TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to motorcycle braking system enhancement, in general, and more specifically to a braking enhancement arrangement for a motorcycle and a motorcycle with such an arrangement, a hydraulic enhancement arrangement for a motorcycle, and a motorcycle with such a hydraulic arrangement .

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Motorcycling is well-known in the art and is a popular option for transport, leisure and sport in many countries of the world. For example, motorcycle touring, sport bike racing, and dirt bike racing and off-roading are all popular pastimes.

[0004] In the field of off-road riding or dirt-biking, a common problem riders face is maintaining control under rough riding conditions. For example, over rough terrain or ascending or descending steep inclines or declines, where maintaining balance can be difficult whilst exercising proper control over the controls of the motorcycle. [0005] In one situation, exercising proper braking is essential, but applying the necessary pressure to a rear brake pedal is difficult when a rider is required to stand upright on the foot pegs of the motorcycle to maintain balance and control .

[0006] In addition, a popular trick with many motorcyclists is a wheelie, being a motorcycle manoeuvre in which the front wheel comes off the ground due to sufficient torque being applied to the rear wheel, or through rider motion relative to the vehicle. A wheelie is also a common motorcycle stunt, where the throttle and rear brakes are used to control the wheelie while a rider uses body weight and the steering to control the direction, with the inertia of the spinning front wheel sometimes acting as a balance.

[0007] Clutch wheelies may be performed by disengaging the clutch and opening the throttle to let the engine race and then engaging the clutch abruptly. Otherwise, power wheelies or roll-on wheelies may be performed by simply opening the throttle and, if the engine has sufficient power, it will be able to lift the front wheel into the air.

[0008] Proper control and technique are essential in performing a successful wheelie, and often requires the rider to apply careful weight distribution as well as regulating the throttle, clutch and the rear brake to maintain the motorcycle's forward momentum whilst keeping the front wheel in the air. Without the proper technique, performing a wheelie is not only difficult, but more importantly dangerous, as injury or even death can result from flipping a motorcycle. [0009] In light of the above issues, applicant has identified a need in the art of motorcycling to enhance the response and control of the existing braking and/or clutch system of a motorcycle, as well as to improve motorcycling handling and safety.

[0010] The current invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind in an attempt to ameliorate certain shortcomings in the art of motorcycling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a braking enhancement arrangement for a motorcycle, said enhancement arrangement comprising:

an actuator configured for operative engagement with an existing brake system of the motorcycle, said actuator configured to actuate said brake system;

a handlebar-mounted transducer configured to accept either of a proportional pressure or positional input from a rider;

a pulsation selector configured to accept a rider- selectable pulsation rate; and

a controller arranged in signal communication with the actuator, transducer and pulsation selector, the controller configured to receive the proportional rider input and pulsation rate and to proportionally actuate the actuator to apply a braking force to the motorcycle proportional to the proportional input and at a periodicity corresponding to said pulsation rate. [0012] It is to be appreciated that proportional input generally means that the input acceptable by the transducer typically lies along a predetermined linear range, e.g. a depressible, sliding or rotating switch or input having infinite adjustment between a value of zero to ten, or a force sensing resistor with infinite input between values of zero to one, or the like. Similarly, the controller applies a proportional braking force, via the actuator, depending on the proportional input, i.e. a '5' input along a scale of 'O' to Ί0' means an application of a '5' braking force on a similar scale of 'O' (no braking) to Ί0' (lock the wheel), or the like .

[0013] It is further to be appreciated that the actuator can be configured to engage and actuate an existing brake system in a variety of ways, e.g. engagement with an existing rear brake pedal or front brake lever, hydraulic engagement to an existing master cylinder, engagement with an existing brake calliper, etc.

[0014] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to determine a speed and/or acceleration of the motorcycle, said controller configured to automatically vary the applied braking force and/or periodicity of said applied force according to a speed and/or acceleration of the motorcycle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the actuator is configured to engage with an existing rear brake pedal via a mechanical linkage or lever. [0016] In one embodiment, the actuator is configured to engage with an existing front brake lever via a mechanical linkage or lever.

[0017] In one embodiment, the actuator includes a master cylinder with a hydraulic interface for operatively interfacing with an existing hydraulic circuit of the motorcycle .

[0018] In one example, the actuator is configured to engage with an existing brake calliper of the motorcycle, said actuator operatively urging brake pads of said calliper against a rotor of the brake system.

[0019] Typically, the actuator comprises a servomechanism, a linear driver, a stepper motor, or the like.

[0020] In one example, the transducer includes a force sensing resistor, a potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, an optical displacement sensor, or the like.

[0021] In one embodiment, the transducer is configured such that the positional input is via application of pressure, linear, rotational, or the like.

[0022] Typically, the arrangement includes an ergonomic handlebar mount for mounting the transducer within easy reach of a rider, said mount configured to allow the rider to apply the proportional pressure input via a thumb without removing a hand from a conventional grip of the motorcycle. [0023] Typically, the pulsation selector comprises a potentiometer and/or associated electronic circuitry whereby the pulsation rate is adjustable.

[0024] Typically, the rider-selectable pulsation rate is selectable in a range between 0.1Hz and 1kHz.

[0025] Typically, the arrangement includes an inclinometer configured to measure an inclination between a horizontal plane and a plane formed by both the motorcycle's wheel axles, and if such measured inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller is configured to automatically actuate the actuator to apply a braking force in a particular manner independent from the proportional rider input.

[0026] Typically, the inclinometer comprises an accelerometer, e.g. a MEMS accelerometer, etc.

[0027] Typically, the inclinometer is configured to measure the inclination lateral to the motorcycle, i.e. a lean angle of the motorcycle.

[0028] Typically, if the measured lateral inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller is configured to automatically actuate the actuator to apply a maximum braking force.

[0029] Typically, the inclinometer is configured to measure the inclination longitudinal to the motorcycle, i.e. whether a front wheel is above or below a rear wheel. [0030] Typically, if the measured longitudinal inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller is configured to automatically actuate the actuator to apply a braking force to lower such longitudinal inclination below the predetermined value .

[0031] In an embodiment, the particular manner in which the controller is configured to actuate the actuator to apply a braking force is determined by a lookup table or relational database stored in a memory of the controller, said lookup table or relational database comprising values of actuation values or levels relative to said measured inclination.

[0032] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to actuate the actuator to apply a braking force to an available maximum upon receipt of a particular rider input, i.e. a 'handbrake' function.

[0033] Typically, the arrangement is configured to interface with an existing electrical system of the motorcycle to energise said arrangement's constituent parts, as required.

[0034] Typically, the controller includes an on-off switch for activating or deactivating said arrangement.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a motorcycle comprising a braking enhancement arrangement in accordance with the first aspect of the invention . [0036] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic enhancement arrangement for a motorcycle, said arrangement comprising:

a master cylinder with a hydraulic interface for operatively interfacing with an existing hydraulic circuit of the motorcycle;

an actuator configured to actuate the master cylinder to pressurise the existing hydraulic circuit of the motorcycle; a transducer configured to accept either of a proportional positional or pressure input from a rider; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the actuator and the transducer and including an inclinometer configured to measure an inclination between the horizontal plane and a plane formed by both the motorcycle's wheel axles, the controller configured to:

i) receive the proportional rider input and to proportionally actuate the master cylinder via the actuator; and

ii) if the measured inclination exceeds a predetermined value, automatically actuate the master cylinder in a particular manner independent from the proportional rider input.

[0037] It is to be appreciated that the master cylinder typically comprises some manner of hydraulic pump for an automotive braking or clutch system that includes a cylinder and at least one piston arranged therein which is actuatable by a suitable pedal or lever to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to brake calipers or a clutch assembly.

[0038] Typically, the master cylinder is configured to operatively interface with the existing hydraulic circuit by means of a hydraulic coupling with the existing master cylinder, or the like.

[0039] Typically, the arrangement includes a pulsation selector configured to accept a rider-selectable pulsation rate, said controller configured to receive the proportional rider input and pulsation rate and to proportionally actuate the actuator to apply a braking force to the motorcycle proportional to the proportional input at a periodicity corresponding to said pulsation rate.

[0040] Typically, the actuator comprises a servomechanism, a linear driver, a stepper motor, or the like.

[0041] In one embodiment, the actuator is configured to actuate a piston arranged within the master cylinder to pressurise the existing hydraulic circuit.

[0042] In one example, the transducer includes a potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, an optical displacement sensor, a force sensing resistor, or the like.

[0043] In one embodiment, the transducer is configured such that the positional input is linear.

[0044] In another embodiment, the transducer is configured such that the positional input is rotational.

[0045] It is to be appreciated that proportional input generally means that the input acceptable by the transducer typically lies along a predetermined linear range, e.g. a sliding or rotating switch having infinite adjustment between a value of zero to ten, or a force sensing resistor with infinite input between values of zero to one, or the like.

[0046] Typically, the controller comprises a microcontroller having a processor along with memory and programmable input/output peripherals.

[0047] Typically, the inclinometer comprises an accelerometer, e.g. a MEMS accelerometer, etc.

[0048] Typically, the controller is configured to receive the proportional rider input and to proportionally actuate the master cylinder via the actuator.

[0049] Typically, the inclinometer is configured to measure the inclination lateral to the motorcycle, i.e. a lean angle of the motorcycle.

[0050] Typically, if the measured lateral inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller is configured to automatically actuate the master cylinder to an available maximum.

[0051] Typically, the inclinometer is configured to measure the inclination longitudinal to the motorcycle, i.e. whether the front wheel is above or below the rear wheel.

[0052] Typically, if the measured longitudinal inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller is configured to automatically actuate the master cylinder to lower such longitudinal inclination below the predetermined value. [0053] In an embodiment, the particular manner in which the controller is configured to actuate the master cylinder is determined by a lookup table or relational database stored in a memory of the controller, said lookup table or relational database comprising values of master cylinder actuation values or levels relative to said measured inclination.

[0054] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to actuate the master cylinder to an available maximum upon receipt of a particular rider input.

[0055] Typically, the controller includes an on-off switch for activating or deactivating said controller and associated functionality .

[0056] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to determine a speed and/or acceleration of the motorcycle, said controller configured to automatically vary the applied braking force and/or periodicity of said applied force according to a speed and/or acceleration of the motorcycle.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a motorcycle comprising a hydraulic enhancement arrangement in accordance with the third aspect of the invention .

[0058] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a motorcycle comprising:

a body with at least two wheels arranged so that an axle plane is formed by both the motorcycle's wheel axles, and either or both of an existing hydraulic brake or/and clutch circuit ( s ) ; a master cylinder interfaced with said existing hydraulic circuit ;

an actuator configured to actuate the master cylinder to pressurise the existing hydraulic circuit of the motorcycle; a transducer configured to accept either of a proportional positional or pressure input from a rider; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the actuator and the transducer and including an inclinometer configured to measure an inclination between the horizontal plane and the axle plane, the controller configured to:

i) receive the proportional rider input and to proportionally actuate the master cylinder via the actuator; and

ii) if the measured inclination exceeds a predetermined value, automatically actuate the master cylinder in a particular manner independent from the proportional rider input.

[0059] Typically, the controller includes a pulsation selector configured to accept a rider-selectable pulsation rate, said controller configured to receive the proportional rider input and pulsation rate and to proportionally actuate the actuator to apply a braking force to the motorcycle proportional to the proportional input at a periodicity corresponding to said pulsation rate.

[0060] Typically, the actuator comprises a servomechanism, a linear driver, a stepper motor, or the like.

[0061] In one embodiment, the actuator is configured to actuate a piston arranged within the master cylinder to pressurise the existing hydraulic circuit. [0062] In one example, the transducer includes a potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, an optical displacement sensor, a force sensing resistor, or the like.

[0063] In one embodiment, the transducer is configured such that the positional input is linear.

[0064] In another embodiment, the transducer is configured such that the positional input is rotational.

[0065] Typically, the controller comprises a microcontroller having a processor along with memory and programmable input/output peripherals.

[0066] Typically, the inclinometer comprises an accelerometer, e.g. a MEMS accelerometer, etc.

[0067] Typically, the controller is configured to receive the proportional rider input and to proportionally actuate the master cylinder via the actuator.

[0068] Typically, the inclinometer is configured to measure the inclination lateral to the motorcycle, i.e. a lean angle of the motorcycle.

[0069] Typically, if the measured lateral inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller is configured to automatically actuate the master cylinder to an available maximum . [0070] Typically, the inclinometer is configured to measure the inclination longitudinal to the motorcycle, i.e. whether the front wheel axle is above or below the rear wheel axle.

[0071] Typically, if the measured longitudinal inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller is configured to automatically actuate the master cylinder to lower such longitudinal inclination below the predetermined value.

[0072] In an embodiment, the particular manner in which the controller is configured to actuate the master cylinder is determined by a lookup table or relational database stored in a memory of the controller, said lookup table or relational database comprising values of master cylinder actuation values or levels relative to said measured inclination.

[0073] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to actuate the master cylinder to an available maximum upon receipt of a particular rider input.

[0074] Typically, the controller includes an on-off switch for activating or deactivating said controller and associated functionality .

[0075] Typically, the controller and actuator are electrically energised from an existing electrical system of the motorcycle.

[0076] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to determine a speed and/or acceleration of the motorcycle, said controller configured to automatically vary the applied braking force and/or periodicity of said applied force according to a speed and/or acceleration of the motorcycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of one embodiment of a motorcycle having a braking enhancement arrangement fitted, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the braking enhancement arrangement of Figure 1 showing the constituent parts of one embodiment thereof;

Figures 3A to 3C are diagrammatic perspective-view representations of different embodiments of ergonomic handlebar mounts for a transducer of the braking enhancement arrangement ;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of one embodiment of a hydraulic arrangement for a motorcycle, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic front-view representation of the hydraulic arrangement of Figure 4 installed on the handlebars of a motorcycle; and

Figure 6 is diagrammatic representation of the hydraulic arrangement showing the constituent parts of one embodiment thereof . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0077] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0078] Referring now to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is exemplified one embodiment of a braking enhancement arrangement 40 for a motorcycle 8. The enhancement arrangement 40 generally comprises an actuator 42 configured for operative engagement with an existing rear brake pedal 44 of the motorcycle 8, said actuator 42 configured to actuate said pedal 44. Arrangement 40 also includes a handlebar- mounted transducer 20 which is configured to accept a proportional input, such as analogue pressure or positional input, from a rider, and a pulsation selector 46 which is configured to accept a rider-selectable pulsation rate. The proportional input may take a variety of forms, as will be appreciated by the skilled addressee.

[0079] The arrangement 40 includes a controller 22 which is arranged in signal communication with the actuator 42, transducer 20 and pulsation selector 36, with the controller 22 configured to receive the proportional rider input and pulsation rate and to proportionally actuate the actuator 42 to apply a braking force to the motorcycle 8 proportional to the proportional input at a periodicity corresponding to said pulsation rate.

[0080] In this manner, the arrangement 40 is configured to apply the proportional braking force for as long as the rider provides the proportional input, said braking force applied at the periodicity selected by the rider. For example, if a 50% proportional input is provided with a pulsation rate selected at 1Hz, a 50% braking force is applied, via the actuator, and pulsed at a rate of once per second, i.e. 50% braking force applied once a second for as long as the proportional rider input is provided.

[0081] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the actuator 42 can be configured to engage and actuate an existing brake system in a variety of ways, e.g. engagement with an existing rear brake pedal or front brake lever, hydraulic engagement to an existing master cylinder, engagement with an existing brake calliper, etc.

[0082] In one embodiment, the controller 22 is configured to determine a speed and/or acceleration of the motorcycle 8, with the controller 22 configured to automatically vary the applied braking force and/or periodicity of said applied force according to a speed and/or acceleration of the motorcycle. For example, a greater proportional braking force may be applied to a faster-moving motorcycle, and a lesser proportional braking force to a comparatively slower-moving motorcycle, or the like. Such speed and/or acceleration sensing can be achieved in a variety of ways, such as an accelerometer (described with reference to another embodiment below) , integrating with an existing speed sensor of the motorcycle, etc.

[0083] The actuator 42 is typically configured to engage with the brake pedal via a mechanical linkage 48 or a similar lever. In this manner, the arrangement 40 can easily be retrofitted to an existing motorcycle. Typically, the actuator comprises a servomechanism, a linear driver, a stepper motor, or the like. Similarly, other embodiment may see the actuator 42 directly driving a calliper of the motorcycle to operatively urge brake pads against a brake rotor, or the like. Variations hereof are possible and within the scope of the present invention .

[0084] In one example, the transducer 20 includes a force sensing resistor, a potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, an optical displacement sensor, or the like. In one embodiment, the transducer 20 is configured such that the positional input is via application of pressure, linear translation, rotational, or the like.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the arrangement 40 typically includes an ergonomic handlebar mount 50 for mounting the transducer 20 within easy reach of a rider, said mount 50 configured to allow the rider to apply the proportional input via a thumb without removing a hand from a conventional grip of the motorcycle 8. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer 20 comprises a force sensing resistor mounted to protrusion 52 of mount 50.

[0086] The pulsation selector 46 typically comprises a potentiometer and/or associated electronic circuitry whereby the pulsation rate is adjustable. Typically, the rider- selectable pulsation rate is selectable in a range between 0.1Hz and 1kHz .

[0087] In one embodiment, the arrangement 40 includes an inclinometer configured to measure an inclination between a horizontal plane and a plane formed by both the motorcycle's wheel axles, and if such measured inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller 22 is configured to automatically actuate the actuator 42 to apply a braking force in a particular manner independent from the proportional rider input. Typically, the inclinometer comprises an accelerometer, e.g. a MEMS accelerometer, etc.

[0088] Typically, the inclinometer is configured to measure the inclination lateral to the motorcycle 8, i.e. a lean angle of the motorcycle 8. If the measured lateral inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller 22 is configured to automatically actuate the actuator to apply a maximum braking force. For example, is the inclinometer senses that the motorcycle 8 has overturned, the back wheel can be locked to prevent injury to a rider.

[0089] Typically, the inclinometer is configured to measure the inclination longitudinal to the motorcycle, i.e. whether a front wheel is above or below a rear wheel. If the measured longitudinal inclination exceeds a predetermined value, the controller 22 is configured to automatically actuate the actuator to apply a braking force to lower such longitudinal inclination below the predetermined value. For example, when a rider is executing a wheelie and the motorcycle exceeds a safe backwards angle. [0090] In an embodiment, the particular manner in which the controller 22 is configured to actuate the actuator 42 to apply a braking force is determined by a lookup table or relational database stored in a memory of the controller, said lookup table or relational database comprising values of actuation values or levels relative to said measured inclination.

[0091] In an embodiment, the controller 22 is configured to actuate the actuator 42 to apply a braking force to an available maximum upon receipt of a particular rider input, i.e. a 'handbrake' function. For example, a rider can provide a specific input instructing the controller 22 to apply a 'handbrake' which locks the rear brake, or the like.

[0092] Typically, the arrangement 40 is configured to interface with an existing electrical system of the motorcycle 8 to energise said arrangement's constituent parts, as required .

[0093] With reference now to Figures 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings, there is exemplified one embodiment of a hydraulic enhancement arrangement 10 for a motorcycle 8. The arrangement typically comprises a master cylinder 12, an actuator 18, a transducer 20, and a controller 22.

[0094] The master cylinder 12 generally includes a hydraulic interface 14 for operatively interfacing with an existing hydraulic circuit 16 of the motorcycle 8. It is to be appreciated that the master cylinder 12 typically comprises some manner of hydraulic pump for an automotive braking or clutch system that includes a cylinder and at least one piston arranged therein which is actuatable by a suitable pedal or lever to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to brake calipers or a clutch assembly, as is known in the art. In addition, the arrangement 10 may be used for either a hydraulic brake system or a hydraulic clutch system for a motorcycle 8.

[0095] As shown, the master cylinder 12 is typically configured to operatively interface with the existing hydraulic circuit 16 by means of a hydraulic coupling 14 with the existing master cylinder, or the like. Such hydraulic coupling may take various forms, as is known in the art.

[0096] The arrangement 10 also includes an actuator 18 which is configured to actuate the master cylinder 12 to pressurise the existing hydraulic circuit 16 of the motorcycle 8. The actuator 18 generally comprises a servomechanism, a linear driver, a stepper motor, or the like. In one embodiment, the actuator 18 is configured to actuate a piston arranged within the master cylinder 12 to pressurise the existing hydraulic circuit 16, but other configurations are possible and within the scope of the invention.

[0097] The transducer 20 is generally configured to accept either of a proportional positional or pressure input from a rider of the motorcycle 8, in use. In different embodiments, the transducer 20 may be configured such that the positional input is linear or rotational, however other configurations are possible and within the scope of the invention. The transducer 20 is typically arranged within easy reach of the rider, such as on or near a grip or existing controls of the motorcycle 8, including foot pegs, but other configurations are possible. [0098] It is to be appreciated that such proportional input generally means that the input acceptable by the transducer 20 typically lies along a predetermined linear or rotational range, e.g. a sliding or rotating switch having infinite adjustment between a value of zero to ten, or a force sensing resistor with infinite input between values of zero to one, or the like. The transducer 20 can include a potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, an optical displacement sensor, a force sensing resistor, or the like.

[0099] As with the earlier embodiment of arrangement 40 described above, the arrangement 10 can also include a pulsation selector 46 which is configured to accept a rider- selectable pulsation rate. Similarly, controller 22 may be configured to proportionally actuate the actuator 42 to apply a braking force to the motorcycle 8 proportional to the proportional input at a periodicity corresponding to said pulsation rate.

[00100] Arrangement 10 further includes controller 22 which is arranged in signal communication with the actuator 18 and the transducer 20. Controller 22 also generally includes an inclinometer 24 which is configured to measure an inclination between the horizontal plane 26 and an axle plane 30 formed by both the motorcycle's wheel axles 28.

[00101] For example, such coplanar wheel axles 28 typically lie parallel to each other and forms axle plane 30 which is generally parallel to the horizontal plane 26 when wheels of the motorcycle 8, having equal dimensions, rest of the horizontal plane 26. Accordingly, an inclination between planes 26 and 30 will occur laterally to the motorcycle 8 when the motorcycle 8 leans to either side, i.e. a lean angle of the motorcycle 8. Similarly, an inclination between planes 26 and 30 will occur longitudinally to the motorcycle 8 when the front wheel is above or below the rear wheel.

[00102] The controller 22 typically comprises a microcontroller having a processor core along with memory and programmable input/output peripherals. The inclinometer 24 may comprise an accelerometer, e.g. a MEMS accelerometer, or other suitable arrangements configurable to measure inclination between planes 26 and 30. Typically, the inclinometer 24 is configured to measure the inclination lateral and/or longitudinal to the motorcycle 8, as described above.

[00103] In general, the controller 22 is configured to receive the proportional rider input via the transducer 20 and to proportionally actuate the master cylinder 12 via the actuator 18. For example, should the proportional input from the rider be 40%, e.g. applying 40% force to a force-sensing resistor, etc., the controller 22 will actuate the master cylinder at 40% of an available maximum, or the like.

[00104] Such available maximum typically relates to an amount of available travel in a mechanical brake or clutch system of the motorcycle 8. For example, applying the brakes via the existing hydraulic system 16 to lock them may be a 100% proportional input, i.e. brakes applied at a maximum, where no brakes applied may be 0% proportional input. Applying the brakes somewhat, i.e. 40%, 50% or 60%, may again be a proportional input of 40%, 50% or 60% via the transducer 20, respectively. Similarly, engaging or disengaging a hydraulic clutch of the motorcycle 8 may be done proportionally according to input, where variation between 0% (clutch fully engaged) and 100% (clutch fully disengaged) means some clutch slippage can occur.

[00105] Importantly, the controller 22 is further configured such that, if the measured inclination (measured via inclinometer 24) between planes 26 and 30 exceeds a predetermined value, the controller 22 automatically actuates the master cylinder 12 in a particular manner independent from the proportional rider input.

[00106] For example, in one embodiment, if the measured lateral inclination, i.e. lean angle, exceeds a predetermined value, the controller 22 is configured to automatically actuate the master cylinder 12 to an available maximum. For example, if the lean angle or lateral inclination exceeds 70°, it is an indication that the motorcycle 8 has fallen over, so the controller 22 locks the brakes and/or disengages the clutch to prevent injury to the rider from a spinning wheel, or the like .

[00107] Similarly, if the measured longitudinal inclination, e.g. performing a wheelie, exceeds a predetermined value, the controller 22 is configured to automatically actuate the master cylinder 12 to lower such longitudinal inclination below the predetermined value. For example, if a rider performs a wheelie and the motorcycle 8 exceeds a safe longitudinal inclination where the rider could fall off and/or the motorcycle 8 may overturn or fall backwards, the controller 8 automatically actuates the master cylinder 12 to lower the measured longitudinal inclination below the predetermined value .

[00108] In such an embodiment, the particular manner in which the controller 22 is configured to actuate the master cylinder 12 is determined by a lookup table or relational database stored in a memory of the controller 22, as is known in the art. Such a lookup table or relational database comprises values of master cylinder actuation values or levels relative to the measured inclination, e.g. a measured inclination of 70% is relative to a 40% master cylinder actuation value, a 50% inclination is relative to a 10% master cylinder actuation level, a 45% inclination is relative to a 0% master cylinder actuation level, or the like.

[00109] In one embodiment, the controller 22 may also be configured to actuate the master cylinder 12 to an available maximum upon receipt of a particular rider input. For example, triple-tapping a force-sensing resistor as transducer 20 activates a hand-brake function, or the like. Similarly, the controller 22 generally includes an on-off switch for activating or deactivating the controller 22 and associated functionality .

[00110] The arrangement 10 generally includes some manner of housing 32 for housing the master cylinder 12, the actuator 18, and the controller 22 to prevent the ingress of moisture or dirt. Similarly, the controller 22 and actuator 18 are typically electrically energised from an existing electrical system of the motorcycle 8, but other arrangements are possible and within the scope of the invention, e.g. batteries, etc. [00111] The present invention also includes a motorcycle 8 fitted with the arrangement 10. Such a motorcycle 8 typically comprises a body with at least two wheels arranged so that an axle plane 30 is formed by both the motorcycle's wheel axles 28, and either or both of an existing hydraulic brake or/and clutch circuit (s) 16. As described above, the motorcycle include the master cylinder 12 interfaced with the existing hydraulic circuit 16, the actuator 18 configured to actuate the master cylinder 12 to pressurise the existing hydraulic circuit 16 of the motorcycle 8, the transducer 20 configured to accept either of a proportional positional or pressure input from a rider, and the controller 22 arranged in signal communication with the actuator 18 and the transducer 20 and includes the inclinometer 24 configured to measure an inclination between the horizontal plane 26 and the axle plane 30.

[00112] As before, the controller 22 is configured to receive the proportional rider input and to proportionally actuate the master cylinder 12 via the actuator 18, and if the measured inclination exceeds a predetermined value, automatically actuate the master cylinder 12 in a particular manner independent from the proportional rider input.

[00113] Applicant believes is particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for arrangements 10 and 40 able to provide fully controllable rear braking of a motorcycle with adjustable pulse settings. Such pulsation of the rear brake finds particular application in preventing an engine of a motorcycle stalling under heavy braking, and allows significant maneuverability improvements and facilitates greater control of the existing hydraulic system 16 of a motorcycle. In addition, the arrangement 10 provides increased safety to the operation of a motorcycle 8, particularly when performing a wheelie. The arrangement is also capable of functioning as an anti-lock braking system as the controller is able to sense a speed/acceleration of the motorcycle and adjust an applied braking force accordingly.

[00114] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee .

[00115] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[00116] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[00117] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[00118] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.