EFFECT OF FRAME FLEXIBILITY ON STABILITY AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF MOTORCYCLES

Abstract

The.dynamic behaviour of single track vehicles depends on the steering configuration, mass distribution which determines the location of centre of mass and moments and products of inertia values, frame flexibilities and tyre characteristics. In this dissertation work TVS-SUZUKI AX-100 motorcycle has been measured for its mass and inertia parameters and frame stiffness values in the laboratory. The equations of motion given by Sharp [62], a twenty second order mathematical model have been adopted to analyse the lateral dynamics of the motorcycle. in the mathematical model it was considered that, the motorcycle consists of three bodies hinged together at the inclined steering axis and at an axis of twist between the rear frame and the rear wheel and also the front frame, not only allowed to steer relative to the rear frame but also can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the steering axis. The tyre model used in the analysis, has been used on experimental measurements of the tyre characteristics by Singhal [88]. The linearized equations of motion are analysed and a software has been developed to study the stability and handling characteristics of a motorcycle and also design implications have been investigated.