Vehicle

A vehicle includes a left front wheel, a right front wheel, and a rear wheel that tilt together with a body frame, wherein, while a large capacity of a fuel tank is ensured, a variation in the center-of-gravity position of the vehicle while driving is small. When viewed in a side view with the body frame in an upright position, the fuel tank is disposed between a first center and a second center, the first center being located between a third center and right and left front wheel ground contacting portions, the second center being located between the third center and a rear wheel ground contacting portion, the third center being located between the right and the left front wheel ground contacting portions and the rear wheel ground contacting portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle including a body frame that tilts in a left-right direction of the vehicle during left and right turns, a left front wheel and a right front wheel that tilt (hereinafter, referred to as “tiltable”) along with the body frame during left and right turns, and a rear wheel that tilts along with the body frame.

2. Description of the Related Art

A vehicle including a body frame that tilts in a left-right direction of the vehicle during left and right turns, and two front wheels disposed side by side in the left-right direction of the body frame is known (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-313876; U.S. Design Pat. No. D547,242S; and Catalogo parti di ricambio, MP3 300 ie LT Mod. ZAPM64102, Piaggio & C. SpA, pp. 76-80). This type of vehicle can turn while the body frame tilts relative to a vertical direction. More specifically, the body frame tilts to the right of the vehicle during a right turn and to the left of the vehicle during a left turn.

The vehicles described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-313876; U.S. Design Pat. No. D547,242S; and Catalogo parti di ricambio include link mechanisms. The link mechanisms each include an upper cross member and a lower cross member. The link mechanism also includes a right-side rod that supports right end portions of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and a left-side rod that supports left end portions of the upper cross member and the lower cross member. An intermediate portion of the upper cross member and the lower cross member is supported by the body frame. The upper cross member and the lower cross member are supported by the body frame so as to be capable of turning (hereinafter, referred to as “turnable”) around an axis extending substantially in the front-rear direction of the body frame. The upper cross member and the lower cross member turn relative to the body frame in conjunction with tilting of the body frame, and the relative position of the left front wheel and the right front wheel in the up-down direction of the body frame changes. The upper cross member and the lower cross member are disposed above the left front wheel and the right front wheel in the up-down direction of the body frame, when the body frame is in an upright state.

In the conventional vehicle disclosed in Catalogo parti di ricambio, a fuel tank is disposed in a center tunnel positioned between floor portions on which the rider puts his or her left and right feet (for example, see P76 to P80 of Catalogo parti di ricambio and FIG. 3 of U.S. Design Pat. No. D547,242S).

The weight of the fuel tank including the fuel changes depending on the remaining fuel. The center of gravity of the fuel tank also changes depending on the remaining fuel. Therefore, in a general vehicle, the center of gravity of the vehicle changes depending on the remaining fuel during the operation of vehicle.

Meanwhile, downsizing the fuel tank to reduce the weight variation of the fuel tank causes a reduction in the capacity of the fuel tank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle including a left front wheel and a right front wheel that tilt along with a body frame, and a rear wheel that tilts along with the body frame, wherein an amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during operation of vehicle is small while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

A vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a body frame; a right front wheel and a left front wheel disposed side by side in a left-right direction of the body frame, the right and the left front wheels being tiltable in a left-right direction of the vehicle along with the body frame; a rear wheel being tiltable in the left-right direction of the vehicle along with the body frame; a right front wheel support including an upper portion, and a lower portion that supports the right front wheel; a left front wheel support including an upper portion, and a lower portion that supports the left front wheel; a link mechanism including a right-side rod that supports the upper portion of the right front wheel support such that the upper portion thereof is turnable around a right axis extending in an up-down direction of the body frame, a left-side rod that supports the upper portion of the left front wheel support such that the upper portion thereof is turnable around a left axis which is parallel or substantially parallel to the right axis, an upper cross member including a right end portion that supports an upper portion of the right-side rod such that the upper portion thereof is turnable, a left end portion that supports an upper portion of the left-side rod such that the upper portion thereof is turnable, and an intermediate portion that is supported by the body frame so as to be turnable around an upper axis extending in a front-rear direction of the body frame, and a lower cross member including a right end portion that supports a lower portion of the right-side rod such that the lower portion thereof is turnable, a left end portion that supports a lower portion of the left-side rod such that the lower portion thereof is turnable, and an intermediate portion that is supported by the body frame so as to be turnable around a lower axis which is parallel or substantially parallel to the upper axis; a power unit that generates a driving force of the rear wheel; and a fuel tank that stores fuel supplied to the power unit, in which the fuel tank is disposed between a first center and a second center, the first center being located between a third center and right and left front wheel ground contacting portions, the second center being located between the third center and a rear wheel ground contacting portion, the third center being located between the right and the left front wheel ground contacting portions and the rear wheel ground contacting portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame in a side view when the body frame is in the upright state, the right front wheel ground contacting portion, the left front wheel ground contacting portion, and the rear wheel ground contacting portion being where the right front wheel, the left front wheel, and the rear wheel contact the ground, respectively, and a left end of the fuel tank is disposed on the left of a center between a center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member and left ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and a right end of the fuel tank is disposed on the right of a center between the center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member and right ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member in the left-right direction of the body frame in a plan view when the body frame is in the upright state.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front portion of the vehicle has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle such that the left front wheel and the right front wheel are disposed side by side in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is easy to mount a fuel tank with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle on the vehicle. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the left end of the fuel tank is disposed on the left of the center between the center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member and the left ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and the right end of the fuel tank is disposed on the right of the center between the center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member and the right ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member. Therefore, the width of the fuel tank in the left-right direction of the vehicle is large. As a result, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the width of the fuel tank in the height direction is reduced, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured. The fuel tank is disposed between the first center and the second center. As a result, the fuel tank is disposed near the center of gravity of the vehicle with the rider on the vehicle. Therefore, a fuel tank having a reduced height while ensuring a large capacity of the fuel tank is disposed near the center of gravity of the vehicle, and a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel during operation. As a result, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel during the operation is provided, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention may include the following aspects.

A vehicle according to a second aspect of various preferred embodiments of the present invention includes a rear end of the fuel tank disposed forward of the third center.

In the vehicle of the second aspect, the front portion of the vehicle has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle to accommodate the disposition of the left front wheel, the right front wheel, and the link mechanism. Therefore, the width of the vehicle of the second aspect in the left-right direction of the vehicle is large in an area forward of the center between the right and left front wheel ground contacting portions and the rear wheel ground contacting portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame. According to the vehicle of the second aspect, the rear end of the fuel tank is disposed forward of the center between the right and left front wheel ground contacting portions and the rear wheel ground contacting portion, so that it is easy to dispose a fuel tank with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during operation, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

A vehicle according to a third aspect of various preferred embodiments of the present invention includes the fuel tank overlapping with the third center.

In the vehicle of the third aspect, the fuel tank is large in the front-rear direction of the body frame. Therefore, the width of the fuel tank in the up-down direction of the vehicle may be reduced, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

As a result, a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during operation, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

A vehicle according to a fourth aspect of various preferred embodiments of the present invention includes a front end of the fuel tank disposed behind the third center.

The link mechanism supports a left front wheel support and a right front wheel support such that the left and right front wheel support are turnable, the left and right front wheel supports including upper portions and lower portions that support the left and right front wheels, respectively. Therefore, the front end of the fuel tank is disposed behind the center between the right and left front wheel ground contacting portions and the rear wheel ground contacting portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame. As a result, the movable range of the link mechanism associated with tilting of the body frame in the left-right direction of the vehicle and the movable range of the left and right front wheels associated with tilting of the body frame in the left-right direction of the vehicle are ensured, and the degree of freedom in the disposition of the fuel tank is high. Therefore, a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during operation, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

A vehicle according to a fifth aspect of various preferred embodiments of the present invention further includes a seat including a seating surface on which a rider sits, in which the fuel tank is disposed below the seating surface in the up-down direction of the body frame.

According to the vehicle of the fifth aspect, the fuel tank is close to the center of gravity of the vehicle with the rider on the vehicle. Therefore, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel is provided. The seating surface of the seat has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, disposing the fuel tank below the seating surface of the seat in the up-down direction of the body frame easily increases the width of the fuel tank in the left-right direction of the vehicle. As a result, a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during operation, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

A vehicle according to a sixth aspect of various preferred embodiments of the present invention includes the body frame including a right frame portion and a left frame portion that are disposed below the seat in the up-down direction of the body frame, in which the fuel tank is disposed above the right and the left frame portions in the up-down direction of the body frame.

According to the vehicle of the sixth aspect, the width of the fuel tank in the left-right direction of the vehicle is greater than the width of the right frame portion and the left frame portion in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The fuel tank with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle is fixed to the right frame portion and the left frame portion. Therefore, a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during operation, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

A vehicle according to a seventh aspect of various preferred embodiments of the present invention includes a seat including a seating surface on which a rider sits, and a floor portion positioned forward of the seat in the front-rear direction of the body frame, the floor portion including a floor surface on which the rider sitting on the seat puts his or her feet, in which the fuel tank is disposed below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame.

In the vehicle of the seventh aspect, the front portion of the vehicle has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle such that the left front wheel and the right front wheel are disposed side by side in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, it is easy to increase the width of the floor portion positioned forward of the seat in the left-right direction of the vehicle. As a result, according to the vehicle of the seventh aspect, the width of the fuel tank in the up-down direction of the vehicle may be small even when a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured, so that the fuel tank is disposed below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame. The fuel tank is disposed below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame so that a vehicle with a small change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation is provided. Therefore, a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during operation, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

A vehicle according to an eighth aspect of various preferred embodiments of the present invention includes the body frame including a left frame portion and a right frame portion below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame, the left and the right frame portions extend in the front-rear direction of the body frame, and the fuel tank is disposed between the left frame portion and the right frame portion.

According to the vehicle of the eighth aspect, the fuel tank is disposed between the left frame portion and the right frame portion even when the fuel tank with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle is disposed at a low position below the floor portion in the up-down direction of the body frame. Therefore, the fuel tank is protected when the body frame tilts in the left-right direction of the vehicle. As a result, a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during operation, while a large capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle including a left front wheel and a right front wheel that tilt along with a body frame, and a rear wheel that tilts along with the body frame, in which the amount of change in the center of gravity during the operation of the vehicle is small, while a large capacity of a fuel tank is ensured.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the accompanying drawings, arrow F denotes a front direction of vehicle100, and arrow B denotes a rear (or back) direction of vehicle100. Arrow U denotes an upward direction of vehicle100, and arrow D denotes a downward direction of vehicle100. Arrow R denotes a right direction of vehicle100, and arrow L denotes a left direction of vehicle100. Body frame110tilts in a left-right direction of vehicle100relative to a vertical line to turn vehicle100. Therefore, in addition to the directions of vehicle100, directions based on body frame110are defined. Arrow FF in the accompanying drawings denotes a front direction based on body frame110, and arrow FB denotes a rear direction based on body frame110. Arrow FU denotes an upward direction based on body frame110, and arrow FD denotes a downward direction based on body frame110. Arrow FR denotes a right direction based on body frame110, and arrow FL denotes a left direction based on body frame110. In the description, a front-rear direction of vehicle100, an up-down direction of vehicle100, and the left-right direction of vehicle100denote front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions as viewed from a rider driving vehicle100and are directions based on vehicle100. In this description, a front-rear direction of body frame110, an up-down direction of body frame110, and a left-right direction of body frame110are front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions as viewed from the rider driving vehicle100and are directions based on body frame110. A center in a vehicle width direction denotes a center of the vehicle width in the left-right direction of vehicle100. In other words, the center in the vehicle width direction denotes a center in the left-right direction of vehicle100. In this description, an upright state denotes a state in which the up-down direction of body frame110coincides with the vertical line, and handlebar160is not steered. The state in which handlebar160is not steered denotes a state in which rotation axes of left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction of body frame110in a plan view. In other words, the state in which handlebar160is not steered is a state in which steering shaft161is not turned or a state in which handlebar160is not turned as shown inFIG. 8. In the upright state, the direction of vehicle100coincides with the direction of body frame110. When body frame110tilts in the left-right direction relative to the vertical direction to turn vehicle100, the left-right direction of vehicle100does not coincide with the left-right direction of body frame110. The up-down direction of vehicle100does not coincide with the up-down direction of body frame110, either. However, the front-rear direction of vehicle100coincides with the front-rear direction of body frame110.

In the present description, an axis extending in the front-rear direction denotes not only an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the front-rear direction of body frame110, but also includes an axis tilted in a range of ±45 degrees relative to the front-rear direction of body frame110. An axis extending in a direction closer to the front-rear direction than to the left-right direction and the up-down direction is included in the axis extending in the front-rear direction. Similarly, an axis extending in the up-down direction includes an axis tilted in a range of ±45 degrees relative to the up-down direction of body frame110. An axis extending in a direction closer to the up-down direction than to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is included in the axis extending in the up-down direction. An axis extending in the left-right direction includes an axis tilted in a range of ±45 degrees relative to the left-right direction of body frame110. An axis extending in a direction closer to the left-right direction than to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is included in the axis extending in the left-right direction.

In the present description, when it is mentioned that a portion of body frame110“extends in the front-rear direction,” it is only necessary that the extending direction includes a component of body frame110in the front-rear direction, and this includes a mode in which the portion extends in an oblique front-rear direction inclined up, down, left, or right.

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing a vehicle according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a plan view showing a state in which an exterior is removed from the vehicle.FIG. 3is a side view showing a state in which the exterior is removed from the vehicle. Broken lines indicate the exterior of vehicle100inFIGS. 2 and 3. InFIG. 3, alternate long and two short dashes lines indicate left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R when vehicle100tilts in the left-right direction.

As shown inFIG. 1, vehicle100of the present preferred embodiment includes left front wheel131L, right front wheel131R, rear wheel134, handlebar160, seat180, and body covers (201a,201b,201c,201d, and201e). As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, vehicle100also includes link mechanism140, body frame110(seeFIG. 2), power unit170(seeFIG. 3), fuel tank210, and storage case250.

Body frame110holds the components of vehicle100. Body frame110includes link support111, down frame112, underframes113, and rear frames114(seeFIGS. 2 and 3).

Link support111is disposed on a front portion of vehicle100. Link support111supports link mechanism140. Although not particularly limited, link support111preferably also defines and functions as a head tube in the present preferred embodiment. Link support111as a head tube is tilted relative to the vertical direction so that the upper portion is positioned behind the lower portion in a side view of the vehicle100. Link support111as a head tube supports handlebar160and steering shaft161. Steering shaft161is inserted into link support111as a head tube so as to be turnable.

Down frame112extends below from link support111and is connected to underframe113. Underframe113is disposed on the bottom of vehicle100and forward of seat180in a plan view. Underframe113supports floor portion201dthat is a body cover described below.

Rear frame114extends toward the rear portion of vehicle100from the rear end of underframe113and supports seat180, fuel tank210, storage case250, and power unit170. Rear frames114are disposed on the left and right of vehicle100. Power unit170may be supported by rear frame114through a swing arm.

Power unit170generates a driving force of rear wheel134. Power unit170includes an engine, crankcase171housing a crankshaft, and a transmission case housing a transmission.

Power unit170is disposed behind left front wheel131L, right front wheel131R, and link mechanism140in the front-rear direction of body frame110. Although not particularly limited, power unit170is preferably disposed behind the rear end of floor portion201din the front-rear direction of body frame110in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The body cover includes front cover201a, front fenders201bprovided on the left and right, leg shield201c, floor portion201d, and rear cover201e.

Front cover201acovers at least a portion of the front of link mechanism140.

Leg shield201cis positioned behind link mechanism140and behind at least a portion of left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R. Leg shield201ccovers the front portion and the rear portion of down frame112. Leg shield201cis connected to floor portion201d.

Floor portion201dincludes a floor surface for the rider seated on seat180to put his/her feet on. The floor surface is disposed forward of seat180and behind leg shield201cin a plan view and is disposed at a position lower than upper ends of left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R in a side view. Although not particularly limited, the width of floor portion201dis preferably the same or substantially the same as the length from the left end of left front wheel131L to the right end of right front wheel131R in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Rear cover201ecovers the surroundings of rear frames114.

Seat180includes seating surface181on which the rider sits. At least a portion of seating surface181overlaps with at least a portion of power unit170in the front-rear direction of body frame110.

Storage case250is disposed below the rear portion of seat180. The upper portion of storage case250is covered by seat180. Commodities can be taken in and out of storage case250when seat180is open. Although not particularly limited, helmet501may be housed in storage case250in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fuel tank210stores fuel for power unit170. A fuel hose is connected to fuel tank210. The fuel is supplied from fuel tank210to power unit170through the fuel hose. The vertical width of fuel tank210is smaller than the width of fuel tank210in the left-right direction of the vehicle and the width of fuel tank210in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

Left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R are disposed side by side in the left-right direction of body frame110. Left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R tilt in the left-right direction along with body frame110.

Rear wheel134is supported by a swing arm supported by body frame110or power unit170such that the swing arm is turnable. The swing arm is connected to rear frame114through a suspension. The suspension restricts the movement of the swing arm in the turning direction. Rear wheel134inclines in the left-right direction along with body frame110.

FIG. 4is a front view showing the left front wheel, the right front wheel, the link mechanism, and their surroundings.FIG. 5is a plan view showing the left front wheel, the right front wheel, the link mechanism, and their surroundings.FIG. 6is a front view showing a state of the link mechanism and the surroundings of the link mechanism when the vehicle tilts.FIG. 7is a plan view showing a state of the link mechanism and the surroundings of the link mechanism when the direction of the handlebar is changed.

Link mechanism140preferably includes a parallel or substantially parallel four-bar linkage (also called parallelogram link).

Link mechanism140is supported by link support111of body frame110. Link mechanism140includes upper cross member141, lower cross member142, left-side rod143, and right-side rod144as components that perform a tilting action of vehicle100.

As shown inFIG. 4, upper cross member141and lower cross member142of link mechanism140are disposed below handlebar160and above the upper ends of left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R in a side view when body frame110is in the upright state. As shown inFIG. 5, upper cross member141and lower cross member142of link mechanism140overlap with left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R in the front-rear direction of body frame110. More specifically, upper cross member141and lower cross member142of link mechanism140are disposed between a vertical line passing through the front end of right front wheel131R and a vertical line passing through the rear end of right front wheel131R and between a vertical line passing through the front end of left front wheel131L and a vertical line passing through the rear end of left front wheel131L in a side view. Upper cross member141and lower cross member142of link mechanism140are disposed behind the ground contacting portions of left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R in the front-rear direction of body frame110.

An intermediate portion of upper cross member141is supported by link support111. Upper cross member141is supported so as to be turnable around upper axis A (seeFIG. 3) extending in the front-rear direction of body frame110. Specifically, upper axis A is parallel or substantially parallel to plane FF-FU and is tilted 45 degrees or less in the direction of arrow FU from arrow FF.

A left end portion of upper cross member141is supported by left-side rod143. Upper cross member141is turnable relative to left-side rod143, around upper left axis AL parallel or substantially parallel to upper axis A. A right end portion of upper cross member141is supported by right-side rod144. Upper cross member141is turnable relative to right-side rod144, around upper right axis AR parallel or substantially parallel to upper axis A.

An intermediate portion of lower cross member142is supported by link support111. Lower cross member142is supported so as to be turnable around lower axis C (seeFIG. 3) parallel or substantially parallel to upper axis A. Lower cross member142is disposed below upper cross member141. Lower cross member142has a length the same or substantially the same as the upper cross member141in the left-right direction of the vehicle and is disposed parallel or substantially parallel to upper cross member141.

A left end of lower cross member142is supported by left-side rod143. Lower cross member142is turnable relative to left-side rod143, around lower left axis CL parallel or substantially parallel to lower axis C. A right end portion of lower cross member142is supported by right-side rod144. Lower cross member142is turnable relative to right-side rod144, around lower right axis CR parallel or substantially parallel to lower axis C.

Although not particularly limited, lower cross member142of link mechanism140preferably includes front lower cross member142aincluding a portion positioned forward of link support111, left-side rod143, and right-side rod144; and rear lower cross member142bincluding a portion positioned behind link support111, left-side rod143, and right-side rod144(seeFIGS. 3 and 5) in the present preferred embodiment.

Left-side rod143is disposed on the left of link support111and extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of the extension of link support111. Left-side rod143is disposed above left front wheel131L. Left-side rod143supports left shock absorber150L described below such that the left shock absorber150L is turnable around left axis Y1. Left shock absorber150L is an example of a left front wheel support.

Right-side rod144is disposed on the right of link support111and extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of the extension of link support111. Right-side rod144is disposed above right front wheel131R. Right-side rod144supports right shock absorber150R described below such that the right shock absorber150R is turnable around right axis Y2. Right shock absorber150R is an example of a right-front-wheel support.

In this manner, upper cross member141, lower cross member142, left-side rod143, and right-side rod144are supported so that upper cross member141and lower cross member142maintain positions parallel or substantially parallel to each other, and left-side rod143and right-side rod144maintain positions parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

As shown inFIG. 6, link mechanism140tilts left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R when vehicle100tilts in the left-right direction (R-L direction). Link mechanism140relatively changes the levels of left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R in the up-down direction of body frame110(direction of arrows FU and FD) in response to body frame110that is tilting in the left-right direction.

A steering mechanism is disposed between handlebar160and left and right front wheels131L and131R. The steering mechanism includes steering shaft161, center steering arm162(seeFIG. 7), tie rod165, left steering arm163, right steering arm164, left shock absorber150L, and right shock absorber150R.

Left shock absorber150L includes left damper151, left bracket146, and left turn prevention mechanism152. Left shock absorber150L is supported by left-side rod143and tilts along with left-side rod143.

Left damper151attenuates vibrations from a road by, for example, a telescopic structure. An upper end of left damper151is fixed to left bracket146. A lower end of the left damper supports left front wheel131L. In this manner, left damper151absorbs displacement of left front wheel131L relative to an upper portion of left damper151in the up-down direction of body frame110. The expansion and contraction direction of left damper151may be tilted from the up-down direction of body frame110. In this case, left front wheel131L is also displaced relative to the upper portion of left damper151in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction of body frame110. In this case, left damper151also absorbs the displacement of left front wheel131L in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction.

Left turn prevention mechanism152is disposed parallel or substantially parallel to left damper151. Left turn prevention mechanism152preferably includes a telescopic structure. An upper end of left turn prevention mechanism152is fixed to left bracket146. A lower end of left turn prevention mechanism152supports left front wheel131L.

Left damper151and left turn prevention mechanism152support left front wheel131L to associate left bracket146with left front wheel131L to prevent a relative change in the direction of left bracket146and the direction of left front wheel131L.

Right shock absorber150R includes right damper153, right bracket147, and right turn prevention mechanism154. Right shock absorber150R is supported by right-side rod144and tilts along with right-side rod144.

Right damper153attenuates vibrations from a road by, for example, a telescopic structure. An upper end of right damper153is fixed to right bracket147. A lower end of right damper153supports right front wheel131R. In this manner, right damper153absorbs displacement of right front wheel131R relative to an upper portion of right damper153in the up-down direction of body frame110. The expansion and contraction direction of right damper153may be tilted from the up-down direction of body frame110. In this case, right front wheel131R is also displaced relative to the upper portion of right damper153in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction of body frame110. In this case, right damper153also absorbs the displacement in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction of right front wheel131R.

Right turn prevention mechanism154is disposed parallel or substantially parallel to right damper153. Right turn prevention mechanism154preferably includes a telescopic structure. An upper end of right turn prevention mechanism154is fixed to right bracket147. A lower end of right turn prevention mechanism154supports right front wheel131R.

Right damper153and right turn prevention mechanism154support right front wheel131R to associate right bracket147with right front wheel131R to prevent a relative change in the direction of right bracket147and the direction of right front wheel131R.

Center steering arm162and tie rod165are disposed above left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R. One end portion of center steering arm162is fixed to steering shaft161, and center steering arm162turns along with steering shaft161. The other end portion of center steering arm162is supported by tie rod165. Center steering arm162transmits the turning of steering shaft161to tie rod165.

Left steering arm163is fixed to left bracket146.

Right steering arm164is fixed to right bracket147.

Tie rod165supports center steering arm.162, left steering arm163, and right steering arm164and transmits the turning of center steering arm162to left steering arm163and right steering arm164.

According to the above configuration, when handlebar160is operated to turn steering shaft161and center steering arm162, left bracket146and right bracket147turn at the same angle as shown inFIG. 7. As a result, left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R are steered in the same direction T.

In the present description, the upper end of fuel tank210denotes the upper end of a fuel filler neck. The front end, the rear end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end of fuel tank210refer to the front end, the rear end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end of the space housing the fuel.

The liquid level of the fuel stored in fuel tank210changes according to a change in the orientation of vehicle100or the road condition. Examples of the orientation change include an orientation of vehicle100tilting in the left-right direction during cornering and an orientation of vehicle100tilting in the front-rear direction during acceleration or deceleration. Examples of the road condition include an inclination, such as a slope, and unevenness of the road, such as stone pavement.

As shown inFIG. 3, fuel tank210is disposed between virtual line F1and virtual line F2in the front-rear direction of body frame110. The front end of fuel tank210is disposed between virtual line F1and virtual line F2, and the rear end of fuel tank210is disposed behind virtual line F2in a side view of vehicle100.

Virtual line F1indicates the center between center position E1of a right front wheel ground contacting portion and a left front wheel ground contacting portion and center line E2in a side view when body frame110is in the upright state. Center line E2indicates the center between center position E1of the right front wheel ground contacting portion and the left front wheel ground contacting portion and center position E3of a rear wheel ground contacting portion. Virtual line F2indicates the center between center line E2and center position E3of the rear wheel ground contacting portion in a side view when body frame110is in the upright state. The left front wheel ground contacting portion denotes a ground contacting portion of left front wheel131L. The right front wheel ground contacting portion denotes a ground contacting portion of right front wheel131R. The rear wheel ground contacting portion denotes a ground contacting portion of rear wheel134.

As shown inFIG. 2, the right end of fuel tank210is disposed on the right of virtual line H1, and the left end of fuel tank210is disposed on the left of virtual line H2in a plan view when body frame110is in the upright state.

In vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, fuel tank210is preferably disposed such that the right end of fuel tank210is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H1while the left end of fuel tank210is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H2.

Virtual line H1indicates the center between right end position G1of upper cross member141and lower cross member142and center position G2of upper cross member141and lower cross member142, in a front view when body frame110is in the upright state. Virtual line H2denotes the center between left end position G3of upper cross member141and lower cross member142and center position G2of upper cross member141and lower cross member142in a front view when body frame110is in the upright state. Center position G2denotes the center of upper cross member141and lower cross member142in the left-right direction. Center position G2coincides with a plane including upper axis A and lower axis C. Left end position G3is an end portion positioned at the left-most of the left end of upper cross member141and the left end of lower cross member142.

FIG. 8is a plan view showing a first variation of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 8, a broken line indicates the exterior of vehicle100.

Fuel tank210may be disposed as follows in the left-right direction of body frame110. As shown inFIG. 8, the right end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H4, in a plan view when body frame110is in the upright state. Fuel tank210is preferably disposed such that the right end of fuel tank210is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H3while the left end of fuel tank210is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H4.

Virtual line H3indicates the center between right upper axis AR (seeFIGS. 3 and 4) and center axis G0in a front view when body frame110is in the upright state. Virtual line H4indicates the center between left upper axis AL (seeFIGS. 3 and 4) and center axis G0in a front view when body frame110is in the upright state. Center axis G0indicates the center between right upper axis AR and left upper axis AL.

FIG. 9is a plan view showing a second variation of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 9, a broken line indicates the exterior of vehicle100.

Fuel tank210is preferably disposed in the left-right direction of body frame110as follows. As shown inFIG. 9, the right end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H6in a plan view when body frame110is in the upright state. Fuel tank210is preferably disposed such that the right end of fuel tank210is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H5while the left end of fuel tank210is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H6.

Virtual line H5indicates the center between right end position G4of right front wheel131R and center position G2in a front view when body frame110is in the upright state. Virtual line H6indicates the center between left end position G5of left front wheel131L and center position G2in a front view when body frame110is in the upright state. Center position G2indicates the center between the left end of left front wheel131L and the right end of right front wheel131R.

In fuel tank210according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following disposition may be used based on the disposition described above.

The front end of fuel tank210is disposed behind center line E2(seeFIG. 3) in the front-rear direction of body frame110.

Fuel tank210is disposed below seating surface181of seat180. A portion of fuel tank210may be below seating surface181, or the entire fuel tank210may be below seating surface181.

Fuel tank210is disposed above left and right rear frames114. Fuel tank210is fixed to left and right rear frames114through brackets. As shown inFIG. 2, fuel tank210is disposed at a position where a portion of fuel tank210overlaps with left and right rear frames114in a plan view.

As described above, according to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front portion of vehicle100has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle such that left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R are disposed side by side in the left-right direction. Therefore, fuel tank210with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle is easily mounted on vehicle100. According to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the left end of fuel tank210is disposed on the left of virtual line H2ofFIG. 2, and the right end of fuel tank210is disposed on the right of virtual line H1ofFIG. 2. Therefore, the width of fuel tank210in the left-right direction of the vehicle increases. This reduces the width of fuel tank210in the height direction while ensuring a large capacity of fuel tank210. Therefore, vehicle100is provided with a small amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1(seeFIG. 10) based on the remaining fuel during operation, while a large capacity of fuel tank210is ensured.

Similarly, the left end of fuel tank210may be disposed on the left of virtual line H4ofFIG. 8, and the right end of fuel tank210may be disposed on the right of virtual line H3ofFIG. 8, as in the first variation1of vehicle100according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As a result, the width of fuel tank210in the left-right direction of the vehicle increases, and vehicle100with a small amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1(seeFIG. 10) based on the remaining fuel during the operation is provided.

As in the second variation of vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the left end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H6ofFIG. 9, and the right end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H5ofFIG. 9. As a result, the width of fuel tank210in the left-right direction of the vehicle increases, and vehicle100with a small amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1(seeFIG. 10) based on the remaining fuel during the operation is provided.

FIG. 10is a side view showing the center of gravity of the vehicle with the rider on the vehicle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 10, alternate long and two short dashes lines indicate left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R when vehicle100tilts in the left-right direction.

According to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front portion of vehicle100has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle to accommodate the disposition of left front wheel131L, right front wheel131R, and link mechanism140. Therefore, the width of vehicle100in the left-right direction of the vehicle forward of center line E2in the front-rear direction of body frame110is large. According to vehicle100, the rear end of fuel tank210is disposed forward of center line E2, so that it is easy to dispose fuel tank210with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, vehicle100with a small amount of change in the center of gravity during the operation is provided, while a large capacity of fuel tank210is ensured.

According to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, fuel tank210is large in the front-rear direction of body frame110. Therefore, the width of fuel tank210in the up-down direction of the vehicle is able to be reduced, while a large capacity of fuel tank210is ensured.

As a result, vehicle100is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity during the operation, while a large capacity of fuel tank210is ensured.

According to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, link mechanism140supports a left front wheel support and a right front wheel support such that the left and right front wheel supports are turnable, and the left and right front wheel supports include upper portions and lower portions that support left and right front wheels131L and131R, respectively. Therefore, the disposition of the front end of fuel tank210behind center line E2in the front-rear direction of body frame110prevents hindering of the movable range of link mechanism140associated with tilting of body frame110in the left-right direction of vehicle100and the movement of the left and right front wheels that tilt along with tilting of body frame110in the left-right direction of vehicle100, and makes the degree of freedom in the disposition of fuel tank210high. Therefore, vehicle100is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity during operation, while a large capacity of fuel tank210is ensured.

According to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the width of fuel tank210in the left-right direction of the vehicle is greater than the width of right underframe113Ab and left underframe113Aa in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, fuel tank210with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle is fixed to left and right body frames110. Therefore, vehicle100is provided with a small amount of change in the center of gravity during operation, while a large capacity of fuel tank210is ensured.

According to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, fuel tank210is disposed between virtual lines F1and F2ofFIG. 3in the front-rear direction of body frame110. As a result of the above disposition, fuel tank210is close to center of gravity Q1of vehicle100. Therefore, vehicle100is provided with a small amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1during driving based on the remaining fuel, while a large capacity of fuel tank210is ensured.

Vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle to accommodate the disposition of front wheel131L, right front wheel131R, and link mechanism140. Therefore, it is easy to increase the width in the left-right direction of the vehicle behind center line E2(seeFIG. 3) in the front-rear direction of body frame110. As a result, fuel tank210with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle is easily disposed even if the front end of fuel tank210is disposed behind center line E2.

According to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, fuel tank210is disposed below seating surface181. Therefore, fuel tank210is closer to center of gravity Q1of vehicle100with the rider on the vehicle. As a result, vehicle100with a small amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1of vehicle100based on the remaining fuel is provided.

According to vehicle100of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, fuel tank210is disposed above body frame110(specifically, left and right rear frames114). Therefore, it is possible to increase the width of fuel tank210in the left-right direction of the vehicle without being restricted by body frame110. Fuel tank210with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle is easily fixed without complicating the configuration of body frame110.

Second Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 11is a plan view showing a vehicle according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 12is a side view showing the vehicle of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11shows a state of vehicle100A in which handlebar160has been removed. InFIGS. 11 and 12, broken lines indicate the exterior of vehicle100A. InFIG. 12, alternate long and two short dashes lines indicate left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R when vehicle100tilts in the left-right direction.

Vehicle100A of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is different from the vehicle of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention mainly in the configuration of body frame110A and the disposition of fuel tank210A. The same components as those of the first preferred embodiment are designated with the same reference signs, and the detailed description of the same components will not be repeated.

Body frame110A includes link support111, down frame112, left underframe113Aa, right underframe113Ab, side underframe113Ac, left and right rear frames114, and intermediate frame115.

Left underframe113Aa, right underframe113Ab, and side underframe113Ac support floor portion201d. Right underframe113Ab and left underframe113Aa are disposed below seat180.

One end of left underframe113Aa is connected to the lower portion of down frame112and extends in the front-rear direction while the other end is linked to left rear frame114. Left underframe113Aa is disposed on the left of the center of floor portion201din the left-right direction of body frame110A.

One end of right underframe113Ab is connected to the lower portion of down frame112and extends in the front-rear direction while the other end is linked to right rear frame114. Right underframe113Ab is disposed on the right of the center of floor portion201din the left-right direction of body frame110A.

Side underframe113Ac extends in the left-right direction and is located between left underframe113Aa and right underframe113Ab.

Intermediate frame115is located between left and right rear frames114. Intermediate frame115is disposed below seat180to support seat180.

Fuel tank210A stores the fuel for power unit170. A fuel hose is connected to fuel tank210A. The fuel is supplied from fuel tank210A to power unit170through the fuel hose. The vertical width of fuel tank210A is smaller than the width of fuel tank210A in the left-right direction of the vehicle and the width of fuel tank210A in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

As shown inFIG. 12, fuel tank210A is disposed between virtual line F1and virtual line F2in the front-rear direction of body frame110A. Virtual lines F1and F2are preferably the same as those described in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention (seeFIG. 3).

As shown inFIG. 11, the right end of fuel tank210A is disposed on the right of virtual line H1, and the left end of fuel tank210A is disposed on the left of virtual line H2, in a plan view when body frame110A is in the upright state. Virtual lines H1and H2are preferably the same as those described in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention (seeFIG. 2).

Fuel tank210A may be disposed such that the right end of fuel tank210A is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H1while the left end of fuel tank210A is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H2.

FIG. 13is a plan view showing a first variation of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the first variation ofFIG. 13, the right end of fuel tank210A is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank210A is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H4in a plan view when body frame110A is in the upright state. Fuel tank210A is preferably disposed such that the right end of fuel tank210A is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H3while the left end of fuel tank210A is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H4. Virtual lines H3and H4are preferably the same as those described in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention (seeFIG. 8).

FIG. 14is a plan view showing a second variation of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the second variation ofFIG. 14, the right end of fuel tank210A is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank210A is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H6, in a plan view when body frame110A is in the upright state. Fuel tank210A is preferably disposed such that the right end of fuel tank210A is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H5while the left end of fuel tank210A is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H6. Virtual lines H5and H6are preferably the same as those described in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention (seeFIG. 9).

In fuel tank210A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following disposition may be used based on the disposition described above.

The rear end of fuel tank210A is disposed in front of center line E2(seeFIG. 12) in the front-rear direction of body frame110A.

Fuel tank210A is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion201d. More specifically, fuel tank210A is disposed between the floor surface of floor portion201dand the bottom surface of vehicle100A. A portion of fuel tank210A may be disposed in this manner, or the entire fuel tank210A may be disposed in this manner.

Fuel tank210A is disposed between left underframe113Aa that is a left frame portion and right underframe113Ab that is a right frame portion. More specifically, fuel tank210A is disposed within an area surrounded by left underframe113Aa, right underframe113Ab, and side underframe113Ac in a plan view. Side underframe113Ac may be omitted.

Fuel tank210A is fixed to left underframe113Aa, right underframe113Ab, and side underframe113Ac through brackets. Side underframe113Ac may be omitted.

As described above, according to vehicle100A of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front portion of vehicle100A has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle such that left front wheel131L and right front wheel131R are disposed side by side in the left-right direction. Therefore, particularly, the width in the left-right direction of the vehicle forward of center line E2(seeFIG. 12) is easily increased in the front-rear direction of body frame110A. According to vehicle100A of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of fuel tank210A is disposed forward of center line E2. Therefore, fuel tank210A with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle is easily mounted on vehicle100A. As a result, the width of fuel tank210A in the height direction is reduced, while a large capacity of fuel tank210A is ensured. Therefore, vehicle100A is provided with a small amount of change in the position of the center of gravity based on the remaining fuel during operation, while a large capacity of fuel tank210A is ensured.

In vehicle100A of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the left end of fuel tank210A is disposed on the left of virtual line H2ofFIG. 11. The right end of fuel tank210A is disposed on the right of virtual line H1ofFIG. 11. Therefore, the width of fuel tank210A in the left-right direction of the vehicle is large. As a result, the width of fuel tank210A in the height direction is reduced, while a large capacity of fuel tank210A is ensured.

In vehicle100A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, fuel tank210A is disposed between virtual lines F1and F2ofFIG. 12in the front-rear direction of body frame110A. As a result of this disposition, fuel tank210A is close to the center of gravity of the vehicle. Therefore, a vehicle is provided with a small amount of change in the position of the center of gravity during driving based on the remaining fuel, while a large capacity of fuel tank210A is ensured.

In vehicle100A according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, fuel tank210A is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion201d. There is a certain limitation for the level of the bottom surface (lower end of the body) of vehicle100A to avoid a curbstone or the like. There is a certain limitation for the level of the floor surface of floor portion201dto allow the driver to easily put his or her feet thereon. Under these conditions, fuel tank210A is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion201dto effectively utilize the space below floor portion201d, so that fuel tank210A with a low height and a large capacity is provided. Therefore, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the position of the center of gravity based on the remaining fuel during operation is provided, while a large capacity of fuel tank210A is ensured.

According to vehicle100A of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, fuel tank210A is disposed between left underframe113Aa and right underframe113Ab. Therefore, fuel tank210A is easily fixed below the floor surface of floor portion201dwithout complicating the configuration of the frames that support floor portion201d.

Various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described thus far.

The dispositions of fuel tanks210and210A have been specifically described in each of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the dispositions of the fuel tanks210and210A are not limited to the dispositions described in the preferred embodiments.

For example, the disposition of the fuel tank in the front-rear direction may be changed as follows. The front end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed behind center line E2in the front-rear direction of body frame110in the specific example illustrated in the first preferred embodiment (seeFIG. 3). The rear end of fuel tank210A is disposed forward of center line E2in the front-rear direction of body frame110A in the specific example illustrated in the second preferred embodiment (seeFIG. 12). However, fuel tanks210and210A may overlap with center line E2in the front-rear direction of body frames110and110A.

Fuel tank210is preferably disposed below seating surface181of seat180in the up-down direction of body frame110in the description of the first preferred embodiment. In this disposition, a portion of fuel tank210may be disposed below seating surface181in the up-down direction of body frame110, or the entire fuel tank210may be disposed below seating surface181in the up-down direction of body frame110.

Fuel tank210A is preferably disposed below the floor surface of floor portion201din the up-down direction of body frame110in the description of the second preferred embodiment. In this disposition, a portion of fuel tank210A may be disposed below the floor surface of floor portion201din the up-down direction of body frame110, or the entire fuel tank210A may be disposed below the floor surface of floor portion201din the up-down direction of body frame110.

The front end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed between virtual line F1and virtual line F2, and the rear end of fuel tank210is disposed behind virtual line F2in a side view of vehicle100in the description above. However, fuel tank210may be disposed anywhere between virtual line F1and virtual line F2in the front-rear direction of body frame110. Fuel tank210may be disposed anywhere as long as at least a portion of fuel tank210is disposed between virtual line F1and virtual line F2in the front-rear direction of body frame110. Therefore, the dispositions of fuel tank210according to various preferred embodiments of the present invention include the following dispositions. The front and rear ends of fuel tank210may be positioned between virtual lines F1and F2in a side view of vehicle100. The front end of fuel tank210may be positioned forward of virtual line F1, while the rear end of fuel tank210is positioned between virtual lines F1and F2in a side view of vehicle100. The front end of fuel tank210may be positioned forward of virtual line F1, while the rear end of fuel tank210is positioned behind virtual line F2in a side view of vehicle100.

The disposition of the fuel tank in the left-right direction may be changed as follows.

The right end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H1, and the left end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H2in the first preferred embodiment described with reference toFIG. 2. However, the disposition of fuel tank210is not limited to the specific disposition illustrated inFIG. 2. The right end of fuel tank210may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H1, and the left end of fuel tank210may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H2.

The right end of fuel tank210is disposed on the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank210is disposed on the left of virtual line H4in the first variation of the first preferred embodiment described with reference toFIG. 8. However, the disposition of fuel tank210is not limited to the specific disposition illustrated inFIG. 8. The right end of fuel tank210may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank210may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H4.

The right end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank210is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H6in the second variation of the first preferred embodiment described with reference toFIG. 9. However, the disposition of fuel tank210is not limited to the specific disposition illustrated inFIG. 9. The right end of fuel tank210may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank210may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H6.

The right end of fuel tank210A is disposed on the right of virtual line H1, and the left end of fuel tank210A is disposed on the left of virtual line H2in the second preferred embodiment described with reference toFIG. 11. However, the disposition of fuel tank210A is not limited to the specific disposition illustrated inFIG. 11. The right end of fuel tank210A may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H1, and the left end of fuel tank210A may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H2.

The right end of fuel tank210A is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank210A is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H4in the first variation1of the second preferred embodiment described with reference toFIG. 13. However, the disposition of fuel tank210A is not limited to the specific disposition illustrated inFIG. 13. The right end of fuel tank210A may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank210A may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H4.

The right end of fuel tank210A is preferably disposed on the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank210A is preferably disposed on the left of virtual line H6in the second variation2of the second preferred embodiment described with reference toFIG. 14. However, the disposition of fuel tank210A is not limited to the specific disposition illustrated inFIG. 14. The right end of fuel tank210A may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank210A may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H6.

Fuel tank210A is preferably disposed between left underframe113Aa and right underframe113Ab in the description of the second preferred embodiment. In this disposition, a portion of fuel tank210A may be positioned between left underframe113Aa and right underframe113Ab, or the entire fuel tank210A may be positioned between left underframe113Aa and right underframe113Ab.

The disposition of the fuel tank in the up-down direction may be changed as follows. Fuel tank210is disposed below seating surface181of seat180in the example of the disposition of the fuel tank in the height direction described in the first preferred embodiment. Fuel tank210A is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion201din the up-down direction of body frame110in the example of the disposition of the fuel tank in the height direction described in the second preferred embodiment. However, the fuel tank may be disposed above the upper ends of the left and right front wheels in the up-down direction of body frame110in a front view when the body frame is in the upright state. The fuel tank may be disposed below the upper ends of the left and right front wheels in the up-down direction of body frame110. The fuel tank may be disposed at a level overlapping with the upper ends of the left and right front wheels in the up-down direction of body frame110.

The configurations of vehicles100and100A and the structures of the components are specifically illustrated in the accompanying drawings in the description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, any structure of the vehicle and the components of the vehicle may be used.

For example, vehicle100includes floor portion201dforward of seat180in a plan view in the examples described above. However, the vehicle may be a type in which floor portion201dis not included, and the rider straddles the seat.

Link support111also defines and functions as a head tube in the examples described above. However, the vehicle may include a head tube separate from link support111.

In the link mechanism, the upper cross member may include a front upper cross member with a portion disposed in front of link support111and a rear upper cross member with a portion disposed behind link support111. The lower cross member may include only a front lower cross member or may include only a rear lower cross member. The link mechanism may include the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and the link mechanism may include one or a plurality of cross members disposed between the upper cross member and the lower cross member in the up-down direction of the body frame.

The left and right frame portions are not limited to left underframe113Aa and right underframe113Ab. The vehicle may include other left and right frames below floor portion201din the up-down direction of body frame110and above the underframes in the up-down direction of body frame110.

The seat may include a seating surface of a tandem rider (fellow passenger) in addition to the seating surface of the rider. The position of the seating surface of the tandem rider is not particularly limited.

The present invention can be embodied by a large number of different preferred embodiments. This disclosure should be construed as providing preferred embodiments of the principle of the present invention. A large number of illustrative preferred embodiments are described here with the understanding that the preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to the preferred embodiments described and/or illustrated here.

Some illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention are described here. The present invention is not limited to various preferred embodiments described here. The present invention includes any preferred embodiments including equivalent elements, corrections, deletions, combinations (for example, combinations with features across various preferred embodiments), improvements, and/or changes that can be recognized by those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. The limitations of the appended claims should be broadly interpreted based on the terms used in the appended claims, and the limitations should not be limited by the preferred embodiments described in the present description or in the prosecution of the present application. The preferred embodiments should be construed as non-exclusive. For example, the terms “preferably” and “may” are non-exclusive in this disclosure, meaning “preferable, but not limited to this” and “may be, but not limited to this.”

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-017273, filled on Jan. 31, 2014, including the specification, drawings, and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Various preferred embodiments of the present invention are useful for a vehicle including a left front wheel, a right front wheel, and a rear wheel that tilt in the left-right direction along with a body frame.