This invention relates generally to a side cover structure for a saddle or straddle type vehicle such as an underbone motorcycle. A main pipe side cover extends rearward and upward over portions of a main pipe toward a vehicle seat, and a pair of rear body covers connected to the main pipe side cover at rear side portions of the vehicle below the seat. A visually contiguous upwardly sloping ridgeline defining a widest span of the motorcycle side cover structure extends upwardly and rearwardly from below the seat along the length of the rear body cover. A cover element disposed adjacent to and below the main pipe side cover slants rearward and upward, until reaching or approximately reaching the ridge line of the rear body cover.

BACKGROUND ART

Japanese patent JP 4076530 describes a motorcycle having a leg shield 33 connecting to a pair of body covers 34L,R and below the body covers 34L,R, a pair of side covers 35L,R for covering left and right lower side portions of the motorcycle.

DISCLOSURE / DESCRIPTION

Technical Problem

JP 4076530 teaches that the side covers 35L,R cover an upper area of the motorcycle engine, and extend until almost reaching an upper side of passenger steps. Additionally, each side cover 35L,R extends until reaching an upper edge of the rear wheel. As a result, each side cover 35L,R overlays a large, wide spatial area. Manufacturing such side covers 35L,R requires large manufacturing molds. Additionally, even though the side covers 35L,R disclosed in JP 4076530 are important pieces of the motorcycle's design, they exhibit a generally square, unimpressive shape that fails to provide the motorcycle with a new, sharp visual appearance.

Furthermore, each side cover 35L,R does not extend upwardly until reaching a characteristic border or visually distinct ridge line of its corresponding body cover 34L,R. As a result, a ridge line of each body cover 34L,R needs to be expanded or widened away from the center of the motorcycle on both left and right sides, requiring that a passenger spread their legs widely when their feet are positioned on the passenger steps. It is desired to provide a motorcycle side cover structure that can be manufactured using smaller manufacturing molds, which visually conveys a novel, impressive design, and which reduces the extent to which the passenger needs to spread their legs, improves comfort and hold when their legs are rested over the side cover structure, improves holding and protects color coating when their feet are positioned on the passenger steps.

Technical Solution

This invention according to claim 1 is a side cover structure for motorcycle, the side cover structure including: (a) a main pipe side cover for connecting to a leg shield, wherein the main pipe side cover overlays a left or a right main pipe of the motorcycle and extends from an upper portion of an engine to a lower portion of a seat; (b) a rear body cover for extending below the seat and overlaying a rear portion of the motorcycle and connecting to said main pipe side cover, wherein a ridge line is formed to define a widest extent of the side cover structure in front and rear directions, characterized in that the side cover structure includes: (c) a cover element for slanting upwardly toward the rear of the motorcycle, extending from below said main pipe side cover until reaching or nearly reaching said ridge line on said rear body cover, at the position to structurally overlap up and down with said main pipe side cover and said rear body cover in front and rear directions.

This invention according to claim 2 has, in the motorcycle side cover structure of claim 1, a characteristic in that said main pipe side cover and said rear body cover have color-sprayed or spray painted surfaces, and wherein said cover element has a non-color-sprayed, non- spray painted and resin colored (e.g., black resin colored) surface.

This invention according to claim 3 has, in the motorcycle side cover structure of claim 1 , a characteristic in that said cover element is shaped to provide a concave surface that slopes inwardly from near said ridge line toward the interior of the motorcycle, and said cover element extends to an area near a position at which a passenger's leg is expected to reside proximate to said ridge line on said rear body cover. This invention according to claim 1 has, in the motorcycle side cover structure of claim 1, a characteristic in that said rear body cover has a cutout portion near said ridge line, and said cover element provides a concave surface installed to occupy said cutout portion to cover inside portions of the motorcycle. This invention according to claim 5 has, in the motorcycle side cover structure of claim 1, a characteristic in that said cover element is shaped to have a concave profile at or near portions of said ridge line of said rear body cover, and an upper border of said concave profile is aligned almost in parallel along a portion of said ridge line of said rear body cover. This invention according to claim 6 has, in the motorcycle side cover structure of claim 5, a characteristic in that said upper border of the concave profile is almost aligned relative to the ridge line formed by said main pipe side cover and said rear body cover.

This invention according to claim 7 has, in the motorcycle side cover structure of claim 4, a characteristic in that said cover element abuts, attaches to, or overlays three parts, areas, or regions including a lower portion of said main pipe side cover, and a sandwiched portion between said main pipe side cover and said rear body cover in up and down directions, and said cutout portion of said rear body cover. This invention according to claim 8 has, in the motorcycle side cover structure of claim 7, a characteristic in that said cover element extends behind a helmet box disposed beneath the seat, until reaching a side of a fuel tank . Advantageous Effects

According to the invention disclosed in Claim 1 , the installation of a cover element between the rear body cover and the main pipe side cover gives rise to a motorcycle side cover structure design in which each of the rear body cover and the main pipe side cover can each be smaller than in the prior art. As a result, there is no need for a large manufacturing mold, thereby reducing cost. Additionally, the cover element slants upwardly toward the rear of the motorcycle, visually conveying a slim and sharp image. Additionally, because the cover element almost reaches the ridge line of the motorcycle side cover structure, the cover element can be made as a structure that is not a color sprayed or spray painted surface for protecting painted surface of the ridge line, and the shape of the cover element results in a motorcycle side cover structure that can easily and comfortably support a rider's legs.

According to the invention disclosed in Claim 2, the cover element, which is coupled between two spray colored surfaces, is black, giving rise to a visual appearance relative to the rear body cover and the main pipe side cover that clearly shows that the cover element extends upwardly toward the rear of the vehicle, in a manner that visibly enhances the slimness and sharpness of the motorcycle side cover structure's design. Markings caused by rubbing of the passenger's legs against the cover element will not be visible due to the black color of the cover element.

According to the invention disclosed in Claim 3, the cover element can be made as small as necessary, with no need to extend the cover element excessively, yet the shape of the cover element can prevent the passenger's legs from roughly contacting the ridge line. According to the invention disclosed in Claim 4, a concave surface is easy to shape and manufacture, and easy to insert into the cutout portion.

According to the invention disclosed in Claim 5, the concave cover element is installed such that it is aligned in parallel with the ridge line of the rear body cover, making the height of the ridge line more visually outstanding and enhancing the visual sharpness of the motorcycle side cover structure's overall design.

According to the invention disclosed in Claim 6, the alignment of the upper side of the cover element relative to the ridgeline that extends along the main pipe side cover and the rear body cover visually enhances the front-to-rear path of the ridge line along the side of the motorcycle.

According to the invention disclosed in Claim 7, the cover element extends from the front portion of the frame at a lower side of the main pipe side cover and reaches the cutout portion near the ridge line of the rear body cover, enhancing the slimness and sharpness of the motorcycle side cover structure's design.

According to the invention disclosed in Claim 8, the cover element securely (e.g., tightly) attaches to the rear body cover, providing enhanced strength or structural integrity than a single piece of plastic, and increased ability to protect portions of the helmet box and the fuel tank.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a left view of a motorcycle having a left motorcycle side cover structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a right view of the motorcycle of FIG. 1, illustrating a right motorcycle side cover structure that is a counterpart to the left motorcycle side cover structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an exterior or external view of a left motorcycle side cover structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is an exterior view of a right motorcycle side cover structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is an exterior view of the left motorcycle side cover structure of FIG. 3A, illustrating fixing or fastening points in dashed-line form, by which three separate substructures forming the left motorcycle side cover structure can be assembled to each other.

FIG. 4A is an interior or internal view of the right motorcycle side cover structure of FIG. 3B, illustrating cross sections AA, BB, and CC indicating particular fixing structures at which portions of the right motorcycle side cover structure are securely connected together and retained in position.

FIG. 4B is an interior view of the left motorcycle side cover structure of FIG. 3A, indicating insertion and fixing points that facilitate assembly of the left motorcycle side cover structure.

FIG. 5 is a left view showing rear portions of the motorcycle of FIG. 1, illustrating a left motorcycle side cover structure having a cover element that extends upwardly toward the rear of the motorcycle, and which laterally extends past a helmet box disposed beneath the seat, until reaching a side portion of a fuel tank that is also disposed beneath the seat, behind the helmet box.

FIG. 6 is a left view of the motorcycle of FIG. 1, illustrating the left motorcycle side cover structure relative to the positions of a representative rider and a representative passenger on the motorcycle seat.

FIG. 7 is a left view of the motorcycle of FIG. 1, illustrating the left motorcycle side cover structure and engine unit relative to the position of a representative rider and passenger on the motorcycle seat. FIG. 8 is a right view of the motorcycle of FIG. 1, illustrating the right motorcycle side cover structure and muffler relative to the position of a representative rider and passenger on the motorcycle seat. Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

FIG. 1 is a left view of a motorcycle or motorbike 10 that includes a left motorcycle side cover structure 100L in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 2 is a right view of the motorcycle 10 of FIG. 1 , which includes a right motorcycle side cover structure 100R that is a counterpart to the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to each of FIGs. 1 and 2, in several embodiments, the motorcycle 10 is, or exhibits structural elements or features corresponding to, an underbone main frame type motorcycle, in a manner understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Thus, the motorcycle 10 includes an underlying structural frame that is formed from a set of frame elements, tubes, or pipes. As further described below, each of the left and right motorcycle side cover structures 100L,R is mounted or mountable to particular portions of the motorcycle's underlying frame, in a manner that (a) overlays and conceals portions of the frame; (b) facilitates the protection of certain internal motorcycle structures (e.g., portions of a helmet box and a fuel tank) covered thereby; and (c) provides the motorcycle 10 with a unique, impressive, and new visual appearance.

As illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2, the motorcycle 10 includes a seat 12 on which a rider and an optional passenger can sit behind the rider. An engine unit 20 is positioned forward and below the seat 12, and is hanged below the motorcycle's underbone frame and a pair of swing arms 22L,R are swingably mounted in rear portion of the underbone frame. The engine unit 20 is configured to generate propulsion or driving force that is deliverable to a rear axle and hence to a rear cast wheel 30 of the motorcycle 10 by way of a transmission coupled to a drive mechanism, in a manner readily understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. The rear cast wheel 30 circumferentially carries a rear tire, which communicates the engine unit's driving force to an underlying surface or ground plane on which the motorcycle 10 can be driven (e.g., a paved roadway or other generally planar surface). In the embodiment shown, the drive mechanism is a chain, which is disposed beneath a chain case 26.

The engine unit 20 additionally includes an exhaust port and exhaust pipe coupled to a muffler 28, which reduces the engine unit's acoustic output. Rear cushion elements 29L,R absorb the swing motion of the rear tire and rear cast wheel 30 generated by bumps and vibrations to provide improved ride and motorcycle handling characteristics. A rear fender 40 is disposed above the rear tire and below and rearward of the seat 12 for substantially preventing mud, debris, and water that has been picked up from the ground and directed upward and rearward as a result of rotation of the rear tire from traveling above and behind the rear fender 40.

A pair of rider steps 14L,R support the rider's feet when the rider is positioned on the seat 12. Transmission gears are rider-selectable by way of a gear pedal 24 that forward or toe- side portions or rearward or heel-side portions of the rider's left foot can actuate while central portions of the rider's left foot remain on the left rider step 14L, in a manner understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. A rear brake pedal 25 actuates a rear disk brake operated by forward or toe-side portions of the rider's right foot while central or heel- side portions of their right foot remain on the right rider step 14R. A pair of passenger steps 16L,R support the passenger's feet when the passenger is positioned on the seat 12, and a grab rail 18 disposed behind the seat 12 at the rear of the motorcycle 10 is configured for grasping by the passenger's hand(s). A tail light assembly 50, which includes a tail light and a rear winker unit, is positioned below the grab rail 18, rearward of the seat 12. The motorcycle 10 includes a pair of handle grips 60L,R around which the rider places their left and right hands for pivotally rotating a handle bar about a center of a steering axis. Steering motion supplied to the handle bar in response to the rider's relative pivotal operation of a left handle grip 60L and a right handle grip 60R about the steering axis causes a front cast wheel 32, and hence a front tire that is circumferentially disposed thereabout, to turn in a left or right direction. The front wheel 32 is positioned between a pair of front forks connected to a steering stem that couples the front forks to the motorcycle's handle bar, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. A front fender 42 is positioned above the front wheel 32 and front tire, to serve a corresponding purpose to that of the rear fender 40.

While the rider's hands are positioned on the handle grips 60L,R, the rider can selectively activate various types of controls, such as a throttle, a front brake lever, a headlight switch, left and right turn signal switches, and a horn switch, in a manner also understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. A pair of back or rear-view mirrors 62L,R that extend above the handle grips 60L,R provide the rider with a view of the environment behind the motorcycle 10.

The motorcycle 10 also includes a main stand 70 that the rider can selectively pivot into a support position for supporting the motorcycle 10 in a left— right symmetric upright position; and a side stand 72 that the rider can selectively pivot into a support position for supporting the motorcycle 10 at a small leftward tilt.

The motorcycle 10 also includes various structural elements that form its exterior or external bodywork, including a plurality of outer panels or cover members. The cover members include a front handle cover 80, which overlays around a headlight and uppermost frontal portions of the motorcycle's handlebar assembly; and a rear handle cover 82, which overlays rear portions of the handlebar assembly and both covers 80 ,82 cover with upper portions of the steering stem. A front top cover 84 disposed below the front handle cover 80 and above the front fender 42 overlays frontal portions of the motorcycle 10. The front top cover 84 is designed to mate with a winker and position light assembly 52L,R that includes a pair of winker and position bulbs disposed beneath and between portions of the front top cover 84.

The motorcycle's cover members further include a main pipe center cover 90, which overlays the top of a central, main, or primary underbone frame member of the motorcycle 10, and which is disposed between the rider's legs when the rider is positioned on the seat 12. A pair of leg shields 86L,R are disposed forward of the rider's left and right legs, respectively, on either side of the main pipe center cover 90, for shielding the rider's legs. Finally, the motorcycle 10 includes and a pair of t motorcycle side cover structures 100L,R in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, which respectively overlay left side and right side portions of the motorcycle 10, and which form portions of the motorcycle's left side and right side bodywork, as further described in detail hereafter.

As indicated in FIGs. 1 and 2, and as further indicated in FIGs. 3A - 6, each of the motorcycle side cover structures 100L,R includes three structural elements or sub-structures, as follows: (1) a pair of main pipe side covers 1 10L,R; (2) a pair of main pipe side lower covers or cover elements 150L,R; and (3) a pair of rear body covers 170L,R, which are configured for secure engagement with each other to form a complete motorcycle side cover structure or assembly, and which securely attach to portions of the motorcycle's frame to thereby overlay exterior side portions of the motorcycle 10. When assembled and mounted to the motorcycle, the motorcycle side cover structures 100L,R slope or slant upwardly and rearwardly along the motorcycle's both sides, respectively, in a manner that conveys a distinctive, sleek, and impressive visual appearance. FIG. 3 A is an exterior view of the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L for the motorcycle 10 shown in FIG. 1, further illustrating the manner in which the left motorcycle side cover structure's main pipe side cover 1 10L, cover element 150L, and rear body cover 170L are shaped and positioned relative to each other when the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L is assembled. Correspondingly, FIG. 3B is an exterior view of the right motorcycle side cover structure 100R for the motorcycle 10 as shown in FIG. 2, illustrating the manner in which the right motorcycle side cover structure's main pipe side cover 110R, cover element 150R, and rear body cover 170R

are shaped and positioned relative to each other when assembled. The motorcycle side cover structures 100L,R are substantially or generally symmetric; however, as indicated in FIGs. 2 and 3B relative to FIGs. 1 and 3A, the right motorcycle side cover structure's cover element 150R extends further forward than the left motorcycle side cover structure's cover element 150L due to the manner in which the engine unit's profile differs between the motorcycle's right and left sides. Additionally, the right rear body cover 170R includes a brake fluid window 171 formed therein. This brake fluid window 171 is designed under the rear portion of the cover element and as the cover element is slanted a lot in front of the window, it's easy for the window to form because slanted shape makes more space in the rear body cover. Descriptive remarks made herein with respect to each portion of the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L are applicable to the right motorcycle side cover structure 100R, and vice versa, unless stated or shown otherwise.

As shown in FIG. 3A, from an exterior visual perspective, the left motorcycle side cover structure's main pipe side cover 1 10L includes a frontal edge or border 1 12, an upper border 116, a bottom border 120, and an inner border 122 that define the left main pipe side cover structure's overall outline or shape. The main pipe side cover structure's frontal border 1 12 includes a plurality of fixing points 114a-d at which the frontal border 112 can be attached to the leg shield 86L. The main pipe side cover's upper border 116 is shaped such that when the motorcycle side cover structure 100L is mounted to the motorcycle's left side, the main pipe side cover 1 10L is positioned adjacent to and below the main pipe center cover 90 to thereby overlay side portions of the motorcycle's main pipe in a manner that follows the main pipe's curvature. More particularly, this upper border 1 16 extends along an initial downward path, until reaching a first curvature inflection region or point 1 18 forward of the seat 12. Rearward of the first curvature inflection point 118, the upper border 1 16 extends along an upward trajectory toward portions of the seat 12 corresponding to the rider's seating position, until reaching a terminal portion or upper rear corner 130 of the left main pipe side cover 110L.

The main pipe side cover's lower border 120 forms a bottom-most edge of the main pipe side cover 110L, and extends a predetermined distance parallel or generally parallel to the ground plane between a lower-most portion of the frontal border 112 and a lower-most portion of the inner border 122. The inner border 122 extends upwardly away from the lower border 120 along an upward path that follows or generally follows forward or frontal contours of the engine unit 20, peaking at a second curvature inflection region or point 124 and then extending downward and rearward a predetermined distance therefrom until reaching a first edge inflection point 126. Rearward of the first edge inflection point 126, the inner border 122 extends upward along a predetermined distance that is generally parallel to portions of the upper border 1 16 to a second edge inflection point 128, after which the inner border 122 slopes upward at a sharper or increased angle such that the inner border 122 converges with the upper border 116 at the main pipe side cover's rear corner 130. The main pipe side cover 1 10L also includes a first frame mount opening 135 therein disposed at a predetermined location above and approximately midway along the length of its lower border 120, corresponding to a first fixing point at which the motorcycle side cover structure 100L can be directly secured to a portion of the motorcycle's frame.

The rear body cover 170L covers rear side portions of the motorcycle 10, and includes an upper border 172 that slopes upwardly and rearwardly below the motorcycle's seat 12, between a predetermined position on the rear body cover 170L at which the rear body cover 170L meets the main pipe side cover 110L and a rear endpoint 180 of the motorcycle side cover structure 100L. When the rear body cover 170L is mounted to the motorcycle 10, its rear endpoint 180 is positioned above the tail light assembly 50, and beneath the rear grab rail 18. The rear body cover 170L further includes a lower border 174 that slopes from this rear endpoint 180 in a downward and forward direction toward the engine unit 20. The rear body cover 170L additionally includes an inner border 176 which defines a roughly V- shaped cutout region into which portions of the cover element 150L fits, and against which an upper-rear portion of the left main pipe side cover 1 10L fits.

The cover element 150L is adapted to reside adjacent to and below portions of the main pipe side cover 1 10L, extending or sloping rearward and upward beneath the main pipe side cover 1 10L, and is further adapted to fit into or mate with the rear body cover's cutout region. More specifically, the cover element 150L includes an upper border 152 that aligns with portions of the main pipe side cover's inner border 122 between the first edge inflection point 128 and left main pipe side cover's rear corner 130. The cover element's upper border 152 continues to slope linearly and upwardly in a rearward direction past the main pipe side cover's rear corner 130, to a visually or externally apparent rear tip 160 of the cover element 150L. A lower border 154 of the cover element 150L forms the lower visual outline of the cover element 150L between the main pipe side lower cover's first edge inflection point 128 and the cover element's visually apparent rear tip 160. The lower border 154 of the cover element 150L meets the rear body cover 170L at a lower junction point 156, and slopes upwardly in a rearward direction such the upper rear portions of the cover element 150L, including the visually apparent rear tip 160L, are positioned within the cutout region of the rear body cover 170L. The cover element 150L additionally includes a second frame mount opening 155 at a predetermined position along its length corresponding to a second fixing point at which the motorcycle side cover structure 100L can be directly secured to a portion of the motorcycle's frame.

Each of the main pipe side cover 1 10L, the left cover element 150L, and the rear body cover 170L are separately or individually molded or moldable pieces, which are shaped and configured to securely engage or mate with and attach to each other, as further described below. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the motorcycle side cover structure 100L provides three smaller-area side cover pieces compared to motorcycle cover structures having fewer, larger pieces as in the prior art, and hence this motorcycle side cover structure 100L avoids large area pieces that require large molds to manufacture. Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are thus simpler and less costly to manufacture, and easier to handle.

The main pipe side cover 1 10L and the rear body cover 170L are each molded to include portions of a ridge line 200L, such that when assembled, the ridge line 200L extends in a visually contiguous or generally continuous manner from a ridge line initiation site 202L on the main pipe side cover 1 10L, upwardly and rearwardly along the main pipe side cover 110L, into and along the rear body cover 170L, to a ridge line termination site 204L near the rear endpoint 180L of the rear body cover 170L. The widest spanning portions between the pair of side cover structures 100L,R are along the ridge line 200. Below the ridge line 200, the main side pipe cover 1 10L includes a recessed section 132, which curves inward toward the inside of the motorcycle 10. Portions of the main side pipe cover 1 10L corresponding to this recessed section 132L thus have a concave profile. Additionally, portions of the rear body cover 170L below the ridge line 200L also exhibit a concave profile. Thus, below the ridge line 200L, the cover element 150L itself exhibits a concave profile. The motorcycle side cover structure's concave profile beneath the ridge line 200 enables a passenger to position their legs comfortably relative to the ridge line 200, without requiring the passenger to separate their legs too widely or excessively. The upper border 152 of the cover element 150L aligns with the inner border 176 of the rear body cover 170L such that the section of the cover element's upper border 152 that extends linearly in an upward and rearward direction beyond the main pipe side cover's rear corner 130 is positioned slightly or very slightly below and parallel to the ridge line 200L. Additionally, in various embodiments, the cover element 150L provides a visual color contrast that is distinct or very distinct from the appearance of each of the main pipe side cover 110L and the rear body cover 170L. For instance, in several embodiments, the cover element 150L is a non-spray colored or non-spray painted structure, such as a black plastic or elastic colored structure, while each of the main pipe side cover 1 10L and the rear body cover 170L are spray colored structures. As a result, the visual contrast between the cover element 150L and each of the main pipe side cover 1 10L and the rear body cover 170L, in conjunction with the parallel alignment of a rearward segment of the cover element's upper border 152 directly below the ridge line 200L, visually enhances an observer's perception of the ridge line 200L and the manner in which the three sub-structures of the motorcycle side cover structure 100L fit together, to thereby convey a sleek, distinctive, and impressive appearance.

With respect to FIG. 3B, the exterior visual appearance of the right motorcycle side cover structure 100R is analogous or generally analogous to that of the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L. However, certain structural differences exist as a result of the difference in the upper profile of the engine unit 20 on the right side of the motorcycle 10 versus the engine unit's upper profile on the left side of the motorcycle 10. More particularly, the right cover element 150R extends or projects further forward along the right main pipe side cover 1 10R than the left cover element 150L extends forward along the left main pipe side cover 110L; and the right main pipe side cover 1 10R has a smoother frontal contour overall due to the absence of the second inflection point 124 that is present along the inner border 122 of the left main pipe side cover 1 10L. Also, the right rear body cover 170R includes the brake fluid reservoir window, as mentioned above.

FIG. 3C is an exterior or external view of the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L of FIG. 3 A, illustrating portions of fixing or fastening elements, structures, or points in dashed- line form, by which the main pipe side cover 1 10L, the cover element 150L, and the rear body cover 170L can be assembled to each other. Correspondingly, FIG. 4B is an interior or internal view of the motorcycle side cover structure 100L of FIG. 3 A, indicating insertion and fixing / fastening structures or points that facilitate assembly of the main pipe side cover 110L, the cover element 150L, and the rear body cover 170L to each other.

As indicated in FIGs. 3C and 4B, the internal side of the cover element 150L includes a first plurality of flanges 162a-c that extend upwardly along its upper border 152, by which the cover element 150L is secured or securable to the main pipe side cover 110L. Such flanges 162a-c overlay fixing structures on the main pipe side cover 110L, and can receive a fasteners 300 (e.g., screws) for securing portions of the cover element's upper border 152 to portions of the main pipe side cover's inner border 122. The main pipe side cover element 150L also includes a flange 140 that projects downward, which overlays a corresponding fixing structure by which a forward portion of the main pipe side cover 1 10L is securable to a forward portion of the side cover element 150L.

The internal side of the rear body cover 170L includes a plurality of insertion points 182a-b at which particular structural features of the cover element 150L are insertable into or onto or engageable with the rear body cover 170L, including a first insertion point 182a that forms a band configured for supporting a rear-most physical tip 161 of the cover element 150L as to locate and position the cover element along the front-rear direction; and a second insertion point 182b that forms a hook-type projection for engaging with a stopper plate 164 that extends rearward from the cover element 150L along its lower border 154 as to locate and position the cover element along up-down direction (shown as section BB in FIG4A). Consequently, both insertion points 182a,b are functional as stoppers when the cover element 150 is sub-assembled to the rear body cover 170, resulting in greater simplicity and ease of attaching them together.

The internal side of the cover element 150L additionally includes a second plurality of flanges 166a-b by which the cover element 150L is securable to the rear body cover 170L, including a flange 166a that extends upwardly from the segment of the cover element's upper border 152 that is positioned parallel to and beneath the ridge line 200L; and another flange 166b that extends downwardly and rearwardly from the cover element's lower border 154. Each such flange 166a-b overlays a corresponding fixing structure, and can receive the fastener 300 therethrough.

Finally, the internal side of the rear body cover 170L includes a flange 184 that projects downward from an upper section of its inner border 176 to overlay another fixing structure, by which the rear body cover 170L is securable to an upper section of the main pipe side cover 110L. This downwardly projecting flange 184 provided by the rear body cover 170L for securing the rear body cover 170L to the main pipe side cover 110L is positioned close or relatively close to an uppermost flange 162c within the cover element's first plurality of flanges 162a-c. As a result, in the region where the main pipe side cover 110L and the rear body cover 170L are attached to the cover element 150L near or generally near the main pipe side cover's upper rear corner 130, the motorcycle side cover structure 100L exhibits enhanced strength or structural integrity compared to a single piece of plastic, and also exhibits a distinctive multi-piece visual appearance.

In assembling the motorcycle side cover structure 100L, the cover element 150L is first aligned with and secured to the rear body cover 170L by way of fasteners or screws 300 received at the second plurality of flanges 166a-b, after setting appropriate position such that the cover element's physical tip 161 is received by the rear body cover's first insertion point 182a, and the cover element's stopper plate 164 is mated with the rear body cover's second insertion point 182b. Once assembled, the combination of the cover element 150L and the rear body cover 170L (i.e., a two-piece sub-assembly) are secured to the main pipe side cover 1 10L by way of fasteners or screws received at the first plurality of flanges 162a-c provided by the cover element 150L and the flange 140 provided by the main pipe side cover 1 10L. Finally, the rear body cover 170L and main pipe side cover 110L are secured to each other by way of a fastener received at its downwardly projecting flange 184. As the flange 184 and 162 c are designed to be positionally close to the points where the three covers (i.e., the side cover structure 1 10, the side lower cover 150 and the rear body cover 170) fit together, the fit between the three covers is excellent.

FIG. 4A is an interior or internal view of the right motorcycle side cover structure 100R of FIG. 3B, illustrating cross sections AA, BB, and CC indicating particular fixing structures at which portions of the right motorcycle side cover structure 100R are securely connected together and retained in position. More particularly, cross section AA illustrates a first or frontmost flange 162a within the first plurality of flanges 162a-c provided by the cover element 150R, which is aligned over a corresponding fixing structure 192 formed on the internal surface of the main pipe side cover 1 10R. The first fixing structure 192 includes a tubular projection 193 into which a fastener 300 such as a screw can be inserted.

Cross section BB illustrates a downwardly projecting flange 184 carried by the internal side of the rear body cover 170R, which is aligned over a corresponding fixing structure 144 formed on the interior surface of the main pipe side cover 1 10R. A tubular projection 145 provided by this fixing structure 144 receives a fastener 300 that secures the main pipe side cover 11 OR to the rear body cover 170R. An upper lip or rim 167a of the cover element 150R is resiliency biased against a portion of this fixing structure 144; and a lower lip 167b of the cover element 150R is resiliently biased against an upper portion of the rear body cover 170R. Below this lower lip 167b, the second insertion point 182b provided by the rear body cover 170R engages with the hook-type element 164 of the cover element 150R.

Cross section CC illustrates an upwardly projecting flange 166a that extends away from the segment of the cover element's upper border 152 that is positioned parallel to and beneath the motorcycle side cover structure's ridge line 200R, which is aligned over a corresponding fixing structure 196 formed in the rear body cover 170R. A fastener 300 secures this flange 166a to its corresponding fixing structure 196 to thereby secure the uppermost region of the cover element 150R to the rear body cover 170R. A lower lip 167b of the cover element is resiliently biased against a portion of the rear body cover 170R, below this upwardly projecting flange 166a and its corresponding fixing structure 196.

The lower lip 167b and its resilient bias prevent invasion of water, debris or mud into interior of motorcycle 10, and is therefore structurally existent in the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L.

In section BB or CC in FIG 4A, we can see the body cover line will be wider like as dashed- line B if the cover element didn't apply. Such a wider body line would be cause for passenger's inconvenience and discomfort when propped against their legs and will lead to the paintings of body cover being easily peeled off.

As indicated in FIG. 4A, the first plurality of flanges 162a-d provided by the right cover element 150R includes a fourth flange 162d by which a front-most portion of the right cover element 150R can be secured to a frontal portion of the right main pipe side cover 11 OR. The presence of this fourth flange 162d on the right cover element 150R, but not the left cover element 150L, and the absence of a frontal downward projecting flange 140 on the right main pipe side cover 1 10R which is present on the left main pipe side cover 1 10L, is due to the difference in shape between the right and left cover elements 150R,L and the right and left main pipe side covers 1 10R,L resulting from the difference in left side versus right side profiles of the engine unit 20, in a manner that will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

As indicated in FIGs. 3C, 4A, and 4B, the left rear body cover 170L includes a lower projection or "thumb" structure 186 that overlaps a lower internal region of the left cover element 150L, and which includes a third frame mount opening 187 that aligns with the second frame mount opening 155 by which the left cover element 150L is securable to the motorcycle's frame. Once the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L is assembled, it can be securely mounted to the motorcycle's frame by way of fasteners (e.g., bolts) inserted through the frame mount openings 135, 155/187.

As the cover element 150R,L and rear body cover 170R,L are secured at the same point 155, it is possible for the quantity of parts and time required for assembly to be reduced. FIG. 5 is a left view showing rear portions of the motorcycle 10 of FIG. 1, illustrating a left motorcycle side cover structure 100L having a left cover element 150L that extends upwardly toward the rear of the motorcycle 10, and which laterally extends along and past a helmet box 90 disposed beneath the seat 12, until reaching a side portion of a fuel tank 92 that is also disposed beneath the seat 12, behind the helmet box 90. Because the cover element 150L extends along portions of the helmet box 90, the cover element 90 facilitates enhanced protection of the helmet box 90 and its contents. Additionally, the cover element 150L facilitates enhanced protection of frontal portions of the fuel tank 92.

FIG. 6 is a left view of the motorcycle 10 of FIG. 1, illustrating the left motorcycle side cover structure's main pipe side cover 110L, cover element 150L, and rear body cover 170L relative to the positions of a representative rider 400 and a representative passenger 402 on the motorcycle seat 12. As indicated in FIG. 6, the motorcycle side cover structure's ridge line 200 slopes upwardly and rearward from a location on the main pipe side cover 110L expected to generally correspond to the position of the rider's leg, across the length of the rear body cover 170L. Portions of the motorcycle side cover structure 100L below the ridge line 200 are concave, and hence the maximum extent to which the passenger's legs need to separate when the passenger's feet are positioned on the passenger steps 16L,R is defined by a lateral separation distance between the ridge lines 200L,R on the left and right sides of the motorcycle 10. The left cover element 150L resides below the left main pipe side cover 1 10L and above the engine unit 20, and slants upwardly toward the rear of the motorcycle 10 until reaching or nearly reaching the ridge line 200L, and includes a segment or section that runs parallel to the ridge line 200L along a distance that corresponds to rear portions of the helmet box 90 and forward portions of a fuel tank 92.

FIG. 7 is a left view of the motorcycle 10 of FIG. 1, illustrating the left motorcycle side cover structure 100L and the engine unit 20 relative to the positions of a representative rider 400 and passenger 402 on the motorcycle seat 12. As indicated in FIG. 7, the engine unit 20 is positioned forward and below the seat 12. The engine unit 20 further includes a crank case 502 where a crankshaft is supported , a cylinder 504 for defining an internal bore for reciprocating travel of a piston coupled to the crankshaft by a piston rod and a cylinder head 506 for capping the top of the cylinder 504 to define a combustion chamber with the piston. The engine unit 20 is transversely hanged with the underborne main frame positioned below the motorcycle seat 12 and towards a swing arm pivot 508 whereat the pair of swing arms 22L,R swingably mounts to the rear portion of the underbone frame. The cylinder 504 extends towards the front of the motorcycle 10 at an incline that is close to horizontal. A starter motor 510 for initiating rotation of the crankshaft of the engine unit 20, is positioned above the crankcase 502 and proximal to where the crankcase 502 and the cylinder 504 mates. The engine unit 20 is aspirated by air received through an intake air passage 512 and injected with fuel by injector set to the intake air passage 512. The intake air passage 512 extends between the cylinder head 506 and an air cleaner 514 which filters abrasive debris and contaminants from entering the intake air passage 512 and hence the engine unit 20. The air cleaner 514 is positioned between the leg shields 86 L,R and faces front fender 42 in the direction of forward travel of the motorcycle 10. A throttle valve interposes the intake air passage 512 and the cylinder head 506 and is actuated by a throttle pulley 516 wired to connect to the throttle at the handle grips 60. This enables a rider to operate the throttle in order to control the throttle valve and hence meter air intake into the cylinder head 506 to regulate rotational speed of the crankshaft.

The downward extension of the main pipe side covers 1 10 L,R towards the lower border 120 occludes the cylinder 504 and the cylinder head 506 from direct or plain view. The cover element 150L is divided 3 portion indicated as A-C by 2 dash lines. Such 3 portions of the cover element 150 have each inclination. A and C inclinations are similar and B inclination is bigger than A or C portion. The cover element 150L extends initially from its lower portion A alongside the main pipe side cover 110 before being sandwiched at portion B between the main pipe side cover 110 and the rear body cover 170 and terminating at C portion of the cutout region of the rear body cover 170. The portion A and C are almost hidden by rider's and passenger's leg and the portion B is confirmed strongly.

FIG. 8 is a right view of the motorcycle 10 of FIG. 1, illustrating the right motorcycle side cover structure 100R and the muffler 28 relative to the position of a representative rider 400 and passenger 402 on the motorcycle seat 12. As indicated in FIG. 8, the length and inclination J of the right rear body cover 170R is similar to the length and inclination K of the muffler 28.

The rear brake pedal 25 is coupled to a rear brake master cylinder 520 which delivers brake fluid to a rear brake caliper and activates the rear disk brake. The rear brake master cylinder 520 is filled with the brake fluid and connected to a brake fluid reservoir tank 522 by a brake hose 524. The brake fluid reservoir tank 522 is positioned below the motorcycle seat 12 and elevated from the rear brake master cylinder 520 so that brake fluid in the brake hose 524 forms a positive pressure head against the rear brake master cylinder 520. The brake fluid reservoir tank 522 is optically translucent and marked with an upper level line 526 and a lower level line 528 to enable checking if there is sufficient brake fluid to keep the rear brake master cylinder 520 primed. If the level of brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir tank 522 is observed to be approaching or have gone below the lower level line 528, more brake fluid is added to the brake fluid reservoir tank 522 till the brake fluid level reaches the upper level line 526. The brake fluid reservoir tank 522 is positioned below C portion of the cover element 150R because B portion has bigger inclination and makes much space below the C portion. It's easy to design the position of the brake fluid reservoir tank. And the reservoir tank 522 is also positioned behind right rear body cover 170R with the brake fluid window sitting over the brake fluid reservoir tank 522 for exposing a portion thereof as well as exposing part of the upper level line 526 and the lower level line 528. This enables the rider to visually check the brake fluid level without having to remove the right rear body cover 170R.

Aspects of particular embodiments of the present disclosure address at least one aspect, problem, limitation, and/or disadvantage associated with existing motorcycle side cover structures. While features, aspects, and/or advantages associated with certain embodiments have been described in the disclosure, other embodiments may also exhibit such features, aspects, and/or advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such features, aspects, and/or advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure. It will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art that several of the above-disclosed structures, components, or alternatives thereof, can be desirably combined into alternative structures, components, and/or applications. In addition, various modifications, alterations, and/or improvements may be made to various embodiments that are disclosed by a person of ordinary skill in the art within the scope of the present disclosure, which is limited only by the following claims.