Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly for a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional motor vehicles, especially scooter-type vehicles with larger sized wheels, the frame of the vehicle has a specialised construction. Irrespective of the vehicle type, when a fuel tank is disposed below the seat, the volume of the fuel tank is compromised. In a specific conventional vehicle, the frame of the vehicle has a single front tube which extends rearwards from the front of the vehicle. The single front tube thereafter split into a pair of split rear tubes which extend to the rear of the vehicle. The single front tube and the split rear tubes are connected to form a higher step through portion such that these specific variants of scooter-type vehicles do not have a floorboard. The above-mentioned disposition of the frame enables accommodation of larger wheels, especially larger rear wheel. The utility box and the fuel tank are disposed adjoining each other under a seat of the vehicle, between the split rear tubes.
[003] However, in the frame dispositions explained hereinbefore, the space available under the seat between the split rear tubes is limited. The particular configuration of the single front tube and split rear tubes as explained above further limits the already compromised volume of the fuel tank. Further, due to the utility box and the fuel tank being disposed adjoining each other under the seat in a front rear direction, the utility box space is severely restricted by the fuel tank, and correspondingly, the fuel tank volume is restricted by the utility box. Generally, the fuel tank is mounted on top of the frame through a common mounting means at a front portion, and a rear mounting means at the rear portion of the fuel tank, which severely restricts the volume of the fuel tank and the utility box.
[004] Further, in such conventional vehicles, the fuel filling cap is provided on the fuel tank and hence to access the fuel filling cap for a fuel filling/refuelling operation, the rider and the pillion must dismount the vehicle and open the seat causing rider inconvenience at every instance of refuelling.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle-type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle has a pair of seat rails configured to support a seat assembly. A pillion seat handle extends towards the rear end of the vehicle and is mounted to the pair of seat rails. The pillion seat handle has a pair of pillion mounting brackets. The saddle type vehicle further has a fuel tank assembly. The fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank, wherein at least a first portion of the fuel tank is mounted on the pair of seat rails by a first mounting means. The fuel tank assembly has a second mounting means that is configured to attach at least a second portion of the fuel tank to the pair of pillion mounting brackets.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank is mounted on the pair of seat rails such that at least a portion of the fuel tank is disposed rearwardly from a rear end of the pair of seat rails in a vehicle front-rear direction.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the second mounting means is configured to attach the second portion of the fuel tank and the pair of pillion mounting brackets at the rear end of the pair of seat rails.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the second mounting means is disposed rearwardly of the first mounting means in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first portion of the fuel tank extends along the seat rails, and the second portion extends rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails. Herein, the first mounting means is provided on the first portion of the fuel tank, and the second mounting means is provided on the second portion of the fuel tank.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a mounting flange that is configured to connect the first mounting means to the fuel tank, thereby attaching the fuel tank to the first mounting means.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a utility box disposed between the pair of seat rails, wherein the first mounting means is configured to mount the utility box on the pair of seat rails.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pair of pillion mounting brackets extends inwards towards the fuel tank from the pillion seat handle in a vehicle width direction.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a fuel tank opening provided on the fuel tank. Herein, the fuel tank opening is disposed rearwardly of the rear end of the pair of seat rails in the vehicle front rear direction.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second mounting means has a first portion configured to be attached to the pair of pillion mounting brackets; a second portion extending rearwardly and upwardly from the first portion and being configured to be attached to the fuel tank; and a third portion extending rearwardly from the second portion. Herein, the second portion extends an inclined manner between the first portion and the third portion.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank opening is disposed rearwardly of the second mounting means in the vehicle rear front direction.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third portion of the second mounting means is configured to support a panel and the panel is configured to cover the fuel tank opening.
[018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a third mounting means provided on a top face of the fuel tank. The third mounting means is provided rearwardly of the second mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the third mounting means is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank opening in the vehicle front rear direction.
[019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third mounting means is configured to support a portion of the rear fender of the vehicle.
[020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a fourth mounting means being provided on a bottom face of the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the fourth mounting means is configured to support the rear fender of the vehicle.
[021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly for a saddle type vehicle. The fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank, wherein at least a first portion of the fuel tank is mounted on the pair of seat rails by a first mounting means. The fuel tank assembly has a second mounting means that is configured to attach at least a second portion of the fuel tank to the pair of pillion mounting brackets.
[022] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a third mounting means provided on a top face of the fuel tank. The third mounting means is provided rearwardly of the second mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the third mounting means is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank opening in the vehicle front rear direction.
[023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third mounting means is configured to support a portion of the rear fender of the vehicle.
[024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a fourth mounting means being provided on a bottom face of the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the fourth mounting means is configured to support the rear fender of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[025] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a fuel tank assembly of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates another exploded view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates another exploded view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[026] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly for a saddle-type vehicle.
[027] Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 has a frame. The frame comprises a head pipe (not shown), and a portion of a main frame (not shown) extending rearwardly downward from the head pipe. One or more front suspensions 110 connect a front wheel 115 to a handlebar 190, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head pipe. Further, the frame includes a pair of seat rails 60 (shown in Figure 2) extending inclinedly rearward from the main frame towards a rear end of the vehicle 10.
[028] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit comprising at least an internal combustion (IC) engine 125. The engine 125 is coupled to a rear wheel 145. In one embodiment, the engine 125 is mounted on the frame. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission means (not shown) coupling the rear wheel 145 to the engine 125. The transmission means includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly 151 is supported by the pair of seat rails 60 of the frame. The seat assembly 151 is hingedly openable. The frame defines a step-through portion 155 ahead of the seat assembly 151, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting feet on the step-through portion 155.
[029] Further, the frame is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 160A, an under-seat cover 160B, and a left and a right-side panel 160C and a rear panel 160D, disposed on the frame and covering the frame and parts mounted thereof.
[030] In addition, a front fender 165 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 115. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 151 and is supported by the frame. A rear fender 175 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 145 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 145. One or more suspension(s) 170 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting a swing arm 141 and the rear wheel 145 to the frame for damping the forces from the rear wheel 145 from reaching the frame.
[031] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 185A, a taillight 185B, a transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), and an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown).
[032] As illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises the pair of seat rails 60 that extend rearwardly and upwardly towards the rear end of the vehicle 10, and the pair of seat rails 60 are configured to support the seat assembly 151. As further illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a pillion seat handle 80. The pillion seat handle 80 extends rearwardly towards the rear end of the vehicle 10, and the pillion seat handle 80 is mounted to the pair of seat rails 60. In an embodiment, the pillion seat handle 80 is a single component extending on either side of the pair of seat rails 60 in a vehicle top view. In an alternative embodiment, the pillion seat handle 80 has a split construction wherein a pair of pillion seat handles 80 are disposed on either side of the pair of seat rails 60 and the pair of pillion seat handles 80 are joined at the rear end of the vehicle 10.
[033] Reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3, wherein as illustrated, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a fuel tank assembly 200. The fuel tank assembly 200 comprises a fuel tank 210. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the fuel tank 210 is disposed substantially below the pair of seat rails 60, thus ensuring higher available volume of the fuel tank 210. As further illustrated in Figure 2, the pillion seat handle 80 comprises a pair of pillion mounting brackets 82. In an embodiment, the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82 extends inwards towards the fuel tank 210 from the pillion seat handle 80 in a vehicle width direction. As further illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, to facilitate the mounting of the fuel tank 210 in the vehicle 10, the fuel tank assembly 200 further comprises a first mounting means 220. The first mounting means 220 is detachably attached to the fuel tank 210 and the pair of seat rails 60. At least a first portion 210A of the fuel tank 210 is mounted to the pair of seat rails 60 by the first mounting means 220. Herein, the first mounting means 220 is configured to mount the first portion 210A of the fuel tank 210 to the pair of seat rails 60. In an embodiment, the portion of the fuel tank 210 running along the pair of seat rails 60 forms the first portion 210A of the fuel tank 210, and the first portion 210 of the fuel tank 210 extends along the pair of seat rails 60 towards rear of the vehicle 10 and the first mounting means 220 is provided on the first portion 210A of the fuel tank 210.
[034] Similarly, the fuel tank assembly 200 further comprises a second mounting means 230. The second mounting means 230 is configured to attach at least a second portion 210B of the fuel tank 210 to the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82. In an embodiment, the portion of the fuel tank 210 disposed rearwardly of the rear end 60A of the seat rails 60 forms the second portion 210B of the fuel tank 210. Therefore, the second portion 210B of the fuel tank 210 is also indirectly supported on the pair of seat rails 60 through the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82. In an embodiment, the second portion 210B of the fuel tank 210 extends rearwardly from the rear end 60A of the pair of seat rails 60 and the second mounting means 230 is provided on the second portion 210B of the fuel tank 210. In an embodiment, the second mounting means 230 is configured to attach the second portion 210B of the fuel tank 210 and the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82 at the rear end 60A of the pair of seat rails 60. Thus, the fuel tank 210 is supported on the pair of seat rails 60 in addition to being attached to the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82, which results in the fuel tank 210 being disposed or mounted below the pair of seat rails 60 in a vehicle side view, as opposed to conventional above the pair of seat rails 60. This allows for a greater volume of the fuel tank 210 and more space available between the pair of seat rails 60 for accommodation of other vehicle components.
[035] In an embodiment, as explained hereinbefore, the fuel tank 210 is mounted on the pair of seat rails 60 such that at least a portion of the fuel tank 210 is disposed rearwardly from a rear end 60A of the pair of seat rails 60 in a vehicle front-rear direction. This allows for a greater volume of the fuel tank 210 and more space available between the pair of seat rails 60 for accommodation of other vehicle components.
[036] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, the second mounting means 230 is disposed rearwardly of the first mounting means 220 in the vehicle front-rear direction. As further referenced in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a mounting flange 222. The mounting flange 222 is configured to connect the first mounting means 220 to the fuel tank 210, thereby attaching the fuel tank 210 to the first mounting means 220. Through holes are provided on the mounting flange 222 which align with through holes on the first mounting means 220, thereby allowing fasteners to pass through for attaching the mounting flange 222 to the first mounting means 220. In an embodiment, the mounting flange 222 is an L shaped flange disposed between the fuel tank 210 and the first mounting means 220 and the L shaped flange in addition to mounting the fuel tank 210 to the first mounting means 220, also prevents rotational or lateral movement of the fuel tank 210.
[037] In another embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a utility box, wherein the utility box is disposed between the pair of seat rails 60. Herein, the first mounting means 220 is configured to mount the utility box on the pair of seat rails 60. Thus, the first mounting means 220 has a dual function of mounting the fuel tank 210 on the pair of seat rails 60, as well as mounting the utility box on the pair of seat rails 60. Thus, need for a separate mounting means for mounting of the utility box is eliminated.
[038] As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a fuel tank opening 212 provided on the fuel tank 210. Herein, the fuel tank opening 212 is disposed rearwardly of the rear end 60A of the pair of seat rails 60 in the vehicle front rear direction. Since the fuel tank opening 212 is disposed rearwardly of the rear end 60A of the pair of seat rails 60, the fuel tank opening 212 is disposed rearwardly of the seat assembly 151. Thus, there is no requirement of opening the seat assembly 151 for gaining access to the fuel tank opening 212.
[039] As further illustrated in Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5, the second mounting means 230 comprises a first portion 232, a second portion 234 and a third portion 236. In that, the first portion 232 is configured to be attached to the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82. The second portion 234 extends rearwardly and upwardly from the first portion 232. In that, the second portion 234 is configured to be attached to the fuel tank 210 and the third portion 236 extends rearwardly from the second portion 234. In effect, the second portion 234 extends an inclined manner between the first portion 232 and the third portion 236. Thus, the first portion 232 of the second mounting means 230 is attached to the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82, and the second portion 234 of the second mounting means 230 is attached to the fuel tank 210, thereby attaching the fuel tank 210 to the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82. Herein, the incline of the second portion 234 corresponds to the shape of the top face 214 of the fuel tank 210, thereby providing compact packaging.
[040] Through holes are provided on the first portion 232 of the second mounting means 230 which align with through holes on the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82, thereby allowing fasteners to pass through for attaching the first portion 232 of the second mounting means 230 to the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82. Similarly, through holes are provided on the second portion 234 of the second mounting means 230 which align with through holes on the top face 214 of the fuel tank 210, thereby allowing fasteners to pass through for attaching the second mounting means 230 to the fuel tank 210.
[041] As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 5, the fuel tank opening 212 is disposed rearwardly of the second mounting means 230 in the vehicle rear front direction. In that, the third portion 236 of the second mounting means 230 is configured to support a panel 270. As illustrated in Figure 5, the panel 270 is configured to cover the fuel tank opening 212. The panel 270 is a styling panel that covers the fuel tank opening 212 from a top side, thereby ensuring better aesthetics and packaging. As a result, the second mounting means 230 has multiple functions, i.e., being attached to the fuel tank 210, being attached to the pair of pillion mounting brackets 82, and supporting the panel 270 for covering the fuel tank opening 212, which results in the elimination of the requirement of multiple brackets.
[042] Reference is made to Figure 6, wherein as illustrated, in an embodiment, the fuel tank assembly 200 of the saddle type vehicle 10 has a third mounting means 240. As illustrated, the third mounting means 240 is provided on the top face 214 of the fuel tank 210. The third mounting means 240 is provided rearwardly of the second mounting means 230 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In another embodiment, the third mounting means 240 is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank opening 212 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In that, the third mounting means 240 is configured to support a portion of the rear fender 175 of the vehicle 10. Therefore, a portion of the rear fender 175 is supported on the fuel tank 210 instead of any frame element, and thus the fuel tank 210 acts like a sub frame for the vehicle 10. The existing layout of the rear fender 175 need not be modified to mounting the rear fender to the third mounting means 240.
[043] As further illustrated in Figure 7 and Figure 8, the fuel tank assembly 200 of the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a fourth mounting means 250. The fourth mounting means 250 is provided on a bottom face 216 of the fuel tank 210. The fourth mounting means 250 is also configured to support the rear fender 175 of the vehicle 10. Through holes are provided on the fourth mounting means 250 which align with through holes provided on the rear fender 175, thereby allowing fasteners to pass through for supporting the rear fender 175 on the fourth mounting means 250. Thus, the rear fender 175 is supported on the fuel tank 210 through the third mounting means 240 and the fourth mounting means 250 and the fuel tank 210 acts as a sub-frame for the vehicle 10. The existing layout of the rear fender 175 need not be modified to mounting the rear fender to the fourth mounting means 250.
[044] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly 200 as explained hereinbefore.
[045] Advantageously, the fuel tank assembly for the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention is disposed in a compact vehicle layout and reliably mounted in the vehicle, without having to compromise with the volume of the fuel tank, while providing increased space for provision of other vehicle components. Especially, a larger utility box can be provided in the present configuration without hampering the fuel tank volume. Further, the present invention provides a fuel tank which is easy to manufacture and assemble and hence cost effective.
[046] The provision of the fuel tank below the seat rails and the profile of the fuel tank allow the fuel tank to be accommodated in a sleek vehicle design, thereby improving aesthetics of the saddle-type vehicle. The fuel tank acts like a sub-frame since the fuel tank supports the panel for covering the fuel inlet opening through the second mounting means, as well as the rear fender through the third and the fourth mounting means, thus eliminating the need for any dedicated sub-frame element for mounting of the panel and the rear fender.
[047] Further, the first mounting means performs the dual function of mounting the fuel tank as well as the utility box on the pair of seat rails, thus reducing the number of brackets required in the saddle type vehicle. The second mounting means also performs a triple function of being attached to the fuel tank and the pair of pillion mounting brackets as well as supporting the panel, thus further reducing the number of brackets required.
[048] Furthermore, the fuel tank assembly of the present invention is disposed below the pair of seat rails in the vehicle side view, thereby ensuring no compromise in the volume of the fuel tank. Further, since the fuel inlet opening is provided rearwardly of the seat assembly, the fuel inlet opening can be accessed without having to open the seat assembly, thus increasing rider ease. In addition, the fuel tank in the present invention is surrounded by the pillion handle, and the pillion handles offer protection to the fuel tank from any sideways or rear-side impact.
[049] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Saddle Type Vehicle
60: Pair of Seat Rails
60A: Rear End of Pair of Seat Rails
80: Pillion Handle
82: Pair of Pillion Mounting Brackets
110: Front Suspension
115: Front Wheel
125: Internal Combustion Engine
141: Swing Arm
145: Rear Wheel
151: Seat Assembly
155: Step-through Portion
160A: Front Panel
160B: Under-Seat Cover
160C: Right-side panel
160D: Rear Panel
165: Front Fender
170: Rear Suspension
175: Rear Wheel
185A: Headlight
185B: Taillight
190: Handlebar
200: Fuel Tank Assembly
210: Fuel Tank
210A: First portion of the fuel tank
210B: Second Portion of the fuel tank
212: Fuel Tank Opening
214: Top face of the Fuel Tank
216: Bottom face of the Fuel Tank
220: First Mounting Means
222: Mounting Flange
230: Second Mounting Means
232: First Portion of the Second Mounting Means
234: Second Portion of the Second Mounting Means
236: Third Portion of the Second Mounting Means
240: Third Mounting Means
250: Fourth Mounting Means
270: Panel
, Claims:1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a pair of seat rails (60) extending rearwardly and upwardly towards a rear end of the vehicle (10), the pair of seat rails (60) configured to support a seat assembly (151);
a pillion seat handle (80) extending towards the rear end of the vehicle (10), the pillion seat handle (80) being mounted to the pair of seat rails (60), the pillion seat handle (80) comprising a pair of pillion mounting brackets (82); and
a fuel tank assembly (200), the fuel tank assembly (200) comprising:
a fuel tank (210), at least a first portion (210A) of the fuel tank (210) being mounted on the pair of seat rails (60) by a first mounting means (220);
the first mounting means (220) being configured to mount the first portion (210A) of the fuel tank (210) to the pair of seat rails (60); and
a second mounting means (230), the second mounting means (230) being configured to attach at least a second portion (210B) of the fuel tank (210) to the pair of pillion mounting brackets (82). .

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (210) is mounted on the pair of seat rails (60) such that at least a portion of the fuel tank (210) is disposed rearwardly from a rear end (60A) of the pair of seat rails (60) in a vehicle front-rear direction.

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second mounting means (230) being configured to attach the second portion (210B) of the fuel tank (210) and the pair of pillion mounting brackets (82) at the rear end (60A) of the pair of seat rails (60).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second mounting means (230) is disposed rearwardly of the first mounting means (220) in the vehicle front-rear direction.

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first portion (210A) of the fuel tank (210) extends along the seat rails (60), and the second portion (210B) extends rearwardly from the rear end (60A) of the seat rails (60), wherein the first mounting means (220) is provided on the first portion (210A) of the fuel tank (210), and the second mounting means (230) is provided on the second portion (210B) of the fuel tank (210).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mounting flange (222), the mounting flange (222) being configured to connect the first mounting means (220) to the fuel tank (210), thereby attaching the fuel tank (210) to the first mounting means (220).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a utility box, the utility box being disposed between the pair of seat rails (60), wherein the first mounting means (220) is configured to mount the utility box on the pair of seat rails (60).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of pillion mounting brackets (82) extends inwards towards the fuel tank (210) from the pillion seat handle (80) in a vehicle width direction.

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fuel tank opening (212) provided on the fuel tank (210), wherein the fuel tank opening (212) is disposed rearwardly of the rear end (60A) of the pair of seat rails (60) in the vehicle front rear direction.

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second mounting means (230) comprises a first portion (232), the first portion (232) being configured to be attached to the pair of pillion mounting brackets (82); a second portion (234) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the first portion (232), the second portion (234) being configured to be attached to the fuel tank (210) and a third portion (236) extending rearwardly from the second portion (234), wherein the second portion (234) extends an inclined manner between the first portion (232) and the third portion (236).

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fuel tank opening (212) is disposed rearwardly of the second mounting means (230) in the vehicle rear front direction.

12. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the third portion (236) of the second mounting means (230) is configured to support a panel (270), the panel (270) being configured to cover the fuel tank opening (212).

13. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a third mounting means (240), the third mounting means (240) being provided on a top face (214) of the fuel tank (210), the third mounting means (240) being provided rearwardly of the second mounting bracket (230).

14. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the third mounting means (240) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank opening (212) in the vehicle front rear direction.

15. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the third mounting means (240) is configured to support a portion of the rear fender (175) of the vehicle (10).

16. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fourth mounting means (250), the fourth mounting means (250) being provided on a bottom face (216) of the fuel tank (210).

17. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fourth mounting means (250) is configured to support the rear fender (175) of the vehicle (10).

18. A fuel tank assembly (200) for a saddle type vehicle (10), the fuel tank assembly (200) comprising:
a fuel tank (210), the fuel tank (210) being mounted on a pair of seat rails (60) of the vehicle (10);
a first mounting means (220), the first mounting means (220) being configured to mount at least a first portion (210A) of the fuel tank (210) to the pair of seat rails (60); and
a second mounting means (230), the second mounting means (230) being configured to attach at least a second portion (210B) of the fuel tank (210) to a pair of pillion mounting brackets (82), the pillion mounting brackets (82) being attached to a pillion handle (80).

19. The fuel tank assembly (200) as claimed in claim 18, comprising a third mounting means (240), the third mounting means (240) being provided on a top face (214) of the fuel tank (210), the third mounting means (240) being provided rearwardly of the second mounting bracket (230).

20. The fuel tank assembly (200) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the third mounting means (240) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank opening (212) in the vehicle front rear direction.

21. The fuel tank assembly (200) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the third mounting means (240) is configured to support a portion of the rear fender (175) of the vehicle (10).

22. The fuel tank assembly (200) as claimed in claim 18, comprising a fourth mounting means (250), the fourth mounting means (250) being provided on a bottom face (216) of the fuel tank (210).

23. The fuel tank assembly (200) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the fourth mounting means (250) is configured to support the rear fender (175) of the vehicle (10).