Abstract:
A remote control apparatus for a light vehicle having an engine, a movably mounted saddle-type seat, and a storage box positioned below the seat, the remote control apparatus including a portable transmitter and a receiver, wherein the portable transmitter is provided to be carried by a user remotely from the vehicle, and is operable to send signals to the receiver. The receiver is disposed in one of the storage box and the seat so as to be protected from adverse environmental conditions, and receives the signals from the portable transmitter. When a signal received by said receiver is a predetermined ID signal, the remote control system operates to enable at least starting of the engine. Thus it is unnecessary to cover the receiver with a cover member made of a synthetic resin material as has conventionally been done, and accordingly the conventional necessity for re-adjustment of the receiver having the cover member applied thereto is eliminated, while still assuring reliable, water-proof performance of the receiver.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 based on Japanese patent application No. 2003-355489, filed Oct. 15, 2003. The entire disclosure of Japanese patent application No. 2003-355489 in incorporated by reference into the present application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a remote control apparatus for a light vehicle having a storage box and a riding seat mounted over the storage box in such a manner so as to allow opening and closing of the storage box, wherein a receiver is disposed on the light vehicle and is used for receiving a signal from a conventional portable transmitter that is carried by a vehicle user. When the receiver receives a predetermined ID signal from the portable transmitter, operability of the vehicle is enabled, e.g., the vehicle engine starting is enabled. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a remote control apparatus providing excellent durability and reception with a simplified structure. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     A light vehicle that includes a remote control apparatus is known. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 10-001079 discloses a two wheeled vehicle having a remote control apparatus. In this patent document, a remote control apparatus is disclosed wherein an antenna for reception of control signals is disposed on a key cylinder lock provided in a handlebar steering lock mechanism. 
     When using a remote control system in a light vehicle such as a motorcycle, it is necessary to consider the effect of the operating environment on the receiver assembly, which may include mud, dust, water, external forces and so forth. In view of this, in the conventional apparatus described above, the reception antenna is covered with a cover member made of a synthetic resin material. However, use of the cover member deteriorates reception performance of the receiver due to the negative influence of the dielectric constant of the synthetic resin. In order to compensate for deterioration of the reception performance, it is necessary to adjust the reception circuit after the antenna is covered with the cover member, which is cumbersome. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been made in view of such a circumstance as described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control apparatus for a light vehicle wherein the environmental impact on the receiver is controlled and the conventional need for re-adjustment of the receiver circuit is eliminated. 
     In order to attain the object described above, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a remote control apparatus for a light vehicle comprising an engine, a movably mounted saddle-type seat, and a storage box positioned below the seat, the remote control apparatus comprising: a portable transmitter and a receiver; wherein the portable transmitter is provided to be carried by a user remotely from the vehicle, and is operable to send signals to the receiver; the receiver is disposed in one of the storage box and the seat so as to be protected from adverse environmental conditions, and receives the signals from the portable transmitter; and when a signal received by said receiver is a predetermined ID signal, the remote control system operates to enable at least starting of the engine. 
     According to a second aspect the invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention as set forth above, the receiver comprises a circuit board, an antenna, a reception circuit, and a housing accommodating the circuit board therein, and wherein the antenna is disposed on a first face of the circuit board, and the reception circuit is disposed on a second, opposing face of the circuit board. 
     According to a third aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention as set forth above, the engine is disposed below the storage box, the storage box comprises a maintenance lid for allowing maintenance to be performed on the engine disposed therebelow, the maintenance lid is provided for opening and closing movement on a bottom wall of the storage box, and the receiver is disposed in said storage box in such a manner as to be covered with part of said maintenance lid in a closed position of the maintenance lid. 
     With the invention as set forth above, since the receiver is disposed in the storage box or in the riding seat, the receiver is protected from the adverse environmental effects of mud, dust, water, external force and so forth. Thus it is unnecessary to cover the receiver with a cover member made of a synthetic resin material as has conventionally been done. Accordingly, the conventional necessity for re-adjustment of the receiver having the cover member applied thereto is eliminated, while still assuring reliable, water-proof performance of the receiver. 
     In addition, the antenna and the reception circuit are provided on the opposite faces of the circuit board so that the receiver is made in a compact form. Therefore, the space necessary to dispose the receiver in the storage box or the riding seat is minimized. 
     Furthermore, the receiver is covered with the maintenance lid which is opened when maintenance relating to the engine is to be performed. The receiver is thus disposed at a position within the storage box that both allows maintenance of the engine to be performed and prevents interference of the receiver with an article accommodated in the storage box. 
     Modes for carrying out the present invention are explained below by reference to an embodiment of the present invention shown in the attached drawings. Although the following disclosure offered for public dissemination is detailed to ensure adequacy and aid in understanding the invention, this is not intended to prejudice that purpose of a patent which is to cover each new inventive concept disclosed therein no matter how it may later be disguised by variations in form or additions of further improvements. The claims appended hereto are intended as the chief aid towards this purpose, as it is the claims which meet the requirement of pointing out the improvements and combinations in which the inventive concepts are found. The above-mentioned object, other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent form the detailed description of the embodiment of the invention presented below in conjunction with the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a left side elevational view of a two wheeled, light vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of an isolated vehicle body frame from the two wheeled vehicle of  FIG. 1  showing the frame configuration and including a fuel tank and a radiator attached thereto. 
         FIG. 3  is a left side elevational view of an intermediate portion in a forward and rearward direction of the light vehicle in which the riding seat and the vehicle body cover are removed, showing the orientation of the fuel tank within the frame. 
         FIG. 4  is a view as viewed in the direction of an arrow mark  4  of  FIG. 3  wherein the storage box is removed, showing the interrelationship between the engine and the frame. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged vertical sectional side elevational view of a rear portion of the light vehicle showing the storage box extending beneath both the front and rear portions of the seat. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view showing the relative arrangement of a unit swing engine, a swing arm, a muffler, and a rear wheel. 
         FIG. 7  is a right side elevational view of a rear portion of the scooter type vehicle, showing the shock absorber secured to the swing arm, and showing the exhaust muffler secured to the swing arm in two places. 
         FIG. 8  is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the storage box in the proximity of a rear portion of the same. 
         FIG. 9  is a view as viewed in the direction of an arrow mark  9  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 1  showing the resilient latching means used to removably secure the rear seat to the upper face cover of the storage box. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the front seat portion of  FIG. 5  in a state wherein a front seat is open. 
         FIG. 12  is a view as viewed in the direction of an arrow mark  12  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a view of the leg shield as viewed from the rear of the vehicle in the direction of an arrow mark  13  of  FIG. 1 , showing the first and second article accommodating portions formed therein. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic top sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side sectional view taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 18  is a side sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the remote control system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of a receiver showing the circuit board isolated from the housing. 
         FIG. 21  is a view showing a general configuration of the linking mechanism of an emergency unlocking system for a seat lock of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following, an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to a working example of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings,  FIGS. 1 to 21 . 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a vehicle body frame F of a two wheeled, scooter type vehicle in the form of a motorcycle includes, at a front end thereof, a front fork  25  for supporting a front wheel WF for rotation thereon and a head pipe  27  for supporting a steering handlebar bar  26  connected to the front fork  25  for steering operation. A unit swing engine UE is supported for upward and downward rocking motion at an intermediate portion of the vehicle body frame F in the forward and rearward direction, and supports a rear wheel WR at a rear end thereof. A fuel tank  28 , having an elongate form and lying upwardly and downwardly as viewed from the side, and a radiator  29  disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank  28 , are carried on the vehicle body frame F in front of the unit swing engine UE. Further, a storage box  30  is attached to the vehicle body frame F in such a manner as to overlie the unit swing engine UE from above, and a riding seat  31  formed as a seat of the tandem type having a front seat  32  and a rear seat  33  is disposed on the storage box  30 . Furthermore, a vehicle body cover  34  made of a synthetic resin material is attached to the vehicle body frame F and covers over the vehicle body frame F, a front portion of the unit swing engine UE, the fuel tank  28 , the radiator  29  and the storage box  30 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the vehicle body frame F includes the head pipe  27 , a pair of left and right upper down frames  37  connected to the head pipe  27  and extending rearwardly downwards, and a pair of left and right lower down frames  38 ,  38 . The lower down frames  38 ,  38  include inclined portions  38   a  and horizontal portions  38   b . The inclined portions  38   a  are connected to the head pipe  27  below the upper down frames  37  and extending rearwardly downwards. The horizontal portions  38   b  are connected integrally to rear ends of the inclined portions  38   a . Further, the lower down frames  38 ,  38  are welded at rear ends thereof to rear end portions of the upper down frames  37 . The vehicle body frame F further includes a pair of left and right seat rails  39 ,  39  extending rearwardly upwards from intermediate portions of the upper down frames  37 , and a pair of left and right rear frames  40 ,  40  for interconnecting rear portions of the upper down frames  37 , and rear portions of the seat rails  39 ,  39 . The vehicle body frame F further includes a pair of left and right support frames  41 ,  41  disposed outwardly and to the side of the upper down frames  37 , lower down frames  38 , and rear frames  40 ,  40 , and extending forwardly and rearwardly. 
     Step floors  159  are provided on the left and right of the vehicle body cover  34  and are supported from below by the two support frames  41 ,  41 . Front ends of the support frames  41  are coupled to lower portions of the inclined portions  38   a  of the lower down frames  38 , while rear ends of the support frames  41  are coupled to intermediate portions of the rear frames  40 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 4 to 6 , the unit swing engine UE includes an engine E of the water cooled type having a cylinder axis extending substantially horizontally. The unit swing engine UE also includes a continuously variable transmission M of the belt type for transmitting to the rear wheel WR output power of the engine E at a continuously variable speed by means of a transmission belt and pulleys. The continuously variable transmission M drives a movable pulley on the crankshaft side in response to operation of an electric motor  42  for speed change to continuously vary the transmission gear ratio. 
     A transmission case  43  of the continuously variable transmission M is connected to the left side of a crankcase  44  of the engine E such that it projects to the left side from the engine E, and extends to the left side of the rear wheel WR. A swing arm  48  is coupled at a front end portion thereof to the right side of the crankcase  44 , and the rear wheel WR is supported for rotation between a rear end portion of the transmission case  43  and a rear end portion of the swing arm  48 . 
     Incidentally, the electric motor  42  for speed change is disposed to the left of a cylinder  45  of the engine E and in front of the continuously variable transmission M. The electric motor  42  is attached to a front projection  43   a  of the transmission case  43  with an axis of rotation thereof directed in a widthwise direction of the vehicle body. Additionally, the electric motor  42  is disposed below a left side one of a pair of left and right passenger steps  162  provided on the vehicle body cover  34  and is disposed such that it is positioned below the left side one of the support frames  41 , which forms part of the vehicle body frame F, as viewed from the side. 
     A pair of brackets  49 ,  49  are provided between intermediate portions of the seat rails  39 , and the rear frames  40  of the vehicle body frame F. A pair of supporting projections  44   a ,  44   a  are provided in a projecting manner on an upper face of the crankcase  44  of the engine E. A link  50  includes a link tube portion  50   a  extending in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body and a pair of cylindrical supporting tube portions  50   b ,  50   b  provided integrally on and coaxially with the link tube portion  50   a  at the opposite ends of the link tube portion  50   a . The supporting projections  44   a ,  44   a  and the link tube portion  50   a  are connected to each other by a connecting shaft  51  in the form of a bolt. Further, the supporting tube portions  50   b ,  50   b  at the opposite ends of the link  50  are supported for turning motion on the brackets  49 ,  49  through pivots  52 ,  52  extending in parallel to the connecting shaft  51 . In other words, the unit swing engine UE is supported for rocking motion around the axial line of the pivots  52 ,  52  on the vehicle body frame F. 
     A tension rod  53  is provided between the engine E and the vehicle body frame F, and connecting portions  53   a ,  53   b , each in the form of a ring, are provided at the opposite ends of the tension rod  53 . The connecting portion  53   a , located at one end of the tension rod  53 , is connected for turning motion to an attaching portion  54  provided on the seat rail  39  and the rear frame  40  on the right side of the vehicle body frame F. The connecting portion  53   b , located at the other end of the tension rod  53 , is connected for rotation to the right end of the connecting shaft  51  which connects the crankcase  44  to the link  50 . 
     The attaching portion  54  includes a support tube  55  extending obliquely rearwardly downwards from a front portion of the right side seat rail  39 , a bracket  56  fixedly mounted at the rear end of the support tube  55  and having a substantially U-shape open rearwardly, and a connecting tube  57  for interconnecting the rear frame  40  on the right side and the bracket  56 . The connecting portion  53   a  at the one end of the tension rod  53  is supported for pivotal motion on the attaching portion  54  by means of a bolt  58  extending through the bracket  56  and the connecting tube  57 , and secured to the vehicle body frame F. 
     A pair of support plates  61 ,  61  are fixedly mounted at rear ends of the seat rails  39  of the vehicle body frame F such that they extend downwardly. Rear shock absorbers  64 ,  64  are connected at upper end portions thereof to a pair of brackets  63 ,  63  provided on a support pipe  62  serving as an attaching portion provided between the support plates  61 ,  61 . Lower end portions of the rear shock absorbers  64 ,  64  are connected to a rear end portion of the transmission case  43  and a rear end portion of the swing arm  48 . 
     Brackets  65  are attached to rear ends, that is, lower ends, of the two upper down frames  37 , and a main stand  66  is supported for pivotal motion on the brackets  65 . If the main stand  66  is erected uprightly, then the scooter type vehicle can stand independently with the rear wheel WR lifted as seen in  FIG. 1 . When the scooter type vehicle is to be operated, the main stand  66  is retracted so that the rear wheel WR contacts the ground. 
     A throttle body  68  is connected at a downstream end thereof to an upper face of the cylinder head  46  of the engine E through an intake pipe  67  which is curved toward the rear side from the cylinder head  46 . The throttle body  68  is connected at an upstream end thereof to an air cleaner  69  through a connecting pipe  70  which passes above the link tube portion  50   a  of the link  50 . The air cleaner  69  is disposed above the continuously variable transmission M of the unit swing engine UE. 
     A fuel injection valve  74  is attached to the intake pipe  67 . A control box  76  is attached to the throttle body  68  and accommodates a controller  75  for controlling the ignition timing of the engine E and the fuel injection amount of the fuel injection valve  74 . 
     An exhaust pipe  77  is connected to a lower face of the cylinder head. The exhaust pipe  77  is connected to an exhaust muffler  78  disposed on the right side of the swing arm  48  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 7 , the swing arm  48  is formed so as to have a substantially triangular shape which is narrowed on the rear end side thereof as viewed from the side. The swing arm  48  is fastened to the crankcase  44  of the engine E at two upper and lower locations at a front portion of the swing arm  48  by means of bolts  79 ,  79 . An axle  80  of the rear wheel WR is supported at a rear portion of the swing arm  48 , and the rear shock absorber  64  is connected at a lower end thereof to a rear end of the swing arm  48  rearwardly of the axle  80 . 
     An opening  81  is provided substantially at a middle portion of the swing arm  48 , and a brake caliper  85  of a rear brake  84  is disposed in the opening  81 . The rear brake  84  is a disk brake which includes a brake disk  83  attached to a hub  82  of the rear wheel WR. A caliper bracket  86  is fixedly mounted on the swing arm  48 , and the brake caliper  85  is secured to the caliper bracket  86 . 
     Additionally, the opening  81  is formed such that the upward and downward dimension thereof decreases rearwardly, and the brake caliper  85 , disposed at a rear portion of the opening  81 , is secured to the caliper bracket  86  fixedly mounted on the swing arm  48  rearwardly of the opening  81 . 
     A drum brake  87  is used as a parking brake and is mounted on the hub  82  of the rear wheel WR. A lever  88  for operating the drum brake  87  for braking is disposed outwardly of the swing arm  48 . The lever  88  is fixedly mounted at a base end thereof to a pivot shaft  89 , which extends for pivotal motion through the swing arm  48  into the drum brake  87 . Meanwhile, an outer cable  91  provided in a brake cable  90  is supported at an end portion thereof to a lower portion of the swing arm  48 . An end portion of an inner cable  92  projects from an end portion of the outer cable  91  and is connected to a free end portion of the lever  88 . 
     Three support bosses  48   a ,  48   b  and  48   c  ( FIG. 6 ) are provided integrally in a projecting manner on the swing arm  48  such that they project to the outer side. The exhaust muffler  78  is fastened to the support bosses  48   a  to  48   c  by means of bolts  93  and is disposed outwardly and to the side of the swing arm  48  in such a manner as to cover from the outside the brake caliper  85  disposed in the opening  81 . Additionally, the brake caliper  85  is disposed between the support bosses  48   a ,  48   b  from among the support bosses  48   a  to  48   c  so that the brake caliper  85  is protected by the support bosses  48   a ,  48   b.    
     A lower portion of the exhaust muffler  78  is mounted on both the front and rear sides of the axle  80  of the rear wheel WR below the exhaust muffler  78  and among the support bosses  48   a  to  48   c . In particular, the lower portion of the exhaust muffler  78  is fastened at two locations which are on opposed front and rear sides of the axle  80 . The fastening portions of both the axle  80 , and the rear cushion  64  to the swing arm  48 , are disposed between a straight line L interconnecting the fastening portions of the exhaust muffler  78 , and the exhaust muffler  78  itself. 
     Incidentally, a level gauge  94  is disposed at a lower portion of the crankcase  44  in the proximity of the connecting portion of the exhaust muffler  78  to the exhaust pipe  77 . The level gauge  94  detects the oil level in the crankcase  44  provided on the engine E. In order to prevent interference of the exhaust pipe  77  in the proximity of the connecting portion thereof to the exhaust muffler  78  with the level gauge  94 , a curved portion  77   a  is formed on the exhaust pipe  77  such that it is curved in an upwardly convex state. 
     Fuel from the fuel tank  28 , is supplied to the fuel injection valve  74  for injecting fuel toward the engine E. The fuel tank  28  is installed in a space defined by the pair of left and right upper down frames  37  and the pair of left and right lower down frames  38  of the vehicle body frame F, and is positioned immediately rearwardly of the front wheel WF. Additionally, the fuel tank  28  is formed such that it extends upwardly and downwardly from a location rearwardly of a lower portion of the head pipe  27  to lower portions of the lower down frames  38 ,  38 . 
     Attaching plates  95  for fastening an upper portion of the fuel tank  28  are welded to the inclined portions  38   a  of the lower down frames  38  and attaching plates  96  for fastening a lower portion of the fuel tank  28  are welded to the horizontal portions  38   b  of the lower down frames  38 . 
     A pump unit  97  is accommodated at a lower portion in the fuel tank  28 . The pump unit  97  is attached to the fuel tank  28  along the rear face side of the fuel tank  28  such that it is inserted into the fuel tank  28  through an attaching hole  98  provided in the rear face of a lower portion of the fuel tank  28 . 
     Additionally, the pump unit  97  is attached to the fuel tank  28  in a posture wherein an axis of rotation thereof is inclined forward and downward. A fuel filter  99  is provided for the pump unit  97  such that it sucks fuel in the fuel tank  28  and is disposed at a lowermost portion in the fuel tank  28 . A float  101  extends within the fuel tank  28  from the pump unit  97  and moves upward and downward in response to the fuel amount in the fuel tank  28 . The remaining amount of fuel detected by the float  101  is transmitted to the controller  75  in the control box  76  attached to the throttle body  68 . 
     The radiator  29  has a radiator fan  35  and is disposed at a position spaced rearwardly from the fuel tank  28 . The radiator  29  is supported by rear portions of the horizontal portions  38   b  of the lower down frames  38  of the vehicle body frame F and a support frame  100 . The support frame  100  is provided between rear portions of the upper down frames  37  of the vehicle body frame F. 
     A reservoir tank  104  is connected to the radiator  29  and disposed below the right side step floor of one of the pair of left and right step floors  159  provided on the vehicle body cover  34 . A hose  105  is connected to the reservoir tank  104  and extends upwardly. The hose  105  is connected at an upper end thereof to a water supply port forming member  108  which forms a water supply port  107 , which is opened and closed with a cap  106 . 
     Additionally, the water supply port forming member  108  is supported by the attaching portion  54  of the tension rod  53 . Tension rod  53  is provided between the vehicle body frame F and the unit swing engine UE. In other words, the water supply port forming member  108  is supported on the support tube  55  which extends obliquely rearwardly downwards from a front portion of the right side seat rail  39  and forms part of the attaching portion  54 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 ,  8  and  9 , the storage box  30  is disposed among rear portions of the upper down frames  37 , the seat rails  39 , and the rear frames  40 , of the vehicle body frame F. The storage box  30  includes a box body  110  open at an upper end thereof, and an upper face cover  111  coupled to the box body  110  in such a manner as to cover a rear portion of the box body  110  from above. The storage box  30  is disposed below the riding seat  31  such that it extends from a location below the front end of the riding seat  31  to another location in the proximity of upper portions of the rear shock absorbers  64 . 
     In order to support the storage box  30  on the vehicle body frame F, front supporting members  112  are welded at intermediate portions of the pair of seat rails  39 ,  39  of the vehicle body frame F and rear supporting members  113 , elongated forwardly and rearwardly, are welded to rear portions of the seat rails  39  ( FIG. 2 ). Front and rear supporting members  112 ,  113  are used to secure box body  110  as follows: Front attaching portions  110   a  of box body  110  confront the front supporting members  112 , and rear attaching portions  110   b  of box body  110  confront intermediate portions (in the longitudinal direction) of the rear supporting members  113 . Front attachment portions  110   a  and rear attachment portions  110   b  are provided at upper portions of the opposite sides of the box body  110  of the storage box  30 . The front attaching portions  110   a  are fastened to the front supporting members  112  by means of bolts  114 , while the rear attaching portions  110   b  are fastened to the rear supporting members  113  by means of bolts  115 . 
     A front helmet accommodation portion  119 , a rear helmet accommodation portion  120  and a substantially flat shallow bottom portion  110   c  are formed on a bottom wall of the storage box  30 , that is, a bottom wall of the box body  110  ( FIGS. 5 and 11 ). The front helmet accommodation portion  119  is disposed below the front seat  32  so that a helmet H 1  is accommodated into the front helmet accommodation portion  119 . The rear helmet accommodation portion  120  is disposed below the rear seat  33  so that a second helmet H 2  is accommodated into the rear helmet accommodation portion  120 . 
     The shallow bottom portion  110   c  is disposed between the front helmet accommodation portion  119  and the rear helmet accommodation portion  120 . The front and rear helmet accommodation portions  119  and  120  are formed in a downwardly enlarged shape. Additionally, a front edge of the upper face cover  111  of the storage box  30  is formed so as to have an arcuate shape enlarged rearwardly as viewed from above so as to permit the helmet H 2  to be accommodated into the rear helmet accommodation portion  120 . A light source  116  for illuminating the inside of the storage box  30  is attached to an inner side face of the box body  110  at a location corresponding to a front portion of the upper face cover  111 . 
     The throttle body  68  and the fuel injection valve  74  are disposed below the shallow bottom portion  110   c  of the storage box  30  such that the positions of the upper ends thereof are substantially at the same height. Further, the water supply port  107  of the reservoir tank  104  is disposed below the shallow bottom portion  110   c . An opening is provided within the shallow bottom portion  110   c  overlying the water supply port  107 . A first maintenance lid  117  is attached over the opening in such a manner so as to allow opening and closing movement of the first maintenance lid  117 . 
     A rear enlarged portion  121  is provided at a rear portion of the storage box  30  and is enlarged rearwardly farther than the rear ends of the support pipe  62 , which serves as an attaching portion of the rear shock absorbers  64 ,  64  to a rear portion of the vehicle body frame F, and the rear seat  33 . The rear enlarged portion  121  is enlarged rearwardly to a position substantially same as the position of the rear end of a grab rail  118  disposed around the rear seat  33 . Additonally, a reduced width portion  121   a  is provided at a middle portion of a rear portion of the rear enlarged portion  121  such that it extends into a space between left and right tail lamp units  123 ,  123  as viewed from above. 
     A lower portion of the rear enlarged portion  121  is disposed below the support pipe  62  which serves as an attaching portion of upper portions of the rear shock absorbers  64 ,  64  to rear portions of the vehicle body frame F. Thus, an enlarged portion  110   d  corresponding to the attaching portion of an upper portion of the rear shock absorber  64  to the vehicle body frame F is formed by partly enlarging the bottom wall of the storage box  30 , that is, the bottom wall of the box body  110 . A container portion  124  is formed in the rear enlarged portion  121  such that the enlarged portion  110   d  is interposed between the rear helmet accommodation portion  120  and the container portion  124 . 
     The rear seat  33  of the riding seat  31  is formed in such a manner as to cover the front portion side of the storage box  30  with respect to the upper face cover  111 . The front edge of the rear seat  33  is formed in an arc enlarged rearwardly as viewed from above in conformity with the front edge of the upper face cover  111 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the rear seat  33  is removably mounted on the upper face cover  111  of the storage box  30 . Receiving plate portions  111   a  are provided integrally on the opposite sides of a front portion of the upper face cover  111  such that they project to the side. Resilient rings  125  made of a resilient substance are individually mounted on the receiving plate portions  111   a . Fitting projections  126  are provided integrally in a projecting manner on a bottom plate  33   a  of the rear seat  33 . The fitting projections  126  have annular recesses  126   a  provided on outer peripheries thereof for resiliently engaging with the resilient rings  125 . The rear seat  33  is removably mounted on the upper face cover  111  by inserting the fitting projections  126  into openings in receiveing plate portions  111  a so as to pass through resilient rings  125 . The annular recesses  126   a  resiliently engage with the resilient rings  125  in which the fitting projections  126  are fitted. 
     A first rib  127  having a quadrangular ring shape projects upward from an upper face of the upper face cover  111 . An accommodation space  128  is formed on the upper face of the upper face cover  111  as defined by the area surrounded by the first rib  127 . It is accessable upon engagement and disengagement of the rear seat  33 . A second rib  129  having a quadrangular ring shape projects from the bottom plate  33   a  of the rear seat  33  so as to surround the first rib  127 . A labyrinth structure surrounding the accommodation space  128  is formed by this configuration of the first and second ribs  127 ,  129 . 
     The grab rail  118  is made of metal and has gripping portions  118   a ,  118   a  integrally disposed on opposed sides of the rear seat  33 . Gripping portions  118   a ,  118   a  extend forward and rearward. A connecting portion  118   b  interconnectings the respective rear ends of the gripping portions  118   a . The gripping portions  118   a  are fastened at two places at the front portions thereof to the rear supporting members  113  by means of bolts  134  which sandwich the fastening portions of the storage box  30  to the rear supporting members  113  from forward and backward. The rear supporting members  113  are welded to rear portions of the seat rail  39  of the vehicle body frame F. 
     The connecting portion  118   b  is provided integrally and contiguously to the rear ends of the gripping portions  118   a  such that it is disposed at a position spaced upwardly from an upper portion of the rear enlarged portion  121  of the storage box  30  and at a height substantially equal to the upper face of the rear seat  33 . A back rest  135  is removably attached to the connecting portion  118   b . The back rest  135  supports from the rear the waist portion of a passenger seated on the rear seat  33 . 
     In particular, a plurality of leg portions  136   a  are provided integrally in a projecting manner on a bottom plate  136  of the back rest  135  such that they contact with the connecting portion  118   b  of the grab rail  118 . Nuts  138  are individually implanted on the leg portions  136   a . By screwing and tightening bolts  137 , which are inserted from below the connecting portion  118   b  of the grab rail  118 , to the nuts  138 , the back rest  135  is removably attached to an upper face of a rear portion of the grab rail  118 , that is, an upper face of the connecting portion  118   b.    
     Additionally, the back rest  135  has a forward and downwardly inclined front inclined face  135   a  and a rearward and downwardly inclined rear inclined face  135   b , as viewed from the side, on an upper face thereof such that it is formed in a substantially streamline shape while the width thereof gradually decreases rearwardly as viewed from above. The grab rail  118  and the back rest  135  overlap with each other at almost all portions thereof as viewed from above. 
     The front seat  32  of the riding seat  31  has a back rest portion  32   a  provided integrally at a rear portion thereof. The back rest portion  32   a  is enlarged upwardly so that it supports from the rear the waist portion of the driver seated on the front seat  32 . The front seat  32  is disposed on the storage box  30  such that it covers the front opening of the storage box  30 , which is not covered with the upper face cover  111 , from above. The front seat  32  is connected at a front end portion thereof to the front end of the storage box  30  by a hinge pin  139 . In other words, the front end portion of the front seat  32  is supported on the storage box  30  in a manner which allows upward and downward opening and closing movement of the front seat  32 . 
     A substantially U-shaped striker  141  ( FIGS. 8 and 12 ) is attached to a rear portion of a bottom plate  140  of the front seat  32 . A seat latch  142  is disposed among a front portion of the upper face cover  111  of the storage box  30  and front portions of the front and rear seats  32  and  33  at a position corresponding to a central portion in the widthwise direction of the rear seat  33 . The seat latch  142  can perform changeover between a seat catch state wherein it grips the striker  141  to hold the front seat  32  in the closed state, and a seat catch releasing state wherein it cancels the gripping of the striker  141  to allow opening and closing movement of the front seat  32 . The seat latch  142  is configured such that when the front seat  32  which is in an upwardly open state is moved downwardly to close the front opening of the storage box  30 , the seat latch  142  engages with the striker  141  to establish a seat catching state. The seat latch  142  is changed over from the seat catching state to a seat catch releasing state by a pulling action of a motion transmitting cable  143 . 
     The seat latch  142  is provided on a bridge plate  144  made of metal and provided between the front ends of the gripping portions  118   a  of the grab rail  118 . The bridge plate  144  is configured such that it extends from the front ends of the gripping portions  118   a  to a space between the upper face cover  111  and the rear seat  33  and then extends along an upper face of a front portion of the upper face cover  111 . 
     A cover  146  is attached to a front portion of a middle portion in the widthwise direction of the rear seat  33  such that it overlies the seat latch  142  from above when the front seat  32  is in an open state. The cover  146  has a recess  145  (refer to  FIG. 12 ) into which the striker  141  is removably inserted. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the fuel tank  28  is disposed forwardly of the storage box  30 . A front enlarged portion  122  is provided at a lower portion of the front end of the storage box  30  such that it is enlarged forwardly to a location in the proximity of the bottom portion of the fuel tank  28  and is disposed between the fuel tank  28  and the radiator  29 . A battery  147 , which is electric equipment, is housed within the front enlarged portion  122 . In other words, the battery  147  is disposed between the fuel tank  28  and the radiator  29 . 
     In addition to the battery  147 , other electric equipment  148 ,  149 ,  150  and so forth are accommodated in the front enlarged portion  122 . 
     A second maintenance lid  151  is attached to the bottom wall of box body  100  of storage box  30  so as to allow opening and closing movement of the second maintenance lid  151 . The second maintenance lid  151  partitions the front enlarged portion  122  and the front helmet accommodation portion  119  from each other. Maintenance of the battery  147  and the electric equipment  148  to  150  in the front enlarged portion  122  is performed by opening the second maintenance lid  151  while the front seat  32  is open. 
     A damper rod  152  is provided between a front portion of the front seat  32  and a front portion of the storage box  30  and assists opening and closing movements of the front seat  32  such that the front seat  32  is opened with low force and such that when the front seat  32  is to be closed, the closing speed is moderated. A lower portion of the damper rod  152  is accommodated in the front enlarged portion  122 . A slide  153  is formed in the second maintenance lid  151  and allows the damper rod  152  to pass therethrough such that it permits displacement of the damper rod  152  in response to opening or closing movement of the front seat  32 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the vehicle body cover  34  includes a front cover  156  for covering a front portion of the head pipe  27  and an upper portion of the front wheel WF, a pair of left and right front side covers  157  joined to the opposite left and right sides of the front cover  156 , and a leg shield  158  joined to the front side covers  157  such that it covers the front of the legs of the rider seated on the front seat  32  and covers the head pipe  27  from the rear side. The vehicle body cover  34  further includes a pair of left and right floor center covers  160  connecting to and extending rearward from the leg shield  158  and forming step floors  159  at lower end portions thereof. A pair of left and right floor side covers  161  extend downward from the outer edges of the step floors  159 , respectively, and a pair of left and right passenger steps  162  are provided at rear portions of the step floors  159 , respectively. 
     The vehicle body cover  34  further includes a pair of left and right body side covers  163  disposed at locations below the opposite sides of the riding seat  31  and connecting to and extending rearward from the floor side covers  161 . A rear lower cover  164  connects to lower portions of the rear sides of the body side covers  163 . The vehicle body cover  34  further includes a rear upper cover  165  disposed between the rear enlarged portion  121  of the storage box  30  and a rear portion of the grab rail  118 . A rear center cover  166  is disposed between the pair of left and right tail lamp units  123 ,  123  and connects to the rear upper cover  165  in such a manner as to cover from the rear the reduced width portion  121   a  of the rear enlarged portion  121  of the storage box  30 . 
     A floor tunnel portion  167  is formed from part of the leg shield  158  and the pair of left and right floor center covers  160  and is enlarged upwardly between the step floors  159 . The floor tunnel portion  167  is formed such that it is disposed to extend from a location rearward of the head pipe  27  to another location below the front end of the riding seat  31  and is positioned above the fuel tank  28  and the radiator  29 . A fill lid  169  is attached for opening and closing movement on the floor tunnel portion  167  in order to allow a fill cap  168  provided at the upper end of the fuel tank  28  to be opened. This allows the fuel tank  28  to be supplied. A hinged cover  170  ( FIG. 5 ) is joined to a rear end of the floor tunnel portion  167  and covers the hinged portion of the front seat  32  to the storage box  30 . 
     Headlamps  171  are individually disposed between the opposite sides of a front portion of the front cover  156  and front portions of the pair of left and right front side covers  157 . Turn indicator lights  172  are disposed at front portions of the front side covers  157  below the headlamps  171 . Further, a panel  173  on which meters are to be disposed is joined to upper portions of the front cover  156 , front side covers  157  and leg shield  158 . A meter visor  173   a  is provided integrally at a front portion of the panel  173  in such a manner as to be enlarged upwardly. Further, a windshield  174  is disposed forwardly of the meter visor  173   a.    
     A front fender  175  for covering the front wheel WF from above is supported on the front fork  25 . A pair of rear view mirrors  176 , an audio operating switch case  177 , a switch case  178  for operating various lamps, and so forth are attached to the steering handlebar bar  26 . 
     A plug maintenance lid  180  is attached for opening and closing movement at a position on the left side floor center cover of the pair of left and right floor center covers  160  forward of the passenger step  162 . The plug maintenance lid  180  allows access to and maintenance of an ignition plug  179  provided in the engine E. 
     A license plate  182 , a reflector  183  and a license lamp  184  are attached to a rear fender  181  which covers the rear wheel WR from the rear. The rear fender  181 , together with the left and right tail lamp units  123  and the rear upper cover  165  and the rear center cover  166 , which are cover members which form part of the vehicle body cover  34 , are attached to the rear enlarged portion  121  of the storage box  30 . 
     A pair of ribs  110   e , which function as a rear fender, are provided to project from a lower face of the box body  110  of the storage box  30  forward of the rear fender  181  such that they are disposed on the opposed left and right sides of the rear wheel WR as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 to 16 , first and second article accommodating portions  191 ,  192  are disposed separately leftwardly and rightwardly on the leg shield  158 . The first article accommodating portion  191  is formed as an accommodation section of the drawer type including an accommodating case  193  which is drawn out and removed from the leg shield  158 . 
     The accommodating case  193  includes a decorative cover  195  fixedly mounted at an outer end of a case body  194  made of, for example, a synthetic resin material and formed as a rectangular box open at the top thereof. A rectangular opening  196  is formed in the leg shield  158  and allows the accommodating case  193  to be inserted and removed therethrough. A housing wall  197  formed as a rectangular tube is provided integrally on and contiguously to the opening  196  and is closed at an inner end thereof with an end wall  197   a.    
     A pair of movable rails  198 ,  198  are secured to lower portions of the opposite sides of the case body  194  and extend forwardly and rearwardly. Supporting portions  198   a ,  198   a  are formed integrally at upper ends of the movable rails  198  such that they have a downwardly open substantially U shape. A pair of fixed rails  200 ,  200  are secured to the opposite inner side faces of the housing wall  197  and extend forward and rearward in a corresponding relationship to the movable rails  198 . A plurality of, for example, two, rollers  199 ,  199  are supported for rotation at different locations spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction of each of the fixed rails  200  such that they receive the supporting portions  198   a  of the movable rails  198  placed thereon. 
     Consequently, the accommodating case  193  is inserted into the housing wall  197  through the opening  196  such that it is slidably moved between a retracted position wherein the decorative cover  195  of the accommodating case  193  lies substantially in flush with the rear face of the leg shield  158 , and a drawn out position wherein most part of the decorative cover  195  is drawn out from the housing wall  197 . Also, it is possible to completely withdraw the entire accommodating case  193  from the leg shield  158 . Additionally, the accommodating case  193  is formed such that, in the retracted position thereof, it extends from the left side to pass in front of the head pipe  27  when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. 
     In addition, a maintenance window  201  is provided in the end wall  197   a  of the housing wall  197  for allowing, when the accommodating case  193  is drawn out from the leg shield  158 , such maintenance operations as replacing a bulb  171   a  of any of the headlamps  171  positioned forward of the end wall  197   a  to be performed. The maintenance window  201  is covered with a removable lid  202 . 
     A support frame  204  for receiving an audio amplifier  203  placed thereon is attached to an upper face of the housing wall  197 . A connector  205  connecting to the amplifier  203  is connected to a portable sound source such as an MP3, CD or MD player accommodated in the accommodating case  193 . Additionally, in order to prevent interference of the support frame  204  with the accommodating case  193  when the accommodating case  193  is slidably moved between the retracted position and the drawn out position, a cutaway portion  206  corresponding to the support frame  204  is provided at the inner end of the case body  194  of the accommodating case  193 . 
     It is to be noted that the amplifier  203  may otherwise be disposed fixedly in the accommodating case  193 . In this instance, since the support frame  204  is rendered unnecessary, the necessity to provide the cutaway portion  206  at the inner end of the case body  194  is eliminated. 
     A enlarged portion  193   a  is provided at the outer end side of the accommodating case  193  such that it confronts a portion of the decorative cover  195 . The enlarged portion  193   a  extends inwardly in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body. A recessed portion  197   b  of housing wall  197  confronts and surrounds the head pipe  27  about the left side and the rear side so that it accommodates the enlarged portion  193   a  when the accommodating case  193  is retracted to the retracted position. 
     A locking mechanism  208  is provided between the accommodating case  193  and the leg shield  158 . The locking mechanism  208  effects changeover between connection, and cancellation of the connection, of the accommodating case  193  to the leg shield  158  in response to a key operation from a keyhole  207  facing the front face of the accommodating case  193 . The locking mechanism  208  is provided on the enlarged portion  193   a  of the accommodating case  193  such that a cylinder lock  209 , which operates in response to a key operation from the keyhole  207 , performs changeover between engaging connection and cancellation of the engagement of the recessed portion  197   b  of the housing wall  197 . The locking mechanism  208  is disposed at a position opposing the head pipe  27  when viewed from the rear. 
     A handlebar lock module  211  capable of disabling a steering operation of the steering handlebar bar  26  is disposed near the head pipe  27  on the side opposite to the first article accommodating portion  191 . The second article accommodating portion  192  is disposed such that the handlebar lock module  211  is sandwiched between the first article accommodating portion  191  and the second article accommodating portion  192 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the handlebar lock module  211  enables a steering operation of the steering handlebar bar  26  and enables starting of the engine E in response to an operation of a knob  212  under predetermined conditions. The knob  212  is exposed to a rear face of the leg shield  158  between the first and second article accommodating portions  191 ,  192 . A seat unlocking switch  213  is disposed on the rear face of the leg shield  158  below the handlebar lock module  211  for enabling an opening operation of the front seat  32  of the riding seat  31  in response to an operation thereof under predetermined conditions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the second article accommodating portion  192  is formed such that an accommodating recess  214  formed on the leg shield  158  is covered for opening and closing movement with a lid member  215  hinged to the leg shield  158 . The accommodating recess  214  is formed such that it is smaller than the accommodating case  193  of the first article accommodating portion  191  and has a width that decreases slightly toward the front end thereof. 
     The lid member  215  is hinged to the leg shield  158  by a pivot shaft  216  for pivotal movement between a downwardly pivoted open position at which it opens the accommodating recess  214  as indicated in a chain line in  FIG. 18  and a closing position at which it closes up the accommodating recess  214  as indicated by solid lines in  FIG. 18 . A latch  215   a  for allowing a pivotal operation is pivotably provided on the lid member  215 . 
     A parking brake lever  217  for operating the brake cable  90  connecting to the drum brake  87  of the rear wheel WR is supported for pivotal operation on the leg shield  158  below the lid member  215 . The brake cable  90  extends from a parking brake system  218  which operates in response to an operation of the parking brake lever  217 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the controller  75  housed in the control box  76  that is attached to the throttle body  68 , the handlebar lock module  211 , and the seat unlocking switch  213  form part of a remote control system. The handlebar lock module  211  includes a cylinder lock  220 . Cylinder lock  220  is operable for pivotal motion by the knob  212  and cancels the locked state of the steering handlebar bar  26  to the head pipe  27  when it is operated to make a pivotal motion. The handlebar lock module also includes a lock solenoid  221  capable of disabling the pivotal motion of the cylinder lock  220 . The handlebar lock module  211  further includes a main switch  222  which performs a switching action in response to the pivotal motion of the cylinder lock  220 , and a control unit  223  to which a signal from the main switch  222  is inputted. The lock solenoid  221  is controlled by the control unit  223 . 
     The control unit  223  controls a transmission antenna  225  to transmit a signal for urging a conventional portable transmitter  226  carried by the vehicle user to transmit an ID signal. A result of reception of a signal by a receiver  227  which receives a signal from the portable transmitter  226  is input to the control unit  223 . When the control unit  223  confirms that an ID signal transmitted from the portable transmitter  226  is a predetermined signal, it renders the lock solenoid  221  operative to permit a pivoting operation of the cylinder lock  220  by the knob  212 . 
     Further, when the control unit  223  confirms that an ID signal transmitted from the portable transmitter  226  is a predetermined signal, it operates a seat lock actuator  228  in response an operation of the seat unlocking switch  213  and enables operation control of the engine E by the controller  75  in response to closing of the main switch  222 . 
     The receiver  227  is disposed in the storage box  30  or in the riding seat  31 . In the present working example, a receiver accommodating portion  110   f  is provided on the storage box  30  within a downward depression in the shallow bottom portion  110   c  of the storage box  30 . The receiver  227  is accommodated in the receiver accommodating portion  110   f  ( FIGS. 5 and 12 ). Additionally, the first maintenance lid  117  for allowing maintenance relating to the engine E disposed below the storage box  30  to be performed therethrough is provided for opening and closing movement on the shallow bottom portion  110   c , and the receiver  227  is positioned in the receiver accommodating portion  110   f  such that it is covered with part of the first maintenance lid  117 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , the receiver  227  includes a board  229  having antennae  230 ,  230 , disposed on one face thereof and having a reception circuit  231  provided on the other face thereof. The receiver  227  is accommodated in a case  232  which includes a coupler element  232   a  integrally provided thereon. 
     The transmission antenna  225  is disposed at a position spaced away from the handlebar lock module  211 . In the present working example, the transmission antenna  225  is disposed above the handlebar lock module  211  on the center line in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body, for example, immediately below the panel  173  which forms part of the vehicle body cover  34  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , the motion transmitting cable  143  connecting to the seat latch  142  is connected to one end of a link  233  provided in a link mechanism  234 . The seat lock actuator  228  is connected to the other end of the link  233  through a cable  235  so as to pivot the link  233  to pull the motion transmitting cable  143  upon operation of the seat lock actuator  228 . 
     A keyhole  238  of an emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236  is disposed on an inner side face of the accommodating recess  214  of the second article accommodating portion  192  adjacent the handlebar lock module  211 . The emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236  is disposed in the leg shield  158  so as to enable at least starting of the engine E and handlebar lock cancellation without the necessity for the portable transmitter  226 . 
     The emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236  includes a pivotal lever  236   a  which is pivoted by an operation of the emergency unlocking mechanical key inserted in the keyhole  238 . The pivotal lever  236   a  is connected to the other end side of the link  233  through a cable  237 . 
     If the emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236  is operated for unlocking, then the link  233  pivots to pull the motion transmitting cable  143 . Thus, by any of the operation of the seat lock actuator  228  and the unlocking operation of the emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236 , the link  233  is pivoted to pull the motion transmitting cable  143 . In response to the pivotal motion of the link  233 , the seat latch  142  is changed over from the seat catching state to the seat catch releasing state. 
     When the seat latch  142  is in the seat catch releasing state, the front seat  32  is released to allow opening therof, and if a predetermined part disposed in the storage box  30  is operated, then the control unit  223  enters a control mode similar to that upon reception of an ID signal from the conventional portable transmitter  226  and allows the scooter type vehicle to be steered. 
     Operation of the present working example is described below. The rear enlarged portion  121  is enlarged at a location behind the support pipe  62 , which serves as the attaching portion of the upper portion of the rear shock absorber  64  to the rear end of the rear seat  33  and the rear portion of the vehicle body frame F. The rear enlarged portion  121  is provided at the rear portion of the storage box  30 . The storage box  30  has the front helmet accommodation portion  119  disposed below the front seat  32  provided on the riding seat  31  of the tandem type and the rear helmet accommodation portion  120  disposed below the rear seat  33  provided on the riding seat  31 . Therefore, the volume of the storage box  30  is increased so as to allow an elongated article such as a golf club, which extends rearwardly farther than the rear end of the riding seat  31 , to be accommodated in the storage box  30 . Additionally, also it becomes possible to accommodate a small article other than a helmet in a rear portion of the storage box  30 , and an article which is used less frequently such as a tool is accommodated suitably in the rear portion of the storage box  30 . 
     Further, since the rear enlarged portion  121  is enlarged toward the rear to a position substantially the same as that of the rear end of the grab rail  118  disposed around the rear seat  33 , the capacity of the storage box  30  is further increased and the rear portion of the storage box  30  is protected by the grab rail  118 . 
     Further, since the reduced width portion  121   a , which extends to the location between the left and right tail lamp units  123 ,  123  as viewed from above, is provided at the rear portion of the rear enlarged portion  121 , the space produced between the pair of left and right tail lamp units  123 ,  123  is efficiently utilized to increase the capacity of the storage box  30 . It also becomes easy to provide a space for exchanging a bulb of any of the tail lamp units  123 . 
     The storage box  30  has the upper face cover  111  disposed below the rear seat  33 , and since the accommodating space  128 , which is used upon removal of the rear seat  33 , is formed on the upper face of the upper face cover  111 , a space for accommodating a small article at a location other than the inside of the storage box  30  is provided while preventing an increase in the number of required parts and complication of the structure. In addition, the accommodation space  128  is formed between the first rib  127  and the second rib  128 . First rib  127  projects upward from the upper face cover  111  and is formed in a ring shape. The second rib  129  projects downward from the bottom plate  33   a  of the rear seat  33  and is also formed in a ring shape. The second rib  129  cooperates with the first rib  127  to form a labyrinth structure, and this simple structure prevents admission of rainwater, dust or the like into the accommodation space  128  from around the accommodation space  128 . 
     Additionally, the light source  116  for illuminating the inside of the storage box  30  is attached to the inner side face of the storage box  30  at a location corresponding to the front portion of the upper face cover  111 . The inside of the rear portion of the storage box  30 , which is likely to become dark due to the provision of the upper face cover  111 , is illuminated effectively without having to place an illuminating article within the rear portion of the storage box  30 . Additionally, at the location corresponding to the front portion of the upper face cover  111 , the inner side face of the storage box  30  is likely to be viewed, and thus dunning down of a bulb of the light source  116  or the like is readily confirmed. 
     Further, since the rear upper cover  165  and the rear center cover  166  which cover the rear enlarged portion  121 , the pair of left and right tail lamp units  123 , and the rear fender  181  are attached to the rear enlarged portion  121 , a plurality of parts disposed around the rear portion of the storage box  30  are removed at one time by only removing wiring lines for the tail lamp units  123 . Consequently, superior facility in maintenance is assured. 
     The storage box  30  includes the shallow bottom portion  110   c  disposed between the front helmet accommodation portion  119  and the rear helmet accommodation portion  120 . The throttle body  68 , for which the control box  76  which houses the controller  75  therein is provided, and the fuel injection valve  74  are disposed below the shallow bottom portion  110   c  such that the positions of the top ends thereof are all substantially at the same height. Accordingly, by forming the shallow bottom portion  110   c  flat between the front and rear helmet accommodation portions  119  and  120 , the shallow bottom portion  110   c  is utilized effectively as a container. Additionally, part of the intake system of the engine E is disposed effectively in the space below the shallow bottom portion  110   c.    
     The lower portion of the rear enlarged portion  121  is disposed below the upper attaching portion of the rear shock absorber  64  to the rear portion of the vehicle body frame F such that the container portion  124  is formed within the rear enlarged portion  121 . In container portion  124 , the enlarged portion  110   d , formed by partly enlarging the bottom wall of the storage box  30  upward, is interposed between the rear helmet accommodation portion  120  and the container portion  124 . The rear helmet accommodation portion  120  and the container portion  124  behind the rear helmet accommodation portion  120  are partitioned by the enlarged portion  110   d  so that improved convenience in use is achieved, and so that an article placed in the container portion  124  toward the rear is prevented from moving forward or rearward by means of the enlarged portion  110   d.    
     Further, the fuel tank  28 , formed to be elongate and oriented in the vertical direction as viewed from the side is disposed in front of the storage box  30 . The front enlarged portion  122  is provided at the lower portion of the front end of the storage box  30  such that it is enlarged toward the front at a location near the bottom portion of the fuel tank  28 . Thus, the front portion of the storage box  30  is formed deep to facilitate accommodation of an elongated article therein, and the capacity of the storage box  30  is increased. 
     Additionally, since the battery  147  and other electric equipment  148  to  150  are accommodated in the front enlarged portion  122 , they are accommodated in the storage box  30  so as not to obstruct accommodation of the helmet H 1  or the like. 
     Further, since the second maintenance lid  151 , which partitions the inside of the front enlarged portion  122  and the front helmet accommodation portion  119  from each other, is attached for opening and, closing movement to the storage box  30 , an article accommodated in the front enlarged portion  122  and the helmet H 1  accommodated in the front helmet accommodation portion  119  are prevented from contacting with and damaging each other. 
     Further, since the lower portion of the damper rod  152 , which extends generally vertically in such a manner as to assist the opening or closing movement of the front seat  32 , is accommodated in the front enlarged portion  122 , there is no need to provide a space to position the damper rod  152  outside of the storage box  30 . Additionally, when the front seat  32  is open, the damper rid  152  is minimally exposed to the outside so that it does not provide an obstruction when an article is to be placed into the storage box  30 , and the appearance and the form is improved. 
     The fuel tank  28  and the radiator  29  are disposed below the floor tunnel portion  167 , which is formed from part of the vehicle body cover  34  which covers the vehicle body frame F. The vehicle body frame F includes the head pipe  27 , the pair of left and right upper down frames  37  extending rearward and downward from the head pipe  27 , and the pair of left and right lower down frames  38  having the inclined portions  38   a  extending rearward and downward from the head pipe  27  below the connecting portions of the upper down frames  37  to the head pipe  27 . The fuel tank  28 , extending generally vertically from a location behind the lower portion of the head pipe  27  to the lower portions of the lower down frames  38 , is disposed in the space surrounded by the upper down frames  37  and the lower down frames  38  and positioned immediately rearwardly of the front wheel WF. 
     Accordingly, since the fuel tank  28 , elongate in shape and extending generally vertically, is disposed immediately behind the front wheel WF, the location corresponding to the lower portion of the head pipe  27  is prevented from becoming an unused space, and arrangement of parts making effective use of the space below the floor tunnel portion  167  is possible. Additionally, since the fuel tank  28 , which has a comparatively high weight, is positioned nearer to the front wheel WF, the distribution load to the front wheel WF is raised resulting in an improvement in the turning performance. Further, the level of the remaining amount of fuel within the fuel tank  28  appears to be relatively high even when the remaining amount of the fuel is small because of the vertical orientation of the fuel tank  28 . Thus, the high level is advantageous for suction by the pump unit  97  due to the advantageous placement of the pump unit  97  at the lower end of the fuel tank  28  as in the present working example. 
     Further, since the radiator  29  is disposed behind the fuel tank  28  and the battery  147  is disposed between the radiator  29  and the fuel tank  28 , the space behind the fuel tank  28  is made relatively large by forming the fuel tank  28  in a vertically elongated configuration. Further, the battery  147 , which is a heavy article, is disposed at the center in the forward and backward direction of the vehicle body, and this contributes to improved steering performance. Furthermore, since the battery  147  is disposed between the radiator  29  and the fuel tank  28 , the fuel tank  28  is shielded from the influence of heat from the radiator  29 . 
     Since the pump unit  97 , housed within and positioned at the lower portion of the inside of the fuel tank  28 , is attached to the fuel tank  28  from the rear face side of the fuel tank  28 , the pump unit  97  is attached to the fuel tank  28  so that it is not influenced by an irregular road surface. 
     Additionally since the pump unit  97  is attached to the fuel tank  28  in a posture wherein the axis of rotation thereof is inclined forward and downward, the intake port of the pump unit  97  is positioned as close as possible to the bottom portion of the fuel tank  28  to minimize the amount of unused fuel in the fuel tank  28 . 
     The reservoir tank  104  of the radiator  29  is disposed below the step floor  159 . Step floor  159  forms part of the vehicle body cover  34 . The water supply port of the reservoir tank  104  is disposed below the first maintenance lid  117 , which is removably attached to the bottom wall of the storage box  30  disposed below the riding seat  31 . Accordingly, since the radiator  29  is disposed behind the fuel tank  28 , it is easy to make the water supply port  107  of the reservoir tank  104  face the bottom portion of the riding seat  31 , and the water supply port  107  is disposed higher than that where the water supply port faces the step floor  159  or the like, which is positioned immediately above the reservoir tank  104 . Thus the operability in supplying water is improved. 
     Additionally, since the water supply port forming member  108 , which forms the water supply port  107 , is supported on the attaching portion  54  to the vehicle body frame F side of the tension rod  53  provided between the vehicle body frame F and the unit swing engine UE, the water supply port forming member  108  is supported by the vehicle body frame F, and thus it is unnecessary to take special measures to support the water supply port forming member  108 . 
     Further, the fuel from the fuel tank  28  is supplied to the fuel injection valve  74 , and the fuel in the fuel tank  28  is supplied effectively to the fuel injection valve  74  using the pump unit  97  which is urged by the fuel tank  28  wherein the remaining amount of the fuel appears to be at a comparatively high level when the amount of remaining fuel is small. 
     The swing arm  48 , disposed on the right side of the rear wheel WR and supporting the rear wheel WR thereon, is formed in a substantially triangular shape as viewed from the side. The brake caliper  85  of the rear brake  84  is supported on the swing arm  48  within the opening  81  provided at a substantially central portion of the swing arm  48 . Thus, the brake caliper  85  is disposed at a relatively low position thereby to lower the center of gravity of the scooter type vehicle. Further, since the brake caliper  85  is surrounded by the swing arm  48  therearound, it is possible to assure a substantial dimension in the generally vertical direction of the swing arm  48  as viewed from the side, raising the rigidity in the vertical direction and the torsional rigidity of the swing arm  48 . 
     Further, since the exhaust muffler  78  is disposed laterally outward and to the side of the swing arm  48  in such a manner as to cover the brake caliper  85  from the outside, the appearance is improved. 
     Additionally, since the opening  81  is formed such that the vertical dimension thereof decreases toward the rear, and the brake caliper  85  disposed in the rear portion of the opening  81  is supported on the swing arm  48  at a location behind the opening  81 , the brake caliper  85  is supported at a portion of the swing arm  48  having a high rigidity. Thus, the rigidity in attachment of the brake caliper  85  is also high. 
     The lower portion of the exhaust muffler  78  is fastened to the swing arm  48  at two places so as to sandwich the axle  80  of the rear wheel WR on opposing front and rear sides of the the axle  80 . A straight line L is defined that interconnects these two fastening places. Since the fastening portions of both the rear shock absorber  64  and the rear axle  80  to the swing arm  48  are disposed between the straight line L and the exhaust muffler  78 , assembly of the exhaust muffler  78  and the rear shock absorber  64  to the swing arm  48  is facilitated. Further, the axle  80  and the fastening portions are not easily viewed from a position to the side and above the scooter type vehicle thereby improving the appearance. 
     The electric motor  42  for varying the transmission gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission M interposed between the engine E and the rear wheel WR, is disposed below the passenger step  162  provided at the rear portion of the step floor  159  provided on the vehicle body cover  34 . Since the electric motor  42  is disposed at a relatively low position, this contributes to lowering the center of gravity of the scooter type vehicle. 
     Since the continuously variable transmission M is of the belt type and forms the unit swing engine UE together with the engine E, wherein the axis of the cylinder  45  extends substantially horizontally and the electric motor  42  is disposed to the side of the cylinder  45  forward of the continuously variable transmission M, the electric motor  42  is protected by the cylinder  45  of the engine E and the continuously variable transmission M. Additionally, since the support frame  41  which supports the step floor  159  from below is provided on the vehicle body frame F, and the electric motor  42  is disposed below the support frame  41 , the electric motor  42  is protected further effectively by the rigid support frame  41 . 
     Furthermore, since the electric motor  42  is disposed such that the axis of rotation thereof is directed in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body the electric motor  42  is disposed to the side of the cylinder  45  provided on the engine E such that it does not project laterally outward and to the side from the outer side face of the continuously variable transmission M. 
     The grab rail  118  is attached to the rear portion of the vehicle body frame F. The back rest  135 , which has, on the upper face thereof, the front inclined face  135   a  inclined forward and downward and the rear inclined face  135   b  inclined rearward and downward as viewed from the side such that it has a substantially streamlined shape. The back rest  135  is attached to the upper face of the rear portion of the grab rail  118  and is disposed behind the rear seat  33  provided on the riding seat  31 . 
     Accordingly, the waist portion of the passenger on the rear seat  33  is supported firmly by the forward and downwardly inclined front inclined face  135   a  from within the upper face of the back rest  135 . Additionally, since the back rest  135  has a substantially streamlined shape, the appearance and the aerodynamic performance of the back rest  135  is improved. Further, since the rearward and downwardly inclined rear inclined face  135   b  from within the upper face of the back rest  135  is utilized, a load which projects toward the rear from the rear seat  33  is placed on the back rest  135 . 
     Further, since the back rest  135  is formed such that the width thereof gradually decreases toward the rear as viewed from above, the back rest  135  is compactly formed, the design coordination is assured together with the shape of the vehicle body cover  34 , and the aerodynamic performance is further improved. 
     Furthermore, since the upper face of the rear portion of the grab rail  118  is set to a height substantially equal to that of the upper face of the rear seat  33 , and the back rest  135  is removably attached to the upper face of the rear portion of the grab rail  118 , when the user wants to place a greater amount of luggage on the rear seat  33 , the upper face of the rear portion of the grab rail  118  behind the back rest  135  is removed and is utilized effectively to receive the luggage. 
     A first article accommodating portion  191  and a second article accommodating portion  192  are provided in the leg shield  158  of the vehicle body cover  34 . The first article accommodating portion  191  is formed as an article accommodation section of the drawer type including the accommodating case  193  which is drawn out and removed from the leg shield  158 . The second article accommodation portion  192  includes the accommodating recess  214  formed on the leg shield  158  which is covered for opening and closing movement by the lid member  215  hinged to the leg shield  158 . The first article accommodating portion  191  and a second article accommodating portion  192  are disposed separately on the respective left and right sides of the vehicle. Thus, the comparatively great space of the leg shield  158  is utilized effectively to accommodate an article in the leg shield  158 . Additionally, since the accommodating case  193  is formed to be larger than the accommodating recess  214 , a relatively large amount of articles are accommodated in the first article accommodating portion  191  as compared to the second article accommodating portion  192 . Since the first article accommodating portion  191  is of the drawer type, when the lid is opened, the articles stored in the inside of the accommodating case  193  do not unintentionally fall out, and articles are fully accommodated within the accommodating case  193 . Further, if the accommodating case  193  is completely removed from the leg shield  158 , then the comparatively great opening  196  is formed in the leg shield  158 , and consequently, maintenance is easily performed on the bulb  171   a  of the headlamp  171  disposed in front of the first article accommodating portion  191 . 
     Further, the locking mechanism  208  is provided between the accommodating case  193  of the first article accommodating portion  191  and the leg shield  158 . The locking mechanism  208  performs changeover between connection and cancellation of the connection of the accommodating case  193  to the leg shield  158  in response to a key operation from the keyhole  207  facing the front face of the accommodating case  193 . When the key is inserted into the keyhole  207  of the locking mechanism  208  to operate the locking mechanism  208 , a drawing out operation of the accommodating case  193  is enabled. Consequently, prevention of the theft of an article accommodated in the first article accommodating portion  191  is ensured. Further, since the key is used as a knob to draw out the accommodating case  193 , the necessity for provision of a knob on the accommodating case  193  is eliminated, and a greater number of articles are accommodated into the first article accommodating portion  191 . 
     The accommodating case  193  is formed such that, when it is in the retracted state, it covers the head pipe  27  from the left side to the right side. The locking mechanism  208  is disposed at a position at which it is opposed to the head pipe  27  when viewed from the rear. Thus, the locking mechanism  208  is disposed effectively in the space behind the head pipe  27  to further maximize the accommodation capacity of the accommodating case  193 . 
     The handlebar lock module  211 , which can disable a steering operation of the steering handlebar bar  26 , is disposed in the proximity of the head pipe  27  on the opposite side to the first article accommodating portion  191 . The second article accommodating portion  192  is disposed such that the handlebar lock module  211  is sandwiched between the first article accommodating portion  191  and the second article accommodating portion  192 . Therefore, the first article accommodating portion  191 , handlebar lock module  211  and second article accommodating portion  192  are disposed in a juxtaposed relationship in the leg shield  158  to further effectively utilize the comparatively great space of the leg shield  158 . 
     Further, since the transmission antenna  225  is disposed at a position spaced away from the handlebar lock module  211 , the degree of freedom in arrangement of the transmission antenna  225  is raised. 
     The receiver  227  can be disposed in the storage box  30  or the riding seat  31 . In the present working example, it is disposed in the storage box  30 . Thus the receiver  27  is protected from the adverse environmental effects of mud, dust, water, external force and so forth, and it is unnecessary to cover the receiver  227  with a cover member made of a synthetic resin material. Accordingly, the necessity for re-adjustment of the receiver  227  is eliminated, and the water-proof performance is assured. 
     Additionally, the receiver  227  is configured such that the board  229  has the antennae  230 ,  230  disposed on one face thereof and has the reception circuit  231  provided on the other face thereof, and the board is housed within the case  232 . Thus, the receiver  227  is compactly formed, the required space for mounting the receiver  227  within the storage box  30  is minimized. 
     Furthermore, the first maintenance lid  117  allows maintenance to be performed relating to the engine E and is disposed below the storage box  30 . First maintenance lid  117  provides opening and closing movement with respect to the bottom wall of the storage box  30 . The receiver  227  is disposed in the storage box  30  in such a manner as to be covered with part of the first maintenance lid  117 , and thus the receiver  227  is disposed at a position suitable to receive maintenance thereon while preventing interference with an article accommodated in the storage box  30 . 
     Further, the emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236 , which enables at least starting of the engine E and handlebar lock cancellation while eliminating the necessity for the portable transmitter  226 , is disposed in the leg shield  158 . Thus, even if the user of the vehicle loses the portable transmitter  226  or the power cell of the portable transmitter  226  has insufficient charge for operation, if the emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236  is operated using the mechanical key for emergency unlocking, then the scooter type vehicle is operable. 
     The second article accommodating portion  192  is provided on the leg shield  158  on the right side of the handlebar lock module  211 , and the keyhole  238  of the emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236  faces the inner side face of the accommodating recess  214  of the second article accommodating portion  192 . Since the accommodating recess  214  is normally covered by the lid member  215 , the keyhole  238  is disposed at an inconspicuous place, and the keyhole  238  of the emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236  is maximally prevented from being made an object of mischief. 
     Furthermore, the seat latch  142  performs the changeover between the seat catch state wherein the front seat  32  which can release the storage box  30  is held in the closed state and the seat catch releasing state wherein it allows opening and closing movement of the front seat  32 . The link mechanism  234  is connected at a first end to the seat latch  142 , and is connected at a second end to the seat lock actuator  228 , which operates in response to an operation upon reception of a signal from the conventional portable transmitter  226 . The link mechanism is also connected at the second end to the emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236 . Therefore, the link mechanism  234  for operating the seat latch  142  is commonly used for a case wherein the portable transmitter  226  is effective, and another case wherein the emergency unlocking key cylinder lock  236  is used. By using a single link mechanism, the number of parts is reduced. 
     While a working example of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the working example described above, but various design alterations may be carried out without departing from the present invention as set forth in the claims.