Front structure of motorcycle

In a motorcycle including a screen, a meter panel is arranged at the vehicle front of a rider, and a visor is arranged at the vehicle front of the meter panel. The visor is higher than the meter panel to form an air intake for taking in traveling wind between the visor and the meter panel. A duct extends to a rear side of the screen from the air intake at the vehicle rear of the visor, so that the duct can introduce traveling wind to the rear side of the screen.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to improvement in a front structure of a motorcycle including a screen.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is known a front structure of a motorcycle including a screen for shielding traveling wind (seeFIGS. 3, 4, 5of Japanese Utility Model Registration Application Publication No. Hei 4-37089, hereinafter Patent Document 1.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5of Patent Document 1, an upper cowl “11” (the quoted number indicates a reference numeral used in Patent Document 1. The same shall apply hereinafter.) is provided in a front portion of the vehicle, an air intake opening “15” is formed in the upper cowl “11,” and an outer screen “20” is fixed to an attachment portion “19” of the upper cowl “11” above the opening “15.” An inner screen “21” is supported in a vertically slidable manner to the outer screen “20” at the vehicle rear of the outer screen “20.” The outer screen “20” and the inner screen “21” constitute a wind screen “22.”

As shown inFIG. 4of Patent Document 1, an air cylinder “23” is attached to the inner screen “21” and moves the inner screen “21.” When a part of traveling wind flows in from the opening “15,” the traveling wind passes through between the outer screen “20” and the inner screen “21,” and flows as indicated by arrow B.

In the technique of Patent Document 1, the flow path of traveling wind changes when the screen is slid vertically. Hence, the amount of traveling wind fed to the rear side of the screen may vary, and there is room for improvement.

There is a need for a technique that can suppress variation in steerability of the vehicle, in a motorcycle including a screen whose height is vertically adjustable.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide a technique that can suppress variation in steerability of the vehicle, in a motorcycle including a screen whose height is vertically adjustable.

In one embodiment, a front structure of a motorcycle includes a handle supported by a head pipe and steered by a rider, and a screen arranged at a vehicle front of the handle and shielding traveling wind directed to the rider. A meter panel is arranged at the vehicle front of the rider, and a visor is arranged at the vehicle front of the meter panel and shielding solar radiation directed to meter equipment. The visor is arranged higher than the meter panel to thereby form an air intake for taking in traveling wind between the visor and the meter panel. A duct extends to a rear face of the screen from the air intake is provided at the vehicle rear of the visor, so that the duct can introduce traveling wind to the rear face of the screen.

In another embodiment, the length of the duct overlaps a movable range in which the lower end of the screen slides, and is longer than the movable range.

In another embodiment, the meter panel is provided lower than the screen, and a rail allowing the screen to slide vertically is arranged on the head pipe side. The rail is arranged so as to incline along a front face of the meter panel, and the visor covers the vehicle front of the screen.

In another embodiment, the visor overlaps the duct and the rail in front view of the vehicle, and is a member less transmissive than the screen.

In another embodiment, the rail is provided in a left and right pair, and the duct is arranged between the paired left and right rails.

In another embodiment, the duct includes a curved portion curved so as to come closer to the visor as it approaches the air intake.

In another embodiment, a lower edge of the screen has a center portion in the vehicle width direction extending further in the front lower direction than both end portions thereof, and is formed so as to follow the shapes of mirror covers, which are provided on sides of the meter panel and cover support portions of the left and right mirrors.

In another embodiment, in side view, the rail is curved in such a manner as to protrude downward, and the screen is curved in such a manner as to protrude upward.

According to some embodiments, a duct extending to the rear face of the screen from the air intake is provided at the vehicle rear of the visor. A part of traveling wind introduced from the air intake passes through the duct and is guided to the rear side of the screen, while a part of traveling wind introduced from the air intake flows to the front of the screen. Since the duct allows traveling wind to flow to the rear of the screen, the amount of traveling wind passing through between the visor and the screen can be reduced.

The amount of traveling wind passing through between the visor and the screen is reduced, and traveling wind taken in from the air intake passes through the duct and is guided to the rear side of the screen. Hence, the amount of traveling wind being guided to the rear of the screen does not vary largely even when the screen is slid upward or downward, and thus traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen.

In another embodiment, the length of the duct overlaps a movable range in which the lower end of the screen slides, and is longer than the movable range. When the lower end position of the screen is at the uppermost sliding position of the screen, the lower end of the duct is lower than the lower end of the screen. Similarly, when the lower end position of the screen is at the lowermost sliding position of the screen, the lower end of the duct is also lower than the lower end of the screen.

To be specific, since the lower end of the duct is positioned lower than the lower end of the screen, traveling wind taken in from the air intake enters the duct and is guided to the rear of the screen regardless of the position of the screen, and thus its amount is less likely to vary. In other words, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen does not vary largely even when the screen is slid to a different position, and thus traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen. As a result, ease in steering can be enhanced while maintaining a predetermined windbreak performance.

In another embodiment, the rail supporting the screen in a vertically slidable manner is arranged so as to incline along the meter panel. That is, since the rail is arranged according to the curvature of the meter panel, the screen shape can be designed more freely than a case where the rail is not arranged according to the curvature of the meter panel.

Additionally, the gap between the screen and the visor, as well as between the screen and the upper end of the duct can be made as small as possible. Accordingly, variation in the amount of traveling wind flowing through between the screen and the visor, as well as variation in the amount of traveling wind flowing through between the screen and the upper end of the duct can be suppressed, even when the screen is slid upward or downward. Hence, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen can be kept constant.

It is possible to suppress variation in the amount of traveling wind flowing through between the screen and the visor, as well as between the screen and the upper end of the duct, if the gaps are reduced. Since the gaps are small, variation in the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear side of the screen is small, even when the screen is slid vertically. Accordingly, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen does not vary largely, so that traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen. As a result, ease in steering can be enhanced even more while maintaining a predetermined windbreak performance.

In another embodiment, the visor overlapping the duct and the rail is formed of a member less transmissive than the screen. The visor using the low-transmittance member can cover up the duct and the rail, so that appearance of the vehicle can be improved.

In another embodiment, the duct is arranged between the paired left and right rails. Thus, the visor can be arranged closer to the rails.

Conventionally, in a screen slide mechanism using an air cylinder, for example, the size of the slide mechanism tended to become large, and the slide stroke of the screen was limited.

Meanwhile, the present invention does not use an air cylinder but uses the left and right rails, and thus the screen mechanism can be reduced in size. Additionally, since the duct is arranged between the paired left and right rails, limited space can be utilized efficiently. Reduction in the size of the screen mechanism and effective utilization of space allows more freedom in designing the front portion of the vehicle, whereby appearance of the vehicle can be improved more easily.

In another embodiment, the duct includes the curved portion that comes closer to the visor as it approaches the air intake. Since the duct comes close to the visor around the air intake, the gap between the duct and the visor can be reduced. Reduction in the gap allows a larger amount of traveling wind to be taken into the duct from the air intake. It is possible to suppress variation in the amount of traveling wind flowing through between the screen and the visor, as well as between the upper end of the duct and the screen, even when the screen is vertically slid to a different position. Accordingly, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen does not vary largely, so that traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen. As a result, ease in steering can be enhanced even more while maintaining a predetermined windbreak performance.

In another embodiment, the lower edge of the screen is formed so as to follow the shape of the mirror covers. Since the lower edge of the screen is formed so as to follow the shape of the mirror covers, the lower edge of the screen can be brought closer to the mirror covers when the screen is moved downward. Additionally, the movable range in which the screen slides can be made larger than a case where the lower edge of the screen is formed so as not to follow the shape of the mirror cover. As a result, the windbreak performance of the screen can be enhanced.

In another embodiment, in side view, the rail is curved in such a manner as to protrude downward, and the screen is curved in such a manner as to protrude upward. By thus assigning predetermined curvatures to the rail and the screen, an upper end of the visor and the screen forming a gap can be constantly kept as close as possible, even when the screen is slid. A part of traveling wind having entered from the air intake flows through between the visor and the screen without entering the duct. At this time, since the gap between the upper end of the visor and the screen is small, and variation in the gap caused by sliding of the screen is kept small, the flow amount of traveling wind can be suppressed. Accordingly, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen does not vary largely, so that traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen. As a result, ease in steering can be enhanced even more while maintaining a predetermined windbreak performance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the drawings and the example, directions such as “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” are those seen from a rider of a motorcycle.

As shown inFIG. 1, a motorcycle10is a straddle type vehicle that includes a body frame11, a front wheel steering portion12steerably supported by a front portion of the body frame11and including a front wheel13, and a seat15supported by the body frame11and on which a rider sits. A pivot shaft17is provided in the body frame11in a position below the seat15, and a power unit18extends toward the vehicle rear from the pivot shaft17, and serves as a power source as well as a swing arm. A rear wheel14is attached to a rear end portion of the power unit18, and a cushion unit16is bridged across the rear end of the power unit18and the body frame11. The motorcycle is ridden by the rider straddling a front portion of the seat15and ridden by a passenger straddling a rear portion of the seat15.

The body frame11has a head pipe21, a main frame portion22extending toward the vehicle rear from the head pipe21, and rear frames23connected to and supported by the rear end of the main frame portion22, and extending obliquely upward in the rear direction of the vehicle. The main frame portion22includes an obliquely downwardly-extending portion26extending obliquely downward in the rear direction of the vehicle, a horizontal portion extending horizontally toward the vehicle rear from the obliquely downwardly-extending portion26, and an obliquely upwardly-extending portion28extending obliquely upward in the rear direction of the vehicle from the rear end of the horizontal portion27. An upper frame29that extends toward the vehicle rear from the obliquely downwardly-extending portion26and then extends obliquely downward in the rear direction of the vehicle is bridged across the obliquely downwardly-extending portion26and the horizontal portion27. The rear frames23that support the seat15extend obliquely upward in the rear direction from rear portions of the upper frame29.

Main elements of the front wheel steering portion12are a handle31rotatably supported by the head pipe21and steered by the rider, a front fork32provided integrally with the handle31and extending obliquely downward in the front direction of the vehicle, and the front wheel13attached to the lower end of the front fork32.

A fuel tank33is arranged so as to be surrounded by the main frame portion22and the upper frame29in the front lower direction of the seat15on which the rider sits. Main elements of the power unit18, which is arranged behind the fuel tank33, are a unit case portion35, a cylinder portion36extending toward the vehicle front from the unit case portion35, an air cleaner unit37attached to an upper face of the unit case portion35, a connecting tube38extending from the air cleaner unit37, and a throttle body39jointed to the tip of the connecting tube38. The throttle body39is connected to the cylinder portion36. InFIG. 1, reference numeral34indicates an exhaust pipe34extending from the cylinder portion36.

Main elements of a body cover40are a front cover portion41covering the periphery of the front wheel steering portion12, an inner panel42covering a rear face of the front cover portion41, left and right side body covers43L,43R (only reference numeral43L on the near side inFIG. 1is shown) extending toward the vehicle rear so as to be continuous with the inner panel42to cover sides of the vehicle body, left and right lower side body covers57L,57R (only reference numeral57L on the near side inFIG. 1is shown) provided below the left and right side body covers43L,43R, left and right under covers44L,44R (only reference numeral44L on the near side inFIG. 1is shown) provided below the left and right lower side body covers57L,57R, and left and right rear side body covers50L,50R (only reference numeral50L on the near side inFIG. 1is shown) provided so as to be continuous with rear portions of the left and right side body covers43L,43R.

A center cover45is bridged across the left and right side body covers43L,43R. A straddle space46, which is formed into a substantial U shape opened upward in side view of the vehicle and can be straddled by moving a rider's leg thereover when mounting and dismounting, is formed by the inner panel42, the left and right side body covers43L,43R, and the center cover45, between the seat15and the handle31.

Foot rest portions47L,47R (only reference numeral47L on the near side inFIG. 1is shown) on which the rider places his/her feet are formed in the under covers44L,44R. Pillion steps48L,48R (only reference numeral48L on the near side inFIG. 1is shown) on which a passenger places his/her feet are provided in the body frame11in upper positions behind the foot rest portions47L,47R. A side stand49is attached to the main frame portion22. The fuel tank33is provided so as to be surrounded by the main frame portion22and the upper frame29below the center cover45.

A front fender51covering an upper part of the front wheel13to shield mud splashed from the front wheel13is attached to the front fork32, and a rear fender52covering upper and diagonally upper rear parts of the rear wheel14to shield mud splashed from the rear wheel14is attached to the rear frames23.

A meter unit53is arranged above the front cover portion41, in front of the handle31, and in front of the seat15on which the rider sits, while a screen55for shielding traveling wind directed to the rider is arranged in front of the meter unit53. A front portion of the meter unit53is covered with a meter panel (seeFIG. 2), and a visor56for shielding solar radiation directed to meter equipment including the meter unit53, is arranged at the vehicle front of the meter panel54and the vehicle front of the screen55.

Next, a supporting structure and the like of the screen and meter panel will be described.

As shown inFIG. 2, a first stay61formed by processing a plate member extends toward the vehicle front through fastening screws58from the front end of the head pipe21, a pipe-shaped second stay62is joined to the first stay61and extends in the front upper direction of the vehicle, a third stay60formed by processing a plate member and joined to the second stay62extends, and a rail stay63is attached to the third stay60through the fastening screws58. The rail stay63is provided integrally with later-mentioned rails64L,64R (seeFIG. 3) in the third stay60. Left and right mirror covers65L,65R (only reference numeral65L on the near side inFIG. 1is shown) and the meter panel54, which is a constituent element of a front portion of the meter unit53(seeFIG. 1) as meter equipment, are fastened to the second stay62.

Next, a front structure of the vehicle as seen from the vehicle front will be described.

As shown inFIG. 3, a headlight67is arranged at the front end of the vehicle, a part below the headlight67is covered with a front cover71, parts above the headlight67are covered with garnishes72L,72R, the left and right mirror covers65L,65R, which cover support portions of mirrors73L,73R for checking the rear, are provided in the upper left and right of the garnishes72L,72R in the vehicle width direction so as to be continuous with the garnishes72L,72R, and the left and right mirrors73L,73R are arranged above the left and right mirror covers65L,65R so as to be continuous therewith.

The visor56for shielding solar radiation directed to meter equipment is disposed between the left and right mirror covers65L,65R, while extending upward in such a manner as to be continuous with the left and right mirror covers65L,65R. The screen55for shielding traveling wind directed to the rider extends upward in such a manner as to overlap the vehicle rear side of the visor56. The screen55is slidably supported by the paired left and right rails64L,64R.

An air intake76for taking in traveling wind is formed between the left and right mirror covers65L,65R, and between the meter panel54and the screen55arranged in front of the meter panel54. A duct77for introducing traveling wind to a rear face55bof the screen55is arranged between the paired left and right rails64L,64R, which are arranged narrower than the air intake76and support the screen55in a vertically slidable manner. InFIG. 3, arrow S indicates traveling wind flowing through the duct77.

The visor56overlaps the duct77and the rails64L,64R (also referred to as “rail64” below) in front view of the vehicle, and is made of a member less transmissive than the screen55.

Details of the screen and peripheral parts will be described with reference to the followingFIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown inFIG. 4, the rail64is arranged integrally with the rail stay63close to the front of the meter panel54, a slider81is arranged so as to be slidable along the rail64, and a screen stay83is attached to the slider81through screws82.

Referring back toFIG. 3, the screen stays83,83are arranged in an inverted V-shape opened upward in front view of the vehicle, and each has the screen55attached thereto through screw members84at upper and lower ends. This configuration allows the screen55to slide vertically on the rails64provided on the head pipe21side.

Referring back toFIG. 4, the meter panel54is provided in a lower part of the screen55, and rails64allowing the screen55to slide vertically are arranged close to the front of the meter panel54. The rails64are arranged so as to incline from the lower front toward the upper rear along the meter panel54, and the visor56covers the vehicle front of the screen55.

Next, a positional relation and the like among the meter panel, the duct, the screen, and the visor will be described.

As shown inFIG. 5, a front portion of the motorcycle10includes the screen55provided at the vehicle front of the meter panel54to avoid traveling wind, and the visor56provided at the vehicle front of the screen55and covers the front portion of the vehicle.

The visor56is arranged higher than the meter panel54to thereby form the air intake76capable of taking in traveling wind between the visor56and the meter panel54. The duct77, which extends to the rear face55bof the screen55from the air intake76and has a smaller flow path area than the opening area of the air intake76, is provided at the vehicle rear of the visor56, so that the duct77can introduce traveling wind to the rear face55bof the screen55. A curved portion78curved so as to come closer to the visor56as it approaches the air intake76is provided in a lower end77bof the duct77.

Next, an attachment structure of lower portions of the visor56and the duct77will be described.

A stay mounting eye85is fixed on a lower end63bof the rail stay63, a duct mounting eye87fixed on the duct77and having a female screw portion is brought into contact with the stay mounting eye85from outside in the vehicle width direction, while a visor mounting eye88formed in the visor56is brought into contact with the stay mounting eye from inside in the vehicle width direction. The duct77and the visor56are tightened together in such a manner as to sandwich the stay mounting eye85, with a male screw89inserted from the inside to outside in the vehicle width direction. With this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced as compared to a case of providing mounting eyes separately.

Next, a description is given of a screen supporting structure and the like when the sliders are positioned at the upper end of the rails.

FIG. 6(a)is a front view showing the sliders81positioned at the upper end of the rails64,FIG. 6(b)is a cross-sectional view taken along line (b)-(b) ofFIG. 6(a), andFIG. 6(c)is a cross-sectional view taken along line (c)-(c) ofFIG. 6(a). InFIG. 6(a), the screen55, the visor56, and the duct77are shown in an imaginary line.

As shown inFIG. 6(a), when the sliders81,81are positioned at the upper end of the rails64, the screen55moving integrally with the sliders81,81is in an upper end position in the height direction. At this time, the sliders81,81are fixed with unillustrated fixing means.

As shown inFIG. 6(b), when the right side of the vehicle is viewed from the center in the vehicle width direction, the air intake76is formed between the meter panel54and the visor56, while the duct77is provided above the air intake76and the curved portion78curving so as to come closer to the visor56is provided in the duct77. The screen55is arranged between the duct77and the visor56. A gap δ1is formed between the visor56and the screen55, and a gap δ2is formed between the screen55and the duct77. At this time, since the screen55is arranged closer to the visor56side than to the duct77side, the magnitude correlation between the gaps is δ1<δ2.

Traveling wind taken in from the air intake76enters the duct77, and after exiting the duct77, is introduced to the rear side55bof the screen55. Meanwhile, traveling wind that did not enter the duct77passes through between the duct77and the visor56, and enters the gap δ1formed between the visor56and the screen55or the gap δ2formed between the screen55and the duct77. At this time, since the gap δ2is larger than the gap δ1, most of the traveling wind is introduced to the rear side55bof the screen55.

As shown inFIG. 6(c), at a position in the vicinity of the rails in the vehicle width direction, a bent portion91bent so as to abut on the surface of the meter panel54is formed on the lower end of the visor56. Accordingly, traveling wind is hardly introduced to the rear side of the visor56, in the vicinity of the rails.

Next, a description is given of the screen supporting structure and the like when the sliders are positioned at the lower end of the rails.

FIG. 7(a)is a front view showing the sliders81positioned at the lower end of the rails64,FIG. 7(b)is a cross-sectional view taken along line (b)-(b) ofFIG. 7(a), andFIG. 7(c)is a cross-sectional view taken along line (c)-(c) ofFIG. 7(a). InFIG. 7(a), the screen55, the visor56, and the duct77are shown in an imaginary line.

As shown inFIG. 7(a), when the sliders81,81are positioned at the lower end of the rails64, the screen55moving integrally with the sliders81,81is in a lower end position in the height direction. At this time, the sliders81,81are fixed with unillustrated fixing means.

As shown inFIG. 7(b), when the right side of the vehicle is viewed from the center in the vehicle width direction as inFIG. 6(b), the air intake76is formed between the meter panel54and the visor56, while the duct77is provided above the air intake76and the curved portion78is provided in the duct77. The screen55is arranged between the duct77and the visor56. The gap δ1is formed between the visor56and the screen55, and the gap δ2is formed between the screen55and the duct77. At this time, since the screen55is arranged close to the visor56side, the magnitude correlation between the gaps is δ1<δ2. Note that inFIGS. 6 and 7, the gaps δ1and δ2formed when the sliders81are positioned at the upper end of the rail64do not completely coincide with the gaps δ1and δ2formed when the sliders81are positioned at the lower end of the rail64, but differ slightly.

Referring back toFIG. 5, a length L of the duct77overlaps a movable range E in which a lower end55dof the screen55slides, and is longer than the movable range E.

Referring toFIG. 7(b), traveling wind taken in from the air intake76enters the duct77, and after exiting the duct77, is introduced to the rear side55bof the screen55since the length of the duct77is longer than the sliding range of the screen55. Meanwhile, traveling wind that did not enter the duct77passes through between the duct77and the visor56, and enters the gap δ1formed between the visor56and the screen55or the gap δ2formed between the screen55and the duct77. At this time, since the gap δ2is larger than the gap δ1, most of the traveling wind is introduced to the rear side55bof the screen55.

As shown inFIG. 7(c), as inFIG. 6(c), at a position in the vicinity of the rails in the vehicle width direction, the bent portion91bent toward the surface of the meter panel54is formed on the lower end of the visor56. Accordingly, traveling wind is hardly introduced to the rear side of the visor56, in the vicinity of the rails.

FIG. 8(a)is a front view of an upper portion of the vehicle when the screen is in the upper end position, andFIG. 8 (b)is a front view of the upper portion of the vehicle when the screen is in the lower end position.

Referring to both ofFIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the screen55can be moved for a length T in the height direction. A lower edge93of the screen55has a center portion93cin the vehicle width direction that extends further in the front lower direction than its both end portions93Ls,93Rs. In addition, the lower edge93of the screen55is formed so as to follow the shapes of the mirror covers65L,65R, which are provided on sides of the meter panel54and cover the support portions of the left and right mirrors73L,73R.

Next, visor openings and the like provided in upper side portions of the visor in the vehicle width direction will be described.

As shown inFIGS. 8(a), 8(b)and9, left and right visor openings94L,94R for introducing traveling wind to the rear side56bof the visor56are provided in upper side portions of the visor56in the vehicle width direction. The left and right visor openings94L,94R are arranged behind the left and right mirrors73L,73R, respectively. Since these left and right visor openings94L,94R enable appropriate amount of traveling wind to be fed on the arm portions of the rider, clothing on the arms of the rider is less likely to flap while traveling.

Additionally, left and right sub covers95L,95R, which have similar appearances as the headlight67, are provided so as to be continuous with both ends of the headlight67in the vehicle width direction, and extend to the vehicle rear of the meter panel54. The left and right sub covers95L,95R can make the headlight67appear larger, and the front portion of the vehicle can have characteristic and unique appearance.

Meanwhile, the handle31is covered with a handle cover30consisting of a combination of three cover pieces30a,30b,30c.

Next, a positional relation and the like between the meter panel and the rails will be described.

As shown inFIG. 10, when the screen55is viewed from above along the longitudinal axis direction of the head pipe21(seeFIG. 1), the left and right rails64L,64R extend vertically in the sliding direction of the sliders81arranged along a front face54aof the meter panel54, which protrudes slightly toward the vehicle front. The visor56is provided so as to cover the front of the screen55. InFIG. 10, parts of the meter panel54where it covers the left and right rails64L,64R from above are omitted, to clarify the arrangement of the left and right rails.

Next, a modified version of the above example will be described.

FIG. 11(a)explains a positional relation between the screen and the visor when the screen is positioned at the lower end, andFIG. 11(b)explains a positional relation between the screen and the visor when the screen is positioned at the upper end.

As shown inFIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), in order to keep a gap p between the screen55and the visor56constant, the rail64is curved at a predetermined curvature and protrudes downward, and the screen55is curved at a predetermined curvature and protrudes upward. With this configuration, the amount of wind flowing through between the screen55and the visor56hardly varies when the screen55is slid along the rails64. Accordingly, variation in steerability of the vehicle can be suppressed even more.

A fuel lid and peripheral parts arranged in the straddling portion will be described with reference to the followingFIGS. 12 to 19.

FIG. 12is a plan view. As shown inFIG. 12, the straddle space46, which is positioned in front of the seat15and over which the rider can move his/her leg when mounting and dismounting, is configured of: the inner panel42, the left and right side body covers43L,43R provided so as to be continuous with the rear ends of the inner panel42, the center cover45bridged across the left and right side body covers43L,43R, and a fuel lid97openably attached to the center cover45so as to be surrounded by the center cover45.

As shown inFIG. 13, a concave portion99depressed downward is provided in a center portion of the center cover45in the vehicle width direction. The inner panel42extends downward toward the center cover45, in such a manner as to be connected with an outer edge99fof the concave portion99. The fuel lid97is arranged such that it can be accommodated in the concave portion99in a closed state.

The fuel lid97is arranged such that it can be accommodated in the concave portion99in a closed state. Specifically, since the fuel lid97is provided in a position lower than the side body covers43L,43R or the inner panel42, a structure can be achieved where the leg of the rider is less likely to hit the fuel lid97when he/she moves it over the straddle space46. Hence, the fuel lid97can be protected.

Next, a fuel cap and peripheral parts that can be viewed when the fuel lid is detached will be described.

As shown inFIG. 14, an opening100to be covered with the fuel lid97(seeFIG. 13) is provided in the center cover45, a fuel filler port101is provided to the fuel tank33(seeFIG. 1) below the fuel lid97, and a fuel tray102is provided on the upper face of the fuel tank33in such a manner as to cover the periphery of the fuel filler port101.

As shown inFIG. 15, a cylindrical member104having the fuel filler port101penetrates a hole portion132of the fuel tray102. The cylindrical member104having the fuel filler port101is arranged in an upper face33aof the fuel tank33arranged below the center cover45. A sealing member137is fitted between the cylindrical member104and the hole portion132. The fuel filler port101is openably closed by a fuel cap103.

The fuel lid97includes a main body portion107, and a lid arm108opened upward from a bottom portion107bof the main body portion107, and having a substantial U shape when viewed in cross-section. A ceiling portion109covers the main body portion107, and an engaging portion111with which a later-mentioned claw portion112is engaged is formed on the rear end of the main body portion107.

A lid hinge shaft113is inserted horizontally in the vehicle width direction into a tip end108aof the lid arm108. The lid hinge shaft113is attached to the center cover45, and rotatably supports the fuel lid97.

Also referring toFIG. 14, a locking mechanism120for holding the fuel lid97in a closed state has a lid lock shaft121attached to the center cover45, the claw portion112rotatably supported by the lid lock shaft121, a spring122biasing the claw portion112toward the locking side, and a lid wire cable123that drives the claw portion112to the unlock side at the time of opening the fuel lid97.

Referring back toFIG. 14, a liquid guide portion99afor guiding liquid to the fuel tray102is formed in the concave portion99in the center cover45. A liquid guide rib98, which extends in such a manner as to surround left and right sides as well as the rear of the opening100, is provided in a standing manner in an upper portion of the liquid guide portion99a. Notches98a,98aare formed in parts of a rear portion of the liquid guide rib98, and liquid having run down the liquid guide rib98flows downward from the notches98a,98a, and is introduced to the fuel tray102.

As shown inFIG. 16, the liquid guide portion99aformed in the concave portion99of the center cover45has a function of guiding liquid to the fuel tray102arranged therebelow. The liquid guide portion99aextends lower than an upper end125aof a front wall125of the fuel tray102. Specifically, the liquid guide portion99ais extended in an eaves shape, in such a manner as to overlap a rear part of the front wall125of the fuel tray102in the height direction. Hence, liquid having dripped onto the liquid guide portion99acan all be received in the fuel tray102.

As shown inFIG. 17, the center cover45is supported by the upper frame29. Additionally, as in the case of the aforementioned front wall125(seeFIG. 16), the concave portion99provided in the center cover45and extending downward extends lower than each of upper ends126La,126Ra of left and right side walls126L,126R. Specifically, the liquid guide portion99aof the concave portion99extends in an eaves shape lower than the upper ends126La,126Ra of the left and right side walls126L,126R, inside the left and right side walls126L,126R. Hence, liquid having flown to the liquid guide portion99acan all be received in the fuel tray102.

As shown inFIGS. 17 to 20, the fuel tray102has a tray main body128having the front wall125, the left and right side walls126L,126R extending rearward from left and right end portions of the front wall125, and a rear wall127bridged across the rear ends of the left and right side walls126L,126R and receiving spilled fuel. A lid wire guide portion124is fixed so as to extend in the front-rear direction on the left end of the tray main body128, and has the lid wire cable123placed thereon to guide and hold the lid wire cable123. A drain hole131is fixed on the rear left end of the tray main body128and discharging liquid pooled in the tray main body128. A second guide portion114protruding downward and guiding another pipe member is fixed in the lid wire guide portion124.

A drain pipe130for discharging liquid including excess fuel to the outside of the vehicle can be connected to the drain hole131of the fuel tray102. Since the drain hole131is provided at the left end of the tray main body128, when the vehicle is parked by setting up the side stand49(seeFIG. 1), liquid pooled in the tray main body128is guided to the drain hole131, and is smoothly discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the drain pipe130connected to the drain hole131.

The hole portion132into which the cylindrical member104having the fuel filler port101(seeFIG. 17) is inserted is formed in the tray main body128, and a partitioning rib136extending in the vehicle width direction protrudes at the vehicle rear of the hole portion132. Of parts partitioned by the partitioning rib136, a front part of the tray main body128is defined as an exposed portion133, and a rear part of the tray main body128is defined as a reservoir portion134. The tray main body128is arranged so that its vehicle rear part is positioned lower in side view of the vehicle. A lowest point102bof the fuel tray102is provided in the reservoir portion134arranged at the vehicle rear of the exposed portion133, and at the vehicle rear of the hole portion132. The fuel tank33is formed by butt-welding an upper half body33aand a lower half body33bat their flange portions.

Referring back toFIG. 14, the partitioning rib136separating the exposed portion133and the reservoir portion134is arranged so as to follow the shape of the rear end of the opening100. The reservoir portion134can be made less recognizable from outside, since it is shielded by the downwardly extending concave portion99and the upwardly protruding partitioning rib136. Meanwhile, the exposed portion133is recognizable from outside.

A storage box provided in a rear portion of the vehicle will be described with reference to the followingFIGS. 21 to 28.

As shown inFIG. 21, multiple supporting stays141ato141cprotruding upward are provided in the rear frame23, which extends obliquely upward in the rear direction of the vehicle. A storage box142is placed on the multiple supporting stays141ato141c, and the seat15on which the rider and/or the passenger sits is placed on the storage box142. In addition to the storage box142, a grab rail143is attached to the supporting stays141ato141c.

A hinge shaft145is provided in a front end portion of the storage box142. The hinge shaft145extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction, and has the front end of the seat15attached thereto. Further, a seat locking mechanism140for openably locking the seat15is provided in a rear end portion of the storage box142. A seat locking cable146extends toward the vehicle front from the seat locking mechanism140.

To open the storage box142, the core wire inside the seat locking cable146is pulled toward the vehicle front, and the seat15is rotated around the hinge shaft145in the direction of arrow a inFIG. 21with the seat locking mechanism140switched to the unlocked from locked state, whereby an upper part of the storage box142is opened.

In the followingFIGS. 22 to 25, the direction of arrow D indicates the direction in which a die for molding the storage box is drawn.

As shown inFIG. 22, the storage box142for storing articles is supported by paired left and right rear frames23L,23R, the seat15is arranged above the storage box142, and the storage box142and sides of the vehicle body including the body frame11are covered with the rear side body covers50L,50R, below the seat15.

The storage box142includes a first storage portion151provided between the paired left and right rear frames23L,23R. A second storage portion152is provided so as to bulge toward the outside of the rear frame23in the vehicle width direction from the first storage portion151, and to communicate into the first storage portion151.

The first storage portion151and the second storage portion152are formed by combining two members, which are a resin-molded first member161and a resin-molded second member162. Specifically, the first storage portion151is formed of the first member161, and the second storage portion152is formed of the first member161and the second member162. Details of the second storage portion152formed of the first member161and the second member162will be described with reference to the followingFIG. 23.

As shown inFIG. 23, the first storage portion151is formed of the first member161. The second storage portion152is formed of the first member161and the second member162. To be more precise, most of a lower portion of a side face153and a bottom face154of the second storage portion152are formed of the second member162, and an upper face (ceiling face155) of the second storage portion152is formed of the first member161.

The bottom face154of the second storage portion152is configured of the second member162different from the first member161constituting the first storage portion151, and the bottom face154of the second storage portion152constituting the bottom face of a storage portion150is extended further to the inside of the storage box142than a sealing face164closing an opening142aof the storage box142. The bottom face154of the second storage portion152abuts on the rear frame23L through a supporting rib169. A drain hole portion167for discharging water inside the storage box142is provided at the outer end of the bottom face154of the second storage portion152in the vehicle width direction. Since the drain hole portion167is provided close to the outer end of the bottom face154of the second storage portion152in the vehicle width direction, when the vehicle is tilted by setting up the side stand49(seeFIG. 1), water gathered to the left side can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the vehicle.

A seat locking cable guide portion147for guiding the seat locking cable146is provided in the upper face (ceiling face155) of the second storage portion152, and the seat locking cable146extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is disposed on the seat locking cable guide portion147. Since the seat locking cable guide portion147is integrally provided in the second storage portion152, the number of parts can be reduced as compared to a case of providing a guide member separately.

In addition, the side face153of the second storage portion152is arranged so as to follow the shape of the rear side body cover50L. By arranging the side face153of the second storage portion152so as to follow the shape of the rear side body cover50L, the storage volume of the second storage portion152can be made larger than a case where it is not arranged in this manner.

As shown inFIG. 24, the storage box142is supported by the paired left and right rear frames23L,23R, the seat15is arranged above the storage box142, and sides of the vehicle body are covered with the rear side body covers50L,50R, below the seat15.

As shown inFIG. 25, a hanging portion171hanging outside the left rear frame23L is provided in the second storage portion152. The hanging portion171is formed of the second member162. The hanging portion171has a lower vertical wall172hanging down from the bottom face154of the second storage portion152outside the left rear frame23L, and a second bottom face173extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the lower vertical wall172. The hanging portion is connected to an extended side face174, which is formed by extending the side face153of the second storage portion152downward, outside the second bottom face173in the vehicle width direction. The extended side face174is arranged so as to follow the shape of the rear side body cover50L. Additionally, the bottom face154of the second storage portion152abuts on the rear frame23L. A hook portion148, which extends upward and on which a member such as a rubber baggage strap for fixing articles can be hooked, is provided on the side face153of the second storage portion152. The hook portion148is provided in the second member162.

Next, a description is given that the storage box has a divided structure.

As shown inFIG. 26, the second member162is attached to the first member161, which constitutes a main portion of the storage box142, by bringing flanges175of the second member162into contact with the first member161from below, and inserting fastening members176from below. In other words, the first member161and the second member162are vertically engaged and attached to each other in the height direction.

Referring back toFIGS. 23 and 25, engaging portions where the second member162is engaged with the first member161are described. A first engaging concave portion211is formed in the first member161, and a first engaging convex portion212is formed inside the first engaging concave portion211in the vehicle width direction. A second engaging convex portion221and a second engaging concave portion222inside the second engaging convex portion221in the vehicle width direction are formed in the second member162. Then, the second member162is assembled onto the first member161by engaging the second engaging convex portion221with the first engaging concave portion211, and engaging the second engaging concave portion222with the first engaging convex portion212.

Next, a description is given that ribs for avoiding mud splash from the rear wheel are fixed on a bottom portion of the storage box142.

FIG. 27is a cross-sectional view of the storage box142taken along its centerline in the vehicle width direction. As shown inFIG. 27, a mudguard181for keeping mud splashed from the rear wheel14from splashing to the vehicle front is attached to a bottom face142bof the storage box142, and a mudguard rib182for reinforcing the bottom face142bof the storage box142as well as keeping mud splashed from the rear wheel14from splashing to the side of the vehicle, is hung from the bottom face142bof the storage box142so as to be continuous with the mudguard181, outside the rear wheel14in the vehicle width direction and along the rear wheel14in the longitudinal front-rear direction of the vehicle. The mudguard181and the mudguard rib182provided in the bottom face142bof the storage box142can suppress mud splash from the rear wheel14.

Next, partition plates partitioning the inside of the storage box142will be described.

As shown inFIG. 28, the storage box142includes the annular sealing face164on which the seat15(seeFIG. 1) is placed in plan view of the vehicle, and the inside of the sealing face164is defined as a storage portion184. Multiple locking portions189with which partition plates185can be engaged are fixed to the storage portion184, and the partition plates185are detachably inserted into the locking portions189. By inserting the partition plates185, articles can be prevented from moving and getting scattered during travel. Additionally, articles can be stored according to their various different shapes. Note that an ECU unit199is arranged on the right side of the storage box142.

Effects of the above-described motorcycle are as follows.

First, as shown inFIG. 5, the duct77extending to the rear side55bof the screen55from the air intake76is provided at the vehicle rear of the visor56. Apart of traveling wind taken in from the air intake76passes through the duct77and is guided to the rear side of the screen55, which is the rear side55bof the screen55, while a part of traveling wind taken in from the air intake76flows to the front of the screen55, which is the front face of the screen55. Since the duct77allows traveling wind to flow to the rear of the screen55, the amount of traveling wind passing through between the visor56and the screen55can be reduced.

The amount of traveling wind passing through between the visor56and the screen55is reduced, and traveling wind taken in from the air intake76passes through the duct77and is guided to the rear side of the screen55. In this case, the amount of traveling wind being guided to the rear of the screen does not vary largely even when the screen55is slid upward or downward, and thus traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen55.

Second, the length of the duct77overlaps the movable range in which the lower end55dof the screen55slides, and is longer than the movable range of the screen55.

As shown inFIGS. 6(a) to 6(c), when the screen55is in the uppermost sliding position of the screen55, it is positioned between an upper end77aand lower end77bof the duct77. Similarly, as shown inFIGS. 7(a) to 7(c), when the lower end55dof the screen55is in the lowermost sliding position of the screen55, it is also positioned between the upper end77aand lower end77bof the duct77.

To be specific, since the upper end77aof the duct77is positioned higher than the lower end55dof the screen55, traveling wind taken in from the air intake76is guided to the rear side55bof the screen55regardless of whether the screen is at the upper end or is at the lower end, and thus its amount is less likely to vary. In other words, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen55does not vary largely even when the screen55is slid to a different position, and thus traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen. As a result, ease in steering can be enhanced while maintaining a predetermined windbreak performance.

Third, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 10, the rails64supporting the screen55in a vertically slidable manner are arranged so as to incline along the front face54aof the meter panel54. As shown inFIG. 5, since the rail64and the screen55are formed so as to follow the curved shape of the meter panel54, the gap δ1between the screen55and the visor56as well as the gap δ2between the screen55and the duct upper face can be reduced.

It is possible to suppress variation in the amount of traveling wind flowing through between the screen55and the visor56, as well as between the screen55and the upper face of the duct77, if the gaps δ1, δ2are reduced. Since the gaps δ1, δ2are small, variation in the amount of traveling wind is small even when the screen55is slid vertically. Accordingly, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen does not vary largely, so that traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen. As a result, ease in steering can be enhanced even more while maintaining a predetermined windbreak performance. In addition, reduction in the gaps δ1, δ2can reduce the size of the front portion of the vehicle. Further, reduction in the gap δ1makes parts inside the visor56less recognizable from between the screen55and the visor56, and thus appearance is improved.

Fourth, as shown inFIG. 3, the visor56overlapping the duct77and the rails64(64L,64R) is formed of a member less transmissive than the screen55. The visor56using the low-transmittance member can cover up the duct77and the rail64, so that appearance of the vehicle can be improved.

Fifth, the duct77is arranged between the paired left and right rails64L,64R. If the duct77can be formed thinner than the rails64, the visor56can be arranged closer to the rails64. Moreover, since the duct77is arranged between the paired left and right rails64L,64R, limited space can be utilized effectively.

Conventionally, in a screen slide mechanism using an air cylinder, for example, the size of the slide mechanism tended to become large, and the slide stroke of the screen was limited.

Meanwhile, the present invention does not use an air cylinder but uses the left and right rails64for sliding the screen55, whereby the screen mechanism can be reduced in size. Reduction in the size of the screen mechanism and effective utilization of space allows more freedom in designing the front portion of the vehicle. As a result, appearance of the vehicle can be improved more easily.

Sixth, as shown inFIG. 5, the duct77includes the curved portion78that comes closer to the visor56as it approaches the air intake76. Since the duct77comes close to the visor56around the air intake76, a gap δ3between the duct77and the visor56can be reduced. Reduction in the gap δ3allows a larger amount of traveling wind to be taken into the duct77from the air intake76. It is possible to suppress variation in the amount of traveling wind flowing through between the screen55and the visor56, as well as between the upper face of the duct77and the screen55, even when the screen55is slid vertically and the position of the screen55varies vertically. Accordingly, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen does not vary largely, so that traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen. As a result, ease in steering can be enhanced even more while maintaining a predetermined windbreak performance.

Seventh, as shown inFIG. 8, the lower edge93of the screen55is formed so as to follow the shape of the mirror covers65L,65R. Since the lower edge93of the screen55is formed so as to follow the shape of the mirror covers65L,65R, the lower edge93of the screen55can be brought closer to the mirror covers65L,65R when the screen55is moved downward. Additionally, the movable range in which the screen55slides can be made larger than a case where the lower edge of the screen is formed so as not to follow the shape of the mirror cover. As a result, the windbreak performance of the screen55can be enhanced.

Eighth, as shown inFIG. 11, in side view, the rail64is curved in such a manner as to protrude downward, and the screen55is curved in such a manner as to protrude upward.

As shown inFIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), by assigning predetermined curvatures to the rail64and the screen55, the gap p formed between an upper end56aof the visor56and the screen55can be kept as close as possible and maintained to be constant even in the state when screen55slides. A part of traveling wind having entered from the air intake76flows through between the visor56and the screen55without entering the duct77. At this time, since the gap p between the upper end56aof the visor56and the screen55is small, and variation in the gap p caused by sliding of the screen55is kept small, the flow amount of traveling wind can be suppressed. Accordingly, the amount of traveling wind flowing to the rear of the screen does not vary largely, so that traveling wind can be constantly guided to the rear of the screen. As a result, ease in steering can be enhanced even more while maintaining a predetermined windbreak performance. Additionally, since variation in the gap p can be reduced, the inner structure of the visor56can be made less recognizable from the gap p between the visor56and the screen55. Hence, appearance is improved.

Ninth, as shown inFIG. 16, the fuel lid97is provided so as to be accommodated in the concave portion99formed in the center cover45.

If the fuel lid is to be arranged flush with the upper face of the center cover when it is arranged in the straddle space, the dimensional tolerance of the center cover and the fuel lid needs to be kept within a predetermined tolerance. Molding accuracy of the center cover and the fuel lid needs to be improved to keep the dimensional tolerance within the predetermined tolerance, which tends to increase cost.

Meanwhile, since the fuel lid97of the present invention is provided so as to be accommodated in the concave portion99formed in the center cover45, the dimensional tolerance of the fuel lid97in the height direction can be made larger than the structure where the fuel lid is arranged flush with the upper face of the center cover. The fuel lid97can be manufactured at a lower cost because of the enlargement in dimensional tolerance.

Referring toFIG. 13, since the concave portion99depressed downward is provided in the center portion of the center cover45in the vehicle width direction, the shape of the straddle portion (straddle space46) can have a unique appearance.

Tenth, the inner panel42, which constitutes the straddle space46and extends downward toward the center cover45to be connected to the outer edge99fof the concave portion99, is provided at the vehicle front of the left and right side body covers43L,43R. Specifically, since the inner panel42is connected to the outer edge99fof the concave portion99, the shape of the concave portion99formed in the center portion of the straddle space46can be enhanced, as compared to a structure where the inner panel is not connected to the outer edge of the concave portion. As a result, the shape around the motorcycle straddle portion (straddle space46) can have an even more unique appearance.

Eleventh, as shown inFIG. 14, the liquid guide rib98for guiding liquid to the fuel tray102is formed in the concave portion99in the center cover45. The liquid guide rib98guides liquid such as rainwater pooled in the concave portion99of the center cover45to the fuel tray102, through the notches98a. Not only excess fuel flown into the fuel tray102, but also liquid such as rainwater pooled in the concave portion99of the center cover45is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the fuel tray102. Hence, attached dust or dirt and pooled excess fuel having flown into the fuel tray102are likely to be effectively discharged to the outside of the vehicle. Accordingly, dirt on the fuel tray102can be made less recognizable when the fuel lid97is opened, and appearance of the fuel tray102can be improved.

Twelfth, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 19, the partitioning rib136protruding upward is provided in the fuel tray102. The reservoir portion134can be made less recognizable from the outside by partitioning the periphery of the fuel filler port101by the partitioning rib136. Even when the fuel lid97is opened, the reservoir portion134is less recognizable and only the exterior portion (exposed portion133) of the fuel tray102is exposed, so that dirt on the fuel tray102can be made less recognizable. Consequently, appearance of the fuel tray102can be improved.

Thirteenth, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 19, the lowest point102bof the fuel tray102is provided in the reservoir portion134at the vehicle rear of the opening100. Since the lowest point102bof the fuel tray102is provided behind the opening100, liquid pooled in the fuel tray102can be gathered in a position not facing the opening100. Hence, dirt on the fuel tray102can be made less recognizable when the fuel lid97is opened. Consequently, appearance of the fuel tray102can be improved even more.

Fourteenth, as shown inFIGS. 21 to 23, the storage box142includes the first storage portion151provided between the rear frames23L,23R, and the second storage portion152provided so as to bulge toward the outside of the rear frame23L, which is provided outside the first storage portion151in the vehicle width direction.

The first storage portion151and the upper face (ceiling face155) of the second storage portion152are formed of the first member161, whereas the side face153and the bottom face154of the second storage portion152are formed of the second member162. The first member161and the second member162are vertically engaged with each other and constitute the storage box142. In other words, the second storage portion152is formed of divided upper and lower portions, which are the first member161and the second member162. Moreover, the hanging portion171hanging down toward the lower part of the rear frame23L is provided in the second member162, outside the rear frame23L in the vehicle width direction.

By configuring the first storage portion151and the second storage portion152by combining two members, which are the first member161and the second member162, as well as providing the hanging portion171in the second member162, the space outside the rear frame in the vehicle width direction can be utilized effectively as storage space.

Fifteenth, the bottom face154of the second storage portion152abuts on the rear frame23L. That is, since the bottom face154of the second storage portion152is supported by the rear frame23L, heavy goods can be mounted in the second storage portion152. As a result, loading capacity can be improved.

Sixteenth, the side face153of the second storage portion152is arranged so as to follow the shape of the rear side body cover50L. With this, the second storage portion152can be arranged as close as possible to the rear side body cover50L. Consequently, storage space can be enlarged without expanding the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction.

Seventeenth, the second member162constituting the bottom face154of the second storage portion152extends to the inside of the sealing face164. Specifically, the second member162is attached to a position where it digs into the first member161constituting the first storage portion151. Accordingly, rigidity of the second member162can be enhanced as compared to a structure where the second member is simply attached from the side of the first member. Enhanced rigidity of the second member162allows heavy goods to be mounted in the second storage portion152. Consequently, loading capacity can be improved even more.

Eighteenth, the seat locking cable guide portion147for guiding the seat locking cable146is disposed on the upper face155of the second storage portion152. To be specific, the seat locking cable guide portion147is disposed between the upper face155of the second storage portion152and the rear side body cover50L, whereby the space between the upper face155of the second storage portion152and the rear side body cover50L can be utilized effectively.

Nineteenth, as shown inFIG. 24, the upper face155of the second storage portion152is formed of the first member161, whereas the side face153and the bottom face154of the second storage portion152are formed of the second member162, and the hook portion148extending upward is provided in the second member162. In other words, the hook portion148is provided in the second storage portion152divided into upper and lower parts. Articles stored in the second storage portion152can be fixed by the hook portion148. Consequently, loading capacity can be improved.

Twentieth, as shown inFIG. 21, the pillion steps48L,48R are arranged at the vehicle front of the second storage portion152. Specifically, the second storage portion152is arranged in a position not interfering with the foot of the passenger, and thus the second storage portion152can be enlarged while maintaining comfort of the passenger. As a result, storage space of the storage portion150can be enlarged without expanding the vehicle width.

Note that although the present invention has been applied to a motorcycle in the disclosed embodiments, it is also applicable to a tricycle, and can be applied to a general vehicle.

The present invention is suitable for a motorcycle including a screen.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS