Handle weight mounting structure of saddle-ride-type vehicle

A handle weight mounting structure of a saddle-ride-type vehicle includes a dynamic damper on the inside of a handle pipe while rigidly mounting a handle weight. A hollow handle pipe is provided with the handle weight arranged in the handle pipe by insertion from an outer end of the handle pipe. The handle weight includes a bolt insertion hole having a tapered portion on an inner portion thereof in the vehicle widthwise direction. A split groove with a nut member is formed into a tapered shape and is engaged with a split-groove side of the handle weight. A weight fixing bolt passes through the bolt insertion hole of the handle weight and fastens the handle weight and the nut member to each other. A mounting member for a dynamic damper is supported on the inside of the handle pipe in a floating state and is mounted on the nut member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-123510 filed Jun. 1, 2011 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the handle weight mounting structure of a saddle-ride-type vehicle.

2. Description of Background Art

A mounting structure is known for a handle weight mounted on an end portion of a handle pipe of a saddle-ride-type vehicle, that includes a handle weight having a cylindrical portion on which a split groove is formed; and a cylindrical nut having a tapered surface, wherein the handle weight is rigidly fixed to a handle pipe due to a wedge action generated by pushing the cylindrical nut into the cylindrical portion. See, for example, Japanese patent 2899566). In Japanese patent 2899566, the vibration isolation property is enhanced by integrally mounting a vibration absorbing rod which extends toward a center side in the vehicle widthwise direction on the cylindrical nut.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional handle weight mounting structure, the handle weight is rigidly mounted on the handle pipe. Thus, there may be a case where the vibration isolation property cannot be sufficiently ensured. Although the vibration isolation property can be enhanced by mounting a dynamic damper on the handle pipe, in the above-mentioned construction, it is difficult to mount the dynamic damper on the inside of the handle pipe.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide the handle weight mounting structure of a saddle-ride-type vehicle where a dynamic damper is arranged on the inside of a handle pipe while rigidly mounting a handle weight on the handle pipe.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to an embodiment of the present invention a handle weight mounting structure of a saddle-ride-type vehicle is provided that includes a hollow handle pipe (16); a handle weight (55) which is arranged in the handle pipe (16) by insertion from an outer end (16C) of the handle pipe (16), the handle weight (55) being provided with a bolt insertion hole (62) that has a tapered portion (64A) on an inner portion thereof in the vehicle widthwise direction and a split groove (63); a nut member (57) that is formed into a tapered shape and is engaged with a split-groove (63) side of the handle weight (55); and a bolt (56) that is made to pass through the bolt insertion hole (62) of the handle weight (55) and fastens the handle weight (55) and the nut member (57) to each other, wherein a mounting member (59) for a dynamic damper (58) that is supported on the inside of the handle pipe (16) in a floating state is mounted on the nut member (57).

Due to such a construction, the handle weight mounting structure of a saddle-ride-type vehicle includes the hollow handle pipe; the handle weight that is arranged in the handle pipe by insertion from an outer end of the handle pipe, the handle weight being provided with the bolt insertion hole that has the tapered portion on the inner portion thereof in the vehicle widthwise direction and the split groove; the nut member that is formed into a tapered shape and is engaged with the split-groove side of the handle weight; and the bolt that is made to pass through the bolt insertion hole of the handle weight and fastens the handle weight and the nut member to each other, wherein the mounting member for a dynamic damper which is supported on the inside of the handle pipe in a floating state is mounted on the nut member. Thus, the dynamic damper can be supported on the inside of the handle pipe by the mounting member. Accordingly, the dynamic damper can be mounted on the inside of the handle pipe while rigidly mounting the handle weight on the handle pipe.

Further, in the above-mentioned construction, a groove portion (71) may be formed on a center portion side of the nut member (57) in the vehicle widthwise direction, and an engaging portion (78) that is engaged with the groove portion (71) may be formed on the mounting member (59).

In this case, the groove portion is formed on the center portion side of the nut member in the vehicle widthwise direction, and the engaging portion that is engaged with the groove portion is formed on the mounting member. Thus, the dynamic damper can be sub-assembled to the nut member with a simple construction where the engaging portion of the mounting member is engaged with the groove portion of the nut member.

Further, a projecting portion (70) that is engaged with the split groove (63) may be formed on the nut member (57).

In this case, by engaging the nut member with the split groove, the rotation of the nut member can be prevented. Thus, the handle weight and the dynamic damper can be securely fixed to each other.

Further, an adhesive agent may be applied to a threadedly engaging portion (56B) of the bolt (56) that is threadedly engaged with the nut member (57).

In this case, the adhesive agent is applied to the threadedly engaging portion of the bolt that is threadedly engaged with the nut member. Thus, the threaded engagement of the bolt and the nut member can be fixed whereby the fixing of the handle weight to the handle pipe can be made more stable.

Further, a knuckle guard (50) may be arranged in front of the handle pipe (16), and the knuckle guard (50) may be rigidly supported on a center side of the handle pipe (16) in the vehicle widthwise direction and the handle weight (55).

In this case, the knuckle guard is rigidly supported on the center side of the handle pipe in the vehicle widthwise direction and the handle weight. Thus, the knuckle guard becomes a so-called closed type whereby the knuckle guard can be firmly fixed, and the vibration isolation property can be also enhanced by the handle weight and the dynamic damper.

Further, an outer end portion (62A) of the bolt insertion hole (62) of the handle weight (55) in the vehicle widthwise direction may project outwardly to a greater extent than an outer side surface (60A) of the handle weight (55), and the knuckle guard (50) may be made of a resin and is fastened to the outer end portion (62A) of the bolt insertion hole (62) in the vehicle widthwise direction by the bolt (56) at a spigot.

In this case, the outer end portion of the bolt insertion hole of the handle weight in the vehicle widthwise direction projects outwardly to a greater extent than the outer side surface of the handle weight, and the knuckle guard is fastened to the outer end portion of the bolt insertion hole in the vehicle widthwise direction by the bolt at a spigot. Thus, the number of parts for fastening the knuckle guard can be decreased, and also the knuckle guard is fastened to the outer end portion of the handle weight in the vehicle widthwise direction whereby the knuckle guard can be supported in a stable manner.

Further, a mounting portion (54) of the knuckle guard (50) on an outer side in the vehicle widthwise direction may be formed in an approximately U-shape opening rearward, projecting portions (97,97) which project toward an opening portion side may be formed on both open edges (96,96) of a U-shaped portion (95) that face each other in an opposed manner, and a rear member (98) that occupies the opening portion of the U-shaped portion (95) of the knuckle guard (50) and is engaged with the projecting portions (97,97) may be provided as a part separate from the knuckle guard (50).

In this case, the mounting portion on the outer side of the knuckle guard in the vehicle widthwise direction is formed into an approximately U-shape opening rearwardly, the projecting portions that project toward the opening portion side are formed on both open edges of the U-shaped portion that face each other in an opposed manner, the rear member that occupies the opening portion of the U-shaped portion of the knuckle guard and is engaged with the projecting portions is provided as a part separate from the knuckle guard. Due to such a construction, when a large load is applied to the knuckle guard frontwardly, the rear member is removed, and the knuckle guard can be removed frontwardly by allowing the handle weight to pass through the U-shaped portion that opens rearwardly. Accordingly, a load applied to the knuckle guard can be released, and a replacement cost of parts can be suppressed.

Further, a lever member (25), a pivot bolt (26) that constitutes a pivot of the lever member (25), and a holder member (35) that is fastened to the pivot bolt (26) may be mounted on the handle pipe (16), and the knuckle guard (50) may be fastened to a fastening portion (39) formed on a front surface of the holder member (35), and a projecting portion (51A) that projects toward a holder member (35) side may be formed on a rear surface of the knuckle guard (50), and an engaging portion (38A) that is engaged with the projecting portion (51A) may be formed on the holder member (35).

In this case, the holder member is mounted on the handle pipe by the pivot bolt of the lever member and the knuckle guard is fastened to the fastening portion formed on the front surface of the holder member. Thus, the number of parts for mounting the knuckle guard can be decreased, and the rotation of the knuckle guard can be prevented due to the engagement of the projecting portion formed on the rear surface of the knuckle guard with the engaging portion of the holder member.

In the handle weight mounting structure of the saddle-ride-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member for the dynamic damper that is supported in the inside of the handle pipe in a floating state is mounted on the nut member that is engaged with the split groove side of the handle weight. Thus, the dynamic damper can be supported on the inside of the handle pipe by the mounting member. Accordingly, the dynamic damper can be mounted on the inside of the handle pipe while rigidly mounting the handle weight on the handle pipe.

Further, the engaging portion that is engaged with the groove portion of the nut member is formed on the mounting member. Thus, the dynamic damper can be sub-assembled to the nut member with a simple construction wherein the engaging portion of the mounting member is engaged with the groove portion of the nut member.

Further, by engaging the nut member with the split groove, the rotation of the nut member can be prevented. Thus, the handle weight and the dynamic damper can be securely fixed to each other.

Still further, the threaded engagement of the bolt and the nut member can be fixed by the adhesive agent. Thus, fixing of the handle weight to the handle pipe can be made more stable.

Further, the knuckle guard is rigidly supported on a center side of the handle pipe in the vehicle widthwise direction and the handle weight. Thus, the knuckle guard becomes a so-called closed type whereby the knuckle guard can be firmly fixed, and the vibration isolation property can be also enhanced by the handle weight and the dynamic damper.

Still further, the knuckle guard is fastened to the outer end portion of the bolt insertion hole in the vehicle widthwise direction by a bolt at a spigot. Thus, the number of parts for fastening the knuckle guard can be decreased, and also the knuckle guard is fastened to the outer end portion of the handle weight in the vehicle widthwise direction whereby the knuckle guard can be supported in a stable manner.

Further, the rear member that occupies the opening portion of the U-shaped portion of the knuckle guard and is engaged with the projecting portions is provided as a part separate from the knuckle guard. Thus, when a large load is applied to the knuckle guard frontwardly, the rear member is removed, and the knuckle guard can be removed frontwardly by allowing the handle weight to pass through the U-shaped portion that opens rearwardly. Accordingly, a load applied to the knuckle guard can be released, and a replacement cost of parts can be suppressed.

Still further, the holder member is mounted on the handle pipe by the pivot bolt of the lever member and the knuckle guard is fastened to the fastening portion formed on the front surface of the holder member. Thus, the number of parts for mounting the knuckle guard can be decreased, and the rotation of the knuckle guard can be prevented due to the engagement of the projecting portion formed on the rear surface of the knuckle guard with the engaging portion of the holder member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the handle weight mounting structure of a saddle-ride-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is explained in conjunction with drawings. In the explanation made hereinafter, the frontward and rearward directions, leftward and rightward directions and the like are, unless otherwise specified, equal to the directions of the vehicle explained hereinafter. Further, in the drawings, an arrow FR indicates a front side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicates an upper side of the vehicle, and an arrow LH indicates a left side of the vehicle.

FIG. 1is a left side view showing a front portion of a motorcycle according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The motorcycle1(saddle-ride-type vehicle) is a saddle-ride-type vehicle where an engine2is mounted on an approximately center portion of a vehicle body in the longitudinal direction, a front wheel3is arranged in front of the engine2, and a rear wheel (not shown in the drawing) is arranged behind the engine2.

The front wheel3is rotatably supported on a pair of left and right front forks4, and a bottom bridge5and a top bridge6are mounted on upper portions of the pair of front forks4in this order from below. A steering shaft8that extends parallel to the front forks4is arranged between the bottom bridge5and the top bridge6. A head pipe10that supports the steering shaft8is mounted on a front end of a vehicle body frame9, and the front forks4are rotatably supported on the head pipe10by way of the steering shaft8.

The vehicle body frame9includes a main frame9A that extends in the rearward and downward direction from the head pipe10above the engine2, and a fuel tank7is arranged above the main frame9A.

The peripheries of the head pipe10and a front portion of the main frame9A are covered with a pair of left and right front cowls11. A headlight unit20is mounted on a front portion of the front cowl11, and a wind screen21that extends upwardly is mounted on an upper portion of the front cowl11. A pair of left and right blinkers22is arranged behind the headlight unit20.

A handle holder12is mounted on an upper surface of the top bridge6, and the handle holder12includes a lower holder13that is mounted on the upper surface of the top bridge6and an upper holder14that is mounted on an upper portion of the lower holder13. The bar handle15that extends in the vehicle widthwise direction is fixed to the handle holder12in a state wherein the bar handle15is sandwiched between the lower holder13and the upper holder14. The bar handle15for steering the front wheel3is formed of a single metal pipe that extends in the vehicle widthwise direction, and extends in the lateral direction in a state where a center portion of the bar handle15is supported on the handle holder12.

A handle cover11A that covers the periphery of the handle holder12is arranged below the bar handle15. Further, a pair of left and right side mirrors23is mounted on the bar handle15.

FIG. 2is a left side view of the bar handle15as viewed from a left side of the vehicle.FIG. 3is a plan view of a left portion of the bar handle15as viewed from above.FIG. 4is a view of the left portion of the bar handle15as viewed from behind.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the bar handle15includes handle pipes that are supported on the handle holder12and extend in the rightward and leftward directions respectively from a center portion of the bar handle15, and a grip40for holding by a rider of the motorcycle1is mounted on ends of the left handle pipe16and the right handle pipe (not shown in the drawing) respectively. The grip40is made of a resin material and is formed into a cylindrical shape. The grip40is mounted on an outer peripheral surface18of the handle pipe16by allowing the handle pipe16to be inserted into the grip40from an outer end of the handle pipe16.

A switch housing41in which various switches such as a blinker switch are housed is mounted on the handle pipe16inside in the vehicle widthwise direction from the grip40and is arranged adjacent to the grip40.

A master cylinder42of a hydraulic clutch is mounted on the handle pipe16inside in the vehicle widthwise direction from the switch housing41and is arranged adjacent to the switch housing41. The master cylinder42is fixedly mounted on the handle pipe16by a master cylinder holder43in such a manner that the handle pipe16is sandwiched between the master cylinder42and the master cylinder holder43. The master cylinder42includes a mirror fastening portion42A on which the side mirror23is mounted and a lever holder portion42B on which a clutch lever25(lever member) is supported, and a pivot bolt26that constitutes a pivot for allowing swinging of the clutch lever25is mounted on the lever holder portion42B.

Further, a holder member35that covers the lever holder portion42B from above and below and from a front side is mounted on the lever holder portion42B by the pivot bolt26.

A cylindrical handle weight55that reduces vibrations of the handle pipe16is mounted on an outer end portion16A of the handle pipe16. Due to the provision of the handle weight55, a resonance frequency of the handle pipe16can be shifted to a frequency that is hardly influenced by vibrations thus realizing the vibration isolation. The handle weight55is made of metal.

A knuckle guard50that covers a hand of the rider who grasps the grip40from a front side is mounted on the handle pipe16. The knuckle guard50is formed by integral molding using a resin material. The knuckle guard50includes an inner fixing portion51that is rigidly mounted on the holder member35arranged on a center side of the bar handle15in the vehicle widthwise direction and extends outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction; a bulging portion52that extends outwardly while bulging frontwardly from the inner fixing portion51and an outer fixing portion53that extends rearwardly from the bulging portion52and is rigidly fixed to the handle weight55on an outer end portion16A side of the handle pipe16. To be more specific, a front side of the master cylinder42is covered with the inner fixing portion51and a front side and lateral sides of the clutch lever25and the grip40are covered with the bulging portion52and the outer fixing portion53.

More specifically, the knuckle guard50is a so-called closed-type knuckle guard wherein the outer fixing portion53is fixed to the outer end portion16A side of the handle pipe16and also covers a lateral side surface side of the handle pipe16. The outer fixing portion53is rigidly supported on the handle weight55by a weight fixing bolt56that is inserted into the handle weight55from the outside in the vehicle widthwise direction.

As described above, the closed-type knuckle guard50is rigidly supported on the holder member35arranged on the center side of the handle pipe16in the vehicle widthwise direction and the handle weight55arranged on the outer end portion16A side of the handle pipe16. Thus, the knuckle guard50can be firmly fixed.

On the other hand, on the above-mentioned right handle pipe (not shown in the drawing), a cylindrical throttle tube (not shown in the drawing) which is rotatably mounted on an outer periphery of the handle pipe together with a master cylinder (not shown in the drawing) of a front brake, a switch box (not shown in the drawing) and the like. In the right handle pipe, the grip is mounted on an outer periphery of the above-mentioned throttle tube. Thus, the grip is arranged on an outer periphery of the handle pipe. A knuckle guard is mounted on the right handle pipe16in the same manner as the left handle pipe, wherein the knuckle guard is fixed to an outer end portion side of the right handle pipe while covering a front side of the grip. In this embodiment, the detailed explanation of the right knuckle guard is omitted.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 5, the lever holder portion42B of the master cylinder42includes an upper plate portion27and a lower plate portion28that sandwich a pivot hole portion25A formed on a proximal end of the clutch lever25from above and below respectively. Hole portions27A,28A that allow the insertion of the pivot bolt26therein are formed in the upper plate portion27and the lower plate portion28respectively. A thick wall portion28B that projects downwardly is formed on a lower surface of the lower plate portion28around the hole portion28A.

The pivot bolt26includes a hexagonal head portion29on which a tool is fitted; a columnar upper support portion30that is contiguously formed with the head portion29; a pivot shaft portion31that is inserted into the hole portion27A formed in the upper plate portion27and the pivot hole portion25A formed in the clutch lever25; and a fastening shaft portion32that is inserted into the hole portion28A formed in the lower plate portion28and is fixed by a nut24. The pivot bolt26is a stepped bolt where a stepped portion33is formed on an intermediate portion of a shaft portion, and the fasting shaft portion32is formed with a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pivot shaft portion31. A cylindrical collar34into which the fastening shaft portion32is inserted is interposed between the nut24and the lower plate portion28. Further, a flange portion29A that projects in the radial direction is formed on a lower portion of the head portion29.

The pivot bolt26is fixed to the lever holder portion42B in a state where the stepped portion33is brought into contact with an upper surface of the lower plate portion28and the nut24is fastened to the fastening shaft portion32on a lower surface side of the lower plate portion28by way of the collar34thus sandwiching the lower plate portion28in the vertical direction. On an upper portion of the pivot bolt26, the pivot shaft portion31is merely positioned in the radial direction by being fitted in the hole portion27A, a lower surface of the upper support portion30and an upper surface of the upper plate portion27are spaced apart from each other. Thus, a fastening force of the pivot bolt26in the axial direction does not act on the upper plate portion27. Accordingly, there exists no possibility that a distance between the upper plate portion27and the lower plate potion28is decreased due to the fixing of the pivot bolt26. Thus, a friction of the pivot hole portion25A can be decreased whereby the operability of the clutch lever25is improved.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VI-VI inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the holder member35includes an upper cover portion36that is arranged on an upper surface side of the upper plate portion27; a lower cover portion37that is arranged on a lower surface side of the lower plate portion28; and a front cover portion38that connects the upper cover portion36and the lower cover portion37in front of the lever holder portion42B.

The upper cover portion36includes an engaging hole36A into which the upper support portion30of the pivot bolt26is inserted, and the lower cover portion37includes an engaging hole37A into which the fastening shaft portion32is inserted.

The upper cover portion36is positioned in the radial direction of the pivot bolt26by inserting the upper support portion30into the engaging hole36A, and is positioned in the axial direction by sandwiching a peripheral portion of the engaging hole36A between the flange portion29A and the upper surface of the upper plate portion27. A distance between the flange portion29A and the upper surface of the upper plate portion27is restricted by the contact between the stepped portion33and the lower plate portion28so as to prevent the upper cover portion36from being compressed.

The lower cover portion37is positioned in the radial direction of the pivot bolt26by inserting the fastening shaft portion32into the engaging hole37A by way of the collar34, and is positioned in the axial direction by sandwiching a peripheral portion of the engaging hole37A between the thick wall portion28B and the flange portion34A of the cylindrical collar34.

As shown inFIG. 6, an engaging hole38A (engaging portion) that penetrates the front cover portion38is formed in the front cover portion38. A projecting portion51A that projects toward a front cover portion38side (a projecting portion that projects toward a holder member side) is formed on a rear surface of the inner fixing portion51of the knuckle guard50. The inner fixing portion51is positioned with respect to the holder member35due to the engagement of the projecting portion51A with the engaging hole38A formed in the front cover portion38.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VII-VII inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 7, a fastening portion39is provided to the front cover portion38of the holder member35and is provided adjacent to the engaging hole38A. The fastening portion39is formed by embedding a nut90in a cylindrical portion39A. A position of the nut90in the axial direction is restricted by bringing a flange portion90A into contact with a stepped portion of the cylindrical portion39A.

A hole51B in which a cylindrical collar91is fitted is formed in a front surface of the inner fixing portion51of the knuckle guard50, and a bolt92that rigidly fixes the inner fixing portion51to the front cover portion38by fastening is inserted into the collar91. The bolt92is inserted into the collar91from a front side of the inner fixing portion51and is fastened to the nut90so that a peripheral portion of the hole51B formed in the inner fixing portion51is sandwiched between the flange portion91A of the collar91and a head portion of the bolt92and the fastening portion39is brought into contact with a bottom surface of the flange portion91A.

As described above, the holder member35is mounted on the handle pipe16by making use of the pivot bolt26of the clutch lever25, and the knuckle guard50is fastened to the fastening portion39of the front cover portion38of the holder member35using the bolt92. Accordingly, the number of parts for mounting the knuckle guard50can be decreased. Further, the projecting portion51A formed on the rear surface of the knuckle guard50is engaged with the engaging hole38A formed in the holder member35. Thus, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the knuckle guard50against forces generated in the directions which tend to make the knuckle guard50rotate using the weight fixing bolt56and the bolt92as a fulcrum respectively.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of the handle pipe16showing the handle weight mounting structure.

As shown inFIG. 8, in the inside of a portion of the handle pipe16on which the grip40is mounted, a portion of the handle weight55and a portion of the weight fixing bolt56, a nut member57that is threadedly engaged with the weight fixing bolt56and is engaged with the handle weight55, a columnar dynamic damper58, and a mounting member59that connects the nut member57and the dynamic damper58to each other are arranged.

FIGS. 9(a) and9(b) are views showing the handle weight55, whereinFIG. 9(a) is a plan view, andFIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IX-IX inFIG. 9(a).

As shown inFIG. 8andFIGS. 9(a) and9(b), the handle weight55includes a circular cylindrical weight body60, a circular cylindrical portion61that extends in the axial direction from the weight body60and is fitted in an inner peripheral portion16B of the handle pipe16; and a bolt insertion hole62that penetrates the weight body60and the circular cylindrical portion61in the axial direction.

The weight fixing bolt56is inserted into the bolt insertion hole62from the outside. An inner diameter of the bolt insertion hole62on a circular cylindrical portion61side is set larger than an inner diameter of the bolt insertion hole62on a weight body60side so as to allow the engagement of the nut member57with the bolt insertion hole62.

A circular cylindrical end portion62A positioned on an outer side of the bolt insertion hole62in the vehicle widthwise direction (an outer end portion in the vehicle widthwise direction) projects outwardly from an outer side surface60A of the weight body60. The knuckle guard50includes a fitting hole portion54A that is formed on an outer mounting portion54(mounting portion outside in the vehicle widthwise direction) formed on a rear end of the outer fixing portion53. The knuckle guard50is fixed by being sandwiched between a head portion of the weight fixing bolt56and the outer side surface60A in a state where the fitting hole portion54A is fitted on the circular cylindrical end portion62A at a spigot. A height of the circular cylindrical end portion62A is set substantially equal to a plate thickness of the fitting hole portion54A. Further, a washer56A is interposed between the head portion of the weight fixing bolt56and the fitting hole portion54A.

As described above, the knuckle guard50is fitted on the handle weight55at a spigot, and is fastened together with the handle weight55using the weight fixing bolt56. Thus, the number of parts for fastening the knuckle guard50can be decreased. Further, most of a fastening force of the weight fixing bolt56is received by the metal-made circular cylindrical end portion62A. Thus, it is possible to prevent the peripheral portion of the resin-made fitting hole portion54A from being excessively fastened.

The circular cylindrical portion61is formed with a smaller diameter and a smaller thickness than those of the weight body60. The circular cylindrical portion61is divided into a plurality of partial circular cylindrical portions64by forming a plurality of split grooves63that extend in the axial direction in the circular cylindrical portion61so that the circular cylindrical portion61is opened in the radially outward direction when the nut member57is engaged with the bolt insertion hole62. In this embodiment, the split grooves63are arranged at four positions respectively at intervals of approximately 90°. Thus, the circular cylindrical portion64is divided into four partial circular cylindrical portions64. A tapered portion64A that is tapered toward a distal end of the partial circular cylindrical portion64is formed on distal end portions of the partial circular cylindrical portions64on an inner side in the vehicle widthwise direction inside the bolt insertion hole62.

A contact portion65that is brought into contact with an outer end16C of the handle pipe16is formed on a proximal end portion of the circular cylindrical portion61, and an engaging projection65A that is engaged with a notched portion16D formed on the outer end16C is formed on a portion of the contact portion65. The rotation of the handle weight55can be prevented due to the engagement of the engaging projection65A with the notched portion16D.

FIG. 10is a plan view of the nut member57.

The nut member57that is formed into a circular cylindrical shape includes a tapered cylindrical portion67that is formed into a tapered shape where an outer peripheral portion is tapered toward one end side in the axial direction; a cylindrical portion68that is formed on the other end side with an outer diameter set smaller than an outer diameter of the tapered cylindrical portion67; and a threaded hole portion69that penetrates the nut member57in the axial direction.

The threaded hole portion69formed in the nut member57is threadedly engaged with a distal end of the weight fixing bolt56that projects from a tapered portion64A side of the handle weight55. The nut member57is arranged in the direction that the nut member57enters the bolt insertion hole62with a distal end of the tapered cylindrical portion67directed ahead, is moved the inside of the bolt insertion hole62with fastening of the weight fixing bolt56, and expands the partial circular cylindrical portions64thus generating a wedge action. More specifically, the handle weight55is fixed to the handle pipe16in such a manner that, due to the wedge action of the nut member57, the partial circular cylindrical portions64are pushed to the inner peripheral portion16B of the handle pipe16so that the partial circular cylindrical portions64cut into the inner peripheral portion16B.

Further, an adhesive agent is applied to a threaded portion56B formed on a distal end of the weight fixing bolt56where the weight fixing bolt56is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole portion69, and the threaded portion56B is firmly fastened to the threaded hole portion69coupled with an adhesive force of the adhesive agent.

The tapered cylindrical portion67of the nut member57has the taper substantially equal to the taper of the tapered portion64A of the partial circular cylindrical portion64of the handle weight55. Since the tapered cylindrical portion67is introduced along the tapered portion64A, the nut member57is smoothly engaged with the bolt insertion hole62formed in the circular cylindrical portion61.

A pair of projecting portions70,70that project in the radially outward direction is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the tapered cylindrical portion67. The projecting portions70,70are arranged opposite to each other and are engaged with the pair of split grooves63,63, and the nut member57is moved in the axial direction while being guided by the grooves63,63. Due to such a construction, the rotation of the nut member57when the nut member57is moved in the inside of the bolt insertion hole62can be prevented. Thus, the handle weight55can be securely fixed.

A pair of nut-side groove portions71,71(groove portions) indented toward an inner peripheral side is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion68of the nut member57, and one end of the mounting member59is connected to the nut-side groove portions71,71. The nut-side groove portions71,71are groove portions that are formed on a center portion side of the nut member57in the vehicle widthwise direction, and a width across flats is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the nut member57.

As shown inFIG. 8, the dynamic damper58is constituted of a columnar inner weight73that extends in the axial direction inside the handle pipe16, and a cylindrical inner-end-side rubber member74and a cylindrical outer-end-side rubber member75that are arranged on both end portions of the inner weight73respectively. The inner-end-side rubber member74and the outer-end-side rubber member75are formed of an elastic member made of rubber respectively.

On both end portions of the inner weight73, support shaft portions73A,73A that support the inner-end-side rubber member74and the outer-end-side rubber member75are formed respectively. The inner-end-side rubber member74and the outer-end-side rubber member75are fitted on outer peripheral portions of the support shaft portions73A,73A respectively. The inner-end-side rubber member74and the outer-end-side rubber member75are formed with a diameter larger than a diameter of the inner weight73so that the inner weight73is supported on the inner-end-side rubber member74and the outer-end-side rubber member75in a floating manner so as to prevent the inner weight73from coming into contact with the inner peripheral portion16B of the handle pipe16. Due to the provision of the dynamic damper58, a resonance frequency of the handle pipe16can be shifted to a frequency which is hardly influenced by vibrations thus realizing the vibration isolation.

A weight-side groove portion75A that is indented toward an inner peripheral side is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the outer-end-side rubber member75that is arranged adjacent to the nut member57, and the other end of the mounting member59is connected to the weight-side groove portion75A.

FIGS. 11(a) and11(b) are views showing the mounting member59, whereinFIG. 11(a) is a plan view, andFIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XI-XI inFIG. 11(a).

As shown inFIG. 8andFIGS. 11(a) and11(b), the mounting member59is a ring-shaped member that is formed into a C shape as viewed in a plan view. The mounting member59includes a ring body portion77having a C-shaped ring shape, a pair of pawl portions78,78(engaging portions) project in the radially inward direction from one end of the ring body portion77in the axial direction; a pair of pawl portions79,79that project in the radially inward direction from the other end of the ring body portion77in the axial direction; and a pair of tongue portions80,80that project in the radially outward direction from an outer peripheral portion of the ring body portion77on a pawl portions79,79side.

The mounting member59is fixed to the inside of the handle pipe16in such a manner that the ring body portion77is fitted in the inner peripheral portion16B of the handle pipe16and the tongue portions80,80are engaged with a pair of positioning holes16E,16E formed in the inner peripheral portion16B.

The pawl portions78,78formed on one end side of the mounting member59are engaged with the nut member57by fitting engagement with the nut-side groove portions71,71. The pawl portions79,79formed on the other end side of the mounting member59are engaged with the weight-side groove portion75A of the outer-end-side rubber member75by fitting engagement. More specifically, the nut member57and the inner weight73are connected to each other using the mounting member59arranged therebetween.

As described above, the mounting member59is connected to the nut member57that fixes the handle weight55and the dynamic damper58is supported on the mounting member59. Accordingly, the dynamic damper58can be mounted in the inside of the handle pipe16with the simple construction, and the dynamic damper58can be mounted in the inside of the handle pipe16while firmly fixing the handle weight55to the handle pipe16by rigid mounting. Further, the pawl portions79,79are connected to the outer-end-side rubber member75. Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where an operation of the dynamic damper58is impeded by the mounting member59whereby the favorable vibration isolation property can be acquired.

Further, the dynamic damper58is provided independently from the handle weight55. Thus, the dynamic damper58can be effectively operated whereby the favorable vibration isolation property can be acquired. Still further, the vibration isolation property can be adjusted independently between the handle weight55and the dynamic damper58. Thus, the vibration isolation property can be easily set and changed.

Here, the steps of mounting the handle weight55and the dynamic damper58are explained in conjunction withFIG. 8.

Firstly, a sub-assembled body is formed by integrally connecting the nut member57and the dynamic damper58using the mounting member59. Next, the above-mentioned sub-assembled body is inserted into the handle pipe16with an outer end16C side ahead, and the tongue portions80,80of the mounting member59and the positioning holes16E,16E are engaged with each other. The alignment of the tongue portions80,80and the positioning holes16E,16E in the circumferential direction is performed using a jig. Further, the position of the nut member57in the rotational direction is fixed due to the engagement of the pawl portions78,78with the nut-side groove portions71,71having a width-across-flats shape.

Next, the handle weight55is inserted into the handle pipe16. The pair of split grooves63of the circular cylindrical portion61is engaged with the projecting portions70,70of the nut member57.

Thereafter, the fitting hole portion54A formed on the knuckle guard50is fitted on the circular cylindrical end portion62A of the handle weight55, the weight fixing bolt56is inserted into the bolt insertion hole62as well as the washer56A. The weight fixing bolt56is threadedly engaged with the nut member57. With such an operation, the handle weight55is fixed to the handle pipe16due to a wedge action of the nut member57. The handle weight55is positioned in the axial direction of the handle pipe16due to the contact of the contact portion65with the outer end16C. As a result, the position of the nut member57in the axial direction is also fixed. Further, since the position of the nut member57is fixed, the position of the dynamic damper58in the axial direction is fixed by way of the mounting member59.

In threadedly engaging the weight fixing bolt56with the nut member57, the rotation of the handle weight55is prevented due to the engagement of the engaging projection65A and the notched portion16D, and the rotation of the nut member57is prevented due to the engagement of the projecting portions70,70and the split grooves63,63. Thus, the weight fixing bolt56can be easily fastened to the nut member57so that the handle weight55can be surely fixed.

FIG. 12is a side view showing an area around the fitting hole portion54A formed on the outer mounting portion54of the knuckle guard50.

A U-shaped portion95that opens rearwardly is formed on the outer mounting portion54of the knuckle guard50. On a pair of open edges96,96of the U-shaped portion95that face each other in an opposed manner, projecting portions97,97that project toward an open portion side are formed respectively.

A rear member98that is formed in a state where the rear member98occupies the opening portion of the U-shaped portion95is mounted in the U-shaped portion95. The rear member98is provided as a part separate from the knuckle guard50. Engaging holes99,99in which the projections97,97of the U-shaped portion95are fitted are formed in the rear member98, and the rear member98is engaged with the U-shaped portion95due to the fitting engagement of the engaging holes99and the projecting portions97,97. The rear member98includes an arcuate portion98A, and the arcuate portion98A forms a rear portion of a peripheral portion of the fitting hole portion54A.

The rear member98is configured to be removed rearwardly from the U-shaped portion95when a load which exceeds a predetermined value acts on the rear member98by adjusting the setting of engagement of the engaging holes99and the projecting portions97,97. More specifically, when a load that pushes the knuckle guard50frontwardly acts to exceed a predetermined value, the rear member98is pushed by a rear portion of the circular cylindrical end portion62A (FIG. 8) of the handle weight55and is removed rearwardly. Thus, the knuckle guard50can be removed frontwardly such that the circular cylindrical end portion62A is allowed to pass through the U-shaped portion95thus releasing the load acting on the knuckle guard50.

As has been explained heretofore, according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the handle weight mounting structure includes the hollow handle pipe16; the handle weight55that is arranged in the handle pipe16by insertion from the outer end16C of the handle pipe16, wherein the handle weight55is provided with the bolt insertion hole62that has the tapered portion64A on the inner portion thereof in the vehicle widthwise direction and the split groove63; the nut member57that is formed into a tapered shape and is engaged with the split-groove63side of the handle weight55; and the weight fixing bolt56that is made to pass through the bolt insertion hole62formed in the handle weight55and fastens the handle weight55and the nut member57, wherein the mounting member59for the dynamic damper58that is supported in the inside of the handle pipe16in a floating state is mounted on the nut member57. Thus, the dynamic damper58can be supported in the inside of the handle pipe16by the mounting member59. Accordingly, the dynamic damper58can be mounted in the inside of the handle pipe16while rigidly mounting the handle weight55on the handle pipe16.

Further, the nut-side groove portions71,71are formed on the center portion side of the nut member57in the vehicle widthwise direction, and the pawl portions78,78that are engaged with the nut-side groove portions71,71are formed on the mounting member59. Thus, the dynamic damper58can be sub-assembled to the nut member57with the simple constitution where the pawl portions78,78of the mounting member59are engaged with the nut-side groove portions71,71of the nut member57.

Further, by engaging the nut member57with the split grooves63, the rotation of the nut member57can be prevented. Thus, the handle weight55and the dynamic damper58can be securely fixed to each other.

Further, the adhesive agent is applied to the threadedly engaging portion56B of the weight fixing bolt56and the nut member57. Thus, the threaded engagement of the weight fixing bolt56and the nut member57can be fixed by the adhesive agent whereby the fixing of the handle weight55to the handle pipe16can be made more stable.

Still further, the knuckle guard50is rigidly supported on the holder member35on the center side of the handle pipe16in the vehicle widthwise direction and the handle weight55by the bolt92. Thus, the knuckle guard50becomes a so-called closed type whereby the knuckle guard50can be firmly fixed, and the vibration isolation property can be also enhanced by the handle weight55and the dynamic damper58.

Further, the circular cylindrical end portion62A on the vehicle widthwise outer side of the bolt insertion hole62formed in the handle weight55projects outward from the outer side surface60A of the handle weight55, and the knuckle guard50is fastened to the circular cylindrical end portion62A of the bolt insertion hole62by the weight fixing bolt56at a spigot. Thus, the number of parts for fastening the knuckle guard50can be decreased, and also the knuckle guard50is fastened to the circular cylindrical end portion62A on a vehicle widthwise outer side of the handle weight55whereby the knuckle guard50can be supported in a stable manner.

Further, the outer mounting portion54of the knuckle guard50on the vehicle widthwise outer side is formed into an approximately U-shape opening rearward, the projecting portions97,97which project toward the opening portion side are formed on both open edges96,96of the U-shaped portion95which face each other in an opposed manner, the rear member98that occupies the opening portion of the U-shaped portion95of the knuckle guard50and is engaged with the projecting portions97,97is provided as a part separate from the knuckle guard50. Due to such a construction, when a large load is applied to the knuckle guard50to the front, the rear member98is removed from the U-shaped portion95, and the knuckle guard50can be removed to the front by allowing the circular cylindrical end portion62A of the handle weight55to pass through the U-shaped portion95which opens rearwardly. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the knuckle guard55, the handle pipe16, the handle weight55and the like, and a replacement cost of parts can be suppressed.

Further, the holder member35is mounted on the handle pipe16by the pivot bolt26of the clutch lever25and the knuckle guard50is fastened to the fastening portion39formed on the front surface of the front cover portion38of the holder member35by the bolt92. Thus, the number of parts for mounting the knuckle guard50can be decreased, and the rotation of the knuckle guard50can be prevented due to the engagement of the projecting portion51A formed on the rear surface of the inner fixing portion51of the knuckle guard50with the engaging hole38A formed in the holder member35.

The above-mentioned embodiment shows one mode of the handle weight mounting structure to which the present invention is applied. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the explanation is made with respect to a case where the holder member35is mounted on the handle pipe16by the pivot bolt26of the clutch lever25, and the knuckle guard50is fastened to the fastening portion39of the front cover portion38of the holder member35by the bolt92. However, the present invention is not limited to such a construction. For example, a holder member may be mounted on a handle pipe by a pivot bolt that pivotally supports a brake lever used as a lever member on a master cylinder portion of a brake. In addition, a knuckle guard may be fastened to a fastening portion formed on a front surface of the holder member.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the explanation is made by taking the motorcycle1as the saddle-ride-type vehicle to which the present invention is applied, the present invention is also applicable to a saddle-ride-type vehicle such as a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled buggy.

FIG. 13is a view showing a mounting portion of a knuckle guard according to a modification 1 of the embodiment. In this modification 1, parts having the substantially same construction as the corresponding parts in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same symbols and their repeated explanation is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 13, a handle weight155includes a weight body60and a circular cylindrical end portion62A, and ribs155A,155B which project in the radial direction from an outer peripheral surface of the circular cylindrical end portion62A and extend in the longitudinal direction are formed on an outer side surface60A of the weight body60. An extension line of the ribs155A,155B passes the center of the circular cylindrical end portion62A.

A knuckle guard150includes an outer mounting portion54and a fitting hole portion54A, and a slit150A that extends rearwardly from the fitting hole portion54A is formed in a rear portion of the outer mounting portion54. A rear portion of the fitting hole portion54A opens rearwardly by the slit150A.

The knuckle guard150is mounted on the handle weight155in such a manner that the fitting hole portion54A is fitted on the circular cylindrical end portion62A and the knuckle guard150is fastened to the handle weight155by the weight fixing bolt56(FIG. 8) which is inserted into the knuckle guard150as well as the washer56A (FIG. 8) from the outside. In a state where the knuckle guard150is mounted on the handle weight155, the rear rib155B is engaged with the slit150A. Further, a groove (not shown in the drawing) with which the front rib155A is engaged is formed on an inner surface of the outer mounting portion54. As described above, by engaging the ribs155A,155B with the outer mounting portion54, the positioning of the knuckle guard150can be performed and the rotation of the knuckle guard150can be prevented.

A plurality of projecting seat portions150B that project outwardly from a peripheral portion of the fitting hole portion54A are formed at positions in the vicinity of the fitting hole portion54A. The washer56A is received by the projecting seat portions150B.

When a load of a predetermined value or more that pushes the knuckle guard150towards the front acts on the knuckle guard150, the knuckle guard150can be removed to the front such that the circular cylindrical end portion62A is allowed to pass through the slit150A thus releasing the load acting on the knuckle guard150.

FIG. 14is a view showing a mounting portion of a knuckle guard50according to a modification 2 of the embodiment. In this modification 2, parts having the substantially same constitution as the corresponding parts of the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same symbols and their repeated explanation is omitted.

In the modification 2, the explanation is made with respect to a case where a motorcycle1includes an automatic transmission and the like, and does not include a hydraulic clutch type master cylinder42and a clutch lever25.

A mirror stay242made of an aluminum alloy which extends to the front is fixed to a handle pipe16, and a side mirror23(FIG. 1) is mounted on the mirror stay242. The mirror stay242has a holder portion242A that extends to the front, and a knuckle guard50is rigidly fastened to a front surface of the holder portion242A by a bolt (not shown in the drawing) which is inserted into an inner fixing portion51.