DESC:Technical Field
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a motorcycle, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to a fairing assembly for a high performance motorcycle.
Background
[0002] Typically, high performance motorcycles designed for racing or long distance touring, utilize a fairing assembly to form a body around an internal combustion engine and other components, so as to reduce effect of drag while riding. Particularly, during high speed riding said fairing assembly serves to significantly reduce the drag coefficient so that a rider is not subjected to any inconvenience by the force of running wind striking his/her body. However, since said fairing assembly is arranged to cover a substantial portion of said motorcycle, including the engine and other parts of said motorcycle, it becomes imperative that said fairing assembly be designed in a manner so that it is adapted to significantly reduce the drag coefficient while ensuring cooling of the engine and other components which are enclosed, so that performance of the motorcycle is not affected. Particularly, there is a need to provide an improved riding experience by ensuring riding comfort of the rider by reducing the impact of running wind onto the body of the rider, more so in a riding posture where the rider would be stooping over a fuel tank of said motorcycle.

Summary of the Invention
[0003] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
[0004] The present invention provides a motorcycle including a front fairing assembly, whose structure and arrangement enables significant reduction of drag coefficient, thereby facilitating riding comfort, while it also facilitates engine cooling.
[0005] The present invention provides a motorcycle including a front fairing assembly whose structure and arrangement enables cooling of engine of the motorcycle.
[0006] The present invention provides a motorcycle including a front fairing assembly which serves to improve overall aesthetic appeal of said motorcycle.
[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a motorcycle comprising a frame assembly having a head tube on which at least a handle bar is steerably supported, and a front fairing assembly disposed in front of said handle bar. Particularly, a line passing through top most point of said front fairing assembly is disposed below a top most point of said handle bar. More particularly, the front fairing assembly including a meter visor is disposed below a plane passing through the handle bar. As a result, it is ensured that even in a riding posture when a rider is stooping over the fuel tank, running wind is deflected upwards and away from the head of the rider.
[0008] Further, as per an embodiment of the present invention, a pair of front side fairing members disposed on either sides of said meter visor, extends rearwardly beyond the head pipe, so as to cover at least a front portion of the fuel tank and on both sides thereof. Particularly, said pair of front side fairing members is provided in a manner so that it is disposed substantially above an engine of the motorcycle, so as not to cover the engine. Thus, the engine of the motorcycle is directly exposed to running wind directed by the pair of front side fairing members for cooling. Moreover, since the pair of front side fairing members extends up to the front portion of the fuel tank, especially with a terminating end tapering towards the rider, it is ensured that running wind flowing towards the body of the rider is stream lined, thereby aiding in reducing an effect of drag. Additionally, the front fairing assembly also includes a pair of front side fairing extension members which serve to direct running wind towards the engine.
[0009] Furthermore, a front display bracket adapted to be provided below said meter visor enhances overall appeal of said front fairing assembly.
[0010] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings
[0011] 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:
[0012] FIG.1 illustrates a side view of a motorcycle in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG.2 illustrates a front view of the motorcycle depicting a front fairing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG.3 illustrates an enlarged side view of the motorcycle depicting the front fairing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG.4 illustrates an enlarged side perspective view of the motorcycle depicting air flow to the engine through a portion of the front fairing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG.5 illustrates an exploded view depicting a mounting arrangement of a front display bracket of said front fairing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG.6 illustrates a front view of said front display bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0018] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the front fairing 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 elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to said motorcycle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. 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.
[0019] FIG.1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motorcycle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in a right corner of said figure depicts directions with respect to the vehicle, whereas arrow F denotes a front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction.
[0020] The motorcycle 100 depicted in FIG.1 includes a frame assembly 105 including a head tube 105a in a front portion thereof, said frame assembly 105 extending from said head tube 105a, towards a rear portion of the motorcycle 100. The frame assembly 105 includes a mainframe (not shown) comprising a main tube extending rearwards from the head tube 105a, and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube 105a. The frame assembly 105 may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend rearwards and obliquely upward from the main frame.
[0021] In a front end portion of the motorcycle 100, a steering shaft (not shown) is supported rotatably in a certain range. Further a handlebar 140 steerably supported to the head tube 105a is connected to a front wheel 135 through the steering shaft. An upper portion of the front wheel 135 is covered by a front fender 145 which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft. Further, a front fork assembly (not shown) extending upwards from the front wheel 135 is also steerably supported to the head tube 105a.
[0022] Further, in a front portion of the motorcycle 100, a fuel tank 150 is arranged immediately behind the head tube 105a and is disposed above an engine 110. The engine 110 is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly 105. The engine 110 acts as a power unit of the vehicle 100.
[0023] A seat assembly 155 is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank 150 and is supported by the pair of rear tubes.
[0024] A swing arm 115 extending rearwards is swingably connected at its front end to the main frame, and at its rear end is rotatably connected to a rear wheel 120. The rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the engine 110 through a transmission system. A rear fender (not shown) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel 120 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 120. Further, the swing arm 115 is coupled to the frame assembly 105 through one or more rear suspension(s). In the present embodiment, a single mono-shock rear suspension (not shown) connects the swing arm 115 to the frame assembly 105.
[0025] Further, the motorcycle 100 includes a front fairing assembly 165 that is disposed forwardly of the head tube 105a and extending sidewardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank 150. Also, the motorcycle 100 includes a bottom cowl assembly 170 that covers at least a portion of the engine 110, protecting the same from dust, dirt, and water. Furthermore, the motorcycle 100 includes one or more side panel(s) 175 disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on either sides thereof and is mounted to the main frame covering various parts including an air filter, and one or more electrical/electrical components that are mounted to the frame assembly 105. A tail cover assembly 180 which is disposed rearwardly of the side panel(s) 175 extends along the pair of rear tubes to cover at least a portion of the pair of rear tubes. The tail cover assembly 105 accommodates a tail lamp (not shown).
[0026] The front fairing assembly 165 as per the present invention is explained with reference to FIGs.2-6. FIG.2 is a front view of the motorcycle 100 and depicts the front fairing assembly 165 as per an embodiment of the present invention. The front fairing assembly 165 includes a front central fairing member 165a, a pair of front side fairing members 165b, a meter visor 165c, and a front display bracket 165d.
[0027] Whereas the front central fairing member 165a is disposed in front of the head tube 105a and the front fork assembly, the pair of front side fairing members 165b is detachably attached on either sides to said front central fairing member 165a. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the front central fairing member 165a includes a grille member 165aa which serves a ram air inlet for introducing ram air towards the engine 110. Whereas in one embodiment, the grille member 165aa may be integrally formed in said front central fairing member 165a, in another embodiment said grille member 165aa may be detachably attached to said front central fairing member 165a. Thus, presence of the front central fairing member 165a fitted with the grille member 165aa aids in directing air/running wind for cooling the engine 110.
[0028] In the present embodiment, the meter visor 165c is also detachably attached to said front central fairing member 165a, with the front display bracket 165d sandwiched between the two. Further, the pair of front side fairing members 165b attached to said front central fairing member 165a extends sidewards and rearwards at least up to a front portion of the fuel tank 150.
[0029] Particularly, as may be seen in FIG.2, the front fairing assembly 165 is disposed in front of a vertical plane A-A passing through said handle bar 140 when viewed from a motorcycle front direction. A plane B-B indicates a vertical plane passing through a top most point of said front fairing assembly 165.
[0030] FIG.3 is an enlarged side view of said motorcycle 100. As may be seen in FIG.3, a line C-C passing through a topmost point of the front fairing assembly 165 lies below a topmost point H of the handle bar 140 when viewed from a motorcycle sideward direction. By providing the front fairing assembly 165 in a manner such that the topmost point of the lies below a topmost point H of the handle bar 140, it is ensured that running wind is streamlined over the body of a rider, especially in a riding posture where the rider would be stooping over the fuel tank of said motorcycle, thereby reducing the impact of running wind onto the body of the rider.
[0031] Further, as may be seen a line D-D passing above one front side fairing member of said pair of front side fairing members 165b lies below the handle bar 140. Moreover, the pair of front side fairing members 165b lie above the engine 110, exposing the engine 110 for direct introduction of running wind. Furthermore, as may be seen the pair of front side fairing members 165b tapering towards the fuel tank 150 serve to stream line air towards the rider’s legs.
[0032] Further, the present invention also provides a pair of front side fairing extension members 165be as may be seen in FIG.4. Each front side fairing extension member of the pair of front side fairing extension members 165be is disposed on either side of the motorcycle 100 and extends vertically downwards from each front side fairing member of the pair of front side fairing members 165b, in a manner so that it is disposed ahead of the engine 110 when viewed from a motorcycle sideward direction. In the present embodiment said pair of front side fairing extension members 165be is detachably attached to said pair of front side fairing members 165b. Further, as per an aspect of the present invention, the pair of front side fairing extension members 165be is provided with two or more air passage vents 165bv in a rear portion thereof and at a lower portion thereof so that running wind is guided towards the engine 110. Particularly, in a front inner portion of the pair of front side fairing extension members 165be a scoop (not shown) is given so that sufficient gap is created between the pair of front side fairing extension members 165be and the front wheel 135 for air to flow. Thus, while a front portion of the pair of front side fairing extension members 165be serves as an air inlet, said two or more air passage vents 165bv formed in the rear portion thereof serves as an air outlet for air flow to the engine 110.
[0033] With reference to FIG.5 and FIG.6, description is made of the meter visor 165c and the front display bracket 165d. FIG.5 is an exploded view depicting mounting of said meter visor 165c to the front display bracket 165d. As may be seen, the meter visor 165c is disposed on the front central fairing member 165a through a pair of side arms 165da of said front display bracket 165d. Further, the front display bracket 165d, at its display portion 165dd is directly fastened to a central portion of said front central fairing member 165a. Thus, the front display bracket 165d is sandwiched between the meter visor 165c and the front central fairing member 165a. In the present embodiment the front display bracket 165d is laser cut. Said pair of side arms 165da of said front display bracket 165d are press folded to support the meter visor 165c (shown in FIG.5). In the present embodiment, the front display bracket 165d displays a logo. However, based on user requirement, the front display bracket 165d may be used to display other features of said motorcycle 100. The meter visor 165c being transparent provides a view of the front display bracket 165d on which it is at least partially supported.
[0034] Thus, the front fairing assembly as per the above description not only aids in directing ram air to the engine, and in reducing drag coefficient, but also aids in enhancing overall appeal of the motorcycle.
[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.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. A motorcycle (100) including a fairing assembly (165), said motorcycle (100) comprising:
a head tube (105a);
a handle bar (140) supported in said head tube (105a) for steering said motorcycle (100);
a fuel tank (150) disposed immediately behind said handle bar (140); and
an engine (110) for powering the motorcycle disposed below the fuel tank (150);
wherein, said fairing assembly (165) is disposed in front of the handle bar (140) and extends up to a front portion of the fuel tank (150);
characterized in that, said fairing assembly (165) includes a front central fairing member (165a), a pair of front side fairing members (165b), and a pair of front side fairing extension members (165be), wherein a topmost point of the front fairing assembly (165) lies below a topmost point H of the handle bar (140) when viewed from a motorcycle front and sideward direction for reducing drag coefficient, and wherein said fairing assembly (165) is adapted to direct air towards the engine (110).
2. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each front side fairing member of said pair of front side fairing members (165b) is detachably attached to said front central fairing member (165a) and disposed on either side of said front central fairing member (165a).
3. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said each front side fairing member of said pair of front side fairing members (165b) extends sidewards from said front central fairing member (165a) towards the fuel tank (150).
4. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein each front side fairing extension member of the pair of front side fairing extension members (165be) is detachably attached to each front side fairing member (165) and extends substantially vertically downwards therefrom, and disposed in a manner such that said front side fairing extension member lies ahead of the engine when viewed from a motorcycle sideward direction.
5. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each front side fairing extension member of the pair of front side fairing extension members (165be) includes two or more air passage vents (165bv) formed in a rear portion thereof for directing running wind towards the engine (110).
6. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front central fairing member (165a) includes a grille member (165aa) adapted to direct ram air into the engine (110).
7. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fairing assembly (165) includes a meter visor (165c) and a front display bracket (165d) detachably attached to said front central fairing member (165a).
8. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said front display bracket (165d) is sandwiched between said meter visor (165c) and said front central fairing member (165a), and wherein said front display bracket (165d) is adapted to display a logo.
9. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said front display bracket (165d) is laser cut and includes a pair of side arms (165da) adapted to be press folded for supporting said meter visor (165c).
10. A fairing assembly (165) for a motorcycle (100) as claimed in claims 1-9.