Patent Description:
Various motorcycles may be configured for different applications and different preferences of riders. For example, a cruiser-type motorcycle may be suited for a rider that prefers comfort when traveling long distances rather than speed, whereas a sport or standard-type motorcycle may be preferred by riders who prefer enhanced speed capabilities. Typically, a sport or standard-type motorcycles are smaller in overall size than other types of motorcycles and, as such, the configuration of the various components on the bike are important. For example, a sport or standard-type motorcycle requires a fuel tank and airbox large enough to sustain the powertrain performance but able to be packaged with the other components of the motorcycle without increasing the size of the vehicle.

Additionally, because there are various vehicle platforms, it can be expensive and time-consuming to produce multiple motorcycles, each with unique components. As such, there is a need for a vehicle that may be applicable to multiple vehicle platforms to reduce manufacturing time and expense. For example, there is a need for a sport or standard-type vehicle platform that may be configured with various accessories and other components that allow the operator to customize the vehicle to his/her preferences and needs. <CIT> relates to an air cleaner structure disposed above an engine of a motorcycle, in accordance with the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The invention is set forth in claim <NUM>. Dependent claims recite advantageous embodiments of the invention. Disclosed herein is a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline, a front ground-engaging member operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis, and a rear ground-engaging member operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis. The vehicle further comprises an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front and rear ground-engaging members. The engine includes a throttle body assembly. Additionally, the vehicle comprises an air intake assembly fluidly coupled to the engine and including an airbox and a mounting plate having a first channel and a second channel. The first and second channels are configured to align with the throttle body assembly, and the mounting plate is configured to couple the airbox to the throttle body assembly. According to the invention, a two-wheeled vehicle, comprising: a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline; a front ground-engaging member operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis;a rear ground-engaging member operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis;an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front and rear ground-engaging members, the engine including a throttle body assembly; and an air intake assembly fluidly coupled to the engine and including an airbox and a mounting plate having a first channel and a second channel, and the first and second channels are configured to align with the throttle body assembly, and the mounting plate is configured to couple the airbox to the throttle body assembly, characterized in that the first channel defines a first overmolded boot configured to align with a first output of the airbox and a first throttle body of the throttle body assembly, and the second channel defines a second overmolded boot configured to align with a second output of the airbox and a second throttle body of the throttle body assembly.

Also disclosed herein is a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline, a front ground-engaging member operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis, and a rear ground-engaging member operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis. The vehicle also comprises an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front and rear ground-engaging members. The engine includes at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder. Additionally, the vehicle comprises an airbox fluidly coupled to the engine. The vehicle also comprises a mounting member removably coupled to the engine and removably coupled to the airbox. The mounting member defines a first flow path configured to provide air from the airbox to the first cylinder of the engine and defines a second flow path configured to provide air from the airbox to the second cylinder of the engine.

Also disclosed herein is a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline, a front ground-engaging member operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis, and a rear ground-engaging member operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis. The vehicle also comprises an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front and rear ground-engaging members. The engine includes a throttle body assembly. The vehicle also comprises an air intake assembly fluidly coupled to the engine and including an airbox and a mounting plate. The airbox is removably coupled to an upper surface of the mounting plate and the throttle body assembly is removably coupled to a lower surface of the mounting plate.

Also disclosed herein is a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline, a front ground-engaging member operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis, and a rear ground-engaging member operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis. The vehicle further comprises an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front and rear ground-engaging members. Additionally, vehicle comprises a drive assembly operably coupled to the engine and including a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a chain configured to rotate about the drive and driven sprockets. The vehicle also comprises a cover assembly configured to conceal at least a portion of the drive assembly. The cover assembly includes a laterally-outer cover configured to conceal the drive sprocket from a side view of the two-wheeled vehicle and a laterally-inner cover configured to conceal the drive sprocket from a front view of the two-wheeled vehicle.

Also disclosed herein is a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline, a front ground-engaging member operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis, and a rear ground-engaging member operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis. The vehicle further comprises an engine supported by the frame assembly and operably coupled to the front and rear ground-engaging members. The front end of the frame assembly is configured to support at least a first accessory, and the rear end of the frame assembly is configured to support at least a second accessory. The first accessory is different from the second accessory.

The above mentioned and other features, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Unless stated otherwise the drawings are proportional.

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. While the present invention primarily involves a motorcycle, it should be understood, that the invention may have application to other types of vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, watercraft, utility vehicles, snowmobiles, scooters, golf carts, and mopeds, as well as all types of motorcycles or other two-wheeled vehicles.

With reference to <FIG>, an illustrative embodiment of a two-wheeled vehicle <NUM> is shown. Vehicle <NUM> may be configured as any type of motorcycle, such as a sport or standard-type motorcycle, a touring motorcycle, a cruiser motorcycle, and other embodiments of a motorcycle-type vehicle. Vehicle <NUM> extends from a front end <NUM> to a rear end <NUM> along a longitudinal centerline L. Front end <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> includes at least one ground engaging member, namely a front wheel <NUM> configured to rotate about a front wheel rotational axis <NUM>, and rear end <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> includes at least one rear ground engaging member, illustratively a rear wheel <NUM> configured to rotate about a rear wheel rotational axis <NUM>. It will be appreciated that while the vehicle <NUM> is illustrated as a two-wheel vehicle, various embodiments of the present teachings are also operable with three, four, six etc. wheeled vehicles.

Referring still to <FIG>, rear wheel <NUM> is coupled to a powertrain assembly <NUM>, through a drive assembly <NUM>, to propel vehicle <NUM> through rear wheel <NUM>, as is disclosed further herein. Drive assembly <NUM> includes a drive shaft <NUM>, a drive sprocket <NUM> (<FIG>) operably coupled to drive shaft <NUM>, and a driven sprocket <NUM> operably coupled to drive sprocket <NUM> through a belt or chain <NUM> (<FIG>).

Powertrain assembly <NUM> includes both an engine <NUM> and transmission <NUM>. Transmission <NUM> is coupled to engine <NUM> which provides power to rear wheel <NUM> through drive shaft <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, engine <NUM> is a V-twin, gasoline engine that includes a first or front cylinder <NUM> and a second or rear cylinder <NUM> operably coupled together with a crankshaft (not shown) configured to rotate about a rotation axis. First and second cylinders <NUM>, <NUM> and the crankshaft are generally supported on a crankcase <NUM> of engine <NUM>. Illustratively, first and second cylinders <NUM>, <NUM> define a <NUM>-degree V configuration. In other embodiments, engine <NUM> includes any number of cylinders arranged in any configuration (e.g., <NUM>-degree). Each of cylinders <NUM>, <NUM> includes a cylinder head <NUM> and a piston (not shown) is configured to reciprocate within each cylinder <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby causing rotation of the crankshaft. It also will be appreciated that while engine <NUM> is illustrated as a gasoline engine, electric motors and other suitable torque-generating machines are operable with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, in one embodiment, powertrain assembly <NUM> includes a continuous variable transmission.

Referring still to <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> also generally includes a steering assembly <NUM>, illustratively handlebars. The handlebars may include operator controls, such as throttle and braking inputs, for operating vehicle <NUM>. Additionally, vehicle <NUM> may include foot controls for braking and/or throttle control. Steering assembly <NUM> may be operably coupled to a triple clamp assembly <NUM>, defined by a lower triple clamp 34a and an upper triple clamp 34b), and front forks <NUM> which may include a front suspension assembly <NUM>. Additionally, vehicle <NUM> includes a rear suspension assembly <NUM> (<FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, a seat <NUM> may be at least partially positioned above a portion of rear suspension assembly <NUM> and, illustratively, is configured as a straddle seat to support at least the operator but also may be configured to support at least one passenger rearward of the operator. A cargo or storage container (not shown) also may be included on vehicle <NUM>, either forward or rearward of seat <NUM>. Additionally, seat <NUM> is positioned generally rearward of a fuel tank <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> includes a frame assembly <NUM> supported by front and rear wheels <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>). Frame assembly <NUM> includes a main frame <NUM> and subframe <NUM> coupled together. Various portions of main frame <NUM> may be comprised of a metallic material, for example steel, and main frame <NUM> includes upper longitudinally-extending members <NUM> and lower longitudinally-extending members <NUM>. Both upper and lower longitudinally-extending members <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to a head tube (not shown), which is configured to receive a portion of steering assembly <NUM> (<FIG>). Upper and lower longitudinally-extending frame members <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled together through a plurality of cross-members <NUM>.

Illustratively, main frame <NUM> generally surrounds powertrain assembly <NUM> and, more particularly, extends over and forward of engine <NUM> and transmission <NUM>. Illustratively, longitudinally-extending members <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to subframe <NUM> of frame assembly <NUM> through coupling members <NUM>. Main frame <NUM>, including coupling members <NUM>, may be comprised of a metallic material and, in one embodiment, may be castings comprised of steel. As shown in <FIG>, coupling members <NUM> may be integral with longitudinally-extending members <NUM>, <NUM> or, alternatively, may be removable therefrom with removable fasteners (not shown).

Coupling members <NUM> are removably coupled to subframe <NUM> with removable fasteners <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> are received through front mounting bores <NUM> on subframe <NUM> and mounting bores <NUM> on coupling members <NUM>. The configuration of subframe <NUM> is removably coupled to main frame <NUM> and is comprised of cast aluminum.

Subframe <NUM> further includes rear mounting bores <NUM> which are configured to receive removable fasteners <NUM> therethrough. More particularly, mounting bores <NUM> are defined within complementary protrusions <NUM> on subframe <NUM>. Illustrative subframe <NUM> includes a first side portion 55a and a second side portion 55b which are positioned on the left and right sides of vehicle <NUM>, respectively, and, together, define a clam-shell configuration of subframe <NUM>. A first protrusion 70a of first side portion 55a extends inwardly towards longitudinal centerline L (<FIG>) and also towards a second protrusion 70b of second side portion 55b, which also extends inwardly towards longitudinal centerline L. In this way, first and second protrusions 70a, 70b further define the clam-shell configuration of subframe <NUM> and are coupled together with fasteners <NUM>. When side portions 55a, 55b of subframe <NUM> are coupled together, seat <NUM> may be supported thereon. It may be appreciated from the illustrative embodiment of <FIG> that protrusions 70a, 70b may be integrally formed with respective side portions 55a, 55b.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, subframe <NUM> further supports a tail light <NUM> such that an additional rear body panel is not required to mount tail light <NUM> to vehicle <NUM>. More particularly, subframe <NUM> includes mounting members <NUM> which couple with a forward portion of tail light <NUM> to support tail light <NUM> directly on subframe <NUM>, rather than through additional body panels. For example, in one embodiment, mounting members <NUM> of subframe <NUM> each includes an aperture configured to receive at least one removable fastener <NUM>, as shown best in <FIG>. The clam-shell configuration of subframe <NUM> also allows a housing <NUM> of tail light <NUM> to be supported between side portions 55a, 55b. Housing <NUM> may support various components of tail light <NUM>, such as electrical wires, light bulbs, and other such components.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> is configured to support both an operator and a passenger on seat <NUM> and vehicle <NUM> also includes a rear or passenger foot peg <NUM> for a passenger seated on seat <NUM>. As shown best in <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> includes right and left foot pegs <NUM> which are coupled to a portion of subframe <NUM>. Illustratively, foot pegs <NUM> each include a forward mounting portion <NUM> coupled to subframe <NUM> with at least one removable fastener <NUM>. In this way, foot pegs <NUM> are coupled to subframe <NUM>.

With respect to foot peg <NUM> on the right side of vehicle <NUM>, right-side foot peg <NUM> is further supported with a bracket <NUM>. Illustrative right-side foot peg <NUM> includes a rearward mounting portion <NUM> which is coupled to bracket <NUM> with a removable fastener <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> is fixed to a portion of an exhaust assembly <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> and, more particularly, is permanently fixed through a weld nut or other permanent coupling mechanism to a muffler <NUM> of exhaust assembly <NUM>. As shown best in <FIG>, bracket <NUM> is fixed to an inner portion and an upper surface of muffler <NUM> and extends upwardly therefrom. In this way, muffler <NUM> is supported from bracket <NUM> as muffler <NUM> hangs therefrom.

Bracket <NUM> includes a mounting aperture for receiving fastener <NUM>. The aperture includes a bushing <NUM> (<FIG>) comprised of a dampening material (e.g., rubber) to isolate foot peg <NUM> from any vibration or other movement in muffler <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>, it is apparent that bracket <NUM> further supports a rearward portion of a shock absorber of rear suspension assembly <NUM> and fastener <NUM> may be configured to extend through foot peg <NUM>, bracket <NUM>, and a portion of the shock absorber for coupling the same together.

Foot peg <NUM> further includes a tread portion <NUM> which extends generally perpendicularly to longitudinal centerline L (<FIG>) when configured to support a passenger's foot. However, as shown in <FIG>, tread portion <NUM> may be configured to pivot forwardly and/or rearwardly about a pivot pin or member <NUM> to move tread portion <NUM> between a closed position, which is generally parallel to longitudinal centerline L, and an open position, which is generally perpendicular to longitudinal centerline L.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of drive assembly <NUM> is shown. In particular, drive sprocket <NUM> is generally concealed by a cover <NUM> and a sprocket/chain guard <NUM>. Cover <NUM> and sprocket/chain guard <NUM> are supported by crankcase <NUM> and both include a rounded or curved forward portion configured to generally receive and encompass at least a portion of drive sprocket <NUM>. Sprocket/chain guard <NUM> is coupled to cover <NUM> with removable fasteners and is positioned laterally inward of cover <NUM>.

Illustrative sprocket/chain guard <NUM> includes a channel <NUM> defined intermediate an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM> of sprocket/chain guard <NUM>. Channel <NUM> is configured to receive wires or other lines to prevent interference with chain or belt <NUM> and also conceal the wires or lines from an outside view of vehicle <NUM>. Illustratively, inner surface <NUM> is positioned adjacent chair or belt <NUM> and outer surface <NUM> defines an outer surface of sprocket/chain guard <NUM> which is visible on vehicle <NUM>. In this way, channel <NUM>, and the wires or lines contained therein, are concealed from view on vehicle <NUM> and also are concealed from chain or belt <NUM>. As shown best in <FIG>, sprocket/chain guard <NUM> is configured as an extension of cover <NUM> such that sprocket/chain guard <NUM> and cover <NUM> are aesthetically complementary to each other.

Additionally, as shown best in <FIG>, sprocket/chain guard <NUM> includes a plurality of inlets and/or outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in which wires or lines may be inserted into or extracted from channel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> further includes an air intake assembly <NUM> which includes an airbox <NUM> supported within a portion of main frame <NUM> and generally positioned between upper and lower longitudinally-extending members <NUM>, <NUM> along longitudinal centerline L (<FIG>). In one embodiment, airbox <NUM> is directly coupled to engine <NUM> through a throttle body assembly, as disclosed further herein. Airbox <NUM> includes an upper housing portion <NUM> and a lower housing portion <NUM> hingedly or removably coupled to each other. In this way, upper housing portion <NUM> may be opened or removed to expose an internal air volume <NUM>. Airbox <NUM> further includes a panel <NUM> which includes a filter <NUM> for filtering the incoming air before it flows to engine <NUM>. Panel <NUM> is removably coupled to upper housing portion <NUM> with fasteners <NUM> and filter <NUM> extends within air volume <NUM> longitudinally forward of tubes <NUM> which are fluidly coupled to engine <NUM>. In operation, airbox <NUM> is configured to receive ambient air and flow the air through air volume <NUM> to provide filtered air to a throttle body assembly <NUM> of engine <NUM>. More particularly, lower housing portion <NUM> includes a first outlet <NUM> configured to align and fluidly couple with a first throttle body <NUM> to provide filtered air to front cylinder <NUM> for combustion therein. Additionally, lower housing portion <NUM> includes a second outlet <NUM> configured to align and fluidly couple with a second throttle body <NUM> to provide filtered air to rear cylinder <NUM> for combustion therein.

Referring still to <FIG>, to couple airbox <NUM> with throttle body assembly <NUM>, a mounting plate <NUM> may be used. Mounting plate <NUM> is positioned vertically intermediate airbox <NUM> and throttle body assembly <NUM> such that airbox <NUM> is coupled to an upper surface <NUM> of mounting plate <NUM> and throttle body assembly <NUM> is coupled to a lower surface <NUM> of mounting plate <NUM>. More particularly, mounting plate <NUM> is configured to couple with a lower surface <NUM> of lower housing portion <NUM> of airbox <NUM> through top-mounted fasteners <NUM>. Illustratively, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, fasteners <NUM> extend through lower surface <NUM> and an upper surface of mounting plate <NUM>. In one embodiment, mounting plate <NUM> includes a seal, illustratively a gasket, <NUM> which includes apertures <NUM> configured to receive fasteners <NUM> such that airbox <NUM> is coupled to mounting plate <NUM> through seal <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> are configured to extend downwardly from lower surface <NUM> of airbox <NUM> and through an upper surface <NUM> of seal <NUM>.

Seal <NUM> generally surrounds a body portion <NUM> of mounting plate <NUM>. Body portion <NUM> includes a first channel or boot <NUM> configured to align and fluidly couple with first outlet <NUM> and first throttle body <NUM> and a second channel or boot <NUM> configured to align and fluidly couple with second outlet <NUM> and second throttle body <NUM>. Channels <NUM>, <NUM> define respective first and second flow paths through mounting plate <NUM>, thereby defining respective first and second flow paths from first outlet <NUM> to first throttle body <NUM> and second outlet <NUM> to second throttle body <NUM>. Channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be overmolded boots which are integral with body portion <NUM>. Yet, channels <NUM>, <NUM> are distinct and separate air flow paths which are spaced apart from each by a portion of body portion <NUM> in order to provide discreet volumes of air to first and second cylinders <NUM>, <NUM>. Channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be comprised of a polymeric and/or metallic material and are configured to seal against lower surface <NUM> of airbox <NUM> and throttle body assembly <NUM>. In this way, mounting plate <NUM> is configured to facilitate alignment, sealing, and coupling of airbox <NUM> to throttle body assembly <NUM>.

Channels <NUM>, <NUM> each includes an upper portion <NUM> extending upwardly from body portion <NUM> and configured to be at least partially received within airbox <NUM>. More particularly, upper portion <NUM> of channel <NUM> is configured to be at least partially received within first outlet <NUM> and extend upwardly towards air volume <NUM>. Additionally, upper portion <NUM> of channel <NUM> is configured to be at least partially received within second outlet <NUM> and extend upwardly towards air volume <NUM>.

Channels <NUM>, <NUM> also each includes a lower portion <NUM> extending downwardly from body portion <NUM> and configured to be at least partially received within throttle body assembly <NUM> or configured to at least partially receive a portion of throttle body assembly <NUM>. More particularly, lower portion <NUM> of channel <NUM> is configured to be at least partially received within first throttle body <NUM> or is configured to receive a portion of first throttle body <NUM>. Additionally, lower portion <NUM> of channel <NUM> is configured to be at least partially received within second throttle body <NUM> or receive a portion of second throttle body <NUM>.

During assembly airbox <NUM> on vehicle <NUM>, it may be appreciated that mounting plate <NUM> is first attached to throttle body assembly <NUM> through lower portions <NUM> of channels <NUM>, <NUM>. Then, airbox <NUM> is positioned over the top of mounting plate <NUM> and one of fasteners <NUM> are received through an aperture of lower housing portion <NUM> within a portion of air volume <NUM>, as shown at <NUM> in <FIG>. Additional fasteners <NUM> are positioned at and received through apertures <NUM>, <NUM> of upper and lower housing portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, and, as shown in <FIG>, apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned along a perimeter of housing portions <NUM>, <NUM>. With fasteners <NUM>, airbox <NUM> is positioned adjacent upper surface <NUM> of mounting plate <NUM> and is coupled thereto.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> includes an electrical assembly <NUM> which may include various electrical components. In one embodiment, electrical assembly <NUM> includes tail light <NUM> and other light components, as disclosed further herein. Additionally, electrical assembly <NUM> may include an anti-lock brake system or assembly ("ABS") module <NUM> also supported on a portion of frame assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As shown therein, ABS module <NUM> is positioned directly above a portion of a swing arm <NUM> (<FIG>). ABS module <NUM> is operably coupled to the brakes on front and/or rear wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, to facilitate braking in response to an operator input.

To prevent ABS module <NUM> from experiencing increased heat from engine <NUM>, a heat shield <NUM> is positioned longitudinally intermediate rear cylinder <NUM> and ABS module <NUM>. More particularly, heat shield <NUM> is positioned longitudinally intermediate cylinder head <NUM> of rear cylinder <NUM> and ABS module <NUM>. Heat shield <NUM> also may include a support member <NUM> for supporting ABS module <NUM> on frame assembly <NUM>. Illustratively, support member <NUM> may be integrated with heat shield <NUM> such that heat shield <NUM> and support member <NUM> are a single piece or component. However, in other embodiments, support member <NUM> may be removably coupled to heat shield <NUM> with removable fasteners. Support member <NUM> is coupled to frame assembly <NUM>, specifically coupling members <NUM> of main frame <NUM>, with removable fasteners <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> is configured to support a plurality of accessories that can be removed and added to vehicle <NUM> at the discretion of the operator. For example, as shown in <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> is configured to include a windshield or wind screen <NUM>. Vehicle <NUM> is configured to receive and support a plurality of windshields <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> as windshields <NUM> and <NUM>', respectively. In addition to those shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> may support additional configurations of windshields, such as those with larger or smaller recessed lower surfaces and those with longer or shorter vertical lengths, as disclosed further herein.

Referring still to <FIG>, windshield <NUM> is positioned longitudinally forward of the handlebars of steering assembly <NUM> and is positioned generally above triple clamp assembly <NUM> and front forks <NUM>. More particularly, windshield <NUM> includes a wind screen portion <NUM>, illustratively comprised of polycarbonate, and a support assembly <NUM> configured to couple portion <NUM> to vehicle <NUM>. In one embodiment, windshield <NUM> is configured to be supported on a housing or carrier <NUM> for a headlight <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. Carrier <NUM> may be coupled to a nacelle or outer housing <NUM> which is coupled to triple clamp assembly <NUM> with removable fasteners <NUM> (<FIG>) received through apertures <NUM> (<FIG>). Nacelle <NUM> is configured to conceal carrier <NUM> and is positioned longitudinally forward thereof, however, various embodiments of vehicle <NUM> may not include nacelle <NUM>.

Illustratively, support assembly <NUM> includes a first frame member <NUM> and a second frame member <NUM> which are configured to be removably coupled to threaded bosses <NUM> on a rearward side or surface <NUM> of carrier <NUM> with removable fasteners <NUM>. First frame member <NUM> includes an upper arm <NUM> which defines a first grommet or mount <NUM> for coupling to a first location <NUM> on portion <NUM> of windshield <NUM>. Upper arm <NUM> also includes a second mount <NUM> configured to receive fasteners <NUM> and configured to couple with threaded bosses <NUM> of carrier <NUM>. First frame member <NUM> also includes a lower arm <NUM> which defines a third grommet or mount <NUM> for coupling to a second location <NUM> on portion <NUM> of windshield <NUM>. Similarly, second frame member <NUM> includes an upper arm <NUM> which defines a fourth grommet or mount <NUM> for coupling to a third location <NUM> on portion <NUM> of windshield <NUM>. Upper arm <NUM> also includes a fifth mount <NUM> configured to receive fasteners <NUM> and configured to couple with threaded bosses <NUM> of carrier <NUM>. Second frame member <NUM> also includes a lower arm <NUM> which defines a sixth grommet or mount <NUM> for coupling to a fourth location <NUM> on portion <NUM> of windshield <NUM>. It may be appreciated that mounts <NUM>, <NUM> are bent plates which are welded to arms <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, and allow fasteners <NUM> (e.g., screws) to be received within bosses <NUM> on rearward surface <NUM> of carrier <NUM>. In one embodiment, bosses <NUM> are die cast and integral with carrier <NUM>.

Support assembly <NUM> also may be used different configurations of windshield <NUM>, such as windshield <NUM>' of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, windshield <NUM>' has a longer vertical length <NUM>' than a vertical length <NUM> of windshield <NUM> of <FIG>. Vertical length <NUM> of windshield <NUM> is defined as the length extending generally vertically between a lower surface <NUM> and an upper surface <NUM> of windshield <NUM> and vertical length <NUM>' of windshield <NUM>' is defined as the length extending generally vertically between a lower surface <NUM>' and an upper surface <NUM>' of windshield <NUM>'. Lower surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' of windshields <NUM>, <NUM>' includes a recessed portion <NUM>, <NUM>', respectively, which are configured to receive a portion of carrier <NUM> and nacelle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, recessed portion <NUM>' of windshield <NUM>' spans a smaller lateral extent than that of recessed portion <NUM> of windshield <NUM> of <FIG> but is still configured to receive a portion of carrier <NUM> such that various windshields may be used on vehicle <NUM>. While windshield <NUM>' of <FIG> may not be used on vehicle <NUM> when nacelle <NUM> also is used on vehicle <NUM>, various windshield configurations may be used with or without nacelle <NUM> on vehicle <NUM>. Additional windshields may include the vertical length <NUM> of windshield <NUM> with the smaller recessed portion <NUM>' of windshield <NUM>' or may include the vertical length <NUM>' of windshield <NUM>' with the larger recessed portion <NUM> of windshield <NUM>. In this way, vehicle <NUM> is configured to support a plurality of windshields thereon.

In order to couple a windshield to vehicle <NUM>, if vehicle <NUM> includes nacelle <NUM>, then nacelle <NUM> is first removed from front forks <NUM> by removing the fasteners <NUM> (<FIG>) received through apertures <NUM>. Carrier <NUM> is then exposed and can be moved from triple clamp assembly <NUM> by removing fasteners (not shown) extending through apertures <NUM> at lower and upper triple clamps 34a, 34b. Headlight <NUM> can be unplugged and removed from vehicle <NUM>. With headlight <NUM> removed, support assembly <NUM> is coupled to carrier <NUM> with fasteners <NUM> and bosses <NUM>. With support assembly <NUM> in place, headlight <NUM> and carrier <NUM> may be reattached to vehicle <NUM>. Nacelle <NUM> is then reattached to front forks <NUM> and portion <NUM> is then positioned over the upper surface of nacelle <NUM> and attached to support assembly <NUM> with grommets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> is further configured to support an accessory exhaust assembly <NUM>'. In particular, compared to exhaust assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, exhaust assembly <NUM>' of <FIG> may be configured as a high-mounted exhaust assembly such that muffler <NUM>' is positioned vertically higher on vehicle <NUM> than muffler <NUM> of <FIG>. At least muffler <NUM>' is supported at rear end <NUM> of vehicle <NUM> with a support frame <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> is coupled to subframe <NUM> of frame assembly <NUM> through a mounting bracket <NUM>. Support frame <NUM> includes arms <NUM> with couplers <NUM> integrally formed therewith.

As disclosed further herein, mounting bracket <NUM> is configured to support a plurality of accessories at rear end <NUM> of vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, mounting bracket <NUM> may be comprised of a metallic material (e.g., sheet metal, such as coated steel) and includes a body portion <NUM>, lower mounting tabs <NUM> extending from body portion <NUM>, and upper mounting tabs <NUM> extending from body portion <NUM>. Tabs <NUM>, <NUM> may be integrally formed with body portion <NUM> and include apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Additionally, body portion <NUM> may include additional apertures <NUM> positioned generally adjacent apertures <NUM> of lower mounting tabs <NUM>. Mounting bracket <NUM> is configured to couple with subframe <NUM> through mounting bores or bosses <NUM> thereon. In particular, removable fasteners <NUM> are configured to extend through apertures <NUM> of upper mounting tabs <NUM> and are received within mounting bores <NUM> of subframe <NUM>.

In one embodiment, mounting bracket <NUM> extends below a handle <NUM> for a passenger positioned on seat <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may be removed from vehicle <NUM>, if necessary. As shown best in <FIG> and <FIG>, handle <NUM> at least partially conceals fasteners <NUM> for improved aesthetics of vehicle <NUM>. For example, handle <NUM> may be initially removed from vehicle <NUM>, mounting bracket <NUM> is then coupled to subframe <NUM> with fasteners <NUM>, and then handle <NUM> is then reattached to vehicle <NUM>, and this order of assembly allows for handle <NUM> to conceal fasteners <NUM> to prevent any visible mounting or attachment points.

In order to support accessory exhaust assembly <NUM>' on vehicle, couplers <NUM> of arms <NUM> align with apertures <NUM> of lower mounting tabs <NUM> and are configured to receive removable fasteners <NUM> therein. In this way, support frame <NUM> couples at least muffler <NUM>' of accessory exhaust assembly <NUM>' to subframe <NUM> through mounting bracket <NUM> along the right side of vehicle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, mounting bracket <NUM> also is configured to support other accessories, such as a saddlebag frame <NUM>, on subframe <NUM>. In one embodiment, mounting bracket <NUM> on the left side of vehicle <NUM> may support saddlebag frame <NUM> while mounting bracket <NUM> on the right side of vehicle <NUM> supports other accessories, such as accessory exhaust assembly <NUM>'. In this way, mounting bracket <NUM> is configured to simultaneously support a plurality of accessories on vehicle <NUM>. Alternatively, mounting brackets <NUM> on both the right and left sides of vehicle <NUM> may each couple with saddlebag frames <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, saddlebag frame <NUM> includes a main portion <NUM> configured to receive a saddlebag, a first support arm <NUM>, and a second support arm <NUM>. Main portion <NUM> includes mounting tabs <NUM>, each with an aperture <NUM> configured to receive a removable fastener <NUM>. Saddlebag frame <NUM> is further coupled to frame assembly <NUM> through a mounting tab <NUM> of first support arm <NUM> such that a removable fastener <NUM> is received through an aperture <NUM> of mounting tab <NUM> to couple first support arm <NUM> to a mounting bore <NUM> of subframe <NUM>. Additionally, saddlebag frame <NUM> is further coupled to frame assembly <NUM> through a mounting tab <NUM> of second support arm <NUM> such that a removable fastener <NUM> is received through an aperture <NUM> of mounting tab <NUM> to couple second support arm <NUM> to a mounting bore <NUM> of rearward mounting portion <NUM> of foot peg <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> is further configured to support an accessory license plate holder <NUM>'. A license plate holder <NUM> (<FIG>) may be supported on vehicle <NUM> at a position lower than that of accessory license plate holder <NUM>' (<FIG> and <FIG>), thereby making accessory license plate holder <NUM>' a high-mounted license plate holder. Again, mounting bracket <NUM> may be used to couple accessory license plate holder <NUM>' to subframe <NUM>.

More particularly, accessory license plate holder <NUM>' includes a license plate portion <NUM>, a support frame <NUM>, and other components <NUM>, such as an accessory light. Support frame <NUM> is coupled to mounting bracket <NUM> through fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> which are received at a mounting bore <NUM> on support frame <NUM> and aperture <NUM> of mounting bracket <NUM>.

Mounting bracket <NUM> further couples a fender and/or mud guard <NUM> to subframe <NUM> and support frame <NUM> of accessory license plate holder <NUM>'. Fender <NUM> includes mounting bores <NUM> which are configured to receive removable fasteners <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> extend through mounting bores <NUM> on fender <NUM>, through apertures <NUM> on mounting bracket <NUM>, and are received into mounting bores <NUM> on support frame <NUM>.

Mounting bracket <NUM> itself is coupled to mounting bores <NUM> on subframe <NUM> with fasteners <NUM> which extend through apertures <NUM> on mounting tabs <NUM>. Mounting bores <NUM> on subframe <NUM> are positioned below threaded bosses <NUM>, where threaded bosses <NUM> are configured to receive removable fasteners <NUM> to couple handle <NUM> to vehicle <NUM>. More particularly, fasteners <NUM> are received through mounting bores <NUM> on an alternative handle <NUM>' and extend into threaded bosses <NUM> to allow handle <NUM> for the passenger to be coupled to subframe <NUM>. When coupling accessory license plate holder <NUM>' and fender <NUM> to subframe <NUM>, mounting bracket <NUM> and handle <NUM>' may remain on vehicle <NUM> and support frame <NUM> is coupled to a laterally inner side of mounting bracket <NUM> while fender <NUM> is coupled to a laterally outer side of mounting bracket <NUM>. It may be necessary to couple fender <NUM> to vehicle <NUM> after handle <NUM>' has been coupled thereto because a portion of fender <NUM> may conceal a lower portion of handle <NUM> when attached to vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, handle <NUM>' is different from handle <NUM> because handle <NUM>' includes a turn signal <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> also may be configured to support a luggage or cargo rack <NUM> on vehicle <NUM>. Illustratively, luggage rack assembly <NUM> may be defined by a first luggage rack <NUM> having couplers <NUM> for mounting to subframe <NUM> or, alternatively, may be defined by a second luggage rack <NUM> having couplers <NUM> for mounting to subframe <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, second luggage rack <NUM> may include a platform <NUM> for securing cargo thereto. In one embodiment, first luggage rack <NUM> may be coupled to vehicle <NUM> when saddlebag frame <NUM> also is used. However, first and second luggage racks <NUM>, <NUM> may be used with additional components and accessories of vehicle <NUM>. Removable fasteners <NUM> may be used to couple first or second luggage racks <NUM>, <NUM> to threaded bosses <NUM> of subframe <NUM>. It may be appreciated that passenger handle <NUM> is removed from vehicle <NUM> when luggage racks <NUM> or <NUM> are coupled to subframe <NUM>, however, luggage racks <NUM>, <NUM> may be used as a passenger handle in addition to supporting cargo thereon.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> also may support an accessory seat cowl <NUM>. Seat cowl <NUM> is positioned rearward of at least an operator portion of seat <NUM> (<FIG>) and may be positioned over a passenger portion of seat <NUM>. Seat cowl <NUM> also is coupled to a portion of subframe <NUM> through a plate <NUM>. More particularly, plate <NUM> is coupled to seat cowl <NUM> with removable fasteners <NUM> which are received through apertures <NUM> on plate <NUM> and also are received through couplers <NUM> and apertures <NUM> of seat cowl <NUM>. Plate <NUM> also is coupled to handle <NUM>, <NUM>' with fasteners <NUM> which are received through apertures <NUM> of plate <NUM> and are received within threaded bosses <NUM> of subframe <NUM>. In this way, seat cowl <NUM> and handle <NUM> are coupled together through plate <NUM>. In order to attach seat cowl <NUM> to vehicle <NUM>, handle <NUM> may first be removed, seat cowl <NUM> coupled to vehicle <NUM>, and then handle <NUM> reattached to vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, seat cowl <NUM> is positioned above mounting bracket <NUM>, thereby leaving mounting bracket <NUM> available for coupling with another accessory for vehicle <NUM> such that the operator can simultaneously use seat cowl <NUM> and additional accessories. For example, as shown in <FIG>, vehicle <NUM> also is configured to support side number plates <NUM>. Side number plate <NUM> may be used to identify a racing number or other such indicia and is mounted to subframe <NUM> through mounting bracket <NUM> and a frame assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, frame assembly <NUM> is coupled to mounting bracket <NUM> with removable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> which are received through apertures <NUM>, <NUM> of mounting bracket <NUM>, respectively. Side number plate <NUM> may be coupled to vehicle with seat cowl <NUM> or other accessories, such as accessory exhaust assembly <NUM>', as shown in <FIG>, or high license plate holder <NUM>' (<FIG>).

As disclosed herein, mounting bracket <NUM> is configured to simultaneously and individually couple with a plurality of accessories for vehicle <NUM>. More particularly, mounting bracket <NUM> allows various accessories to be coupled to both the laterally inner and the laterally outer sides thereof and includes a plurality of dedicated accessory apertures <NUM>, <NUM> such that a plurality of accessories may be simultaneously coupled to vehicle <NUM> through mounting bracket <NUM>. Various accessories may be coupled to mounting bracket through the dedicated accessory apertures <NUM>, <NUM> while handle <NUM> or other vehicle components or accessories may be coupled to subframe <NUM> through bosses <NUM> positioned above mounting bracket <NUM>. Additionally, because at least handle <NUM> conceals at least fasteners <NUM>, the mounting points for mounting bracket <NUM> are hidden from an outside view of vehicle <NUM>, thereby improving the aesthetics of vehicle <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A two-wheeled vehicle (<NUM>), comprising:
a frame assembly (<NUM>) having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline;
a front ground-engaging member (<NUM>) operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly (<NUM>) at a front rotational axis (<NUM>);
a rear ground-engaging member (<NUM>) operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly (<NUM>) at a rear rotational axis (<NUM>);
an engine (<NUM>) supported by the frame assembly (<NUM>) and operably coupled to the front and rear ground-engaging members (<NUM>, <NUM>), the engine (<NUM>) including a throttle body assembly (<NUM>); and
an air intake assembly (<NUM>) fluidly coupled to the engine (<NUM>) and including
an airbox (<NUM>) and
a mounting plate (<NUM>) having a first channel (<NUM>) and a second channel (<NUM>), and the first and second channels (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to align with the throttle body assembly (<NUM>), and the mounting plate (<NUM>) is configured to couple the airbox (<NUM>) to the throttle body assembly (<NUM>), characterized in that the first channel (<NUM>) defines a first overmolded boot configured to align with a first output (<NUM>) of the airbox (<NUM>) and a first throttle body (<NUM>) of the throttle body assembly (<NUM>), and the second channel (<NUM>) defines a second overmolded boot configured to align with a second output (<NUM>) of the airbox (<NUM>) and a second throttle body (<NUM>) of the throttle body assembly (<NUM>).