DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled motor vehicle, and more particularly to a steering assembly for the two-wheeled motor vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle a frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton and as a structural member of the vehicle, which supports various vehicle loads. A front portion of the frame assembly connects a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s) to a steering assembly. The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0003] Further, the steering assembly comprises a handle bar assembly. The handle bar assembly enables a user to maneuver the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a top view of the steering assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a rights side perspective of the steering assembly, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[0008] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of a steering assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 depicts a top view of a steering assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] Typically, the steering assembly is rotatably disposed about a head tube of the frame assembly. The steering assembly is subject to movements due to the reaction of the front wheel with the varying road condition thereby resulting in wobbling of the front wheel. Importantly, in high-speed vehicle applications, such wobbling may result into fatal accidents. Therefore, in high-speed vehicle applications, the movements that may be transferred from the front wheel to the handle bar assembly are restricted by providing a steering damper.
[00012] Generally, the steering damper connects the steering assembly to the frame assembly of vehicle. The steering damper is adjustable by a user depending on the riding conditions or riding terrains. However, positioning of the steering damper in proximity to the handle bar is complex due to lack of space and tightly packaged components. Also, the steering damper should not interfere with other components of the vehicle such as display console or fuel tank opening etc. Moreover, the steering damper should be rigidly secured to the handle bar assembly and the frame assembly. Moreover, the steering damper is to be easily accessible by the user.
[00013] The present subject matter is aimed at addressing the aforementioned and other problems in the prior art. Hence, it is an object of the present subject matter is to provide a steering assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle. According to one aspect, the steering damper is disposed in proximity to the handle bar assembly enabling ease of access to user. According to yet another aspect, the steering damper is secured to the frame assembly and is supported by at least a portion of the fuel tank cover. Additional aspect being, the steering assembly is compactly packaged.
[00014] The present subject matter provides a steering assembly employed with a steering damper that is compactly disposed rearwardly of a handle bar assembly. In addition, the steering damper is pivotally coupled to a mounting bracket that is mounted to a main tube of the frame assembly, wherein at least a portion of the mounting bracket is supported by a fuel tank cover. The fuel tank cover is disposed rearwardly of the handle bar assembly and is supported by the main tube.
[00015] It is an advantage of the present subject matter that the steering assembly does not interfere with the fuel tank volume as the steering assembly includes a damper being mounted to the frame and supported by at least a portion of the fuel tank cover.
[00016] It is an advantage that the steering assembly along with the steering damper provides an aesthetic appeal as fuel tank cover retains a smooth transition from front portion towards rear portion thereby providing aesthetically appealing view.
[00017] It is an additional advantage that the steering damper mounting also secures the fuel tank cover, which encloses a fuel tank, to the frame assembly.
[00018] It is yet another advantage that the fuel tank cover is disposed in proximity to the handle bar assembly thereby eliminating any abrupt transition. The steering damper is supported by the support bracket mounted to the frame and at least a portion of the fuel tank cover is sandwiched between the frame the support bracket thereby providing smooth transition of the fuel tank cover.
[00019] The present subject matter is applicable to small and moderate capacity two-wheeled vehicle having engine capacity in the range of 200 to 600 cubic centimeters. Such vehicles with compact layout require uncompromised fuel tank capacity, optimum mounting of steering damper, and at the same time aesthetic appeal.
[00020] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00021] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein the arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denoted downward direction. The vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly that extends from a head tube (not shown), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle 100, towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. The frame assembly 105 includes a mainframe (not shown) comprising a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. The frame assembly 105 may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An engine assembly 110 is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly 105.
[00022] The engine assembly 110 acts as the power unit of the vehicle 100, wherein the power unit may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm 115 is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame assembly 105 and rear portion of the swing arm 115 rotatably supports a rear wheel 120. The rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the engine assembly 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 125 connects the swing arm 115 to the frame assembly. The steering assembly 200 includes a pair of front forks 130 coupled to a handlebar assembly 140 at one end and supporting a front wheel 135 on the other end. The steering assembly 200 is rotatably supported by the head tube 105A (shown in Fig. 2 (c)). Further, a front fender 145 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 135 and the front fender 145 is mounted to the front forks 130.
[00023] A fuel tank cover 150 is mounted to the main tube of the frame assembly 105 and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly 140. A seat assembly 155 is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank cover assembly 150 and supported by the pair of rear tubes. A pair of rider foot pegs 160 mounted to the frame assembly 105 of the vehicle enable in supporting the rider foot. Further, the vehicle 100 comprises a front cowl assembly 165 that is disposed forwardly of the head tube and extending sidewardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank cover 150 and at least a portion of the engine assembly 110. The front cowl assembly 165 is mounted with one or more headlamp(s) (not shown) that are disposed in a front portion of the front cowl assembly 165. Also, the vehicle 100 may include a bottom cowl assembly 170 that covers at least a portion of the engine assembly 110 whereby the engine assembly 110 is protected from dust, dirt, and water splashing. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes one or more side panel(s) 175 disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on either sides of the vehicle 100 and is mounted to the main frame covering various vehicle parts including at least a portion of the main frame, an air filter, and one or more electrical/electrical components (not shown) that are mounted to the frame assembly 105. A tail cover assembly 180 that are disposed rearwardly of the side panel(s) 175 and extend along the pair of rear tubes thereby covering at least a portion of the pair of rear tubes. The tail cover assembly 180 extends towards a rear portion of the frame assembly 105 and the tail cover assembly 105 is adapted to accommodate a tail lamp (not shown).
[00024] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a top view of the steering assembly 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The handle bar assembly 140 includes a right (RH) side clip 140A, and a left side clip 140B that are mounted to a right side fork 130A and a left side fork 130B, respectively. The right side clip 140A is adapted to support a handle grip with an accelerator, a front brake lever, and plurality of vehicle controls. The left side clip 140B is adapted to support a handle grip, a clutch lever, and plurality of vehicle controls. An upper bracket 140C is disposed through the right side fork 130A and the left side fork 130B. The upper bracket 140C rotates in conjunction with the handle bar assembly 140. A steering shaft (not shown) is disposed about the head tube 105A the enables the handle bar assembly 140 to rotate. A steering damper 205 is secured to a mounting bracket 210 through the steering damper body 205A and is disposed substantially along a lateral direction of the vehicle 100. A steering damper shaft 205B is secured to the upper bracket 140C through a mounting shaft 215, which is pivotally connected to the steering shaft 205B. Rotation of the handle bar assembly 140 will result in movement of mounting shaft 215 that is affixed to the upper bracket 140C. Thus, the mounting shaft 215 either pulls or pushes the damper shaft 205B resulting in sliding of the damper shaft 205B about the damper body 205A. Further, relative to the motion of the damper shaft 205B, the damper body 205A pivots about the mounting point on the mounting bracket 210. The mounting bracket 210 is mounted to the frame assembly 105 and is supported by at least a portion of the fuel tank cover 150.
[00025] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a rights side perspective of the steering assembly 200, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). Fig. 2 (c) depicts a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly 200 depicted in Fig. 2 (a), taken along the axis X-X’. The frame assembly 105 is provided with a support bracket 105D that is welded or affixed to the main tube 105B of the frame assembly 105 and disposed rearwardly of the head tube 105A. The support bracket 105D is provided with one or more mounting points for supporting the mounting bracket 210. In the present embodiment, the mounting bracket 210 is secured to the support bracket 105D through a first fastener 235A and a second fastener 235B. The mounting bracket 210 has a fastening portion 210A and a body portion extending away from the fastening portion 210A. In the present embodiment, the body portion 210B extends obliquely/inclinedly forward from the fastening portion 210A. Also, at least a portion of the mounting bracket 210 abuts the fuel tank 150. Further, the first fastener 235A and the second fastener 235B are provided with one or more spacer(s) 220 for providing clearance and to eliminate interference between the components disposed thereon, wherein clearance is provided between the mounting portion 105D, and the fuel 150 and between the fuel tank cover 150, and the mounting bracket 210.
[00026] One end of the damper shaft 205B is connected to the mounting shaft 215 and is pivotable about the mounting shaft 215. The mounting shaft 215 is secured to the upper bracket 140C of the steering assembly 200 through one or more fasteners 230. In the present embodiment, the mounting bracket 210 is extending in a forwardly upward direction and is provided with a pivotal point for pivotally mounting the damper body 205A. The steering damper 205 is positioned rearwardly of the handle bar assembly 140 and is disposed substantially along a lateral direction of the vehicle 100. The damper shaft 205B is also extending substantially along the lateral direction of the vehicle 100. This provides a compact packaging and enables ease of access to the user for adjustment through the adjuster 205C provided on the damper body 205A. The user can set damping condition to either hard or soft depending on the terrain or the riding conditions. Moreover, the mounting bracket 210 is secured to the frame assembly 105 and is supported by the fuel tank cover 150, thereby providing rigid mounting without comprising on the space. Also, the steering assembly 200 of the present embodiment provides compact packaging as depicted.
[00027] Fig. 3 depicts a top view of a steering assembly 300, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The upper bracket 140C secures the right side fork 130A and left side fork 130B at the top portion(s). The right side clip 140A and left side clip 140B are mounted to the right side fork 130A and the left side fork 130B, respectively, and are disposed above the upper bracket 140C. The present embodiment provides a mounting bracket 310 that is mounted to the main tube 105B of the frame assembly 105. The mounting bracket 310 is secured to the main tube 105B through one or more fasteners 335A. In the present embodiment, the mounting bracket 310 is secured through the fasteners 335A, which are provided in the front portion of the mounting bracket 310. The mounting bracket 310 extends upwardly rearward and is supported by at least a portion of the fuel tank cover (not shown). Further, the damper body 305A is pivotally secured to the mounting bracket 310. The damper shaft 305B is pivotally coupled to the mounting shaft 315. In the present embodiment, the mounting shaft 315 is affixed to the right side clip 140A, which is secured to the right side fork 130A. In an embodiment, the mounting shaft may be secured to the left side clip 130B.
[00028] Further, in the present embodiment, the support bracket 310 includes the fastening portion 310A, which is provided in the front portion F. The body portion 310B extends away from the fastening portion 310A. In the present embodiment, the fastening portion 310A extends rearward. Also, the damper body 305A is above the fastening portion 310A. Therefore, in a top view the damper body 305A overlaps with at least a portion of the damper body 305A. The support bracket 310 is secured to the main frame 105B through the fuel tank cover 150. The support bracket 310 extends inclinedly rearward along the surface of the fuel tank cover 150. The support bracket 310 abuts an upper surface of the fuel tank cover 150. This enables optimum packaging and mounting of the steering assembly 200. Also, the assembly provides aesthetic appeal as the fastening portion 310A is not visible in a top view.
[00029] Fig. 4 depicts a top view of a steering assembly 400, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter. The steering assembly 400 includes a right side clip on 130A and a left side clip on 130B mounted to the right side fork 130A and the left side fork 130B respectively. A steering damper 405 is coupled to a mounting bracket 410 and to either of the upper bracket 140C or the right side clip on 140C. The steering damper 405 is disposed rearwardly of the handle bar assembly. Further, the right side clip extends from the mounting portion obliquely forward along a horizontal plane and away from a longitudinal axis L-L’ of the vehicle 100. Also, the left side clip on 140B extends from the mounting portion obliquely forward along a horizontal plane and away from a longitudinal axis L-L’ of the vehicle 100. The right side clip on 140A and left side clip on 140B are each provided with a handle grip member that are disposed along said horizontal plane. Therefore, the handle bar assembly 400 is disposed along the horizontal plane. Further, the handle bar assembly 140 of the steering assembly 400 does not interfere with the steering damper 405 and also provides ease of access for adjustment to the user. As the steering damper 405 is disposed in proximity to the fuel tank 150 and the handle bar assembly 140.
[00030] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A steering assembly (200, 300, 400) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100), said two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a frame assembly (105) comprising a head tube (105A) and a main tube (105B) extending rearward from said head tube (105A), said steering assembly (200, 300, 400) comprising:
a handle bar assembly (140) comprising a right side clip (140A), a left side clip (140B), and an upper bracket (140C), said right side clip (140A) and said left side clip (140B) mounted to a right side fork (130A) and a left side fork (130B) of a front suspension (130), respectively, said upper bracket (140C) being secured to said right side fork (130A) and said left side fork (130B), said upper bracket (140C) rotatably disposed about said head tube (105A); and
a steering damper (205, 305, 405) comprising a steering damper body (205A, 305A, 305B) and a steering damper shaft (205B, 305B, 405B) slidable inside said steering damper body (205A, 305A, 305B), said steering damper shaft (205B, 305B, 405B) being pivotally secured to at least a portion of said handle bar assembly (140),
wherein
said steering damper body (205A, 305A, 405B) extending in a lateral direction (RH-LH) is disposed rearward to said upper bracket (140C), said steering damper body (205A, 305A, 405B) being pivotally secured to a mounting bracket (210, 310, 410) disposed above a fuel tank cover (150) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) being disposed rearward of said handle bar assembly (140) whereby at least a portion of said fuel tank cover (150) being sandwiched between said mounting bracket (210, 310, 410) and said main tube (105B),
wherein
said mounting bracket (210, 310, 410) includes a fastening portion (210A, 310A, 410A) and a body portion (210B, 310B, 410B), said fastening portion (210A, 310A, 410A) disposed at one end portion of said mounting bracket (210, 310, 410) being secured to said main tube (105B) through said fuel tank cover (150), said body portion (210B, 310B, 410B) extends in a direction (F, R) inclinedly away from said fastening portion (210A, 310A, 410A), said steering damper body (205A, 305A, 305B) is secured to said body portion (210B, 310B, 410B).
2. The steering assembly (200, 300, 400) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steering damper body (205B, 305B, 405B) is pivotally secured to said upper bracket (104C).
3. The steering assembly (300) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fastening portion (310A) is disposed at a front portion (F) of the mounting bracket (310), and said steering damper body (205A, 405B) is secured to said body portion (210B, 410B) rearward of said fastening portion (310A).
4. The steering assembly (300) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said steering damper body (205A, 405A) overlaps with at least a portion of said fastening portion (310A) when viewed from top of said vehicle (100).
5. The steering assembly (300) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said body portion (210B, 410B) extends abuttingly rearward along at least a portion of the fuel tank (150).
6. The steering assembly (200, 400) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fastening portion (210A, 410A) is disposed at a rear portion (R) of the mounting bracket (210, 410), and said damper body (205A, 405B) is secured to said body portion (210B, 410B).
7. The steering assembly (200, 400) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steering damper shaft (205B, 405B) is secured to said bracket (140C).
8. The steering assembly (300) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steering damper shaft (305B) is secured to at least one of said right side clip (140A) and said left side clip (140B).
9. The steering assembly (300) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two-wheeled vehicle (100) includes a power unit including an internal combustion engine (110) disposed below said fuel tank (150), wherein said internal combustion engine (110) is horizontally disposed.
10. The steering assembly (300) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two-wheeled vehicle (100) includes a power unit including a traction motor being driven by an auxiliary power source.