Saddle-ride type vehicle

A saddle-ride type vehicle can include a pair of left and right seat rails, a fuel tank attached to the seat rails, a rear fender arranged below the fuel tank, and a canister arranged above the rear fender and adsorbing fuel gas which evaporates in the fuel tank. The canister is arranged under a rear portion of the fuel tank, at least partially superposed on the fuel tank as viewed from a plan view of the vehicle, and arranged in a vehicle forward direction with respect to a cross member which interconnects rear portions of the pair of left and right seat rails.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to an improvement of a saddle-ride type vehicle which is provided with a canister adsorbing fuel gas which evaporates in a fuel tank.

2. Description of the Related Art

Saddle-ride type vehicles are known, in which a canister is provided at a vehicle, and fuel gas that is produced in a fuel tank is absorbed by the canister, thus preventing the fuel gas from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Such a configuration is shown, for example, in Patent Literature 1 (JP-A-No. 4-372484). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the Patent Literature 1, a fender (4) which acts as a mudguard covering a rear wheel (3) (the numeral in the parentheses is a reference sign described in the Patent Literature 1. The same shall apply thereafter.) is provided at a rear portion of the saddle-ride type vehicle, a canister (18) is provided on a right side of the fender (4) in a vehicle width direction, and a fuel tank (1) is arranged above the canister (18). That is, the canister (18) is arranged between the fuel tank (1) and the fender (4) in a height direction and provided on a right side in the vehicle width direction, as viewed from a top plane view of the vehicle.

In Patent Literature 1, the canister (18) is arranged at a position above the fender (4) and on the right side in the vehicle width direction, so that in order to protect the canister (18) from the outside, it is necessary to take a step to separately provide a protection wall at the fender (4).

In addition, if the fuel tank (1) is structured so as to have an enough volume, while allowing the canister (18) to be arranged at a vehicle rear portion, there is a problem that the vehicle is required to have increased height.

Technology would be helpful which can protect the canister and, at the same time, allow the fuel tank to have the enough volume, without requiring an increase in vehicle size.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle which can protect a canister and, at the same time, allow a fuel tank to have an enough volume, without involving an increase in the size of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, and a pair of left and right seat rails included in the vehicle body frame and extending in a vehicle rearward direction. A fuel tank can be mounted to the seat rails, and a seat can be arranged above the fuel tank. A fender can be arranged below the fuel tank and covering at least an upper portion of a rear wheel, and a canister can be arranged above the fender. The canister is arranged under a rear portion of the fuel tank, so as to be at least partially superposed on the fuel tank as viewed from a plan view of the vehicle and so as to be superposed on the seat rails as viewed from a side view of the vehicle. The canister is arranged in a vehicle forward direction with respect to a cross member which interconnects rear portions of the pair of left and right seat rails.

In another embodiment, end portions of the fender in a vehicle width direction are connected to a vehicle body cover arranged, via a connecting member, outward of the canister in the vehicle width direction. The canister is provided with a body portion extending in the vehicle width direction, a first side surface portion forming one side surface in a left and right direction which closes an opening of the body portion, and a second side surface portion forming the other side surface in the left and right direction. A fuel gas inlet port allows fuel gas evaporating in the fuel tank to flow into the canister, and a fuel gas outlet port allows the fuel gas accumulated in the canister to be discharged outside are provided at the first side surface portion. An atmosphere-opening port causes pressure in the canister to be regulated to an atmospheric pressure, and a drain port allows liquid accumulated in the canister to be discharged. The ports are provided at the second side surface portion. Intake piping is extended from the fuel tank and allows the fuel gas evaporating in the fuel tank to flow, and is connected to the fuel gas inlet port, and the atmosphere-opening port is opened so as to face the vehicle body cover.

In another embodiment, the intake piping is extended in the vehicle width direction and bend-formed so as to be folded back in the left and right direction.

In another embodiment, a rib which supports the canister is formed integrally with the fender and a piping holding portion which bears the piping is formed at the rib.

In another embodiment, fuel tank mounting portions are provided at the pair of left and right seat rails, to which the fuel tank is mounted, and are arranged outside the first side surface portion and second side surface portion in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the plan view of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, grab rail mounting portions mount a grab rail to the pair of left and right seat rails. An occupant can grasp the grab rails, which are provided at a position of the fuel tank mounting portions in the vehicle rearward direction.

In another embodiment, a seat catcher mechanism which holds the seat is provided at the cross member.

In another embodiment, discharge piping which discharges the fuel gas accumulated in the canister is extended from the fuel gas outlet port. The discharge piping is connected to an air intake device of the engine, and is composed of first discharge piping extending from the fuel gas outlet port, a joint member connected to a tip of the first discharge piping, and second discharge piping extending from the joint member and connected to the air intake system of the engine. A piping holder portion which holds the discharge piping at a region of the joint member is formed integrally with the rear fender.

In another embodiment, a resin luggage box is provided in a vehicle forward direction relative to the fuel tank and under the seat, the air intake system is provided in front of the luggage box, and a hose hook which locks the discharge piping is provided at the luggage box.

In certain embodiments, therefore, the canister is arranged under the rear portion of the fuel tank, in the vehicle forward direction with respect to the cross member, and between the pair of left and right seat rails. That is, the fuel tank and the cross member are arranged in front of the canister and in rear of the canister, respectively, and the seat rails are arranged laterally in the left and right direction.

Since the left, right and rear sides of the canister are surrounded by the seat rails and the cross member, it is possible to protect the canister, without involving an increase in the number of components.

Moreover, since the canister is formed so as to be at least partially superposed on the fuel tank as viewed from the plan view of the vehicle, a space in rear of the fuel tank can be effectively used while easily securing a predetermined fuel tank volume.

In another embodiment of the invention, the canister is extended in the vehicle width direction, so that an increase in the size of a longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be suppressed and a length of the fuel tank in the vehicle width direction can be easily secured. Consequently, a fuel volume is easy to be secured.

Moreover, the atmosphere-opening port which is opened in the canister is covered with the vehicle body cover and the fender which are connected to each other by the connecting members, so that a clearance between the vehicle body cover and the fender is reduced and dust resistance in the vicinity of the atmosphere-opening port can be enhanced. If the dust resistance of in the vicinity of the atmosphere-opening port is enhanced, any piping which is usually connected to the atmosphere-opening port in order to secure the dust resistance can be omitted. If the piping can be omitted, a space which might be needed for layout and installing of the piping is reduced. Therefore, an efficient and compact configuration for the vehicle is possible.

In other embodiments, the intake piping which is extended in the vehicle width direction can be bend-formed so as to be folded back in the left and right direction.

When the vehicle is inclined to the left or right, the fuel in the fuel tank may intrude into the intake piping. According to embodiments of the present invention, intrusion of the fuel can be suppressed by the bent portions in the intake piping. When the vehicle is returned from the inclined state, the fuel is returned to the fuel tank. Therefore, without using a roll-over valve or the like, it is possible to suppress flowing of the fuel into the canister when the vehicle is inclined.

In another embodiment, the rib is formed integrally with the fender and, moreover, the piping-bearing portion is formed at the fender. The rib can be reinforced by the piping-bearing portion.

Moreover, the case where the piping-bearing portion is formed integrally with the rib enhances rigidity of them and can realize weight reduction of the piping-bearing portion and the rear rib, as compared to a case where the piping-bearing portion and the rib are formed separately from each other.

In other embodiments, the fuel tank mounting portions are disposed outside the first and second side surface portions of the canister in the vehicle width direction. The fuel tank mounting portions are rich in rigidity and both the ends of the canister are covered with such fuel tank mounting portions, so that it is possible to effectively protect the canister from a vehicle outward direction.

In certain embodiments, the canister is covered with the grab rail as well as the pair of left and right seat rails to which the tank mounting portions are attached. The grab rail is rich in rigidity and both the ends of the canister are covered with such a grab rail, so that it is possible to effectively protect the canister from the vehicle outward direction.

In certain embodiments, the seat catcher mechanism is extended in the height direction relative to the cross member. It is possible to cover the canister from the vehicle rearward direction, by the seat catcher mechanism which is extended in the height direction, so that a protection range for the canister can be increased and dust resistance can be enhanced.

In certain embodiments, the discharge piping is made as a division structure composed of the first discharge piping and the second discharge piping. If the discharge piping is long, layout efficiency is deteriorated, and cost for manufacturing and installation can be high.

With respect to this, according to embodiments of the present invention, the discharge piping is divided and an object to be processed is shortened, so that working cost required for manufacturing can be reduced.

Moreover, the first discharge piping and the second discharge piping are connected by the joint member. The joint member becomes larger in diameter than general portions of the first and second discharge pipings. When the joint member and the ends of the first and second discharge pipings are attached to the piping holder portion, the discharge piping can be easily positioned with respect to the longitudinal direction of the piping.

In some embodiments, the discharge piping which is extended to the air intake system from the canister can be held by the resin luggage box which is relatively large-sized. Since the luggage box is made of resin, formation of the holding portion is easily performed. The holding portion can be formed at an optional position by using the relatively large-sized luggage box. Therefore, the routing of the discharge piping can be made linear and a piping length can be reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail hereinafter. In the drawings and embodiment, “up”, “down”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” respectively indicate directions as viewed from the position of a rider riding on a motorcycle. Incidentally, the drawings are to be viewed according to the orientation of reference signs.

As shown inFIG. 1, the motorcycle10includes a front wheel12arranged at a vehicle front portion and adapted to be steerable by a handlebar11, an engine13acting as a drive source arranged behind the front wheel12, a rear wheel14arranged behind the engine13and driven by the engine13, and a seat15provided between the front wheel12and the rear wheel14. The motorcycle is a saddle-ride type vehicle on which an occupant rides by straddling the seat15.

As shown inFIG. 2, the vehicle body frame20is composed of, as main elements, a headpipe21steerably supporting a front fork19which supports the front wheel12, one main frame22extending in an oblique rearward direction of the vehicle from the headpipe21, a pair of left and right seat rails23L,23R (only reference sign23L on this side is shown) extending in a vehicle rearward direction from a rear portion of the main frame22, and a pair of left and right pivot frames24hanging down from the rear portion of the main frame22. A main stand (inFIG. 1, reference sign25) is provided at the pivot frames24.

A step stay26is mounted to an undersurface of the engine13. The step stay26extends outwardly in a vehicle width direction. Left and right steps27L,27R for the rider (only reference sign27L on this side is shown), on which the rider can place his/her feet are provided at both ends of the step stay26.

Moreover, left and right pillion step brackets31L,31R (only reference sign31L on this side is shown) are mounted to the left and right seat rails23L,23R at outward positions of the seat rails23L,23R in the vehicle width direction. The left and right pillion step brackets31L,31R are respectively members which support steps32L,32R (only reference sign32L on this side is shown) on which a pillion passenger can place his/her feet. Longitudinal portions of the left and right pillion step brackets31L,31R are extended in a vehicle longitudinal direction.

The engine13is disposed under the main frame22. An air intake system35is provided above the engine13. The engine13is suspended by an engine stay34.

The air intake system35can be composed of an intake pipe36connected to an air intake port which is formed in an upper surface of a cylinder head61making up a part of the engine13, a carburetor37connected to a tip of the intake pipe36, a connecting tube38connected to a tip of the carburetor37, an air intake chamber39connected to a tip of the connecting tube38, and an air cleaner40connected to a tip of the air intake chamber39. The carburetor37may be a throttle body.

Fuel piping43which supplies fuel is extended from a fuel tank44, which is arranged at the vehicle rear portion, and connected to the air intake system35. Moreover, a canister45which accumulates fuel gas evaporating in the fuel tank44is arranged under a rear portion of the fuel tank44. Discharge piping53through which the fuel gas accumulated in the canister45passes is extended forward from the canister45. The discharge piping53is connected to the carburetor37or the intake pipe which constitutes a part of the air intake system35.

The fuel tank44is attached to the pair of left and right seat rails23L,23R.

A fender such as rear fender48which covers at least an upper portion of the rear wheel14is arranged below the fuel tank44. The canister45is arranged above the rear fender48.

A resin luggage box51is disposed in a vehicle forward direction with respect to the fuel tank44. The air intake system35is provided in front of the luggage box51. Hose hooks52which lock a fuel hose supplying the fuel to the carburetor37from the discharge piping53and the fuel tank44are provided at the luggage box51.

Referring toFIG. 2together withFIG. 1, the seat15is provided above the fuel tank44and the luggage box51. Namely, the luggage box51is provided under the seat15.

Incidentally, while the two hose hooks52are provided at front and rear portions of the luggage box51in this embodiment, the number of the hose hooks may be increased or reduced as needed.

Referring again toFIG. 2, a swing arm73which rotatably supports the rear wheel14is swingably journaled, via a pivot shaft72, to an outside of rear portions of the pivot frames24, hanging down from a rear portion of the main frame22, in the vehicle width direction. Rear cushion units76L,76R are respectively interposed between the swing arm73and the seat rails23L,23R.

Referring toFIG. 1, the engine13is provided with the cylinder head61, a cylinder block62, and a crankcase63formed integrally with a transmission case, in the vehicle rearward direction from the vehicle forward direction. At the crankcase63of the engine rear portion, a drive shaft66acting as an output shaft of the engine13and a drive sprocket67attached to the drive shaft66are provided. A drive sprocket cover68which covers such a drive sprocket67is attached to the engine13. A gear shift pedal71is attached to the crankcase63.

The drive sprocket67is attached to the drive shaft66. A driven sprocket77is attached to the rear wheel14. A chain78which transmits drive force to the rear wheel14from the drive shaft66is stretchedly wound around between the drive sprocket67and the driven sprocket77. At least an upper portion of the chain78and a side surface of the upper portion of the chain are covered with a chain case79. The chain case79is attached at front and rear portions thereof to the swing arm73.

An exhaust pipe81is connected to an undersurface of the cylinder head61. The exhaust pipe81is extended in the vehicle rearward direction and connected at a rear end thereof to a muffler82.

The motorcycle10is covered with the vehicle body cover90. The vehicle body cover90has a front cover91covering a front surface of the vehicle, side covers92L,92R (only reference sign92L on this side is shown) provided so as to continue in the vehicle rearward direction from a rear portion of the front cover91, the side covers being extended in the vehicle rearward direction and covering side surfaces of the vehicle, left and right pivot plate covers93L,93R (only reference sign93L on this side is shown) continuously arranged at lower edges of the left and right side cover92L,92R and covering the pivot frames (inFIG. 2, reference sign24) from the outside in a lateral direction, and an upper cover94provided at upper portions of the side covers92L,92R and covering an upper portion of the vehicle. Left and right turn signals or winkers95L,95R (only reference sign95L on this side is shown) are attached to the front cover91.

The side cover92L,92R is composed of left and right main frame side covers97L,97R (only reference sign97L on this side is shown) covering the main frame (inFIG. 2, reference sign22) and left and right sides of the engine13, and left and right rear side covers98L,98R (only reference sign98L on this side is shown) continuously extended in the vehicle rearward direction from rear edges of the left and right main frame side covers97L,97R.

A front fender47is arranged above the front wheel12. A handlebar cover101which surrounds the handlebar11is arranged around the handlebar11. A headlight102is attached to a front portion of the handlebar cover101. Moreover, the rear fender48is arranged above the rear wheel14. A taillight103is arranged above the rear fender48. A taillight cover104which covers the taillight103is provided. A grab rail161is arranged above the taillight cover104. A center cover106is arranged under the seat15.

At least left and right sides of the headpipe21, engine13, air intake system35and main frame (inFIG. 2, reference sign22) are covered with the left and right main frame side covers97L,97R which are formed separately from each other. The upper cover94which covers the upper portion of the main frame22is arranged between the left and right main frame side covers97L,97R.

In addition, left and right leg shields111L,111R (only reference sign111L on the left side is shown) which act as windbreakers are arranged at a front portion of the main frame22. The left and right leg shields111L,111R are extended in the height direction. In this embodiment, the left and right leg shields111L,111R are respectively included in the left and right main frame side covers97L,97R and formed integrally with the left and right main frame side covers97L,97R.

The left and right pillion step brackets31L,31R which support the steps32L,32R on which the pillion passenger places his/her feet are attached to the outsides of the left and right seat rails23L,23R in the vehicle width direction. The left and right pivot plate covers93L,93R are adapted to be attached to fitting portions (inFIG. 2, reference signs115a,115a(only reference sign115aon this side of the drawing is shown)) which are attachedly provided at edges of the left and right pillion step brackets31L,31R.

Concretely, the left and right pivot plate covers93L,93R are respectively attached to the fitting portions (inFIG. 2, reference signs115a,115a) which are provided at lower portions of the left and right pillion step brackets31L,31R, and the left and right rear side covers98L,98R are attached to fitting portions (inFIG. 2, reference signs115b,115b(only reference sign115bon this side of the drawing is shown)) which are provided at upper portions of the left and right pillion step brackets31L,31R.

The left and right pivot plate covers93L,93R are arranged so as to be superposed on both of the drive sprocket cover68and the chain case79, as viewed from a side view of the vehicle.

Incidentally, the canister (inFIG. 2, reference sign45) is covered with the vehicle body cover (rear side covers98L,98R) from the outside in the vehicle width direction. That is, the vehicle body cover (rear side covers98L,98R, and under covers99L,99R) is arranged outside in the vehicle width direction.

As shown inFIG. 3, the canister45can be arranged under the rear portion of the fuel tank44and arranged inside the seat rails23L,23R in the vehicle width direction so as to be superposed on the seat rails23L,23R as viewed from the side view of the vehicle.

As shown inFIG. 4, the canister45is provided with a body portion121extending in the vehicle width direction, a first side surface portion122forming one side surface, in a left and right direction, which closes an opening of the body portion121, and a second side surface portion123forming the other side surface in the left and right direction. At the first side surface portion122, a fuel gas inlet port125which allows the fuel gas evaporating in the fuel tank (inFIG. 3, reference sign44) to flow into the canister45, and a fuel gas outlet port126which allows the fuel gas accumulated in the canister45to be discharged outside are provided. At the second side surface portion123, an atmosphere-opening port127which allows excessive fuel gas in the canister45to be released into the atmosphere, and a drain port128which allows liquid accumulated in the canister45to be discharged are provided. Intake piping54which is extended from the fuel tank44and allows the fuel gas evaporating in the fuel tank44to flow is connected to the fuel gas inlet port125. The atmosphere-opening port127is covered with the vehicle body cover90and the fender48.

As shown inFIG. 5, ends of the rear fender48in the vehicle width direction are respectively connected, by connecting members100, to the under covers99L,99R which constitute a part of the vehicle body cover90arranged outside the canister (45) in the vehicle width direction.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, the rear fender48, the under covers99L,99R, and the rear side covers98L,98R are connected to one another in such a manner that a clearance among them is minimized. The atmosphere-opening port127is arranged near the under cover99L and inside the under cover99L in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the atmosphere-opening port127is covered with the under covers99L, the rear side cover98L, and the rear fender48.

As shown inFIG. 6, fuel tank mounting portions133L,133R which are provided at the pair of left and right seat rails23L,23R and to which the fuel tank44is mounted, are arranged outside the first side surface portion122and second side surface portion123in the vehicle width direction when viewed from a plan view of the vehicle.

The fuel tank mounting portions133L,133R are arranged outside the first side surface portion122and second side surface portion123in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the plan view of the vehicle, so that it is possible to enhance the effect of protecting the canister45.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, the canister45is arranged under the rear portion of the fuel tank44, at least partially superposed on the fuel tank44as viewed from the plan view of the vehicle, and arranged in the vehicle forward direction relative to a cross member136which interconnects the rear portions of the pair of left and right seat rails23L,23R.

A seat catcher mechanism141, which holds the seat15, can be provided at the cross member136. The seat catcher mechanism141extends in the height direction relative to the cross member136. It is possible to cover the canister45from the vehicle rearward direction by the seat catcher mechanism141extending in the height direction, so that it is possible to increase a protection range for the canister45and to enhance dust resistance.

The intake piping54is extended in the vehicle width direction. Left and right ends142L,142R of the intake piping54in the vehicle width direction are bend-formed.

Fluid which enters the intake piping54when the vehicle is inclined to the left or right remains in the left end portion142L or the right end portion142R. Thereby, it is possible to suppress moving of the fluid in the intake piping54to the canister45.

A guide piece129which guides the fluid discharged from the drain port128to an upper surface48aof the rear fender is provided in the vicinity of an outlet of the drain port128and at an inner wall of the left under cover99L.

A piping-holding portion146is arranged in the vehicle forward direction with respect to the canister45and provided between the canister and the fuel tank44. The discharge piping53is allowed to pass between the canister45and the fuel tank44.

The fuel tank44can be arranged apart from the canister in the vehicle forward direction relative to the canister45, so that interference between the canister45and the fuel tank44is avoided, thus allowing the passage of the discharge piping53. Therefore, a dead space is reduced and compactification of the vehicle is possible.

As shown inFIG. 7, a front rib151and a rear rib152which support the canister45can be formed integrally with the rear fender48. Since the front rib151and the rear rib152which support the canister45are formed integrally with the rear fender48, it is possible to reduce the number of components.

The discharge piping53which discharges the fuel gas accumulated in the canister45is extended from the fuel gas outlet port126, and the discharge piping53is connected to the air intake system (inFIG. 2, reference sign35) of the engine.

The discharge piping53is composed of first discharge piping55extending from the fuel gas outlet port126, a joint member57connected to a tip55aof the first discharge piping55, and second discharge piping56extending from the joint member57and connected to the air intake system35of the engine. Reference sign59denotes hose clips or hose clamps. Since the discharge piping53is constructed as a division structure composed of the first discharge piping55and the second discharge piping56, the discharge piping53can be easily formed as compared to single piping.

The piping-holding portion146which holds the second discharge piping56is formed integrally with the front rib151of the rear fender48. Moreover, a piping holder portion147which holds the discharge piping53at a region of the joint member57is formed integrally with the rear fender48. The discharge piping53is supported by the piping holder portion147, whereby the discharge piping53is held.

Referring to the next drawing, a structure which holds the discharge piping53will be explained.

As shown inFIG. 8, the discharge piping53(the first discharge piping55and the second discharge piping56) is fitted on outer peripheries of both ends of the joint member57and prevented from coming off from the joint member by the hose clips59,59. Outer diameters of portions149,149of the pipings which are adjacent to fitted portions of the pipings are increased outward so as to become larger than those of other portions of the pipings, so that the portions149,149adjacent to the fitted portions are adapted to be held and positioned by the piping holder portion147.

When the discharge piping53is held at a position of the piping holder portion147to the piping holder portion147, outer diameters of the first discharge piping55and second discharge piping56at connected portions are increased with the joint member57, and the connected portions158which have increased outer diameters are held by the piping holder portion147, thus making it possible to easily position the discharge piping53in a longitudinal axial direction of the piping.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 8, the discharge piping53which discharges the fuel gas accumulated in the canister45is extended from the fuel gas outlet port126, and the discharge piping53is connected to the air intake system35of the engine.

Moreover, a piping-bearing portion155which bears the intake piping (inFIG. 6, reference sign54) in a vertical direction is formed at the rear rib152. Concretely, the intake piping54is arranged so as to be located above an upper end of the rear rib152. The piping-bearing portion155is provided at the rear rib152, so that it is possible to realize weight reduction as compared to a case where a member holding the piping is provided separately from the rear fender48, and possible to realize the holding of the intake piping54.

As shown inFIG. 9, after a hold-down member156of a circular annular shape which is made of rubber or the like is fitted over the canister45, the canister45is attached to the rear fender48by causing the ribs151,152to be engaged in slit holes150which are provided at the hold-down member156.

Referring toFIG. 6, grab rail mounting portions162L,162R which mount to the pair of left and right seat rails23L,23R a grab rail161which the occupant can grasp are provided at a position of the fuel tank mounting portions133L,133R in the vehicle rearward direction.

As shown inFIG. 10, the grab rail161is mounted to the grab rail mounting portions (inFIG. 6, reference signs162L,162R).

The grab rail161exhibits a substantially U-shape when viewed from the plan view of the vehicle and has a grip portion163which the occupant can grasp, left and right seat portions164L,164R extending to the inside of the grip portion163in the vehicle width direction and provided so as to be capable of being abutted against the grab rail mounting portions162L,162R, the cross member136bridged between rear portions of the left and right seat portions164L,164R, and upper fixing portions166L,166R which extend in the vehicle forward direction from the left and right seat portions164L,164R and to which upper portions of the left and right rear side covers98L,98R are attached via fastening members167,167.

As shown inFIG. 6, the canister45is arranged under the rear portion of the fuel tank44, in the vehicle forward direction with respect to the cross member136, and between the pair of left and right seat rails23L,23R. In other words, the fuel tank44and the cross member136are arranged in front of the canister45and in rear of the canister45, respectively, and the seat rails23L,23R are arranged laterally in the left and right direction with respect to the canister45.

The left, right and rear sides of the canister45are surrounded by the seat rails23L,23R and the cross member136, so that it is possible to protect the canister45without involving an increase in the number of components.

Moreover, the canister45is formed so as to be at least partially superposed on the fuel tank44when viewed from the plan view of the vehicle, so that a predetermined fuel tank volume can be easily secured and a space in rear of the fuel tank can be effectively used.

Referring toFIG. 6together withFIG. 4, the canister45extends in the vehicle width direction, so that an increase in size in the vehicle longitudinal direction is suppressed, an increased length of the fuel tank44in the vehicle width direction is obtained, and a fuel volume is easily secured.

The atmosphere-opening port127which is opened in the canister45is covered by the under covers99L,99R acting as the connecting members, thus making it possible to enhance dust resistance in the vicinity of the atmosphere-opening port127. When the dust resistance in the vicinity of the atmosphere-opening port127is enhanced, any piping which is usually connected the atmosphere-opening port127can be omitted. If the piping can be omitted, the overall size and weight of the vehicle can be reduced.

As shown inFIG. 2, the discharge piping53can be held by the resin luggage box51which is relatively large-sized. If the resin-made luggage box51is employed, the holding portions, hose hooks52, for example, for the discharge piping can be easily formed and the hose hooks52can be arranged relatively freely at the side portion of the relatively large-sized luggage box51. Therefore, the routing of the discharge piping53can be made linear and a piping length can be reduced.

As shown inFIG. 11, the fuel which is discharged from the drain port128reaches the upper surface48aof the rear fender along the guide piece129provided at the inner wall of the left under cover99L in the vicinity of the outlet of the drain port128. The fuel is guided in the vehicle forward direction as indicated by an arrow a in drawing, and discharged out of the vehicle. Thanks to the provision of the guide piece129, even if a vehicle posture is changed, the fluid can be guided in a suitable direction.

Incidentally, while the present invention is applied to the motorcycle in the embodiment, it is also applicable to a saddle-ride type three-wheeled vehicle and may be applied to a general saddle-ride type vehicle.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST