Foot pedal structure for saddle-type vehicle

A foot pedal structure for a saddle-type vehicle for preventing peripheral components in the periphery of a brake pedal from being damaged even though the brake pedal and the peripheral components are not widely spaced from each other. A brake pedal includes at least an arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle from a step support member and a pedal member mounted on a distal end of the arm and extending in a vehicle widthwise direction. An upward extension in the form of a plate member extends upwardly from a treading surface of the pedal member and is disposed on an inner end of the pedal member in the vehicle widthwise direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-003478 filed Jan. 10, 2014 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a foot pedal structure for a saddle-type vehicle in which a step and a brake pedal are supported on a step support member.

2. Description of Background Art

A structure is known for use in saddle-type vehicles, such as motorcycles or the like, in which steps for placing thereon the feet of an occupant and a brake pedal that is operated by one of occupant's feet are supported on step brackets supported on a vehicle body frame. One known structure for use in vehicles of the above type includes a plate-like protective member disposed on a front region of the proximal portion of an arm of a brake pedal. See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. Sho 58-113597. It is known in the art that if a component, such as an engine in Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. Sho 58-113597, protruding in a vehicle widthwise direction exists forwardly of the brake pedal, then the brake pedal is disposed to be displaced outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction so that the brake pedal is prevented from becoming close to the component, such as an engine, when the brake is applied.

However, if the brake pedal is disposed to be displaced outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction, an ideal riding position may possibly be obstructed. If the brake pedal is disposed not to be displaced outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction, then the surface of the engine, an outer covering component or the like that protrudes in the vehicle widthwise direction in front of the brake pedal may possibly be damaged by the occupant's foot at the time the pedal is depressed. In particular, if the surface of the outer covering component or the like is a painted surface, then the painted surface may possibly be damaged to the extent that the damage may easily be noticed.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a foot pedal structure for a saddle-type vehicle which prevents peripheral components in the periphery of a brake pedal from being damaged even though the brake pedal and the peripheral components are not widely spaced from each other.

To achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention a foot pedal structure for a saddle-type vehicle is provided in which a step support member (711R), supported on a vehicle body frame (F), supports a step (65R) for placing thereon a foot of an occupant and a brake pedal (68) operated by the foot of the occupant. The brake pedal (68) includes at least an arm (68B) extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the step support member (711R) and a pedal member (68C) mounted on a distal end of the arm (68B) and extending in a vehicle widthwise direction. A plate member (761) extends upwardly from a treading surface of the pedal member (68C) and is disposed on an inner end of the pedal member (68C) in the vehicle widthwise direction.

With this arrangement, since the plate member extending upwardly from the treading surface of the pedal member is disposed on the inner end of the pedal member of the brake pedal supported on the step support member in the vehicle widthwise direction, peripheral components in the periphery of the brake pedal are prevented from being damaged even though the brake pedal and the peripheral components are not widely spaced from each other in the vehicle widthwise direction.

In the above arrangement, the brake pedal (68) may further include a stay (68S) between the arm (68B) and the pedal member (68C). The pedal member (68C) and the plate member (761) may be welded to the stay (68S) and the stay (68S) may be angularly movable so that an outer end of the pedal member (68C) in the vehicle widthwise direction can point upwardly. In addition, the pedal member (68C) and the plate member (761) may be angularly moved in unison with each other when the stay (68S) is angularly moved. With this arrangement, even when the pedal member is angularly moved, the pedal member and the plate member are kept in a constant positional relationship with each other. Thus, the foot placed on the pedal member is continuously limited against movement in the vehicle widthwise direction.

In the above arrangement, the step (65R) may be angularly movable so that an outer end of the step (65R) in the vehicle widthwise direction can point upwardly. With this arrangement, the step can automatically be retracted and the pedal member can also be retracted when the vehicle body banks to the left or right at a large tilt angle.

In the above arrangement, a side cover (48R) for covering a side of a vehicle body may be positioned forwardly of the pedal member (68C), and the side cover (48R) may be positioned inwardly of a forwardly extended line (LL) of the plate member (761) in the vehicle widthwise direction. With this arrangement, since the side cover is positioned inwardly of the forwardly extended line of the plate member in the vehicle widthwise direction, the foot placed on the pedal member is prevented from contacting the side cover. Thus, the foot does not damage surfaces such as painted surfaces, etc.

In the above arrangement, the step (65R) may be disposed forwardly of an occupant seat (10). In addition, the side cover (48R) may have a wing-shaped portion (771) overlapping a rear upper portion of a front wheel (2) as viewed in a side elevation and hanging downwardly. A rear edge (772) of the wing-shaped portion (771) may have at least a portion spaced from a front edge (774) of an engine side cover (49R) covering a side of a radiator (28) in the longitudinal direction. With this arrangement, in a situation where the occupant rides the vehicle with the occupant's feet protruding forwardly, a foot of the occupant is less likely to be splashed with water from the front by the wing-shaped portion. Further, the gap created between the wing-shaped portion and the engine side cover is effective to prevent air pressure from building up in front of the radiator and to ventilate air smoothly to the radiator.

In the above arrangement, an engine side cover (49R) for covering a side of an engine (E) may be disposed inwardly of the pedal member (68C) in the vehicle widthwise direction, and the arm (68B) may be supported by an arm shaft (741) disposed rearwardly of the pedal member (68C) and may extend forwardly through an opening (705R) defined in the engine side cover (49R). The pedal member (68C) is mounted on a front end of the arm (68B). With this arrangement, since the arm supports the pedal member from a rear side and extends forwardly through the opening in the engine side cover, the arm has a rear portion covered with the engine side cover for a better appearance.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a foot pedal structure for a saddle-type vehicle in which a step support member supported on a vehicle body frame supports a step for placing thereon a foot of an occupant and a brake pedal operable by the foot of the occupant. The brake pedal includes at least an arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the step support member and a pedal member mounted on a distal end of the arm and extending in a vehicle widthwise direction. A plate member, extending upwardly from a treading surface of the pedal member, is disposed on an inner end of the pedal member in the vehicle widthwise direction. Therefore, peripheral components in the periphery of the brake pedal are prevented from being damaged even though the brake pedal and the peripheral components are not widely spaced from each other in the vehicle widthwise direction.

The brake pedal further includes a stay between the arm and the pedal member. The pedal member and the plate member are welded to the stay, and the stay is angularly movable so that an outer end of the pedal member in the vehicle widthwise direction can point upwardly. The pedal member and the plate member are angularly moved in unison with each other when the stay is angularly moved. In this case, even when the pedal member is angularly moved, the pedal member and the plate member are kept in a constant positional relationship with each other. The foot placed on the pedal member is thus continuously limited against movement in the vehicle widthwise direction.

The step is angularly movable so that an outer end of the step in the vehicle widthwise direction can point upwardly. The step can thus automatically be retracted and the pedal member can also be retracted when the vehicle body banks to the left or right at a large tilt angle.

A side cover for covering a side of the vehicle body is positioned forwardly of the pedal member, and the side cover is positioned inwardly of a forwardly extended line of the plate member in the vehicle widthwise direction. In this case, the foot placed on the pedal member can be prevented from contacting the side cover. Thus, the foot is prevented from damaging surfaces such as painted surfaces, etc.

In the above arrangement, the step is disposed forwardly of an occupant seat, and the side cover has a wing-shaped portion overlapping a rear upper portion of a front wheel as viewed in side elevation and hanging downwardly. A rear edge of the wing-shaped portion has at least a portion spaced from a front edge of a radiator side cover covering a side of a radiator in the longitudinal direction. In a situation where the occupant rides the vehicle with the occupant's feet protruding forwardly, the foot of the occupant is less likely to be splashed with water from the front by the wing-shaped portion, and the gap created between the wing-shaped portion and the radiator side cover is effective to prevent an air pressure from building up in front of the radiator and to ventilate air smoothly to the radiator.

In the above arrangement, an engine side cover for covering a side of an engine is disposed inwardly of the pedal member in the vehicle widthwise direction. The arm is supported by an arm shaft disposed rearwardly of the pedal member and extends forwardly through an opening defined in the engine side cover. The pedal member is mounted on a front end of the arm. Since the arm supports the pedal member from a rear side and extends forwardly through the opening in the engine side cover, the arm has a rear portion covered with the engine side cover for a better appearance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description given below, directions such as forward, rearward, horizontal, vertical, upward, and downward directions are identical to directions of the motorcycle unless otherwise specified. In the drawings, reference symbols FR refer to a forward direction of the vehicle body, UP to an upward direction of the vehicle body, and LE to a leftward direction of the vehicle body.

FIG. 1is a left-hand side elevational view of a motorcycle1.FIG. 2is a right-hand side elevational view of the motorcycle1.FIG. 3is a front view of the motorcycle1.FIG. 4is a plan view of the motorcycle1.

As shown inFIGS. 1 through 4, the motorcycle1is a saddle-type vehicle wherein an occupant is seated astride a seat10. The motorcycle1includes a front wheel2forwardly of a vehicle body frame F and a rear wheel3, which serves as a drive wheel, rotatably supported on a swing arm11disposed on a rear portion of the vehicle. An engine E is supported on the vehicle body frame F forwardly of the seat10. Most of the vehicle body frame F is covered with a vehicle body cover C made of resin.

FIG. 5is a left-hand side elevational view of the vehicle body frame F.FIG. 6is a plan view of the vehicle body frame F. As shown inFIGS. 1 through 6, the vehicle body frame F is constructed of a plurality of pipes and plates of metal joined together by welding or the like. The vehicle body frame F includes a head pipe12disposed on the front end thereof, a pair of left and right main frames13L and13R branched from a lower portion of the head pipe12into left and right and extending downwardly and rearwardly, a pair of left and right pivot frames14L and14R extending downwardly respectively from the rear ends of the main frames13L and13R, a pair of left and right seat frames15L and15R extending upwardly and rearwardly from upper portions of the pivot frames14L and14R, respectively, and a pair of left and right rear frames16L and16R extending upwardly and rearwardly from vertically intermediate portions of the pivot frames14L and14R, respectively, and joined respectively to the seat frames15L and15R.

The vehicle body frame F also includes a pair of left and right gusset frames17L and17R extending downwardly and rearwardly from an upper portion of the head pipe12and joined respectively to front portions of the main frames13L and13R, a pair of left and right engine hangers18L and18R extending as frame members rearwardly and downwardly from the respective front portions of the main frames13L and13R, and a pair of left and right support frames19L and19R extending rearwardly and upwardly from vertically intermediate portions of the engine hangers18L and18R, respectively, and joined respectively to the main frames13L and13R.

The rear frames16L and16R are disposed outwardly of the seat frames15L and15R in a vehicle widthwise direction and downwardly of the seat frames15L and15R, and extend rearwardly along the seat frames15L and15R. The rear frames16L and16R have respective rear ends positioned rearwardly of the rear ends of the seat frames15L and15R. The seat frames15L and15R and the rear frames16L and16R are joined to each other by a plurality of reinforcing frames20each in the form of a pipe.

The rear ends of the seat frames15L and15R and the rear portions of the rear frames16L and16R are joined by a pair of left and right reinforcing plates21that cover outer sides of the seat frames15L and15R and the rear frames16L and16R in the vehicle widthwise direction.

The vehicle body frame F is provided with a plurality of cross frames extending in the vehicle widthwise direction and interconnecting the left and right frames. More specifically, the cross frames include a front cross frame22interconnecting the main frames13L and13R, an upper cross frame23interconnecting the upper portions of the pivot frames14L and14R, a lower cross frame24interconnecting lower portions of the pivot frames14L and14R, a rear cross frame25interconnecting longitudinally intermediate portions of the seat frames15L and15R, and a rear end cross frame26in the form of a plate interconnecting the rear ends of the seat frames15L and15R. The rear end cross frame26has left and right ends joined respectively to upper surfaces of the reinforcing plates21.

The motorcycle1has a steering system29for steering the front wheel2. The steering system29includes a steering shaft, not shown, rotatably supported by the head pipe12, a top bridge30joined to the upper end of the steering shaft, a bottom bridge31joined to the lower end of the steering shaft, and a pair of left and right front forks32supported by the top bridge30and the bottom bridge31. The steering system29also includes a steering handlebar33provided to an upper portion of the top bridge30. The front wheel2is rotatably supported on the lower ends of the front forks32.

The swing arm11is swingably supported by a pivot shaft34that is inserted in and extends between the left and right pivot frames14L and14R. The swing arm11has a pair of left and right arms35having respective front ends rotatably supported by the pivot shaft34and extending rearwardly to positions alongside of the rear wheel3, and a joint, not shown, joining front portions of the left and right arms35. The rear wheel3is rotatably supported between the rear ends of the left and right arms35.

A rear shock absorber unit, not shown, is coupled to and extends between the swing arm11and the upper cross frame23.

The engine E is a four-stroke engine having a plurality of parallel cylinders. The engine E includes a crankcase36having a crankshaft, not shown and a cylinder block37tilted forwardly and extending upwardly from an upper front portion of the crankcase36. The crankcase36incorporates in a rear portion thereof a transmission, not shown, for transmitting power from the engine E to the rear wheel3. The engine E has its output transmitted through a drive chain27to the rear wheel3.

The engine E is coupled to the engine hangers18L and18R, the main frames13L and13R, and the pivot frames14L and14R, and is mounted in a suspended fashion on the vehicle body frame F. The cylinder block37is disposed between the left and right engine hangers18L and18R.

An exhaust pipe38, that extends from a front surface of the cylinder block37, is bent and extends rearwardly and is connected to a muffler39which is located on a right-hand side of the rear wheel3. A radiator28for cooling the coolant of the engine E is positioned in front of the cylinder block37and below the head pipe12.

An air cleaner box40is disposed above the cylinder block37and rearwardly of the head pipe21, and is connected to an intake port of the cylinder block37through a connecting tube, not shown, and a throttle body, not shown.

A fuel tank41is disposed rearwardly of the air cleaner box40adjacent thereto, and is supported on the main frames13L and13R.

The seat10includes a main seat45for a rider to be seated thereon and a rear seat46for a pillion passenger to be seated. The main seat45is disposed contiguously to a rear portion of the fuel tank41and is supported on the main frames13L and13R. The rear seat46is disposed in a position rearwardly of the main seat45and higher than the main seat45.

A pair of left and right steps65L and65R for the rider are disposed forwardly of the engine E and below the handlebar33. The rider who has been seated on the main seat45has his or her feet placed on the steps65L and65R, bending his or her leg portions beneath the knees forwardly to orient the legs forwardly. A brake pedal68for braking the rear wheel3is positioned forwardly of a front portion of the right step65R.

The pillion passenger on the rear seat46has his or her feed placed on a pair of left and right pillion passenger steps66L and66R disposed below the rear seat46.

The vehicle body cover C includes a front cover47extending from a position above the front wheel2to the fuel tank41in covering relation to a wide front region of the vehicle around the head pipe12, and a pair of left and right front lower side covers48L and48R extending downwardly from left and right front portions of the front cover47in covering relation to an upper rear portion of the front wheel2on its opposite sides. The vehicle body cover C also includes a pair of left and right engine side covers49L and49R extending from a position rearwardly of the front wheel2to the pivot frames14L and14R in covering relation to the engine E and the pivot frames14L and14R on opposite sides thereof.

The vehicle body cover C further includes a pair of left and right under covers50L and50R contiguous to respective lower edges of the engine side covers49L and49R and extending from below the engine E to a front portion of the swing arm11, and a pair of left and right rear side covers51L and51R covering areas from the pivot frames14L and14R to the rear ends of the rear frames16L and16R. The vehicle body cover C also includes a tail cover52disposed between rear ends of the rear side covers51L and51R, and a pair of left and right ventilation covers53L and53R disposed between rear portions of the front cover47and front portions of the engine side covers49L and49R and having ventilation holes defined therein.

The engine side covers49L and49R have respective upper edges extending along the lower edges of the rear portions of the front cover47and lower edges of the main seat45. The rear side covers51L and51R have front ends positioned between rear ends of the engine side covers49L and49R and the under covers50L and50R. The crankcase36has a portion uncovered by the vehicle body cover C, but exposed laterally on its right and left sides.

The front cover47includes a front cover portion54disposed forwardly of the head pipe12, a pair of left and right side cover portions55L and55R covering front and side regions of an area in front of the head pipe12, a pair of left and right tank cover portions56L and56R covering the air cleaner box40and the fuel tank41on their sides rearwardly of the head pipe12, and an upper cover portion57interconnecting the tank cover portions56L and56R laterally and covering the air cleaner box40and the fuel tank41from above.

The front cover portion54, the side cover portions55L and55R, the tank cover portions56L and56R, and the upper cover portion57are disposed in surrounding relation to the head pipe12, jointly making up the front cover47. The front cover47defines a space58(FIG. 4) centrally therein wherein the steering system29is angularly movable.

A pair of left and right side mirrors59are integrally formed with the left and right ends of upper portions of the side cover portions55L and55R.

A head light60is mounted in the front cover portion54. A windscreen61is mounted on a rear portion of the front cover54.

A front fender62is fixed to the front forks32. A side stand67is mounted on the left pivot frame14L. When the motorcycle1is parked with the aid of the side stand67, the motorcycle1is inclined to the left.

FIG. 7is a view of the brake pedal68and peripheral components as seen from a right side of the vehicle body.FIG. 8is a perspective view of the brake pedal68and the peripheral components as seen from the upper right side. For illustrative purposes, the engine side cover49R is shown by the two-dot-and-dash lines inFIG. 7, and omitted from illustration inFIG. 8.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the right engine hanger18R is disposed outwardly of the cylinder block37of the engine E in the vehicle widthwise direction and below the cylinder block37, and is disposed between the engine E and the front wheel2. The engine hanger18R has a lower end integral with a flange18R1fixed to a front lower portion of the cylinder block37by a bolt701(fastener) shown inFIG. 8.

The left engine hanger18L is of a structure that is bilaterally symmetrical with the engine hanger18R. The engine hanger18L has a lower end integral with a flange18L1(seeFIG. 5) fixed to a front lower portion of the cylinder block37by a bolt, not shown.

The right step65R is supported by a step support member711R which is mounted on the right engine hanger18R. The step support member711R has a first subframe712R extending rearwardly and downwardly from the flange18R1and then curved and extending straight forwardly, and a second subframe713R extending forwardly and downwardly from the engine hanger18R and bridging the gap between the engine hanger18R and the first subframe712R. The first and second subframes712R and713R jointly make up a U-shaped frame curved projectingly in the forward direction from the right engine hanger18R as viewed in side elevation, within a space which is open forwardly of the crankcase36and downwardly of the cylinder block37as viewed in side elevation. The strength of the step support member711R itself is efficiently increased by the strength of the engine hanger18R.

FIG. 9is a view of the left and right steps65L and65R and peripheral components as seen from the front of the vehicle body, i.e., a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX ofFIG. 4. As shown inFIGS. 7 through 9, the right step65R is supported on a straight portion, which extends longitudinally of the vehicle, of the first subframe712R by a step bracket721R (seeFIG. 9). Since the left and right steps65L and65R are disposed forwardly of the engine E, they are disposed forwardly of the seat10(occupant seat), as can be seen fromFIG. 1, etc.

As shown inFIG. 9, the step bracket721R supports a shaft (angularly movable shaft)722that extends longitudinally of the vehicle. The step65R has a proximal end (an inward end in the vehicle widthwise direction) angularly movably supported by the shaft722. Therefore, the step65R can be freely tilted (folded) upwardly about the shaft722. The step65R is thus angularly movable between an ordinary position (indicated by the solid lines inFIG. 9) in which the outer end of the step65R in the vehicle widthwise direction projects the most outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction with an upper surface of the step65R lying substantially horizontally, and a retracted position (indicated by the two-dot-and-dash lines inFIG. 9) in which the outer end of the step65R in the vehicle widthwise direction is turned so as to point upwardly.

The left engine hanger18L also has a step support member711L (inFIG. 8, a first subframe712L, a second subframe713L, a step bracket721L, etc.) that is bilaterally symmetrical with the step support member711R. The step65L is vertically swingably supported on the first subframe712L of the left step support member711L by a shaft722. The left and right steps65L and65R are normally biased into the ordinary positions by resilient members (return springs), not shown, so that they are kept in the ordinary positions unless external forces are applied.

When the motorcycle1banks to the left or right, travels on rough terrain, or the like, even if the steps65L and65R touch the ground, it is possible to retract the steps65L and65R without counteracting external forces from the ground.

As shown inFIG. 8, the left and right first subframes712L and712R are formed by bending a common pipe. Therefore, the left and right step support members711L and711R are integrally joined together by a bridge frame712M (seeFIG. 8) extending in the vehicle widthwise direction between the first subframes712L and712R. The strength of the left and right step support members711L and711R is thus efficiently increased, and they can easily be mounted on the vehicle body frame F.

Since the step65R is bilaterally symmetrical with the step65L, the step65R will be described in detail below. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the step65R has a foot placement member723extending forwardly and upwardly along a straight portion of the first subframe712R which extends in the longitudinal direction and a foot rest724extending further forwardly and upwardly at a different angle from the front end of the foot placement member723. The foot rest724has its angle of tilt and its position set so as to be contiguous to a forwardly and downwardly extending front edge773(seeFIG. 7) of the front lower side cover48R on the front portion of the vehicle body. As the step65R extends forwardly and upwardly, the occupant finds it easy to place the foot protruding forwardly on the step65R and also to support its body.

As shown inFIG. 8, a pedal bracket731that supports the brake pedal68is fixed to the right step support member711R. The pedal bracket731is composed of a plate of metal that vertically extends to bridge the gap between the first and second subframes712R and713R, and is fixed to the first and second subframes712R and713R by a pair of upper and lower bolts (fasteners)732and733.

The brake pedal68is angularly movably supported on a front portion of the pedal bracket731by a shaft (angularly movable shaft)741that extends in the vehicle widthwise direction. The brake pedal68is thus vertically swingable about the shaft741.

The brake pedal68is normally biased to turn counterclockwise as viewed in right-hand side elevation by a resilient member742that functions as a return spring, so that a pedal member68C on the front end of the brake pedal68can be swingably moved from an unbraked position indicated by the solid lines inFIG. 7to a braked position indicated by the two-dot-and-dash lines inFIG. 7. A retaining ring743functioning as a retainer is mounted on the shaft741to prevent the brake pedal68from being dislodged. A master cylinder745that extends vertically is supported on the rear portion of the pedal bracket731.

The brake pedal68has an arm68B extending forwardly and upwardly from a proximal end68A that is supported on the pedal bracket731by the shaft741. The brake pedal68has the pedal member68C on the front end of the arm68B.

As shown inFIG. 9, the left and right engine side covers49L and49R have respective openings705L and705R defined therein which are open forwardly. The left and right openings705L and705R are disposed forwardly of the engine E and downwardly of the radiator28, and introduce ambient air from the front of vehicle body into the vehicle body cover C toward the engine E.

According to the present embodiment, the arm68B of the brake pedal68extends forwardly through the right opening705R and is exposed out of the engine side cover49R. Therefore, there is no need for an opening dedicated for the arm68B. Since the portion (the proximal end68A and an extension68D to be described later) of the arm68B remote from the pedal member68C is covered with the engine side cover49R, that portion of the arm68B is concealed from view.

The pedal member68C is an operable member which the occupant operates with his or her foot (in the present arrangement, the right foot). When the pedal member68C is depressed, the master cylinder745whose lower end is coupled to the extension68D that extends rearwardly from the proximal end68A is actuated. When the master cylinder745is actuated, the brake of the rear wheel3is operated. More specifically, an oil pressure developed by the master cylinder745is transmitted to the brake of the rear wheel3through a brake pipe748that extends rearwardly from the upper end of the master cylinder745, hydraulically operating the brake of the rear wheel3.

The master cylinder745is separate from a reservoir tank746for storing brake oil. The reservoir tank746is directly supported on the engine hanger18R by a stay747.

According to the present embodiment, the brake of the rear wheel3is a hydraulic brake. However, the brake of the rear wheel3may not be a hydraulic brake. If the brake of the rear wheel3is a wire-driven brake, then a brake wire for operating the rear wheel brake may be supported on a region of the pedal bracket731which corresponds to the master cylinder745, and the tip end of the brake wire may be coupled to the brake pedal68.

FIG. 10is a view of the pedal member68C and peripheral components as seen from the rear side.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, a stay68S functioning as a foldable hinge is disposed between the arm68B and the pedal member68C. The arm68B has its front end portion bent outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction, and a shaft751extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is angularly movably supported on the outer end of the bent front end portion of the arm68B. The stay68S is formed by pressing a metal plate to a shape which extends in the longitudinal direction in laterally covering relation to the front end portion of the arm68B. The shaft751extends rearwardly from a front side of the vehicle body through an area where the stay68S and the arm68B overlap each other, and is integrally joined to the stay68S. The stay68S is thus angularly movable with the shaft751about its axis.

The stay68S is biased to turn in the direction (clockwise) indicated by a reference symbol RT inFIG. 10by a resilient member752(return spring) mounted on the shaft751. The stay68S has a limiter68SA which, when the stay68S is turned in the direction RT, abuts against the front end of the arm68B to prevent the stay68S from being turned further. The position beyond which the stay68S is limited against further angular movement by the limiter68SA serves as an ordinary position in which the outer end of the pedal member68C mounted on the stay68S in the vehicle widthwise direction projects most outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction with an upper surface of the pedal member68C lying substantially horizontally.

The pedal member68C is thus movable between the ordinary position and a retracted position (indicated by the two-dot-and-dash lines inFIG. 9) in which the outer end of the pedal member68C in the vehicle widthwise direction is turned so as to point upwardly. Therefore, as with the step65R, when the motorcycle1banks to the right or travels on rough terrain or the like, it is possible to retract the pedal member68C upwardly without counteracting external forces from the ground.

The pedal member68C is made of a metal material which is rigid, such as iron or the like. The pedal member68C is welded to the outer end of the stay68S in the vehicle widthwise direction. An upward extension761(plate member) of metal which extends upwardly beyond an upper surface, serving as the treading surface, of the pedal member68C is welded to the stay68S inwardly of the pedal member68C in the vehicle widthwise direction.

More specifically, the pedal member68C has a recess68CA defined in a proximal end thereof so as to be recessed outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction. While the recess68CA is fitting over the outer end of the stay68S in the vehicle widthwise direction, the pedal member68C is welded to the stay68S. The pedal member68C is thus easily positioned and fixed in position.

The upward extension761is made of a plate of a metal material which is rigid, such as iron or the like. The upward extension761has a lower portion762mounted on the stay68S and an extension763extending upwardly from the lower portion762, the lower portion762and the extension763being integral with each other. The lower portion762has a recessed shape along the outer shape of the stay68S. The lower portion762is welded to the stay68S which is inserted in the recessed shape of the lower portion762. It is thus easier for the lower portion762to have a necessary welded length than if it is devoid of the recessed shape. As shown inFIG. 10, the upward extension761is welded while the lower portion762is held in abutment against the pedal member68C, so that the upward extension761can accurately be positioned in the vehicle widthwise direction. For the above reasons, the stay68S and the upward extension761are coupled to each other with a sufficient strength, and can be fixed to each other with ease.

Because of the upward extension761, when the foot (indicated by a reference symbol FT inFIG. 10) of the occupant is placed on the upper treading surface of the pedal member68C, the foot FT is prevented from moving inwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction. Therefore, the surface of a component that is located inwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction is prevented from being damaged by the foot FT at the time the pedal member68C is depressed by the foot FT.

As shown inFIG. 7, the extension763of the upward extension761extends rearwardly and upwardly from the pedal member68C. The extension763extends rearwardly and upwardly at an angle perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the sole of the foot FT (which protrudes forwardly with its toe directly upwardly) placed on the pedal member68C. Consequently, inward movement of the foot FT in the vehicle widthwise direction can easily be limited by a vertically wide surface.

The extension763has a front edge763F (seeFIG. 7) that is inclined more rearwardly at a tilt angle than a rear edge763R (seeFIG. 7) thereof, i.e., at a tilt angle closer to a horizontal plane than the rear edge763R. At a position closer to the treading surface (upper surface of the pedal member68C), therefore, inward movement of the foot in the vehicle widthwise direction can be limited by a relatively wide surface. As the extension763is smaller in size in the upward direction, the extension763is small in size and weight as a whole.

Furthermore, as the extension763is retracted more rearwardly in the upward direction, it is easy to provide a distance by which the extension763and the front lower side cover48R disposed forwardly of the extension763are spaced from each other, as shown inFIG. 7. Therefore, in the unbraked position indicated by the solid lines inFIG. 7, the entire upward extension761as a whole including the extension763is spaced rearwardly from the front lower side cover48R. Even in the braked position indicated by the two-dot-and-dash lines inFIG. 7, an area where the upward extension761and the front lower side cover48R overlap each other as viewed in side elevation is easily held to a minimum. It is thus easy for the upward extension761and the front lower side cover48R to avoid contacting each other.

Prevention of damage to surfaces will be described in detail below.

FIG. 11is a view of the pedal member68C and the peripheral components as seen from above.

As shown inFIG. 11, the front lower side cover48R that doubles as a side cover covering part (front wheel2) of the vehicle body from one side is disposed forwardly of the pedal member68C. The engine side cover49R that doubles as a central side cover covering the engine E from one side is disposed inwardly of the pedal member68C in the vehicle widthwise direction. It is assumed that the pedal member68C is disposed in a predetermined design position where it can easily be operated by the right foot which protrudes forwardly.FIG. 11shows the pedal member68C in the unbraked position.

With the motorcycle1according to the present embodiment, the front lower side cover48R has a wing-shaped portion771(seeFIG. 7) hanging downwardly in covering relation to a rear upper portion of the front wheel2on one side. The wing-shaped portion771is disposed closely to the pedal member68C. More particularly, when the pedal member68C is in the unbraked position, the pedal member68C is closest to the wing-shaped portion771.

Since the engine side cover49R covers one side of the engine E which is a large-size component that is large longitudinally, transversely, and vertically among the components of the vehicle body, the engine side cover49R is also disposed closely to the pedal member68C. Generally, the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R are resin components that are lower in strength than metal components, and have painted surfaces. Therefore, the surfaces of the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R tend to be damaged when contacted by the foot of the occupant, and any damage thus caused is easily noticeable.

According to the present arrangement, as shown inFIG. 11, within a range where the upward extension761and the pedal member68C are movable, the upward extension761is disposed outwardly of the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R in the vehicle widthwise direction and in a position where the upward extension761extends upwardly from the inner end of the pedal member68C in the vehicle widthwise direction. Stated otherwise, the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R are disposed inwardly of the upward extension761in the vehicle widthwise direction which extends upwardly from the inner end of the pedal member68C in the vehicle widthwise direction.

For an easier understanding of the above explanation,FIG. 11shows a forwardly extended line LL that extends straight through the upward extension761in the forward direction of the vehicle body. The upward extension761can be held out of contact with the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R, and prevent the foot placed on the pedal member68C from damaging the surfaces of the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R. When the occupant moves a foot from the step65R onto the pedal member68C, the upward extension761guides the foot to the pedal member68C.

With the above arrangement, the brake pedal68and outer covering components positioned in the periphery of the brake pedal68or the like are not required to be spaced from each other in the vehicle widthwise direction. Therefore, the brake pedal68does not need to be disposed to be displaced outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction, and the outer covering components positioned in the periphery of the brake pedal68do not need to be changed in position, so that the riding position or the like can appropriately be maintained with ease.

The upward extension761should preferably be in the form of a thin plate whose length W (seeFIG. 10) in the vehicle widthwise direction is as short as possible insofar as it keeps enough strength or the like to prevent the foot from moving inwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction. As the length W is shorter, it is possible to make the treading surface of the pedal member68C wider inwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction and also to place the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R more outwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction, resulting in a greater degree of design freedom.

As shown inFIG. 9, the engine side cover49R also functions as a central or radiator side cover covering the radiator28. With the present arrangement, as shown inFIG. 2, the wing-shaped portion771has a rear edge772spaced from a front edge774of the engine side cover49R, which serves as a front edge of the radiator side cover, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The wing-shaped portion771thus arranged prevents the foot of the occupant from being splashed with water from the front wheel2. Since there is a gap created between the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R in the longitudinal direction, an air pressure is prevented from building up forwardly of the radiator28, and air is smoothly ventilated to the radiator28.

According to the present embodiment, as described above, the brake pedal68supported by the step support member711R is provided with at least the arm68B extending longitudinally from the step support member711R and the pedal member68C mounted on the distal end of the arm68B and extending in the vehicle widthwise direction, and the upward extension761in the form of a plate member extending upwardly from the treading surface of the pedal member68C is disposed on the inner end of the pedal member68C in the vehicle widthwise direction. Therefore, the peripheral components in the periphery of the brake pedal68are prevented from being damaged even though the brake pedal68and the peripheral components are not widely spaced from each other in the vehicle widthwise direction.

The brake pedal68further includes the stay68S between the arm68B and the pedal member68C, and the pedal member68C and the upward extension761are welded to the stay68S. The stay68S is angularly movable so that the outer end of the pedal member68C in the vehicle widthwise direction can point upwardly, and the pedal member68C and the upward extension761are angularly moved in unison with each other when the stay68S is angularly moved. Therefore, even when the pedal member68C is angularly moved, the pedal member68C and the upward extension761are kept in a constant positional relationship with each other. The foot placed on the pedal member68C is thus continuously limited against movement in the vehicle widthwise direction.

Since the steps65L and65R are angularly movable so that the outer ends thereof in the vehicle widthwise direction can point upwardly, the steps65L and65R can automatically be retracted and the pedal member68C can also be retracted when the vehicle body banks to the left or right at a large tilt angle.

The front lower side cover48R as a side cover is positioned forwardly of the pedal member68C, and is positioned inwardly of the forwardly extended line LL (seeFIG. 11) that extends through the upward extension761in the forward direction of the vehicle body, in the vehicle widthwise direction. The foot placed on the pedal member68C is thus prevented from contacting the front lower side cover48R. Thus, the foot does not damage surfaces such as painted surfaces, etc.

As the step65R is disposed forwardly of the seat10as an occupant seat, the occupant rides the vehicle with his or her feet protruding forwardly. In this arrangement, the foot of the occupant is liable to be splashed with water from the front wheel2. According to the present arrangement, the front lower side cover48R has the wing-shaped portion771overlapping the rear upper portion of the front wheel2as viewed in side elevation and hanging downwardly, and the rear edge772of the wing-shaped portion771has at least a portion spaced from the front edge774of the engine side cover49R, which functions as the central or radiator side cover covering a side of the radiator28, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The wing-shaped portion771prevents the foot of the occupant from being splashed with water from the front wheel2. Since there is a gap created between the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R, an air pressure is prevented from building up forwardly of the radiator28.

Accordingly, in a situation where the occupant rides the vehicle with his or her feet protruding forwardly, the foot of the occupant is less likely to be splashed with water from the front, and the gap created between the wing-shaped portion771and the engine side cover49R is effective to prevent an air pressure from building up forwardly of the radiator28and to ventilate air smoothly to the radiator28.

The engine side cover49R which functions as the central or radiator side cover covering one side of the engine E is positioned inwardly of the pedal member68C in the vehicle widthwise direction, and the arm68B is supported by the shaft741that serves as an arm shaft disposed rearwardly of the pedal member68C. The arm68B extends forwardly through the opening705R that is defined in the engine side cover49R, and the pedal member68C is mounted on the front end of the arm68B. Since the arm68B supports the pedal member68C from the rear side and extends forwardly through the opening705R in the engine side cover49R, the arm68B has a rear portion covered with the engine side cover49R for a better appearance.

The above embodiment merely represents one mode of the present invention, and changes or modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, either one or both the front lower side covers48L and48R and the engine side covers49L and49R may be dispensed with. Even if both the front lower side covers48L and48R and the engine side covers49L and49R are dispensed with, portions (step support member711R, etc.) of the vehicle body frame F and the engine E are present in the periphery of the brake pedal68, and the peripheral components are prevented from being damaged even though the brake pedal68is not largely spaced in the vehicle widthwise direction.

According to the present invention, inasmuch as the peripheral components in the periphery of the brake pedal68can be prevented from being damaged, other components than the front lower side covers48L and48R and the engine side covers49L and49R can further be disposed in the periphery of the brake pedal68with ease.

According to the above embodiment, the step support member711R is provided with the first and second subframes712R and713R, the pedal bracket731, etc. However, the step support member711R is not limited to such a structure, but may incorporate a wide range of known structures that can support the step65R and the brake pedal68.

According to the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the foot pedal structure of the motorcycle1. The present invention is not limited to this. However, the present invention is also applicable to a wide range of foot pedal structures for saddle-type vehicles including other vehicle than motorcycles. The saddle-type vehicles cover all vehicles with the rider riding astride the vehicle body, including not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles) but also three-wheeled vehicles and four-wheeled vehicles classified as ATVs (all terrain vehicles), trikes, etc.