Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a motorcycle and
particularly relates to a fuel tank assembly for said motorcycle.
Background
[0002] Typically, in a front portion of a motorcycle, a fuel tank is
disposed over a pair of main tubes. The fuel tank disposed over said pair
of main tubes typically extends in a length direction from a portion of the
said main tubes disposed immediately behind a head pipe of body frame
of the motorcycle up to a front portion of a seat assembly of said
motorcycle. Further, the fuel tank extending in a width direction covers
said pair of main tubes sidewardly, and further extends at least partially
below said pair of main tubes. Furthermore, in a portion below the fuel
tank, and between a portion of said main tubes and a down tube of the
body frame, an engine is disposed. Typically, a space is formed below the
fuel tank, said space being defined by said main tubes, the down tube and
the engine. A substantial portion of the engine including a cylinder block
and a cylinder head is disposed within said space. Besides the engine,
wiring harness of parts connected to the engine also pass through the
space. For example, in a conventional motorcycle, a spark plug wiring
harness connecting a spark plug in the engine to an induction coil, and a
secondary air injection member including a wiring harness thereof pass
through the space, said secondary air injection member being disposed
above the cylinder head of the engine and below the fuel tank. The spark

plug wiring harness and the secondary air injection member are
particularly prone to damage due to striking of undesirable objects such as
stones and water sprayed by.a rotating front wheel. Motorcycles which are
not fully faired are more prone to the above described problem.
[0003] In order to overcome the above problem, conventionally the
fuel tank is provided with cowls which are large in size, said cowls being mounted to the fuel tank on both sides and extending substantially below the fuel tank, and in a manner such that they cover an upper portion of the engine substantially, thus not only protecting the engine substantially, but also protecting parts disposed around the engine such as the spark plug wiring harness, secondary air injection member, a wiring harness of the same and the like. However, casting large cowls proves to be a cumbersome process. Moreover, providing large cowls involves increasing the number of mounting locations on the fuel tank and correspondingly increasing the mounting locations in the cowls. Additionally, if the number of fasteners, used for fastening the cowls is high, assembly of the cowls to the fuel tank becomes time consuming and results in increased assembly man hours. Thus, productivity of manufacturing gets affected. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above
circumstances.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
motorcycle comprising a fuel tank assembly including a fuel tank adapted

to be detachably attached to an extension member capable of covering at
least a portion of space formed above an engine and below the fuel tank
at least partially, and thereby securing parts underlying said fuel tank and
above the engine.
5 [0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel
. tank assembly including a fuel tank adapted to be detachably attached to
an extension member without involving the need for creation of multiple
mounting locations therein and the use of plurality of fasteners for
mounting said extension member.
D [0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
fuel tank assembly including a fuel tank adapted to be detachably attached
to an extension member, wherein mounting of the extension member to
the fuel tank involves minimal assembly man hours.
[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
'■> fuel tank assembly including a fuel tank adapted to be detachably attached
to an extension member, wherein said extension member is capable of
being easily casted.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel
tank assembly including a fuel tank adapted to be detachably attached to } an extension member which is easily detachable, thereby facilitating
servicing of parts underlying it.
. [0010] The present subject matter described herein therefore
relates to a motorcycle comprising a fuel tank assembly, said fuel tank

assembly including a fuel tank and an extension member detachably attached thereto. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the motorcycle comprises a fuel tank assembly including a fuel tank disposed over a pair of main tubes of a body frame, and extending from a portion of said main tubes disposed immediately behind a head pipe of said body frame, and up to a seat assembly in a motorcycle lengthwise direction, and extending in a motorcycle width direction to cover the pair of main tubes on both sides thereof. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank is adapted to be detachably attached to an extension member provided to cover parts essential for the working of the engine underlying the fuel tank, and disposed substantially above the engine of the motorcycle when viewed from a motorcycle front or a motorcycle sideward direction.
[0011] The extension member as per an embodiment of the present
invention includes a lower portion and an uppdr portion extending from an upper section of said lower portion. Whereas the lower portion extends substantially along a side peripheral surface of the fuel tank, the upper portion extends substantially along a front peripheral surface of the fuel tank when viewed from a fuel tank front direction. As per an aspect of the present invention the extension member is an integral L shaped member covering at least partially, a space formed above the engine and below the fuel tank. Particularly, the extension member is detachably attached to one or more mounting member receiving structures provided in an inner

surface of the fuel tank. In one embodiment of the present invention, the extension member is provided with one or more mounting members including one or more mounting lugs which are adapted to be to press fitted to corresponding mounting member receiving structures provided in the fuel tank. Thus, no fasteners are required to fasten said extension member to the fuel tank, thereby easing assembly operations and reducing assembly man hours. Moreover, as per an aspect of the invention, the extension member is provided in a manner such that it extends just above the engine when viewed from a motorcycle sideward direction. The extension member is therefore provided as a small sized member enough to cover the space formed above the engine. In view of its small size, the extension member is capable of being easily cast as an integral member.
[0012] The foregoing objective and summary provide only a brief
introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts..

Brief Description of Drawings
[0013] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of
the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following
description and accompanying drawings where:
[0014] FIG.1 illustrates a layout of a motorcycle including a fuel tank
assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG.2 illustrates a front perspective view of the fuel tank
assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG.3 is an exploded view depicting mounting of an
extension member to the fuel tank in accordance with a first embodiment
of the present invention.
[0017] FIG.4 is an exploded view depicting mounting of the
extension member to the fuel tank in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0018] The present subject matter described herein relates to a fuel
tank assembly including an extension member provided therein to cover at
least partially, a space formed below the fuel tank and above the engine.
[0019] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the fuel tank
assembly, in accordance with the present invention will be described
hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects
of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible
from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following

description provides a convenient- illustration for implementing exemplary
embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms "upper",
"lower", "right", "left", "front", "forward", "rearward", "downward", "upward",
"top", "bottom" and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated
state or in a standing state of the motorcycle with a driver riding thereon
unless otherwise specifically elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis
refers to a front to rear axis relative to the motorcycle, while a lateral axis
refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the motorcycle. Also,
it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is
for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of. a motorcycle 10 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The motorcycle 10 includes a body frame 11 forming a body framework thereof. The body frame 11 includes a head pipe 12 provided at a front end thereof. The head pipe 12 supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatably in a certain range. In an upper portion of the head pipe 12, a handlebar 13 is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft. The handlebar 13 is used to steer the motorcycle 10 and is connected to a front wheel 14 through the steering shaft. An upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 15 which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft. Further, a front fork assembly 16 is mounted to the head pipe 12 by means of an upper bracket and a lower bracket and is disposed over the front fender 15.

[0021] "In"a portion lying ahead of the front fork assembly 16, a
lighting assembly including a headlight device 17, a pair of signalling devices 18 such as turn signal lamps, and a display device (not shown) such as a speedometer etc is disposed.
i [0022] Furthermore, in a front portion of the body frame 11a fuel
tank assembly 30 is arranged immediately behind the head pipe 12, and is disposed over an engine 35. The fuel tank assembly 30 including a fuel tank 31 and an extension member 32 is located over a portion of the body frame 11. Particularly, the fuel tank assembly 30 is disposed over a pair of
) main tubes (not shown) of the body frame 11, in a manner such that the fuel tank 31 extends substantially parallely to a motorcycle longitudinal axis from a portion lying immediately behind the head pipe 12 up to a seat assembly 36. Further, the fuel tank 31 extends in a motorcycle width direction to cover a side portion of the pair of main tubes. The fuel tank 31
i thus defines a fuel storage space over the pair of main tubes. Furthermore, the extension member 32 is disposed in a manner such that it extends below the fuel tank 31 to cover at least partially a space S formed above the engine 35, said space S encompassing certain parts essential to the working of the engine 35, for example, a secondary air
) injection member 37, a spark plug wiring harness (not shown) connecting a spark plug of the engine to an induction coil.
[0023], The seat assembly 36 is disposed behind the fuel tank
assembly 30. The seat assembly 36 includes a front rider portion and rear

pillion portion. In one embodiment;"the front rider portion and the rear pillion portion are included as a one continuous portion of the seat assembly 36. In another embodiment, the front rider portion and the rear pillion portion may be included as two separate portions of the seat assembly 36.
[0024] Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of
the motorcycle 10 on the road. The front fork assembly 16, which forms
the front suspension system, serves as rigidity component just like the
body frame. The front fork assembly 16 clamped to the head pipe 12
through the upper bracket and the lower bracket is capable of being
moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system, which is a
hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the body frame 11.
[0025] The engine 35 is mounted to a front lower portion of the body
frame 11 by means of an engine mounting bracket. The engine 35 is
equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not
shown) connected to the engine 35 and a muffler (not shown) connected
to the exhaust pipe. The muffler (not shown) extends rearwards along the
right side of the rear wheel 40. The engine 35 is further equipped with the
secondary air injection member 37 for supply of secondary air.
[0026] Further, a swing arm 41 extending rearwards is swingably
connected to a lower rear portion of the body frame 11. The rear wheel 40 is rotatably supported at a rear end of the swing arm 41. Power from the engine 35 is transmitted to the rear wheel 40 through a power drive

mechanism, such as a drive chain, so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel
40.
[0027] A rear fender 45 for covering an upper side of the rear wheel
40 is mounted to a rear portion of body frame 11 to prevent mud and water
splashed by the rotating rear wheel 40 from entering the muffler, the
engine 35 and other parts disposed close by.
[0028] To enhance the overall aesthetics of the motorcycle 10 and
to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of the
motorcycle, a plurality of rear covers 50 is attached to a rear portion of the
body frame 11.
[0029] With reference to FIG.2 - FIG.4, details of the fuel tank
assembly 30 in accordance with different preferred embodiment of the
present invention is elaborated.
[0030] FIG.2 is a front perspective view of the fuel tank assembly 30
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present
implementation, the fuel tank assembly 30 includes the fuel tank 31 and
the extension member 32 detachably attached thereto. As can be made
out from the figure, the extension member 32 is provided in a front portion
of the fuel tank 31, and particularly extends at least partially along a front
opening FO provided in the fuel tank 31 for disposition of said fuel tank 31
over the pair of main tubes. Particularly, the extension member 32
includes a lower portion 32a and an upper portion 32b. Whereas the lower
portion 32a extends at least partially along a side peripheral surface 31a of

the fuel tank 31, the upper portion 32b formed above an upper section of
the lower portion 32a, extends at least partially along a front peripheral
surface 31b of the fuel tank 31 when viewed from a fuel tank front
direction. In the present embodiment, the front peripheral surface 31b of
the fuel tank 31 defines at least partially the front opening FO. The
extension member 32 thus disposed covers at least partially the space S
(shown in FIG.1) formed above the engine 35 and below the fuel tank 31,
when viewed from a motorcycle front direction or from, motorcycle
sideward direction. In an implementation, the lower portion 32a of the
extension member 32 is provided with a plurality of ribs 32ab forming slots
in a front portion thereof, which serves as a vent for air to pass through.
Thus, the extension member 32 also serves to circulate air around parts
underlying the fuel tank 31. The extension member 32 as per the present
invention is disposed on both sides of the fuel tank 31.
[0031] As per a preferred embodiment and with reference to FIG.3,
the extension member 32 is detachably attached to the fuel tank 31 without the aid of fasteners. While the fuel tank 31 is provided with one or more mounting member receiving structures 31m, 31 p for receiving the extension member 32, the extension member 32 is provided with corresponding mounting members 32d, 32g for mounting to said fuel tank 31.
[0032] For example, in an implementation, the extension member
32 is press fitted to the fuel tank 31. As per the present embodiment, the

one,or more mounting member receiving structures 31m, 31 p of the fuel
tank 31 includes one or more mounting brackets 31m, said one or more
mounting brackets 31m being provided in an inner surface 31c of the fuel
tank 31. Correspondingly, the one or more mounting members of the
extension member 32 includes one or more mounting lugs 32d which can
be press fitted into said one or more mounting brackets 31m. Preferably,
one mounting lug may be provided in an internal surface of the lower
portion 32a and another in an internal surface of the upper portion 32b of
the extension member 32. Thus, press fitting the extension member 32 to
the fuel tank 31 ensures that no fastener is visible externally, thereby
contributing to the overall aesthetics of the motorcycle.
[0033] In a second embodiment of the present invention and as
may be seen in FIG.4, the one or more mounting member receiving members 31m,31p includes one or more mounting brackets 31m and at least one protruding bracket 31 p; provided in the inner surface 31c of the fuel tank 31. Particularly, in the present embodiment, one mounting bracket of the one or more mounting brackets 31m is provided in an upper portion of the fuel tank 31, while the protruding bracket 31 p is provided in a lower portion of the internal surface 31c of fuel tank 31. Further, said protruding bracket 31 p is provided with an elastic member 31 f, said elastic member 31f being fitted in an arm of the protruding bracket 31 p. Particularly, whereas the upper portion 32b of the extension member 32 is fastened to said mounting bracket 31m by means of a fastener, the lower

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portion 32a is slid into the arm of the protruding bracket 31 p so that there is an interference fit between the elastic member 31 f and one of said one or more mounting members 32d, 32g. In the present embodiment, one of said one or more mounting members 32d, 32g includes a locking bracket 32g provided in the lower portion 32a of the extension member 32. Specifically, an assembly sequence of the extension member 32 Involves sliding the lower portion 32a into protruding bracket 31 p so that the elastic member 31 f gets locked into the locking bracket 32g, followed by fastening the upper portion 32b which gets automatically located against the mounting bracket 31m by means of a fastener. Thus, the mounting of the extension member 32 to the fuel tank 31 as per the second embodiment involves the use of a single fastener only, facilitating ease of assembly. Fastening ensures reliable mounting of the extension member 32 and also ensures that there is minimal rattling and vibration of the extension member 32. Moreover, the mounting scheme also enables to ensure that the extension member 32 can be easily dismantled; thereby facilitating ease of maintenance of parts such as the secondary air injection member disposed above the engine.
[0034] As is apparent from the above teaching, the fuel tank
assembly including an extension member as per the above described embodiments serves to cover at least partially a space formed below the fuel tank and above the engine, so as to protect parts disposed therein from damage due to mud or water splash. Specifically, since the extension

member provided is a small sized member, not only is the casting of the same convenient, but also the mounting of the same is convenient, involving minimal or no external fastening members. Consequently, disassembly of the extension member is also a simple affair facilitating servicing of the parts underlying the fuel tank.
[0035] While the present invention has been shown and described
with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the appended claims.

We Claim:
1. A fuel tank assembly (30) for a motorcycle (10), wherein said fuel tank assembly (30) includes a fuel tank (31) and an extension member (32) adapted to be detachably attached to said fuel tank (31); characterized in that, said extension member (32) includes a lower portion (32a) and an upper portion (32b), said lower portion (32a) extending along a side peripheral surface (31a) of said fuel tank (31), and said upper portion (32b) extending along a front peripheral surface (31b) of said fuel tank (31) when viewed from a fuel tank front direction.
2. The fuel tank assembly (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front peripheral surface (31b) defines at least partially a front opening (FO) of the fuel tank (31).
3. The fuel tank assembly (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extension member (32) is provided on both sides of the fuel tank (31).
4. The fuel tank assembly (30) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (31) includes in an inner surface (31c) thereof one or more mounting member receiving structures (31m,31p) for receiving the extension member (32).
5. The fuel tank assembly (30) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said one or more mounting member receiving structures (31m, 31 p) includes

one or more mounting brackets (31m) and at least one protruding . bracket (31 p).
6. The fuel tank assembly (30) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein said extension member (32) includes one or more mounting members (32d, 32g) for mounting to said one or more mounting member receiving structures (31m, 31 p).
7. The fuel tank assembly (30) as claimed in 6, wherein said one or more mounting members (32d, 32g) includes one or more mounting lugs (32d) and at least one locking bracket (32g).
8. The fuel tank assembly (30) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 7, wherein said at least one protruding bracket (31 p) includes an elastic member (31 f) for engagement with said locking bracket (32g). ' s-
9. A motorcycle (10) comprising: a body frame (11) including a pair of main tubes;
a fuel tank (31) disposed over the pair of main tubes;
an engine (35) disposed below the fuel tank (31); and
a secondary air injection member (37) operatively connected to the
engine (35), and sandwiched between the fuel tank (31) and at
least a portion of the engine (35);
characterized in that, the fuel tank (31) is adapted to receive an
extension member (32) detachably, said extension member (32)
including a lower portion (32a), and an upper portion (32b), said

lower portion (32a) extending substantially along a side peripheral surface (31a) of the fuel tank (31)., and said upper portion (32b) extending along a front peripheral surface (31b) of the fuel tank (31), when viewed from a fuel tank front direction, wherein the extension member (32) covers at least partially a space (S) formed between the fuel tank (31) and the engine (35) when viewed from a motorcycle sideward direction.
10,-The motorcycle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the space (S) encompasses parts essential for working of the engine (35) including the secondary air injection member (37).