Patent Description:
Straddled vehicles having a radar for detecting objects such as other vehicles forward have been known in the art, as disclosed in <CIT>, for example. With the straddled vehicle disclosed in <CIT>, the radar is arranged inside the front cover. A left headlight and a right headlight are attached to the front cover. The radar is arranged upward of the left headlight and the right headlight.

A radar transmits electromagnetic waves forward. The radar receives electromagnetic waves (hereinafter, reflected waves) coming from the front that have been reflected off an object. In order for the radar to desirably transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, there should be no member, arranged forward of the radar, that blocks electromagnetic waves. The radar is preferably arranged as far forward as possible. With a straddled vehicle, a head pipe made of a metal is arranged rearward of the front cover. In order to prevent the head pipe from interfering with electromagnetic waves, the radar is preferably arranged as far forward as possible.

The radar is supported on the vehicle body frame with a support bracket, or the like, therebetween. Since the vehicle body frame is arranged rearward relative to the radar, the radar is cantilevered from the rear side. The more forward the radar is arranged, the longer the distance in the front-rear direction between the radar and the vehicle body frame. Now, the radar is a relatively heavy component. The longer the distance in the front-rear direction between the radar and the vehicle body frame, the more likely the radar will vibrate when the straddled vehicle is running. That is, the more forward the radar is arranged, the more likely the radar will vibrate. If the radar vibrates, the detection performance of the radar will lower.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a straddled vehicle capable of desirably detecting objects such as other vehicles forward by a radar. According to the present invention said object is solved by a straddled vehicle having the features of independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims.

A straddled vehicle disclosed herein includes: a vehicle body frame including a head pipe extending downward and forward; a steering shaft supported on the head pipe and being rotatable left and right; a front fork connected to the steering shaft; a front fender supported on the front fork; a front cover at least a portion of which is arranged forward relative to the head pipe; and a radar supported on the vehicle body frame and arranged forward relative to the head pipe. The front cover includes a front end, and a lower edge that extends leftward or rightward as the vehicle is viewed from the front and at least a portion of which is located at or below the front end. At least a portion of the radar is arranged downward relative to the front end of the front cover, downward relative to the lower edge and upward relative to the front fender.

With the straddled vehicle described above, the head pipe extends downward and forward. Therefore, the more downward the radar is arranged, the shorter the distance between the radar and the vehicle body frame in the front-rear direction. With the straddled vehicle described above, at least a portion of the radar is arranged downward relative to the front end of the front cover and downward relative to the lower edge. Thus, the radar is arranged relatively downward. Therefore, even if the radar is arranged relatively forward, the distance between the radar and the vehicle body frame in the front-rear direction does not become long, and the radar is less likely to vibrate. Therefore, it is possible with the radar to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to a preferred embodiment, the front cover includes a plurality of projecting portions that are projecting forward as the vehicle is viewed from the side. The front end of the front cover is provided on a projecting portion that is located lowermost among the plurality of projecting portions.

According to the embodiment described above, the radar is arranged more downward. Thus, even if the radar is arranged more forward, the distance between the radar and the vehicle body frame in the front-rear direction does not become long. Since the radar is less likely to vibrate, it is possible with the radar to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

The front cover may include: a front cowl arranged upward relative to a lower end of the head pipe; a left side cowl that is formed separately from the front cowl and at least a portion of which is arranged downward of the front cowl and leftward of a vehicle center line; and a right side cowl that is formed separately from the front cowl and at least a portion of which is arranged downward of the front cowl and rightward of the vehicle center line. The front end and the lower edge of the front cover may be provided on the left side cowl or the right side cowl.

According to a preferred embodiment, the radar is arranged downward relative to the front cowl.

According to the embodiment described above, the radar is arranged relatively downward. Therefore, even if the radar is arranged relatively forward, the distance between the radar and the vehicle body frame in the front-rear direction does not become long, and the radar is less likely to vibrate. Therefore, it is possible with the radar to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to a preferred embodiment, the radar is arranged rightward relative to the left side cowl and leftward relative to the right side cowl.

According to the embodiment described above, the radar is arranged near the center of the straddled vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to a preferred embodiment, the straddled vehicle includes a radar cover that is arranged forward of the radar and overlaps with the radar as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

According to the embodiment described above, it is possible with the radar cover to prevent mud, gravel, etc., from hitting the radar.

According to a preferred embodiment, the radar is arranged forward relative to an intersection between a front edge of the front fork and an upper edge of the front fender as the vehicle is viewed from the side.

According to the embodiment described above, the radar is arranged relatively forward. Therefore, it is possible to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

The intersection does not need to overlap with the front cover as the vehicle is viewed from the side.

According to a preferred embodiment, a distance between a rear end of the radar and a front end of the vehicle body frame in a front-rear direction is shorter than a distance between a lower end of the radar and an upper end of the front fender in an up-down direction.

According to the embodiment described above, since the distance between the radar and the vehicle body frame in the front-rear direction is short, the radar is less likely to vibrate. Therefore, it is possible to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to a preferred embodiment, the radar includes a casing that has a left wall and a right wall, and a radar connector that is removably connected to a connector connected to a wire harness. The radar connector is provided on the left wall or the right wall of the casing.

According to the embodiment described above, with the connector connected to the radar connector, the wire harness does not protrude upward or downward of the casing. The dimension of the radar and the wire harness in the up-down direction can be made compact.

According the invention, the straddled vehicle includes a base stay cantilevered on the head pipe. The radar is supported on the base stay.

According to the invention, the radar is cantilevered on the head pipe with the base stay therebetween. However, since the distance between the radar and the vehicle body frame in the front-rear direction is short as described above, the radar is less likely to vibrate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the straddled vehicle includes a headlight supported on the base stay.

According to the embodiment described above, the radar and the headlight can be supported by a common base stay.

According to a preferred embodiment, the headlight includes a left headlight arranged leftward of the radar and a right headlight arranged rightward of the radar.

According to the embodiment described above, the amount of light of the headlight as a whole is the sum of the amount of light of the left headlight and the amount of light of the right headlight. It is possible to arrange the radar near the center of the straddled vehicle while ensuring a sufficient amount of light of the headlight as a whole.

According to a preferred embodiment, the left headlight and the right headlight overlap with the front fork and the radar does not overlap with the front fork as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to ensure a sufficient space for installment of the radar without being interfered by the front fork.

According to a preferred embodiment, the straddled vehicle includes: a headlight stay to which the headlight is fixed; a headlight pivot that pivotally supports the headlight stay on the base stay; and a headlight aiming screw that couples together the base stay and the headlight stay. A hole in which a tool for turning the headlight aiming screw is able to be inserted is formed in the headlight stay or the base stay. An orientation of the headlight is adjusted by turning the headlight aiming screw. The hole does not overlap with the front cover as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

According to the embodiment described above, without removing the front cover, it is possible to insert a tool such as a screwdriver in the hole to turn the headlight aiming screw. Without removing the front cover, it is possible to perform the operation of adjusting the orientation of the headlight.

According to the invention, the straddled vehicle includes: a radar stay to which the radar is fixed; a radar pivot that pivotally supports the radar stay on the base stay; and a radar aiming screw that couples together the base stay and the radar stay. A hole in which a tool for turning the radar aiming screw is able to be inserted is formed in the radar stay or the base stay. An orientation of the radar is adjusted by turning the radar aiming screw. The hole does not overlap with the front cover as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

According to the embodiment described above, without removing the front cover, it is possible to insert a tool such as a screwdriver in the hole to turn the radar aiming screw. Without removing the front cover, it is possible to perform the operation of adjusting the orientation of the radar.

According to a preferred embodiment, the radar pivot is a ball joint. The radar aiming screw includes a first aiming screw arranged leftward or rightward of the ball joint, and a second aiming screw arranged upward or downward of the ball joint.

According to the embodiment described above, the orientation of the radar in the left-right direction and that in the up-down direction can be adjusted independently. Thus, it is possible to easily perform the operation of adjusting the orientation of the radar. It is possible to easily adjust the orientation of the radar to a desired orientation.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a straddled vehicle capable of desirably detecting objects such as other vehicles forward by a radar.

A straddled vehicle according to an embodiment will now be described. <FIG> is a left side view showing a motorcycle <NUM>, which is an example of the straddled vehicle.

The terms front, rear, left, right, up and down, as used in the description below, refer to these directions as seen from a virtual passenger (not shown) seated on a seat <NUM> while the motorcycle <NUM> is standing upright on a horizontal surface with no passenger and no load thereon, unless specified otherwise. The designations F, Re, L, R, U and D, as used in the figures, refer to front, rear, left, right, up and down, respectively.

The term "forward" refers not only to the direction that extends in the front direction along the vehicle center line CL (see <FIG>), as the vehicle is viewed from above, but also to directions that are inclined in the left-right direction from that direction by an angle that is less than <NUM> degrees. Similarly, the term "rearward" refers not only to the direction that extends rearward along the vehicle center line CL, as the vehicle is viewed from above, but also to directions that are inclined in the left-right direction from that direction by an angle that is less than <NUM> degrees. The term "leftward" refers not only to the direction that extends leftward vertical to the vehicle center line CL, as the vehicle is viewed from above, but also to directions that are inclined in the front-rear direction from that direction by an angle that is less than <NUM> degrees. The term "rightward" refers not only to the direction that extends rightward vertical to the vehicle center line CL, as the vehicle is viewed from above, but also to directions that are inclined in the front-rear direction from that direction by an angle that is less than <NUM> degrees. The term "upward" refers not only to the vertically upward direction, as the vehicle is viewed from the side, but also to directions that are inclined in the front-rear direction from that direction by an angle that is less than <NUM> degrees. The term "downward" refers not only to the vertically downward direction, as the vehicle is viewed from the side, but also to directions that are inclined in the front-rear direction from that direction by an angle that is less than <NUM> degrees.

The motorcycle <NUM> includes a vehicle body frame <NUM>, an engine <NUM> supported on the vehicle body frame <NUM>, the seat <NUM> supported on the vehicle body frame <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM> and a rear wheel <NUM>. A fuel tank <NUM> is arranged forward of the seat <NUM>. The engine <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> are connected together by a chain <NUM>. The engine <NUM> is a drive source. The chain <NUM> is an example of a power transmission member for transmitting the power from the drive source to the rear wheel <NUM>. The rear wheel <NUM> is rotatably supported on the rear end portion of a rear arm <NUM>. The front end portion of the rear arm <NUM> is pivotally supported on the vehicle body frame <NUM> by a pivot shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle body frame <NUM> includes a head pipe <NUM> extending downward and forward, a main frame <NUM> extending rearward from the head pipe <NUM>, and a down frame <NUM> and a down frame <NUM> extending downward from the main frame <NUM>. The engine <NUM> is supported on the down frame <NUM> and the down frame <NUM> (see <FIG>). While there is no particular limitation on the material of the vehicle body frame <NUM>, the vehicle body frame <NUM> is made of a metal.

A steering shaft <NUM> is inserted in the head pipe <NUM>. The steering shaft <NUM> is supported on the head pipe <NUM> and being rotatable left and right. A top bridge <NUM> and an under bracket <NUM> are fixed to the steering shaft <NUM>. The top bridge <NUM> is arranged upward of the head pipe <NUM>. The under bracket <NUM> is arranged downward of the head pipe <NUM>. A handle bracket <NUM> is fixed to the top bridge <NUM>. A handle bar <NUM> is fixed to the handle bracket <NUM>. Although not shown in the figures, a left grip is attached to a left end portion of the handle bar <NUM>, and a right grip is attached to a right end portion of the handle bar <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the front wheel <NUM> is rotatably supported on a lower end portion of a front fork <NUM>. The front fork <NUM> is fixed to the top bridge <NUM> and the under bracket <NUM>. The front fork <NUM> is connected to the steering shaft <NUM> with the top bridge <NUM> and the under bracket <NUM> therebetween. As shown in <FIG>, the front fork <NUM> includes a left tube <NUM> and a right tube 30R arranged rightward of the left tube <NUM>. As the vehicle is viewed from the front, the left tube <NUM> is arranged leftward of the vehicle center line CL, and the right tube 30R is arranged rightward of the vehicle center line CL. As shown in <FIG>, the left tube <NUM> and the right tube 30R are fixed to the top bridge <NUM> and the under bracket <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, as the vehicle is viewed from the side, the front fork <NUM> has a front edge 30fe. As the vehicle is viewed from the side, the front edge 30fe extends downward and forward.

As shown in <FIG>, the front fork <NUM> supports a front fender <NUM>. At least a portion of the front fender <NUM> is arranged upward of the front wheel <NUM>. The front fender <NUM> has an upper edge 35ue as the vehicle is viewed from the side. Here, the upper edge 35ue is formed in an arc shape. Note however that there is no particular limitation on the shape of the upper edge 35ue.

As shown in <FIG>, the motorcycle <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM>. At least a portion of the front cover <NUM> is arranged forward relative to the head pipe <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the present embodiment, the front cover <NUM> includes a front cowl <NUM>, a left side cowl <NUM>, a right side cowl 42R and a windshield <NUM> (see <FIG>). The front cowl <NUM>, the left side cowl <NUM>, the right side cowl 42R and the windshield <NUM> are formed separately from each other.

As shown in <FIG>, the front cowl <NUM> overlaps with the vehicle center line CL as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The front cowl <NUM> is arranged so as to extend from the left side of the vehicle center line CL to the right side of the vehicle center line CL. The front cowl <NUM> is arranged forward of the head pipe <NUM>. As the vehicle is viewed from the front, the front cowl <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the front cowl <NUM> has a projecting portion <NUM> that is projecting forward as the vehicle is viewed from the side. Note that "projecting forward as the vehicle is viewed from the side" refers to the projection that is defined by an upper edge extending upward and rearward and a lower edge extending downward and rearward as the vehicle is viewed from the side. As shown in <FIG>, the front cowl <NUM> has a lower edge <NUM> de extending leftward and rightward from a front end 410f of the projecting portion <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

As shown in <FIG>, the left side cowl <NUM> is arranged leftward of the vehicle center line CL and the right side cowl 42R is arranged rightward of the vehicle center line CL as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R are separate from each other. While there is no particular limitation, the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R are shaped in left-right symmetry with respect to the vehicle center line CL in the present embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, an upper end 42t of the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R is located downward relative to an upper end 41t of the front cowl <NUM>. A lower end 42d of the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R is located downward relative to the lower end of the front cowl <NUM>. Note that in the present embodiment, the front end 410f of the front cowl <NUM> is the lower end of the front cowl <NUM>.

The left side cowl <NUM> has a projecting portion <NUM> that is projecting forward as the vehicle is viewed from the side. Similarly, the right side cowl 42R also has a projecting portion <NUM> that is projecting forward. As shown in <FIG>, the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R each have a lower edge 42de extending leftward or rightward as the vehicle is viewed from the front. Here, the lower edge 42de of the left side cowl <NUM> extends leftward from a front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM> of the left side cowl <NUM>. The lower edge 42de of the right side cowl 42R extends rightward from the front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM> of the right side cowl 42R. At least a portion of the lower edge 42de is located at or below the front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM>. Here, the entirety of the lower edge 42de is located at or below the front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM>.

The left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R each have a vertical edge 42se extending downward from the outward end portion of the lower edge 42de in the vehicle width direction as the vehicle is viewed from the front. Specifically, the left side cowl <NUM> has the vertical edge 42se extending downward from the left end of the lower edge 42de of the left side cowl <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The right side cowl 42R has the vertical edge 42se extending downward from the right end of the lower edge 42de of the right side cowl 42R as the vehicle is viewed from the front. As shown in <FIG>, the vertical edges 42se of the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R extend downward and rearward as the vehicle is viewed from the side.

As shown in <FIG>, the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R each have an upper edge 42ue extending upward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. Specifically, the left side cowl <NUM> has the upper edge 42ue extending upward and leftward from the front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM> of the left side cowl <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The right side cowl 42R has the upper edge 42ue extending upward and rightward from the front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM> of the right side cowl 42R as the vehicle is viewed from the front. As shown in <FIG>, the upper edges 42ue of the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R extend upward and rearward as the vehicle is viewed from the side.

The windshield <NUM> is arranged upward of the front cowl <NUM>. The windshield <NUM> is arranged upward of the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R. As shown in <FIG>, the windshield <NUM> overlaps with the vehicle center line CL as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

As shown in <FIG>, the left side cowl <NUM> and the front fender <NUM> are separate from each other as the vehicle is viewed from the side. The front cover <NUM> and the front fender <NUM> are separate from each other as the vehicle is viewed from the side. An intersection <NUM> does not overlap with the left side cowl <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the side. The intersection <NUM> does not overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the side.

As shown in <FIG>, the motorcycle <NUM> includes a left flasher <NUM> and a right flasher 52R. The left flasher <NUM> and the right flasher 52R are direction indicators. The left flasher <NUM> is operated to blink when the motorcycle <NUM> is turning left. The right flasher 52R is operated to blink when the motorcycle <NUM> is turning right.

The motorcycle <NUM> includes a headlight <NUM> including a left headlight <NUM> and a right headlight 51R. The headlight <NUM> is a front illumination that illuminates the area forward of the motorcycle <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the headlight <NUM> is arranged downward of the left flasher <NUM> and the right flasher 52R. The left headlight <NUM> is arranged downward of the left flasher <NUM>, and the right headlight 51R is arranged downward of the right flasher 52R. A left light <NUM> including a left cornering light and a left position lamp and a right light 58R including a right cornering light and a right position lamp are attached to the front cowl <NUM>. The left headlight <NUM> is arranged downward of the left light <NUM>. The right headlight 51R is arranged downward of the right light 58R. At least a portion of the left headlight <NUM> is arranged downward of the lower edge 42de of the left side cowl <NUM>. At least a portion of the right headlight 51R is arranged downward of the lower edge 42de of the right side cowl 42R. The left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R overlap with the front fork <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The left headlight <NUM> overlaps with the left tube <NUM> and the right headlight 51R overlaps with the right tube 30R.

The motorcycle <NUM> has a radar <NUM> for detecting objects such as other vehicles forward. Although not shown in the figures, the radar <NUM> includes a transmitter that transmits electromagnetic waves and a receiver that receives reflected waves that have been reflected off objects such as other vehicles forward. In the present embodiment, the transmitter is configured to transmits millimeter waves. The radar <NUM> is a so-called millimeter wave radar. Note however that there is no particular limitation thereto. The radar <NUM> may be configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves other than millimeter waves.

As shown in <FIG>, the front cover <NUM> includes a plurality of projecting portions <NUM> and <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the side. In the present embodiment, the front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM> of the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R is located forward relative to the front end 410f of the projecting portion <NUM> of the front cowl <NUM>. The front end 420f of the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R is the front end of the front cover <NUM>. The front end 420f of the front cover <NUM> is provided on the projecting portion <NUM> that is located lowermost among the plurality of projecting portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

At least a portion of the radar <NUM> is arranged downward relative to the front end 420f of the front cover <NUM>. At least a portion of the radar <NUM> is arranged upward relative to the front fender <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of the radar <NUM> is arranged downward relative to the lower edge 42de of the front cover <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the entirety of the radar <NUM> is arranged downward relative to the front end 420f of the front cover <NUM> and upward relative to the front fender <NUM>. The radar <NUM> is arranged downward relative to the front cowl <NUM>.

The radar <NUM> is arranged relative to the left side cowl <NUM> and leftward relative to the right side cowl 42R. The radar <NUM> overlaps with the vehicle center line CL as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

As shown in <FIG>, the radar <NUM> is arranged forward relative to the intersection <NUM> between the front edge 30fe of the front fork <NUM> and the upper edge 35ue of the front fender <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the side. The radar <NUM> is arranged relatively forward.

As shown in <FIG>, the radar <NUM> is supported on the vehicle body frame <NUM>. Note that "supported on the vehicle body frame <NUM>" refers both to being supported directly on the vehicle body frame <NUM> and to being supported indirectly on the vehicle body frame <NUM> with other members therebetween. In the present embodiment, the radar <NUM> is supported indirectly on the vehicle body frame <NUM> as will be described below.

As shown in <FIG>, a support bracket <NUM> is fixed to the head pipe <NUM>. The support bracket <NUM> includes a bracket 15A attached directly to the head pipe <NUM>, a bracket 15B fixed to the bracket 15A, and left and right arms 15C extending forward from the bracket 15B (see <FIG>). A base stay <NUM> is fixed to the left and right arms 15C. The base stay <NUM> is arranged forward of the head pipe <NUM>. The base stay <NUM> is cantilevered to the head pipe <NUM> with the support bracket <NUM> therebetween. Although not shown in the figures, a bracket is attached to the left-side portion of the base stay <NUM>, and the left side cowl <NUM> is connected to this bracket. A bracket is attached to the right-side portion of the base stay <NUM>, and the right side cowl 42R is connected to this bracket.

As shown in <FIG>, the radar <NUM> is supported on the base stay <NUM>. The radar <NUM> is arranged forward of the head pipe <NUM>. The radar <NUM> is cantilevered on the head pipe <NUM> with the support bracket <NUM> and the base stay <NUM> therebetween. The radar <NUM> is arranged forward of the vehicle body frame <NUM>. The distance L1 between a rear end 60b of the radar <NUM> and a front end 10f of the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction is shorter than the distance L2 (see <FIG>) between a lower end 60d of the radar <NUM> and an upper end 35t of the front fender <NUM> in the up-down direction. The distance between the radar <NUM> and the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction is relatively short.

As shown in <FIG>, the radar <NUM> is fixed to the radar stay <NUM>. The radar stay <NUM> is supported on the base stay <NUM>. An upper right portion of the radar stay <NUM> is coupled to the base stay <NUM> by a radar pivot <NUM>, which is a ball joint. This allows the radar stay <NUM> to pivot up, down, left and right relative to the base stay <NUM>.

An upper left portion of the radar stay <NUM> is coupled to the base stay <NUM> by a first aiming screw <NUM>. The first aiming screw <NUM> is arranged leftward of the radar pivot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base stay <NUM> has a hole <NUM> in which a tool (not shown) for turning the first aiming screw <NUM> is able to be inserted. The hole <NUM> is open downward. Note that while there is no particular limitation on the tool, it may preferably be a tool such as a screwdriver, for example. By turning the first aiming screw <NUM> in a predetermined direction, which is the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction, the upper left portion of the radar stay <NUM> moves rearward toward the base stay <NUM>. This tilts the radar stay <NUM> leftward, thereby tilting the radar <NUM> leftward. Conversely, by turning the first aiming screw <NUM> in the other direction, the upper left portion of the radar stay <NUM> moves forward away from the base stay <NUM>. This tilts the radar stay <NUM> rightward, thereby tilting the radar <NUM> rightward. Thus, by turning the first aiming screw <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the radar <NUM> in the left-right direction. The first aiming screw <NUM> is an example of an aiming screw for adjusting the orientation of the radar <NUM> in the left-right direction. Note that the first aiming screw <NUM> may be arranged rightward of the radar pivot <NUM>. The first aiming screw <NUM> may be arranged at the same height as the radar pivot <NUM>, or may be arranged upward or downward relative to the radar pivot <NUM>. The hole <NUM> may be formed in the radar stay <NUM>.

The lower right portion of the radar stay <NUM> is coupled to the base stay <NUM> by a second aiming screw <NUM>. The second aiming screw <NUM> is arranged downward of the radar pivot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base stay <NUM> has a hole <NUM> in which a tool (not shown) for turning the second aiming screw <NUM> is able to be inserted. The hole <NUM> is open downward. By turning the second aiming screw <NUM> in one direction, the lower right portion of the radar stay <NUM> moves rearward toward the base stay <NUM>. This tilts the radar stay <NUM> downward, thereby tilting the radar <NUM> downward. Conversely, by turning the second aiming screw <NUM> in the other direction, the lower right portion of the radar stay <NUM> moves forward away from the base stay <NUM>. This tilts the radar stay <NUM> upward, thereby tilting the radar <NUM> upward. Thus, by turning the second aiming screw <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the radar <NUM> in the up-down direction. The second aiming screw <NUM> is an example of an aiming screw for adjusting the orientation of the radar <NUM> in the up-down direction. Note that the second aiming screw <NUM> may be arranged upward of the radar pivot <NUM>. The position of the second aiming screw <NUM> in the left-right direction may coincide with the position of the radar pivot <NUM> in the left-right direction, or the second aiming screw <NUM> may be arranged leftward or rightward relative to the radar pivot <NUM>. The hole <NUM> may be formed in the radar stay <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM> do not overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The hole <NUM> and the hole <NUM> do not overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The first aiming screw <NUM>, the second aiming screw <NUM>, the hole <NUM> and the hole <NUM> do not overlap with any of the front cowl <NUM>, the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R as the vehicle is viewed from the front. As described above, the hole <NUM> in which a tool for turning the first aiming screw <NUM> is able to be inserted and the hole <NUM> in which a tool for turning the second aiming screw <NUM> is able to be inserted are open downward (see <FIG>). The front cover <NUM> does not interfere with the insertion of the tool in the hole <NUM> and the insertion of the tool in the hole <NUM>. It is possible to easily adjust the orientation of the radar <NUM> up, down, left and right without being interfered by the front cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the radar <NUM> includes a casing <NUM> that houses a transmitter and a receiver (not shown), and a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is electrically connected to the transmitter and the receiver. The casing <NUM> has a left wall <NUM> and a right wall 61R. Here, the connector <NUM> is provided on the right wall 61R. Note however that the connector <NUM> may be provided on the left wall <NUM>. A connector <NUM> connected to a wire harness <NUM> is removably connected to the connector <NUM>. The radar <NUM> is connected to a controller (not shown) by the wire harness <NUM>.

The left headlight <NUM> is fixed to a left headlight stay <NUM>. The right headlight 51R is fixed to a right headlight stay 53R. The left headlight stay <NUM> and the right headlight stay 53R are supported on the base stay <NUM>. An upper left portion and an upper right portion of the left headlight stay <NUM> are coupled to the base stay <NUM> by a headlight pivot e75, which is a ball joint. Similarly, an upper left portion and an upper right portion of the right headlight stay 53R are coupled to the base stay <NUM> by the headlight pivot <NUM>, which is a ball joint. Thus, the left headlight stay <NUM> and the right headlight stay 53R are pivotable relative to the base stay <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a lower portion of each of the left headlight stay <NUM> and the right headlight stay 53R is coupled to the base stay <NUM> by an aiming screw <NUM>. The aiming screw <NUM> is arranged downward of the headlight pivot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a hole <NUM> in which a tool (not shown) for turning the aiming screw <NUM> is inserted is formed in the base stay <NUM>. The hole <NUM> is open downward. By turning the aiming screw <NUM> in one direction, the lower portion of the left headlight stay <NUM> and the right headlight stay 53R moves rearward toward the base stay <NUM>, thereby tilting the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R downward. Conversely, by turning the aiming screw <NUM> in the other direction, the lower portion of the left headlight stay <NUM> and the right headlight stay 53R moves forward away from the base stay <NUM>, thereby tilting the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R upward. Thus, by turning the aiming screw <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R. The aiming screw <NUM> is an example of a headlight aiming screw for adjusting the orientation of the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R. Note that the hole <NUM> may be formed in the left headlight stay <NUM> and the right headlight stay 53R.

As shown in <FIG>, the aiming screw <NUM> and the hole <NUM> do not overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The aiming screw <NUM> and the hole <NUM> do not overlap with any of the front cowl <NUM>, the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R. As described above, the hole <NUM> in which a tool for turning the aiming screw <NUM> is inserted is open downward. The front cover <NUM> does not interfere with the insertion of the tool in the hole <NUM>. It is possible to easily adjust the orientation of the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R without being interfered by the front cover <NUM>.

The motorcycle <NUM> is configured as described above. Next, various effects to be realized by the motorcycle <NUM> will be described.

As shown in <FIG>, the radar <NUM> is arranged forward of the head pipe <NUM>. Here, the head pipe <NUM> extends downward and forward. Therefore, the more downward the radar <NUM> is arranged, the shorter the distance between the radar <NUM> and the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of the radar <NUM> is arranged downward relative to the front end 420f of the front cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of the radar <NUM> is arranged downward relative to the lower edge 42de of the front cover <NUM> and upward relative to the front fender <NUM>. Thus, the radar <NUM> is arranged relatively downward. Therefore, even if the radar <NUM> is arranged relatively forward, the distance between the radar <NUM> and the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction does not become long. Although the radar <NUM> is cantilevered on the vehicle body frame <NUM>, the radar <NUM> is less likely to vibrate while the motorcycle <NUM> is running. Therefore, with the motorcycle <NUM> according to the present embodiment, it is possible with the radar <NUM> to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

While the front cover <NUM> has a plurality of projecting portions <NUM> and <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the side as shown in <FIG>, the front end 420f of the front cover <NUM> is provided on the projecting portion <NUM> that is located lowermost among the plurality of projecting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. At least a portion of the radar <NUM> is arranged downward relative to the front end 420f of the projecting portion <NUM> that is located lowermost. The radar <NUM> is arranged more downward. Therefore, even if the radar <NUM> is arranged more forward, the distance between the radar <NUM> and the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction does not become long, and the radar <NUM> is less likely to vibrate. Therefore, it is possible with the radar <NUM> to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to the present embodiment, the radar <NUM> is arranged downward relative to the front cowl <NUM> (see <FIG>). The radar <NUM> is arranged relatively downward. Therefore, the radar <NUM> is less likely to vibrate. It is possible with the radar <NUM> to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to the present embodiment, the radar <NUM> is arranged rightward relative to the left side cowl <NUM> and leftward relative to the right side cowl 42R (see <FIG>). The radar <NUM> is arranged near the center of the motorcycle <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the radar <NUM> is arranged forward relative to the intersection <NUM> between the front edge 30fe of the front fork <NUM> and the upper edge 35ue of the front fender <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the side. The radar <NUM> is arranged relatively forward. Therefore, it is possible to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the distance L1 between the rear end 60b of the radar <NUM> and the front end 10f of the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction is shorter than the distance L2 between the lower end 60d of the radar <NUM> and the upper end 35t of the front fender <NUM> in the up-down direction. Since the distance between the radar <NUM> and the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction is short, the radar <NUM> is less likely to vibrate. Therefore, it is possible to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> of the radar <NUM> is provided on the right wall 61R of the casing <NUM>. Therefore, with the connector <NUM> connected to the connector <NUM>, the wire harness <NUM> does not protrude upward or downward of the casing <NUM>. The dimension of the radar <NUM> and the wire harness <NUM> in the up-down direction can be made compact. Note that the connector <NUM> of the radar <NUM> may be provided on the left wall <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. Similar effects can be realized also in this case.

According to the present embodiment, the radar <NUM> is supported on the base stay <NUM> cantilevered on the head pipe <NUM> (see <FIG>). The radar <NUM> is cantilevered on the head pipe <NUM> with the base stay <NUM> therebetween. However, since the distance between the radar <NUM> and the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction is short as described above, the radar <NUM> is less likely to vibrate. Therefore, it is possible to desirably detect objects such as other vehicles forward.

According to the present embodiment, the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R are supported on the base stay <NUM> (see <FIG>). The radar <NUM> and the headlights <NUM> and 51R can be supported on the common base stay <NUM>.

According to the present embodiment, the headlight <NUM> is not a single light, but includes the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R. The amount of light of the headlight <NUM> is the sum of the amount of light of the left headlight <NUM> and the amount of light of the right headlight 51R. Thus, it is possible to arrange the radar <NUM> near the center of the motorcycle <NUM> while ensuring a sufficient amount of light of the headlight <NUM> as a whole.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R overlap with the front fork <NUM> and the radar <NUM> does not overlap with the front fork <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. It is possible to ensure a sufficient space for installment of the radar <NUM> without being interfered by the front fork <NUM>.

According to the present embodiment, by turning the aiming screw <NUM> (see <FIG>), it is possible to adjust the orientation of the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R. As shown in <FIG>, the aiming screw <NUM> and the hole <NUM> do not overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The area downward of the hole <NUM> is not covered by the front cover <NUM>. Therefore, without removing the front cover <NUM>, it is possible to insert a tool such as a screwdriver in the hole <NUM> to turn the aiming screw <NUM>. Without removing the front cover <NUM>, it is possible to perform the operation of adjusting the orientation of the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R.

According to the present embodiment, by turning the first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM> (see <FIG>), it is possible to adjust the orientation of the radar <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM> do not overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The hole <NUM> and the hole <NUM> do not overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The areas downward of the hole <NUM> and the hole <NUM> are not covered by the front cover <NUM>. Therefore, without removing the front cover <NUM>, it is possible to insert a tool such as a screwdriver in the hole <NUM> and the hole <NUM> to turn the first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM>. Without removing the front cover <NUM>, it is possible to perform the operation of adjusting the orientation of the radar <NUM>.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, radar aiming screws for adjusting the orientation of the radar <NUM> include the first aiming screw <NUM> located leftward of the radar pivot <NUM>, which is a ball joint, and the second aiming screw <NUM> located downward of the radar pivot <NUM>. By turning the first aiming screw <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the radar <NUM> in the left-right direction. By turning the second aiming screw <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the orientation of the radar <NUM> in the up-down direction. The orientation of the radar <NUM> in the left-right direction and that in the up-down direction can be adjusted independently. Thus, it is possible to easily perform the operation of adjusting the orientation of the radar <NUM>. It is possible to easily adjust the orientation of the radar <NUM> to a desired orientation.

While one embodiment has been described above, the embodiment is merely an example. Various other embodiments are possible. Next, examples of other embodiments will be described briefly.

While the radar <NUM> is exposed forward as shown in <FIG> in the embodiment described above, a radar cover <NUM> may be provided that covers the front of the radar <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The motorcycle <NUM> may include the radar cover <NUM> that is arranged forward of the radar <NUM> and overlaps with the radar <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The radar cover <NUM> may overlap with only a portion of the radar <NUM> or may overlap with the entirety of the radar <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. In the example shown in <FIG>, as the vehicle is viewed from the front, the radar cover <NUM> includes a portion <NUM> that overlaps with the radar <NUM>, a portion <NUM> that is located upward of the radar <NUM>, a portion <NUM> that is located leftward relative to the vehicle center line CL and downward of the left headlight <NUM>, a portion 83R that is located rightward relative to the vehicle center line CL and downward of the right headlight 51R, a portion <NUM> that overlaps with the left tube <NUM> of the front fork <NUM>, and a portion 84R that overlaps with the right tube 30R of the front fork <NUM>. However, the radar cover <NUM> shown in <FIG> is merely an example. There is no particular limitation on the shape of the radar cover <NUM>. The radar cover <NUM> is made of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the radar <NUM>. For example, the radar cover <NUM> may be made of a polyethylene resin, a polypropylene resin, an ABS resin, or the like.

According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, it is possible with the radar cover <NUM> to prevent mud, gravel, etc., from hitting the radar <NUM>. It is possible to prevent degradation of the radar <NUM>. The surface of the radar cover <NUM> may be scratched by pebbles, etc., flying off the road. In the present embodiment, the radar cover <NUM> can be removed without removing the front cover <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to replace only the radar cover <NUM> without replacing the front cover <NUM>. This makes maintenance easier.

As described above, the hole <NUM> in which a tool for turning the first aiming screw <NUM> is inserted and the hole <NUM> in which a tool for turning the second aiming screw <NUM> is inserted are open downward. The downward side of the radar cover <NUM> is open. Therefore, it is possible to turn the first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM> without removing the radar cover <NUM>. It is possible to perform the operation of adjusting the orientation of the radar <NUM> without removing the radar cover <NUM>.

In the embodiment described above, a tool such as a screwdriver for turning the first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM> is inserted in the upward direction from the downward side. A tool path is provided downward of the first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM>. On the other hand, a tool may be inserted in the rearward direction from the front side as shown in <FIG>. The first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM> may be turned by inserting a tool from the front side. A tool path may be provided forward of the first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM>.

In the embodiment described above, the front end 420f of the front cover <NUM> is provided on the projecting portion <NUM> that is located lowermost among the plurality of projecting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. However, the front end of the front cover may be provided on a projecting portion other than a projecting portion that is located lowermost among a plurality of projecting portions of the front cover.

There is no particular limitation on the configuration of the front cover <NUM>. The front cowl <NUM>, the left side cowl <NUM> and the right side cowl 42R may be separate from each other, or any two of, or all of, them may be an integral part. The front cover <NUM> may overlap with the intersection <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the side.

At least a portion of the radar <NUM> may be arranged upward relative to the lower end of the front cowl <NUM>. At least a portion of the radar <NUM> may be arranged leftward relative to the right end of the left side cowl <NUM>. At least a portion of the radar <NUM> may be arranged rightward relative to the left end of the right side cowl 42R. At least a portion of the radar <NUM> may be rearward relative to the intersection <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the side.

The distance L1 between the rear end 60b of the radar <NUM> and the front end 10f of the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction may be equal to or longer than the distance L2 between the lower end 60d of the radar <NUM> and the upper end 35t of the front fender <NUM> in the up-down direction.

The connector <NUM> of the radar <NUM> may be provided on the upper wall or the lower wall of the casing <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be provided on other portions of the casing <NUM>.

The left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R do not need to be supported on the base stay <NUM>. The stay that supports the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R may be separate from the stay that supports the radar <NUM>.

The motorcycle <NUM> does not need to include a pair of left and right headlights <NUM> and 51R. The headlight of the motorcycle <NUM> may be a single light.

The radar <NUM> does not need to overlap with the vehicle center line CL as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The radar <NUM> may be arranged leftward or rightward of the vehicle center line CL as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

One or both of the left headlight <NUM> and the right headlight 51R do not need to overlap with the front fork <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The radar <NUM> may overlap with the front fork <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front.

The aiming screw <NUM> for adjusting the orientation of the headlights <NUM> and 51R may overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The first aiming screw <NUM> and the second aiming screw <NUM> for adjusting the orientation of the radar <NUM> may overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The holes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may overlap with the front cover <NUM> as the vehicle is viewed from the front. The aiming screw for adjusting the orientation of the radar <NUM> may be a single aiming screw. The motorcycle <NUM> does not need to include an aiming screw for adjusting the orientation of the headlights <NUM> and 51R.

A straddled vehicle refers to a vehicle that is straddled by a passenger. A straddled vehicle is not limited to the motorcycle <NUM>. A straddled vehicle may be an auto tricycle, or an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), for example.

Claim 1:
A straddled vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a vehicle body frame (<NUM>) including a head pipe (<NUM>) extending downward in vehicle up-down direction and forward in vehicle front-rear direction;
a steering shaft (<NUM>) supported on the head pipe (<NUM>) and being rotatable left and right in vehicle left-right direction;
a front fork (<NUM>) connected to the steering shaft (<NUM>);
a front fender (<NUM>) supported on the front fork (<NUM>);
a front cover (<NUM>) at least a portion of which is arranged forward relative to the head pipe (<NUM>) in vehicle front-rear direction;
a radar (<NUM>) supported on the vehicle body frame (<NUM>) and arranged forward relative to the head pipe (<NUM>) in vehicle front-rear direction;
a radar stay (<NUM>) to which the radar (<NUM>) is fixed,
a base stay (<NUM>) cantilevered on the head pipe (<NUM>), wherein the radar stay (<NUM>) is supported on the base stay (<NUM>) to support the radar (<NUM>) on the base stay (<NUM>),
the front cover (<NUM>) includes a front end (420f), and a lower edge (42de) that extends leftward or rightward in vehicle left-right direction as the vehicle is viewed from the front and at least a portion of which is located at or below the front end (420f) in vehicle up-down direction; and
at least a portion of the radar (<NUM>) is arranged downward relative to the front end (420f) of the front cover (<NUM>), downward relative to the lower edge (42de) and upward relative to the front fender (<NUM>) in vehicle up-down direction, characterized by
a radar pivot (<NUM>) that pivotally supports the radar stay (<NUM>) on the base stay (<NUM>); and
a radar aiming screw (<NUM>, <NUM>) that couples together the base stay (<NUM>) and the radar stay (<NUM>), wherein:
a hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) in which a tool for turning the radar aiming screw (<NUM>, <NUM>) is able to be inserted is formed in the radar stay (<NUM>) or the base stay (<NUM>);
an orientation of the radar (<NUM>) is adjustable by turning the radar aiming screw (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
the hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) does not overlap with the front cover (<NUM>) as the vehicle is viewed from the front.