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Title:
SIDE COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTORCYCLE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/134737
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention discloses a motorcycle (100) having side cover assembly (200) extending from the fuel tank (150) of the motorcycle (100) up to a tail lamp of the motorcycle (100), said side cover assembly (200) including a fuel tank cover sub assembly (201) and a tail cover sub assembly (202), said fuel tank cover sub assembly (201) being detachably attached to the tail cover sub assembly (202).

Inventors:
RAJAMANI RAVISANKAR (IN)
NAVALLI VEERANNA MAHADEVAPPA (IN)
CHANGARAMPONNATH MAHESH (IN)
MURTHY THEJASVI VASUDEVA (IN)
FRANCIS ARUNKUMAR (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/050276
Publication Date:
July 26, 2018
Filing Date:
January 17, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
TVS MOTOR CO LTD (IN)
International Classes:
B62J23/00; B62K11/02
Foreign References:
US20150083512A12015-03-26
Download PDF:
Claims:
We claim:

1. A motorcycle (100) comprising a frame structure (105) including at least a pair of rear frames (105b), a fuel tank (150) mounted to a front portion of said frame structure (105), a seat assembly (155) disposed over said at least a pair of rear frames (105b), an engine (110) mounted to the frame structure (105) and disposed below the fuel tank, and a side cover assembly (200) mounted on a left side and a right side of said at least a pair of rear frames (105b), wherein the side cover assembly (200) extends from the fuel tank (150) of the motorcycle (100) up to a tail lamp of the motorcycle (100), and said side cover assembly (200) includes a fuel tank cover sub assembly (201) and a tail cover sub assembly (202), said fuel tank cover sub assembly (201) being detachably attached to the tail cover sub assembly (202).

2. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank cover sub assembly (201) includes a first tank cover member (201a) and a second tank cover member (201b), said first tank cover member (201a) being detachably attached to the second tank cover member (201b).

3. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second tank cover member (201b) is a triangular member, said second tank cover member (201b) being disposed below the seat assembly (155).

4. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tail cover sub assembly (202) includes a plurality of tail cover members (202a, 202b, 202c) including a first tail cover member (202a) disposed on at least one side of the frame structure (105), said first tail cover member (202a) being detachably attached to the second tank cover member (201b).

5. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first tail cover member (202a) is detachably attached to the second tank cover member (201b) through a protruding portion (202am) provided on the first tail cover member (202a), said second tank cover member (201b) having a mounting arm (201bm) configured to overlap with said protruding portion (202am).

6. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least two elastic members (201bd) are disposed on the second tank cover member (201b), said at least two elastic members (201bd) being adapted to abut on an inner surface of the first tail cover member (202a).

7. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 4, wherein the second tank cover member (201b) includes one or more of at least one mounting boss (201ba), at least one locator member (201bb) and at least one snap fit member (201bc), said at least one mounting boss (201ba), said at least one locator member (201bb) and said at least one snap fit member (201bc) being adapted for detachable attachment with the first tank cover member (201a), the first tail cover member (202a) and said pair of rear frames (105b).

8. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first tank cover member (201a) is detachably attached to said second tank cover member (201b) through at least one mounting flange (201aa) located on said first tank cover member (201a), said mounting flange including one or more of at least one cut out (201ab) to receive said at least one locater member (201bb), at least one slot (201ac) to receive said snap fit member (201c) and one or more mounting holes (201ad) to overlap with corresponding said at least one mounting boss (201ba).

9. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second tank cover member (201b) is disposed to lie in a first plane parallel to a second plane in which the first tail cover member (202a) is disposed to lie, said first plane and said second plane being viewed from a plan view of the motorcycle (100).

10. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the second tank cover member (201b) is configured to be tucked in behind at least a portion of the first tail cover member (202a), the configuration being adapted to conceal said at least one mounting boss (201ba).

11. A side cover assembly (200) for a motorcycle (100), said side cover assembly extending from a fuel tank (150) of the motorcycle (100) up to a tail lamp of the motorcycle (100), said side cover assembly (200) comprising: a fuel tank cover sub assembly (201) including a first tank cover member (201a) and a second tank cover member, the second tank cover member (201b) being a triangular member disposed below a seat assembly (155) of the motorcycle (100), wherein the first tank cover member (201a) is detachably attached to the second tank cover member (201b); and a tail cover sub assembly (202) detachably attached to said fuel tank cover sub assembly (201), said tail cover sub assembly (202) including a plurality of tail cover members including a first tail cover member (202a) disposed on at least one side of a frame structure (105) of the motorcycle (100).

12. The side cover assembly (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first tail cover member (202a) is detachably attached to the second tank cover member (201b) through a protruding portion (202am) provided on the first tail cover member (202a), the second tank cover member (201b) is disposed to lie in a first plane parallel to a second plane in which the first tail cover member (202a) is disposed to lie, said first plane and said second plane being viewed from a plan view of the motorcycle (100), and wherein at least a portion of the second tank cover member (201b) is configured to be tucked in behind at least a portion of the first tail cover member (202a).

Description:
SIDE C OV E R ASSE M BLY FO R A M OT O R CY C L E

T echnical F ield

[1 ] T he present subj ect matter descri bed herei n general ly relates to a motorcycl e, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a side cover assembly for said motorcycle.

Background

[2] In motorcycles, it is common practice to provide different body panels for coveri ng di ff erent parts i ncl udi ng a frame structure of the motorcycl e. F or exampl e, motorcycles are typically provided with side cover panels, disposed at a lower rear portion of a fuel tank and on either sides of the frame structure of the motorcycle; and tai I cover panel s di sposed on either si des of a seat of the motorcycl e and at I east partially covering a rear portion of the frame structure of the motorcycle. Particularly, whereas the side cover panels serve to cover a rear portion of the engine besides covering a plurality of electrical and electronic components including a battery box of the motorcycle, the tail cover panels serve to cover an area bel ow the seat and at I east parti al ly behi nd the seat and on opposite si des of the seat.

[3] In conventional motorcycles the side cover panels provided are typically large in size and include a plurality of mounting provisions for detachable attachment to a fuel tank cover, the tail cover panel, and to a portion of the frame structure. For example, in a known art, said side cover panels are individually fastened by means of multiple fastening members to the fuel tank cover and to the tail cover panel on either sides of the frame structure. However, providing a plurality of fastening members/mounting provisions for mounting said side cover panels results in creation of uneven gaps between each side cover panel and the interfacing parts such as the fuel tank cover and the tail cover panel due to variations that may arise in either the fuel tank cover or the tail cover panel or both. Moreover, fit and finish of the side cover panels with the fuel tank cover and the tail cover panel also gets affected due to variations that may arise in a portion of the frame structure which receives the side cover panels. Poor fit and finish or flush between the side cover panels and the corresponding interfacing parts affects overall aesthetics of the motorcycle. Further, variations in any of the interfacing parts does not only affect fit and finish with the side cover panels but also leads to vibrations in the side cover panels. Particularly, poor fit and finish leads to fluttering of the side cover panels thereby causing damaging thereto. Moreover, gaps between the side cover panel and the interfacing parts also leads to ingress of water and other foreign matter which is undesirable.

[4] Furthermore, providing a large sized side cover panel not only proves to be cumbersome during manufacturing but also affects riding comfort of a rider seated on the rider seat since large sized protruding side cover panels often rub against the thighs or legs of the rider, especially in a semi seated stance or when the rider puts his foot on the ground while waiting at a traffic signal.

[5] There is therefore a need to overcome above-mentioned drawbacks or problems in conventional motorcycle. Summary of the Invention

[6] The present invention is directed to overcome all or any of the problems set forth in the background.

[7] It is an object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle including a side cover assembly which is designed to achieve improved fit and finish with interfacing parts, thereby aiding in achieving improved aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle.

[8] It is another object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle including a side cover assembly which involves the use of minimal number of fastening members for mounting to corresponding interfacing parts including a frame structure of the motorcycle.

[9] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a side cover assembly whose parts are vibration-proof.

[10] It is one more object of the present invention to provide a side cover assembly which can be assembled conveniently and quickly, thereby contributing to improved manufacturing productivity.

[11 ] Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a motorcycle comprising: a frame structure including at least a pair of rear frames, a fuel tank mounted to a front portion of said frame structure, a seat assembly disposed over said at least a pair of rear frames, an engine mounted to the frame structure and disposed below the fuel tank, and a side cover assembly adapted to be mounted to both sides of said at least a pair of rear frames and covering a side portion of said fuel tank and said at least a pair of rear frames disposed below the seat assembly. The side cover assembly as per the present invention is disposed on either sides of the frame structure and is adapted to cover a side portion of the motorcycle, extending from the fuel tank of the motorcycle up to a tail lamp of the motorcycle.

[12] The side cover assembly as per the present invention includes a fuel tank cover sub assembly and a tail cover sub assembly adapted to be detachably attached to one another. As per the present invention, while said fuel tank cover sub assembly includes a first tank cover member and a second tank cover member, said tail cover sub assembly includes a plurality of tail cover members including a first tail cover member disposed on either sides of the frame structure and detachably attached to said second tank cover member. Particularly since said second tank cover member of the tank cover sub assembly is detachably attached to said first tail cover member of the tail cover sub assembly, it serves as a bridging member of the side cover assembly, with the first tank cover member and said first tail cover member being the interfacing parts for said second tank cover member.

[13] As per an aspect of the present invention, said second tank cover member is provided as a triangular member of substantially small size with minimal number of mounting provisions for mounting to said first tank cover member and said first tail cover member. Providing a smaller size for said second tail cover member ensures that a rider can be comfortably seated or can comfortably place his legs on the ground without at least a portion of his thighs or legs rubbing against said second tank cover member.

[14] In an embodiment, said second tank cover member includes one or more mounting bosses, at least one locator member, and at least one snap fit member for detachable attachment with the first tank cover member and the first tail cover member. Particularly, while said first tank cover member is detachably attached to said second tank cover member through said one or more mounting bosses, said first tail cover member is detachably attached through a protruding portion provided therein. Thus, an embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of only three fasteners in the mounting of the second tank cover to the first tank cover and to the first tail cover member. However, presence of said at least one snap fit member and said at least two locator members ensures that the second tank cover member is securely held against the first tank cover member, thereby ensuring good fit and finish. Moreover, presence of said at least one locator member facilitates easy and convenient location of the second tank cover member against the first tank cover member, easing overall assembly operations and reducing time required for assembly.

[15] Further, as per another aspect of the present invention, said second tank cover member is provided with at least two elastic members for contact with the first tail cover member. Particularly, the first tail cover member and the second tank cover member are so disposed that said at least two elastic members abut with an inner surface of the first tail cover member rather than being engaged with said first tail cover member. Providing said at least two elastic members as mere abutting members rather than as engaging members aids in avoiding the misalignment between said at least two elastic members and a corresponding hole or slot provided in the first tail cover, due to manufacturing variations that may arise either in said second tank cover member or said first tail cover member. Provision of said two or more elastic members aids in absorbing vibrations that may be generated during vehicle running. Thus, damage of said second tank cover member due to flapping or fluttering is prevented.

[16] As per one more aspect of the present invention, said second tank cover member is disposed in a first plane lying substantially parallel to a second plane in which said first tail cover member lies when viewed from a plan view of the motorcycle. By providing said second tank cover member to lie in a plane parallel to a plane in which said first tail cover member lies, it is ensured that fit and finish between said second tank cover member and said first tail cover member is duly compensated for any manufacturing variations that may be present in either said second tank cover member or said first tail cover member. Moreover, having said second tank cover member and said first tail cover member in two different planes as per the present invention ensures tucking in of at least a portion of said second tank cover member behind a portion of said first tail cover member, thereby ensuring that a fastener used for mounting said second tank cover member to the first tail cover member is hidden.

[17] Thus, the design and mounting scheme of individual members of said side cover assembly as per the present invention not only aids in achieving improved fit and finish and enhanced aesthetic appeal, but also in achieving reduced part count and lesser assembly time, while enhancing rider seating comfort.

[18] 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

[19] 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:

[20] FIG.l illustrates a side view of a motorcycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[21 ] FIG.2 illustrates a side view of a side cover assembly as assembled to a frame structure of said motorcycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[22] FIG.3 illustrates a side view of a tail cover sub assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[23] FIG.4 illustrates a detailed view of a second tank cover member of a tank cover sub assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[24] FIG.5a illustrates a cross sectional view taken along a line A- A, depicting the second tank cover member as secured to the first tank cover member.

[25] FIG.5b illustrates a detailed view of said second tank cover member as secured to a first tank cover member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[26] FIG.6a illustrates a cross sectional view taken along a line B-B, depicting the second tank cover member as secured to the first tail cover member. [27] FIG.6b illustrates a cross sectional view taken along a line C-C, depicting the second tank cover member as secured to the first tail cover member.

[28] FIG.7 illustrates a cross sectional view taken along a line D-D depicting the second tank cover member as secured to a portion of said frame structure of the motorcycle.

[29] FIG.8 illustrates a plan view of the side cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Invention

[30] Exemplary embodiments detailing construction of a side cover 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. It is to be noted that terms D upperO , D lowerD , D rightD , D leftO , D frontD , D rearO , D forwardO D downwardD , D upwardD , D topD , D bottomD and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the motorcycle with a rider sitting thereon. Furthermore, a motorcycle longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the motorcycle, while a motorcycle 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. [31 ] FIG.l illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motorcycle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[32] Said motorcycle 100 depicted in FIG.l includes a frame structure 105 including a head tube 105a in a front portion thereof, said frame structure 105 extending from said head tube 105a, towards a rear portion of said motorcycle 100. The frame structure 105 includes a mainframe that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube 105a. The frame structure 105 may further comprise a sub-frame formed by at least a pair of rear frames 105b (shown in FIG.2) that extend rearwards and obliquely upward from the main frame.

[33] 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.

[34] Further, a front portion of the motorcycle 100 also includes a front fairing assembly 165 that is disposed forwardly of the head tube 105a and extending sidewardly covering at least a portion of a fuel tank 150 which is arranged immediately behind the head tube 105a and is disposed above an engine 110. Also, said 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, said motorcycle 100 includes one or more side panel(s) 175 disposed on either sides thereof and is mounted to the main frame covering various parts including an air filter, and one or more electronic/ electrical components that are mounted to the frame structure 105.

[35] A seat assembly 155 is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank 150 and is supported by said pair of rear frames 105b.

[36] 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. In the present embodiment, a single mono-shock rear suspension 116 connects the swing arm 115 to the frame structure 105. Furthermore, a front end portion of the swing arm 115 is detachably attached to a portion of a footrest assembly 190. As may be seen, said footrest assembly 190 is disposed adjacent to a transmission case 195 when viewed from a vehicle left hand side direction, said transmission case housing a transmission system including the gearbox. The rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the engine 110 through the transmission system.

[37] Further, the motorcycle 100 includes a side cover assembly 200 which covers a side portion of the frame structure beginning from the fuel tank 150 up to a tail portion of the motorcycle. For example, as may be seen in FIG.2 the side cover assembly 200 serves to cover a side portion of the fuel tank 150 and a side portion of said pair of rear frames 105b. Particularly, the side cover assembly 200 as per the present embodiment includes a fuel tank cover sub assembly 201 and a tail cover sub assembly 202 which are adapted to be detachably attached to each other. As per one embodiment, said tank cover sub assembly 201 includes a first tank cover member 201a and a second tank cover member 201b detachably attached to one another. In the present embodiment, said tank cover sub assembly 201 is sub assembled initially followed by assembly of the tail cover sub assembly 202.

[38] FIG.3 denotes the tail cover sub assembly 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen in FIG.2, the tail cover sub assembly 202 serves to cover at least a portion of said pair of rear frames 105b and extends obliquely upwardly towards a tail portion of said motorcycle, and is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel 120. Particularly, the tail cover sub assembly 202 is disposed adjoining at least a portion of the seat assembly 155 and extends above the rear wheel 120. In the present embodiment, the tail cover sub assembly 202 forms a rear structure of said motorcycle 100. The tail cover sub assembly as per an embodiment of the present invention includes a first tail cover member 202a disposed on either sides of said pair of rear frames, a second tail cover member (not shown) bridging said first tail cover member 202a disposed on either sides of said pair of rear frames and secured thereto, a third tail cover member 202b secured to an integrated frame mounting bracket (not shown), and a fourth tail cover member 202c secured to said third tail cover member 202b. In the present embodiment a rear fender 205 and a tail lamp member 206 are also secured to said tail cover sub assembly through said third tail cover member 202b.

[39] The first tail cover member 202a of the tail cover sub assembly 202, disposed on both sides of said pair of rear frames 105b is detachably attached to the second tank cover member 201b provided on both sides of the frame structure for covering at least a side portion of the fuel tank. The second tank cover member 201b thus serves as a bridging member between the tank cover sub assembly 201 and the tail cover sub assembly 202, with the first tank cover member 201a and the first tail cover member 202a serving as the interfacing parts for said second tank cover member 201b. In the present embodiment said second tank cover member 201b also serves to cover a portion of a battery box 215 as illustrated in FIG.2

[40] FIG.4 illustrates a detailed view of said second tank cover member 201b in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, FIG.4 illustrates mounting provisions provided in an inner surface of said second tank cover member 201b. As may be seen, said second tank cover member 201b in its inner surface includes one or more mounting bosses 201ba, at least one locator member 201bb and at least one snap fit member 201bc. Further, the second tank cover member 201b also includes at least two elastic members 201bd and a mounting hook 201be. The mounting provisions as described above are used for detachable mounting with the first tank cover member 201a, the first tail cover member 202a and each rear frame of said pair of rear frames 105b.

[41 ] As per another aspect of the present invention and as may be seen in FIG.4, the second tank cover member 201b is provided as a triangular member having a substantially small size including reduced width and thickness. Particularly, since the second tank cover member 201b is disposed below a rider seat, the small size of the second tank cover member 201b with reduced width proves to be specially advantageous in terms of providing the rider with better seating comfort, especially for the rider to place his legs more comfortably while riding or while putting his feet on the ground, without suffering discomfort due to rubbing of legs against a protruding cover member. [42] FIG.5a-FIG.7 denote details of mounting aspects of the second tank cover member 201b with the first tank cover member 201a, the first tail cover member 202a and a rear frame of the frame structure.

[43] FIG.5a and FIG.5b illustrate the mounting aspects of the second tank cover member 201b with the first tank cover member 201a. As may be seen the second tank cover member 201b is disposed below the first tank cover member 201a and is detachably attached thereto along one side thereof. Particularly, as illustrated in FIG.5a and FIG.5b, said detachable attachment is achieved along a mounting flange 201aa of said first tank cover member 201a. Said mounting flange 201aa is provided with corresponding cut outs or mounting holes for overlapping with mounting provisions in the second tank cover member 201b. For example, said mounting flange 201aa includes at least one cut out 201ab to receive said at least one locator member 201bb, at least one slot 201ac for receiving said snap fit member 201bc and one or more mounting holes 20 lad for overlap with said one or more mounting bosses 201ba. Thus, once said at least one locator member 201bb and said snap fit member 201bc are engaged in said at least one cut out 201ab and said at least one slot 201ac, a first mounting fastener 210 and a second mounting fastener 211 are used to fasten said second tank cover member 201b to said first tank cover member 201a at said at least two mounting bosses 201ba. Thus, in the present embodiment, only two fasteners are used for securing said first tank cover member 201a to said second tank cover member 201b. While presence of said locator member 201bb aids in easy placement/location of said second tank cover member 201b against the first tank cover member 201a, said snap fit member 201bc aids in securing tight fit of said second tank cover member 201b with said first tank cover member 201a.

[44] FIG.6a and FIG.6b illustrate the mounting aspects of the second tank cover member 201b with said first tail cover member 202a. FIG.6a denotes a cross sectional view taken along a line B-B. As may be seen, the first tail cover member 202a is disposed above said second tank cover member 201b and is detachably attached thereto. As per the present embodiment, said second tank cover member 201b includes a mounting arm 201bm which overlaps with a corresponding protruding portion 202am of said first tail cover member 202a on arrangement/location of said second tank cover member 201b against the first tail cover member 202a. Further, a third mounting fastener 212 is used for fastening said second tank cover member 201b to the first tail cover 202a through said mounting arm 201bm and said protruding portion 202am. Thus, only a single fastener is used to secure said second tank cover member 201b to the first tail cover member 202a.

[45] Further, as per an aspect of the present invention and as may be seen in FIG.6b, at least two elastic members 201bd are provided in the second tank cover member 201b for cushioning and for absorbing vibrations in the second tank cover member 201b during vehicle running due to poor fit and finish with interfacing parts including the first tail cover member 202a. Particularly, said elastic members 201bd are provided in a manner so that they come in contact/abut with a portion of said first tail cover member 202a when said second tank cover member 201b is fastened to said first tail cover member 202a. In the present embodiment, said at least two elastic members 201bd are inserted in corresponding pips 201bf integrally provided in said second tank cover member 201b. Said elastic members 201bd in the form of grommets are provided in the second tank cover member 201b.

[46] FIG.7 illustrates aspects of the present invention with respect to mounting of the second tank cover member 201b to a portion of the frame structure of the motorcycle. In the present embodiment said second tank cover member 201b is detachably attached to a portion of said pair of rear frames 105b of the motorcycle. Particularly, said second tank cover member 201b is detachably secured to a frame mounting bracket 105bb rigidly secured to each rear frame of said pair of rear frames 105b. In an implementation, the second tank cover member 201b is secured to each rear frame of said pair of rear frames 105b through the mounting hook 201be which gets hooked to said frame mounting bracket 105bb when said second tank cover member 201b is assembled to the frame structure. A sequence of assembly of said side cover assembly 200 firstly involves assembly of said second tank cover member 201b to the first tank cover member 201a followed by simultaneously assembling to said first tail cover member of said tail cover sub assembly 202 and to said rear frame of said pair of rear frames 105b.

[47] FIG.8 denotes a plan view of said side cover assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. With regard to this application, plan view is defined as a view of an object as projected on a horizontal plane. As per an aspect of the present invention and as may be seen in FIG.8, said second tank cover member 201b and said first tail cover member 202a are designed to lie in different planes when viewed from a motorcycle plan view. For example, while said second tank cover member 201b lies in a first plane, said first tail cover member 202a lies in a second plane substantially parallel to said first plane when viewed from said motorcycle plan view. By providing said second tank cover member 201b to lie in a plane parallel to a plane in which said first tail cover member 202a lies, it is ensured that fit and finish between said second tank cover member and said first tail cover member is duly compensated for any manufacturing variations that may be present in either said second tank cover member or said first tail cover member. At least a portion of the second tank cover member (201b) is configured to be tucked in behind at least a portion of the first tail cover member (202a), the configuration being adapted to conceal said at least one mounting boss (201ba).