering force transmission6is covered by the front cover221. However, preferred embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a naked type vehicle in which the steering force transmission6is exposed to an exterior.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, the vehicle1preferably includes the single rear wheel4. However, a plurality of rear wheels may be provided.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, the center of the rear wheel4in relation to the left-and-right direction of the body frame21coincides with the center of the distance between the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32in relation to the left-and-right direction of the body frame21. Although the structure described above is preferable, the center of the rear wheel4in relation to the left-and-right direction of the body frame21may not coincide with the center of the distance between the left front wheel31and the right front wheel32in relation to the left-and-right direction of the body frame21.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, the linkage5preferably includes the upper cross member51and the lower cross member52. However, the linkage5may include a cross member other than the upper cross member51and the lower cross member52. The “upper cross member” and the “lower cross member” are merely so called based on their relative positional relationship in the up-and-down direction. The upper cross member is not intended to imply an uppermost cross member in the linkage5. The upper cross member refers to a cross member that is located above a cross member that is located therebelow. The lower cross member is not intended to imply a lowermost cross member in the linkage5. The lower cross member refers to a cross member that is located below another cross member that is located thereabove. At least one of the upper cross member51and the lower cross member52may include two members of a right cross member and a left cross member. In this way, the upper cross member51and the lower cross member52may include a plurality of cross members as long as they maintain the link function.

When the word “parallel” is used in this description, it means that “parallel” also includes two straight lines which do not intersect each other as members while they are inclined within an angular range of about ±40degrees, for example. When “along” is used in relation to a direction or a member in this specification, it means that a case is also included where the direction or the member is inclined within an angular range of about ±40degrees, for example. When the expression reading “something extends in a certain direction” is used in this specification, it means that a case is also included where something extends in the certain direction while being inclined within an angular range of about ±40 degrees, for example, with respect to the certain direction.

The terms and expressions that are used herein are used to describe the preferred embodiments of the present invention and hence should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that any equivalents to the characteristic matters which are shown and described herein should not be excluded and that various modifications within the scope of claims to be made later are permitted. The present invention can be embodied in many different forms.

This disclosure should be understood to provide preferred embodiments of the present invention. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein based on the understanding that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the preferred embodiments so described and/or illustrated herein. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments that have been described above. The present invention also includes every embodiment that includes equivalent elements, modifications, deletions, combinations, improvements and/or alternations that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can recognize based on the disclosure herein. The limitative matters of the claims should be construed broadly based on terms used in the claims and hence should not be limited by the preferred embodiments described in this specification or the prosecution of this patent application.