Patent Description:
As disclosed in <CIT>, there has been known a straddled vehicle including a throttle valve disposed in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine and an injector that injects fuel. A throttle drum is coupled to the throttle valve. Two throttle cables are attached to the throttle drum. When one of the throttle cables is pulled, the throttle valve rotates to open, whereas when the other throttle cable is pulled, the throttle valve rotates to be closed. A fuel hose is connected to the injector.

In the straddled vehicle disclosed in <CIT>, the injector is disposed relatively far from the throttle drum. The fuel hose extending from the injector and the two throttle cables extending from the throttle drum are less likely to interfere with each other. However, in a case where the injector is disposed relatively close to the throttle drum, the throttle cables might interfere routing of the fuel hose.

To avoid interference with the throttle cables, it is conceivable that the fuel hose is extended from the injector to pass above or below the throttle cables. However, if the fuel hose is extended in the manner described above from the injector near the throttle drum, the fuel hose might be bent sharply. In this case, a relatively heavy load might be applied to a portion of the fuel hose connected to the injector or the sharply bent portion of the fuel hose.

It is therefore an object of the present teaching to provide a straddled vehicle that can avoid interference between throttle cables and a fuel hose extending from an injector without a sharp bent of the fuel hose. 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 here includes: an internal combustion engine; an injector attached to the internal combustion engine and configured to inject fuel; an intake passage connected to the internal combustion engine; a throttle valve disposed in the intake passage; a throttle drum connected to the throttle valve and configured to rotate together with the throttle valve; a first throttle cable connected to the throttle drum and configured to pull the throttle drum in a first direction; a second throttle cable connected to the throttle drum and configured to pull the throttle drum in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction; and a fuel hose connected to the injector. The fuel hose has an intersection portion passing between the first throttle cable and the second throttle cable.

In the straddled vehicle, since the intersection portion of the fuel hose passes between the first throttle cable and the second throttle cable, the fuel hose does not need to extend to pass above or below the throttle cables. Interference between the fuel hose and the throttle cables can be avoided without a sharp bent of the fuel hose extending from the injector.

In the straddled vehicle, since the fuel hose does not interfere with the throttle cables, the injector can be disposed near the throttle drum. The intersection portion of the fuel hose may be disposed rearward of either a front end of the injector or a front end of the throttle drum and forward of either a rear end of the injector or a rear end of the throttle drum.

A resin fuel hose has higher rigidity than a rubber fuel hose, and thus, is not easily bent. In the resin fuel hose, a load is likely to be applied to a connection portion with the injector and a bent portion, as compared to the rubber fuel hose. However, in the straddled vehicle, the fuel hose extending from the injector does not need to be bent sharply. Thus, a resin hose can be suitably used as a fuel hose. The fuel hose may be made of resin. Accordingly, costs for the fuel hose can be reduced.

Each of the first throttle cable and the second throttle cable may include a tube and an inner wire inserted in the tube and connected to the throttle drum. The fuel hose may have an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the tube.

In the configuration described above, since the fuel hose is relatively thin, the intersection portion of the fuel hose can easily pass between the first throttle cable and the second throttle cable.

The intersection portion of the fuel hose may extend in a vehicle width direction in a vehicle plan view. In a vehicle side view, the intersection portion of the fuel hose may be disposed below the first throttle cable and above the second throttle cable.

The straddled vehicle may include a housing box having a bottom wall disposed above the internal combustion engine. The bottom wall of the housing box may have a portion located above the first throttle cable, the intersection portion of the fuel hose, and the second throttle cable and overlapping the first throttle cable, the intersection portion of the fuel hose, and the second throttle cable in a vehicle plan view.

In the configuration described above, the position of the bottom wall of the housing box can be lowered, as compared to a case where the fuel hose passes above the first throttle cable and the second throttle cable. Accordingly, the capacity of the housing box can be increased.

A portion of the second throttle cable may be disposed between the intersection portion of the fuel hose and a surface of the internal combustion engine.

In the configuration described above, as compared to a case where the fuel hose passes between the throttle cables and the internal combustion engine, the fuel hose can be disposed away from the internal combustion engine by a distance corresponding to the second throttle cable disposed between the fuel hose and the internal combustion engine. Accordingly, the fuel hose is less affected by heat of the internal combustion engine.

The throttle drum may be disposed rearward of the injector and outward of the injector in a vehicle width direction. The fuel hose may extend from the injector outward in the vehicle width direction. The first throttle cable and the second throttle cable may extend forward from the throttle drum.

The configuration described above enables the injector, the throttle drum, the fuel hose, and the throttle cables to be arranged compactly.

The straddled vehicle may include a holder fixed to the internal combustion engine and configured to hold a portion of the fuel hose. The holder may be disposed rearward of a front end of the injector, forward of a rear end of the throttle drum, and outward of the intersection portion of the fuel hose in the vehicle width direction.

The configuration described above enables the fuel hose to be supported stably with the injector, the throttle drum, and the fuel hose arranged compactly.

The straddled vehicle may include: a body frame; and a pivot shaft connecting the internal combustion engine to the body frame such that the internal combustion engine is swingable.

Since the injector is attached to the internal combustion engine and the fuel hose is connected to the injector, the fuel hose extending from the injector swings together with the internal combustion engine. However, in the straddled vehicle, the fuel hose extending from the injector does not need to be bent sharply. Thus, although the fuel hose swings together with the internal combustion engine, application of a heavy load to the fuel hose can be reduced.

The present teaching provides a straddled vehicle that can avoid interference between throttle cables and a fuel hose extending from an injector without a sharp bent of the fuel hose.

A preferred embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. <FIG> is a left side view of a motorcycle <NUM> as an example of a straddled vehicle. <FIG> is a plan view of the motorcycle <NUM>. The motorcycle <NUM> described below is a scooter. It should be noted that the motorcycle <NUM> is not limited to the scooter.

Unless otherwise specified, front, rear, left, right, up, and down as used in the description below refer to front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively, as seen from an imaginary passenger sitting on a seat <NUM> in a case where the motorcycle <NUM> on which no passenger sits and no load is mounted is stationary in an upright position on a horizontal plane. Characters F, Re, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively.

Forward includes not only a direction extending horizontally forward along a vehicle center line CL but also a direction inclined from this forward direction at an angle less than <NUM> degrees, unless otherwise specified. Rearward includes not only a direction extending horizontally rearward along the vehicle center line CL but also a direction inclined from this rearward direction at an angle less than <NUM> degrees. The front-rear direction of the vehicle referrers to the indication F-Re in the figures. Leftward includes not only a direction extending horizontally leftward along a line orthogonal to the vehicle center line CL but also a direction inclined from this leftward direction at an angle less than <NUM> degrees. Rightward includes not only a direction extending horizontally rightward along the line orthogonal to the vehicle center line CL but also a direction inclined from this rightward direction at an angle less than <NUM> degrees. The left-right direction of the vehicle referrers to the indication L-R in the figures. Upward includes not only a direction extending upward along a vertical line but also a direction inclined from this upward direction at an angle less than <NUM> degrees. Downward includes not only a direction extending downward along the vertical line but also a direction inclined from this downward direction at an angle less than <NUM> degrees. The up-down direction of the vehicle referrers to the indication U-D in the figures.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the motorcycle <NUM> includes a seat <NUM> on which a rider sits, a handlebar <NUM>, an internal combustion engine (hereinafter referred to as an engine) <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, a rear wheel <NUM>, a footrest <NUM>, and a body cover <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is disposed above and rearward of the footrest <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a rotatable accelerator grip 3R is disposed at the right of the handlebar <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial left side view of the motorcycle <NUM>. <FIG> is a plan view of a portion of the motorcycle <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the motorcycle <NUM> includes a body frame <NUM> having a head pipe <NUM>. The head pipe <NUM> supports a steering shaft <NUM> such that the steering shaft <NUM> is rotatable leftward or rightward. The handlebar <NUM> is fixed to an upper portion of the steering shaft <NUM>. A front fork <NUM> is connected to a lower portion of the steering shaft <NUM>. A front wheel <NUM> is rotatably connected to a lower end portion of the front fork <NUM>. The body frame <NUM> includes a left seat frame <NUM> extending rearward and a right seat frame 14R extending rearward (see <FIG>).

The engine <NUM> is a so-called unit swing type engine. The engine <NUM> is coupled to the body frame <NUM> by a pivot shaft <NUM>. The pivot shaft <NUM> extends in the vehicle left-right directions. The pivot shaft <NUM> swingably supports the engine <NUM>. The engine <NUM> is swingable about the pivot shaft <NUM>.

A housing box <NUM> is disposed above the engine <NUM>. A fuel tank <NUM> is disposed rearward of the housing box <NUM>. The fuel tank <NUM> is disposed above the rear wheel <NUM>. The housing box <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> are disposed below the seat <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, an intake pipe <NUM> is connected to the engine <NUM>. The intake pipe <NUM> extends rearward from the engine <NUM>. An air cleaner <NUM> is connected to the intake pipe <NUM>. Air taken in the air cleaner <NUM> passes through the intake pipe <NUM>, and then is supplied to a combustion chamber (not shown) in the engine <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the motorcycle <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the intake pipe <NUM> is provided with a throttle body <NUM>. The intake pipe <NUM> and the throttle body <NUM> constitute an intake passage <NUM> for supplying air to the engine <NUM>.

A throttle valve <NUM> is disposed in the throttle body <NUM>. The throttle valve <NUM> is disposed in the intake passage <NUM> and controls a flow rate of air passing through the intake passage <NUM>. The throttle valve <NUM> has a valve shaft <NUM>. A throttle drum <NUM> is connected to the valve shaft <NUM>. The throttle drum <NUM> is configured to rotate together with the throttle valve <NUM>. When the throttle drum <NUM> rotates, the throttle valve <NUM> rotates.

<FIG> is an enlarged side view of a portion of the motorcycle <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a first throttle cable <NUM> and a second throttle cable <NUM> are connected to the throttle drum <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the throttle drum <NUM>, the first throttle cable <NUM>, the second throttle cable <NUM>, and so forth. The first throttle cable <NUM> includes a tube 51A and an inner wire 51B inserted in the tube 51A. The inner wire 51B is connected to the throttle drum <NUM>. The second throttle cable <NUM> includes a tube 52A and an inner wire 52B inserted in the tube 52A. The inner wire 52B is connected to the throttle drum <NUM>.

The first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> extend forward from the throttle drum <NUM>. In a region rearward of an injector <NUM> and forward of the throttle drum <NUM>, the first throttle cable <NUM> is disposed above the second throttle cable <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged front view of a portion of the motorcycle <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a cross member <NUM> extending in the vehicle left-right directions is connected to the left seat frame <NUM> and the right seat frame 14R. A holder <NUM> is fixed to the cross member <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is disposed forward of the injector <NUM> and the throttle drum <NUM>. A portion of the first throttle cable <NUM> and a portion of the second throttle cable <NUM> are held by the holder <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the throttle drum <NUM> is rotatable in a first direction R1 and in a second direction R2. The second direction R2 is opposite to the first direction R1. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the first direction R1 is a counterclockwise direction, and the second direction R2 is a clockwise direction. In this preferred embodiment, the first direction R1 is a direction in which the throttle valve <NUM> is opened, and the second direction R2 is a direction in which the throttle valve <NUM> is closed. That is, when the throttle drum <NUM> rotates in the first direction R1, the opening degree of the throttle valve <NUM> increases. When the throttle drum <NUM> rotates in the second direction R2, the opening degree of the throttle valve <NUM> decreases.

In this preferred embodiment, the first throttle cable <NUM> is a cable for operating the throttle drum <NUM> in the direction in which the throttle valve <NUM> is opened. The first throttle cable <NUM> is set to pull the throttle drum <NUM> in the first direction R1. When the inner wire <NUM> B of the first throttle cable <NUM> is pulled, the throttle drum <NUM> rotates in the first direction R1, and the opening degree of the throttle valve <NUM> increases. The second throttle cable <NUM> is a cable for operating the throttle drum <NUM> in the direction in which the throttle valve <NUM> is closed. The second throttle cable <NUM> is set to pull the throttle drum <NUM> in the second direction R2. When the inner wire 52B of the second throttle cable <NUM> is pulled, the throttle drum <NUM> rotates in the second direction R2, and the opening degree of the throttle valve <NUM> decreases.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> are connected to the accelerator grip 3R. When a rider operates the accelerator grip 3R, the inner wire 51B of the first throttle cable <NUM> or the inner wire 52B of the second throttle cable <NUM> is pulled so that and the throttle drum <NUM> rotates in the first direction R1 or in the second direction R2. Accordingly, the opening degree of the throttle valve <NUM> is adjusted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the injector <NUM> for injecting fuel is attached to the engine <NUM>. Although the injector <NUM> may be directly attached to the engine <NUM>, the injector <NUM> is indirectly attached to the engine <NUM> through the intake pipe <NUM> in this preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, the injector <NUM> is attached to the intake pipe <NUM> downstream of the throttle body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

A fuel hose <NUM> is connected to the injector <NUM>. The fuel hose <NUM> couples the fuel tank <NUM> (see <FIG>) to the injector <NUM>. In this preferred embodiment, a front end portion of the fuel hose <NUM> is connected to the injector <NUM>, and a rear end portion of the fuel hose <NUM> is connected to the fuel tank <NUM>. Specifically, a fuel pump (not shown) is disposed in the fuel tank <NUM>, and the rear end portion of the fuel hose <NUM> is connected to the fuel pump. Fuel in the fuel tank <NUM> is supplied to the injector <NUM> through the fuel hose <NUM>.

A material for the fuel hose <NUM> is not specifically limited, and in this preferred embodiment, the fuel hose <NUM> is made of resin. A portion or whole of the fuel hose <NUM> is made of a resin material. As a material included in the fuel hose <NUM>, polyamide (PA) is preferably used, for example.

The size of the fuel hose <NUM> is not specifically limited, and in this preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the fuel hose <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 51A of the first throttle cable <NUM>. The outer diameter of the fuel hose <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 52A of the second throttle cable <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is fixed to the engine <NUM>. The holder <NUM> is disposed outward of the throttle drum <NUM> in a vehicle width direction. The expression "outward in the vehicle width direction" refers to a direction away from the vehicle center line CL. Inward in the vehicle width direction refers to a direction toward the vehicle center line CL. As illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is disposed rearward of a front end 60f of the injector <NUM> and forward of a rear end 42b of the throttle drum <NUM>. A portion of the fuel hose <NUM> is held by the holder <NUM>. A portion of the fuel hose <NUM> held by the holder <NUM> will be hereinafter referred to as a first held portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is fixed to a seat frame <NUM>. The holder <NUM> is disposed outward of the holder <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The holder <NUM> is disposed rearward of the holder <NUM>. Another portion of the fuel hose <NUM> is held by the holder <NUM>. A portion of the fuel hose <NUM> held by the holder <NUM> will be hereinafter referred to as a second held portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the fuel hose <NUM> extends outward in the vehicle width direction from a connection portion <NUM> connected to the injector <NUM> to the first held portion <NUM>. The fuel hose <NUM> extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the first held portion <NUM> to the second held portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the fuel hose <NUM> extends rearward from the second held portion <NUM> to the fuel tank <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the throttle drum <NUM> is disposed rearward of the injector <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the throttle drum <NUM> is disposed outward of the injector <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The fuel hose <NUM> extends outward from the injector <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, a portion of the fuel hose <NUM> from the connection portion <NUM> connected to the injector <NUM> to the first held portion <NUM> extends outward in the vehicle width direction. In this preferred embodiment, the fuel hose <NUM> extends leftward from the injector <NUM>. On the other hand, the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> extend forward from the throttle drum <NUM>. Thus, in a vehicle plan view, the fuel hose <NUM> intersect with the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM>.

In this preferred embodiment, it is conceivable to extend the fuel hose <NUM> from the injector <NUM> such that the fuel hose <NUM> passes above or below the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> in order to prevent the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> from interfering with the fuel hose <NUM>. However, if the fuel hose <NUM> is to be disposed in the manner described above, a portion of the fuel hose <NUM> from the connection portion <NUM> to the first held portion <NUM> needs to be bent sharply upward or downward. In this case, a heavy load might be applied to the connection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM>. A heavy load might also be applied to the sharply bent portion of the fuel hose <NUM>. In particular, since a resin hose has higher rigidity than a rubber hose, the resin hose is not easily bent. If the fuel hose <NUM> is made of resin, when the fuel hose <NUM> is sharply bent, a heavy load might be applied.

On the other hand, in this preferred embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the fuel hose <NUM> extending from the injector <NUM> passes between the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM>. A portion of the fuel hose <NUM> between the connection portion <NUM> and the first held portion <NUM> passes between the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> and extends outward in the vehicle width direction.

The fuel hose <NUM> has an intersection portion <NUM> passing between the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in a vehicle plan view, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> extends in the vehicle width directions. The vehicle width direction refers to a vehicle left-right direction. As illustrated in <FIG>, in a vehicle side view, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is disposed below the first throttle cable <NUM> and above the second throttle cable <NUM>. In this preferred embodiment, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is disposed below the tube 51A of the first throttle cable <NUM> and above the tube 52A of the second throttle cable <NUM>. The intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> may be in contact with one or both of the tube 51A and the tube 52A, or may be separated from one or both of the tube 51A and the tube 52A.

In this preferred embodiment, the fuel hose <NUM> intersects with the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> near the injector <NUM> and the throttle drum <NUM>. The intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is located near the injector <NUM> and the throttle drum <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is located rearward of the front end 60f of the injector <NUM> and forward of the rear end 42b of the throttle drum <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is located outward of the connection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> in the vehicle width direction and inward of the first held portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The holder <NUM> is disposed outward of the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in a vehicle plan view, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> overlaps a cylinder head <NUM> of the engine <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is located inward in the vehicle width direction of the outer end of the cylinder head <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. In this preferred embodiment, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is located rightward of the left end of the cylinder head <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cylinder head <NUM> of the engine <NUM> has an upper surface 4a. A portion of the second throttle cable <NUM> is disposed between the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> and the upper surface 4a of the engine <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the housing box <NUM> has a bottom wall 20A disposed above the engine <NUM>. At least a portion of the bottom wall 20A of the housing box <NUM> is located above the first throttle cable <NUM>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM>, and the second throttle cable <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in a vehicle plan view, a portion of the bottom wall 20A of the housing box <NUM> overlaps the first throttle cable <NUM>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM>, and the second throttle cable <NUM>. That is, the bottom wall 20A of the housing box <NUM> has a portion located directly above the first throttle cable <NUM>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM>, and the second throttle cable <NUM>.

The configuration of the motorcycle <NUM> according to this preferred embodiment has been described above. Next, advantages given by the motorcycle <NUM> will be described.

In the motorcycle <NUM> according to this preferred embodiment, the fuel hose <NUM> has the intersection portion <NUM> passing between the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM>. Since the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> passes between the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM>, the fuel hose <NUM> extending from the injector <NUM> does not need to be bent sharply to pass above or below the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM>. In this preferred embodiment, interference of the fuel hose <NUM> with the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> can be avoided without a sharp bent of the fuel hose <NUM> extending from the injector <NUM>. Since the fuel hose <NUM> does not need to be bent sharply, it is possible to avoid application of a heavy load to the fuel hose <NUM>.

In this preferred embodiment, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is disposed rearward of the front end 60f of the injector <NUM> and forward of the rear end 42b of the throttle drum <NUM>. The intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is disposed near the injector <NUM> and the throttle drum <NUM>. In this preferred embodiment, the fuel hose <NUM> intersects with the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> near the injector <NUM> and the throttle drum <NUM>, but the fuel hose <NUM> does not need to be bent sharply. Since the fuel hose <NUM> and the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> do not interfere with each other, the injector <NUM> can be easily disposed near the throttle drum <NUM>.

The fuel hose <NUM> may be made of rubber, but is made of resin in this preferred embodiment. Costs for the fuel hose <NUM> can be reduced. A resin hose has higher rigidity than a rubber hose, and thus, is not easily bent. However, in this preferred embodiment, since the fuel hose <NUM> does not need to be bent sharply, the resin fuel hose <NUM> can be suitably used.

In this preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the fuel hose <NUM> is smaller than the outside diameters of the tubes 51A and 52A of the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM>. Since the fuel hose <NUM> is relatively thin, the fuel hose <NUM> can easily pass between the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM>.

In this preferred embodiment, the bottom wall 20A of the housing box <NUM> has a portion located directly above the first throttle cable <NUM>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM>, and the second throttle cable <NUM>. That is, the bottom wall 20A of the housing box <NUM> has a portion located above the first throttle cable <NUM>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM>, and the second throttle cable <NUM> and, in a vehicle plan view, overlapping the first throttle cable <NUM>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM>, and the second throttle cable <NUM>. In this preferred embodiment, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is located below the first throttle cable <NUM>. Thus, as compared to a case where the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is located above the first throttle cable <NUM>, the position of the bottom wall 20A of the housing box <NUM> can be lowered. That is, as compared to a case where the fuel hose <NUM> passes above the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM>, the position of the bottom wall 20A of the housing box <NUM> can be lowered. Thus, the dimension of the housing box <NUM> in the top-bottom direction can be reduced so that the capacity of the housing box <NUM> can be thereby enlarged.

In this preferred embodiment, since the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is disposed between the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM>, a portion of the second throttle cable <NUM> is disposed between the intersection portion <NUM> and the upper surface 4a of the cylinder head <NUM> of the engine <NUM>. As compared to a case where the fuel hose <NUM> passes below the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> (i.e., the fuel hose <NUM> passes between the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the cylinder head <NUM>), the fuel hose <NUM> can be located away from the cylinder head <NUM>. Thus, the fuel hose <NUM> can be less affected by heat of the engine <NUM>.

In this preferred embodiment, the throttle drum <NUM> is disposed rearward of the injector <NUM> and outward of the injector <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The fuel hose <NUM> extends from the injector <NUM> outward in the vehicle width direction. The first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> extend forward from the throttle drum <NUM>. By employing such arrangement, the injector <NUM>, the throttle drum <NUM>, the fuel hose <NUM>, and the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> can be arranged compactly.

In this preferred embodiment, the first held portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is supported by the holder <NUM> fixed to the engine <NUM>. The holder <NUM> is disposed rearward of the front end 60f of the injector <NUM>, forward of the rear end 42b of the throttle drum <NUM>, and outward of the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The fuel hose <NUM> can be supported stably with the injector <NUM>, the throttle drum <NUM>, and the fuel hose <NUM> arranged compactly.

In this preferred embodiment, the engine <NUM> is a unit swing type engine. The engine <NUM> is swingably connected to the body frame <NUM> by the pivot shaft <NUM>. The injector <NUM> and the throttle drum <NUM> swing together with the engine <NUM>. A portion of the fuel hose <NUM> extending from the injector <NUM> also swings together with the engine <NUM>. Specifically, a portion of the fuel hose <NUM> between the connection portion <NUM> connected to the injector <NUM> and the second held portion <NUM> supported by the holder <NUM> fixed to the left seat frame <NUM> swings together with the engine <NUM>. However, in this preferred embodiment, this portion of the fuel hose <NUM> does not need to be bent sharply. Accordingly, although the portion of the fuel hose <NUM> described above swings together with the engine <NUM>, application of a heavy load to this portion can be reduced.

The foregoing description has been directed to one preferred embodiment. However, the above preferred embodiment is merely an example, and other various preferred embodiments may be made. Next, other embodiments will be briefly described.

In the preferred embodiment, the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> are cables for operating the throttle drum <NUM> in a direction in which the throttle valve <NUM> is opened and a direction in which the throttle valve <NUM> is closed, respectively. Alternatively, the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> may be cables for operating the throttle drum <NUM> in the direction in which the throttle valve <NUM> is closed and the direction in which the throttle valve <NUM> is opened, respectively.

Arrangement of the injector <NUM> and the throttle drum <NUM> is not specifically limited. For example, the throttle drum <NUM> may be disposed inward of the injector <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The throttle drum <NUM> may be disposed rightward of the injector <NUM>. The throttle drum <NUM> may be disposed forward of the injector <NUM>. In this case, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> may be disposed rearward of the front end of the throttle drum <NUM> and forward of the rear end of the injector <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the fuel tank <NUM> is disposed rearward of the housing box <NUM>. The fuel tank <NUM> is disposed above the rear wheel <NUM>. However, the position of the fuel tank <NUM> is not specifically limited. For example, the fuel tank <NUM> may be disposed below the footrest <NUM> (see <FIG>). The fuel tank <NUM> may be disposed below the housing box <NUM> or may be disposed forward of the rear wheel <NUM>.

The intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> may be disposed forward of the front end of the injector <NUM> and the front end of the throttle drum <NUM>. The intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> may be disposed rearward of the rear end of the injector <NUM> and the rear end of the throttle drum <NUM>.

The fuel hose <NUM> may not be made of resin. The fuel hose <NUM> may be made of rubber. A material for the fuel hose <NUM> is not specifically limited.

The outer diameter of the fuel hose <NUM> may be equal to the outer diameters of the tubes 51A and 52A of the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM>, or may be larger than the outer diameters of the tubes 51A and 52A of the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM>.

The outer diameter of the fuel hose <NUM> may not be uniform. The outer diameters of the tubes 51A and 52A of the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> may not be uniform. In the case whether the outer diameter of the fuel hose <NUM> or the tubes 51A and 52A of the throttle cables <NUM> and <NUM> is not uniform, the outer diameter of the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of portions of the tubes 51A and 52A overlapping the intersection portion <NUM> in a vehicle plan view.

The intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> may not extend in the vehicle width direction in a vehicle plan view. The intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> may not be disposed below the first throttle cable <NUM> and may not be disposed above the second throttle cable <NUM> in a vehicle side view.

The bottom wall 20A of the housing box <NUM> may not have the portion located directly above the first throttle cable <NUM>, the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM>, and the second throttle cable <NUM>.

A portion of the second throttle cable <NUM> may not be disposed between the intersection portion <NUM> of the fuel hose <NUM> and the upper surface 4a of the engine <NUM>.

The throttle drum <NUM> may be disposed forward of the injector <NUM>, and may be disposed inward of the injector <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The fuel hose <NUM> may not extend outward from the injector <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> may not extend forward from the throttle drum <NUM>.

The position and number of holders that hold the fuel hose <NUM> are not specifically limited. The position and number of holders that hold the first throttle cable <NUM> and the second throttle cable <NUM> are not specifically limited, either.

The engine <NUM> is not limited to a unit swing type engine. The engine <NUM> may be non-swingably fixed to the body frame <NUM>. The motorcycle <NUM> is not limited to a scooter.

The straddled vehicle refers to a vehicle on which a passenger is to be astride. The straddled vehicle is not limited to the motorcycle <NUM>. The straddled vehicle may be a tricycle, an all terrain vehicle (ATV), or a snowmobile, for example.

Claim 1:
A straddled vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
an internal combustion engine (<NUM>);
an injector (<NUM>) attached to the internal combustion engine (<NUM>) and configured to inject fuel;
an intake passage (<NUM>) connected to the internal combustion engine (<NUM>);
a throttle valve (<NUM>) disposed in the intake passage (<NUM>);
a throttle drum (<NUM>) connected to the throttle valve (<NUM>) and configured to rotate together with the throttle valve (<NUM>);
a first throttle cable (<NUM>) connected to the throttle drum (<NUM>) and configured to pull the throttle drum (<NUM>) in a first direction;
a second throttle cable (<NUM>) connected to the throttle drum (<NUM>) and configured to pull the throttle drum (<NUM>) in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction; and
a fuel hose (<NUM>) connected to the injector (<NUM>), the straddled vehicle being characterised in that the fuel hose (<NUM>) has an intersection portion (<NUM>) passing between the first throttle cable (<NUM>) and the second throttle cable (<NUM>).