A Saddle Type Vehicle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle and particularly relates to assembly of upper bridge member, handlebar holders and headlamp bracket of the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] An upper bridge member is disposed at a top end of a pair of front forks of a twowheeled vehicle, like a motorcycle, and generally connects the pair of front forks. The upper bridge member is also coupled to a steering shaft / steering stem of the vehicle such that by rotating the upper bridge member the steering shaft turns along with the pair of front forks, allowing the front wheel to turn in the same direction. Further, a handlebar is mounted to the upper bridge member such that turning the handlebar turns the upper bridge member and consequently turns the front wheel allowing the two-wheeled vehicle to be steered. The handlebar is mounted to the upper bridge member with the aid of handlebar holders. The handlebar holders are disposed on the upper bridge member and are adapted to receive and secure the handlebar in them. Handlebar holders can be integrally cast with the upper bridge member, fixedly attached via welding or fastened to the upper bridge member using fasteners.

[003] It is advantageous to have a headlamp mounted to the upper bridge member. This ensures that the headlamp rotates with the steering of the vehicle and always points in the direction the vehicle is steered. Also, when the headlamp is mounted at a distance from the upper bridge member, the headlamp protrudes to a front of the vehicle and excess overhang weight is exerted on the mounting points of the headlamp. This also means that the headlamp is mounted farther away from centre of gravity of the vehicle thereby detrimentally affecting manoeuvrability and handling of the vehicle. Hence, an effective way to mount the headlamp closer to the upper bridge member is called for. It is also desirable to avoid use of body panels to cover the headlamp and its mounting provisions to give the vehicle an aesthetically appealing look. Use of body panels also result in higher cost of materials, cost of manufacture and cost of assembly and adds more weight to the vehicle. Thus, providing for aesthetically appealing mounting provisions for the headlamp, i.e. an aesthetically appealing headlamp housing/stay, on the upper bridge member and avoiding use of panels to cover the headlamp and its mountings is beneficial. Minimising number of brackets used to mount the headlamp to the upper bridge member is also desirable in reducing weight and cost of assembly.

[004] In addition to the handlebar holders and the headlamp housing/stay, the upper bridge member may be provided with provisions to mount a pair of left and right turn signal lamps, an ignition lock, an instrument cluster, etc. Conventionally, each of the aforementioned components are mounted to the upper bridge member using dedicated mounting provisions, like fasteners. The use of fasteners in securing components to the upper bridge member instead of fixedly attaching components to the upper bridge member is desirable as this increases ease of serviceability. However, complexity, weight and cost increases with an increase in number of fasteners and other mounting provisions. Further, with an increase in number of fasteners and other mounting provisions, number of parts involved and contact area between these parts also increase leading to higher intensity vibrations and higher noise levels when the vehicle is in operation. This results in operator discomfort and higher wear and tear of components. Vibrations can also be transmitted through the upper bridge member into the headlamp, the left and right turn signal lamps, the instrument cluster and the handlebar and sensitive components/controls mounted on the handlebar, causing highly calibrated components to malfunction or fail over time. Furthermore, use of fasteners and other mounting provisions encroach into already limited space available on the upper bridge member. Hence, it is desirable to decrease number of fasteners and other mounting provisions used to secure components to the upper bridge member.

[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a headlamp assembly, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a saddle type vehicle and an assembly of an upper bridge member, a pair of left and right handlebar holders and a headlamp bracket of the saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle includes a pair of left and right front forks supporting a front wheel of the vehicle and an upper bridge member connecting the pair of left and right front forks. A pair of left and right handlebar holders are disposed on the upper bridge member. The pair of left and right handlebar holders are configured to receive a handlebar of the vehicle. A headlamp bracket is mounted to the bridge member opposite the pair of left and right handlebar holders. The upper bridge member is sandwiched between the headlamp bracket and the pair of left and right handlebar holders.

[007] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle includes a pair of left and right fasteners, each having a first end and a second end. The headlamp bracket and each of the pair of left and right handlebar holders are secured to the upper bridge member using the corresponding fastener.

[008] In an embodiment, the upper bridge member includes a pair of first receptacles which are adapted to receive the pair of left and right front forks. In another embodiment, the upper bridge member includes a steering stem hole disposed between the pair of first receptacles. The steering stem hole is adapted to receive a steering stem of the vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the upper bridge member includes a pair of left and right through holes. Each of the pair of left and right through holes is disposed on either side of the steering stem hole and is adapted to receive the corresponding fastener. In a further embodiment, the upper bridge member includes a second receptacle disposed between the pair of first receptacles. The second receptacle is adapted to receive an ignition lock module and/or a vehicle steering lock module.

[009] In an embodiment, the pair of left and right handlebar holders are axially aligned with respective through holes of the upper bridge member. The pair of left and right handlebar holders are adapted to receive the first end of the corresponding fastener. In another embodiment, the headlamp bracket is adapted to receive the second ends of the pair of left and right fasteners.

[010] In an embodiment, each of the pair of left and right handlebar holders includes a handlebar riser which is disposed on the upper bridge member and adapted to receive the first end of the corresponding fastener. The handlebar risers have a concavity at their top to seat the handlebar at an elevated position from the upper bridge member. In another embodiment, the pair of left and right handlebar holders includes a riser cover mounted on the corresponding handlebar riser to secure the handlebar in the pair of left and right handlebar holders. In yet another embodiment, the handlebar is sandwiched between the handlebar risers and the corresponding riser covers.

[011] In a further embodiment, the first ends of the pair of left and right fasteners are moulded integrally with the handlebar risers of the corresponding handlebar holder.

[012] In an embodiment, the headlamp bracket includes a pair of left and right mounting holes disposed at a rear of the headlamp bracket. In another embodiment, the second end of each of the pair of left and right fasteners is inserted in the corresponding mounting hole of the headlamp bracket.

[013] In an embodiment, the second end of each of the pair of left and right fasteners is secured with a clamp nut. In another embodiment, the headlamp bracket is sandwiched between the upper bridge member and the corresponding clamp nut. In yet another embodiment, a headlamp of the vehicle is supported at a front of the headlamp bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic side elevation view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a rear elevation view of a front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary upper bridge member of the vehicle and components mounted thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary pair of left and right handlebar holders of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the upper bridge member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the upper bridge member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the upper bridge member and components mounted thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the upper bridge member and components mounted thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the upper bridge member and components mounted thereto shown in Figure 8 at a vertical plane X1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the upper bridge member and components mounted thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the upper bridge member and components mounted thereto shown in Figure 10 at a vertical plane Y1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates an exploded view of the upper bridge member and components mounted thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary headlamp bracket of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the headlamp bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[015] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.

[016] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle and particularly relates to assembly of upper bridge member, handlebar holders and headlamp bracket of the saddle type vehicle. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the saddle type vehicle is a motorcycle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile like a scooter or any other three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention. The term ‘vehicle’ has been used below for referring to the term ‘saddle type vehicle’ in favour of brevity.

[017] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic side elevation view of an exemplary vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 comprises a front wheel 36, a rear wheel 38, a frame member (not shown) and a seat 44. The frame member includes a head pipe 18, a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). A headlamp 32 and an instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 18. Further, the head pipe 18 supports a steering shaft 20 (shown in Figure 2) disposed inside the head pipe 18. A front suspension 22 coupled to the steering shaft 20 is provided at a front of the vehicle 10, the front wheel 36 being supported by the front suspension 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the front suspension 22 is a fork type suspension, i.e., a pair of front forks 22L, 22R (shown in Figure 2). An upper portion of the front wheel 36 is covered by a front fender 46 mounted to a lower portion of the pair of front forks 22L, 22R. A handlebar 24 is operatively coupled to the steering shaft 20 and can rotate about the head pipe 18 for steering the vehicle 10.

[018] The vehicle 10 includes a prime mover 12 that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the prime mover 12 is an internal combustion engine. A fuel tank 42 is mounted on the main tube. An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends vertically downward from the prime mover 12 and then extends below the prime mover 12, longitudinally along length of the vehicle 10 before terminating in a muffler (not shown). In another embodiment, the prime mover 12 is an electric motor. The down tube is positioned in front of the prime mover 12 and extends downward from the head pipe 18 in a slanting manner. The main tube of the frame member is located above the prime mover 12 and extends rearward from the head pipe 18. Seat rails are joined to the main tube and extend rearward to support the seat 44. A rear swing arm (not shown) is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and a rear wheel 38 is connected to a rear end of the rear swing arm. The rear swing arm is supported by a rear suspension 52. A taillight 54 is disposed at a rear of the seat 44. A grab rail 56 is also provided to the seat rails at a rear of the seat 44. The rear wheel 38 arranged below the seat 44 rotates by motive force generated by the prime mover 12 transmitted through a transmission (not shown). A rear fender 48 is disposed above the rear wheel 38.

[019] Figure 2 illustrates a rear elevation view of a front portion of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an upper bridge member 1 10 of the vehicle 10 is disposed at a top portion of the pair of front forks 22L, 22R and connects the pair of front forks 22L, 22R. The upper bridge member 110 is also coupled to the steering shaft 20, such that by rotating the upper bridge member 110 the steering shaft 20 turns along with the pair of front forks 22L, 22R allowing the front wheel 36 to turn in the same direction. A lower bridge member 26 is disposed downwardly of the upper bridge member 110 and at a bottom portion of the head pipe 18. The lower bridge member 26 connects the steering shaft 20 and the pair of front forks 22L, 22R at a bottom portion of the head pipe 18. A pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R are mounted on the upper bridge 24. The pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R is adapted to receive the handlebar 24.

[020] Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the upper bridge member 110 and components mounted thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R is disposed atop the upper bridge member 110. A headlamp bracket 130 is mounted to the upper bridge member 110 opposite the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R and at a bottom of the upper bridge member 110. In an embodiment, the upper bridge member 110 is sandwiched between the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R and the headlamp bracket 130, such that the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R is disposed on top of the upper bridge member 1 10 and the headlamp bracket 130 is disposed at a bottom of the upper bridge member 110. In another embodiment, one or more rubber bushes are placed in between the headlamp bracket 130 and the upper bridge member 110, and in between each of the left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R and the upper bridge member 110 to reduce transmission of vibrations between them. The upper bridge member 1 10, the handlebar holders 120L, 120R, the headlamp bracket 130 and components mounted thereto form an assembly 100 of the vehicle 10. [021] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, each of the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R includes a handlebar riser 122L, 122R and a riser cover 124L, 124R respectively. The handlebar risers 122L, 122R are mounted on the upper bridge member 110. In an embodiment, each of the handlebar risers 122L, 122R is provided with a concavity 1221 at its top end and the concavity 1221 is adapted to seat the handlebar 24. A purpose of the handlebar risers 122L, 122R is to dispose the handlebar 24 at a position elevated from or higher than the position of the upper bridge member 110 in a vehicle up down direction UP-DW (shown in Figure 2). Shape of the concavity 1221 matches shape of an external circumferential surface of the handlebar 24 to enable appropriate fit. Height of the handlebar risers 122L, 122R is determined with regard to a height to which the handlebar 24 is to be raised form the upper bridge member 110. In another embodiment, the handlebar 24 is secured to the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R with the aid of riser covers 124L, 124R. Once the handlebar 24 is received in the concavity 1221 of each of the handlebar risers 122L, 122R, the corresponding riser cover 124L, 124R is mounted on the respective handlebar riser 122L, 122R to secure the handlebar 24 in the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of bolts 1241 are employed to detachably attach riser covers 124L, 124R to the corresponding handlebar risers 122L, 122R. The riser covers 124L, 124R are provided with through holes to receive each bolt 1241 and the handlebar risers 122L, 122R are provided with corresponding threaded holes adapted to receive a threaded end of each bolt 1241 . On assembly, the handlebar 24 is sandwiched between the handlebar risers 122L, 122R and the corresponding riser covers 124L, 124R and secured to the upper bridge member 110. Hence, rotation of the handlebar 24 is translated into rotation of the upper bridge member 110 and consequent turning of the front wheel 36 of the vehicle 10 enabling an operator to steer the vehicle 10.

[022] Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the upper bridge member 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The upper bridge member 1 10 includes a pair of first receptacles 112L, 112R adapted to receive the corresponding pair of left and right front forks 22L, 22R. The inner circumferential shape of the pair of first receptacles 112L, 112R match the outer circumferential shape of the pair of left and right front forks 22L, 22R for appropriate fit. In an embodiment, the upper bridge member 110 is provided with clamping means 115 equipped to clamp the pair of left and right front forks 22L, 22R within the corresponding pair of first receptacles 112L, 112R. When the clamping means 115 are released, the pair of left and right front forks 22L, 22R can be easily slid out of the pair of first receptacles 112L, 112R. In another embodiment, the upper bridge member 1 10 includes a steering stem hole 114 disposed between the pair of first receptacles 112L, 1 12R. The steering stem hole 114 is adapted to receive the steering stem 20 of the vehicle 10, such that the upper bridge member 110 is operably coupled to the steering stem 20. Thereby, rotation of the upper bridge member 1 10 is translated to rotation of the steering stem 20 within the head pipe 18. In an embodiment, a top end of the steering stem 20 is secured in the steering stem hole 114 using a steering stem nut. Tightening torque of the steering stem nut can be adjusted to vary the operational characteristics of steering system of the vehicle 10.

[023] In an embodiment, the upper bridge member 1 10 includes a pair of left and right through holes 116L, 116R, each disposed on either side of the steering stem hole 114. In another embodiment, a platform 1161 L, 1161 R is formed around each of the pair of left and right through holes 116L, 116R respectively. The platforms 1161 L, 1161 R are adapted to seat the corresponding handlebar risers 122L, 122R. The platforms 1161 L, 1161 R have same shape as a bottom cross-sectional shape of the corresponding handlebar risers 122L, 122R. In yet another embodiment, the upper bridge member 110 includes a second receptacle 118 disposed between the pair of first receptacles 112L, 112R. The second receptacle 118 is adapted to receive an ignition lock module and/or a vehicle steering lock module.

[024] Figure 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the upper bridge member 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. At its bottom, the upper bridge member 110 includes a pair of projecting structures 1181 , each having a threaded hole in the middle. The pair of projecting structures 1181 aid in detachably attaching the ignition lock module and/or a vehicle steering lock module to the upper bridge member 110. The pair of projecting structures 1181 also stay hidden from direct sight helping to improve aesthetics of the vehicle 10. In another embodiment, the bottom of the upper bridge member 110 has hollowed-out portions to reduce material use and weight of the upper bridge member 110. However, the hollowed-out portions are provided such that the strength of the upper bridge member 110 is not compromised.

[025] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the upper bridge member 110 and components mounted thereto that form the assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The assembly 100 includes a pair of left and right fasteners 140L, 140R. Each of the pair of left and right fasteners 140L, 140R have a first end 142L, 142R and a second end 144L, 144R. In an embodiment, the headlamp bracket 130 and each of the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R are secured to the upper bridge member 110 using the corresponding fastener 1401, OR. [026] Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the upper bridge member 110 and components mounted thereto that form the assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the assembly 100 shown in Figure 8 at a vertical plane X1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 7 and 9, the pair of left and right through holes 116L, 1 16R of the upper bridge member 1 10, are adapted to receive the corresponding fastener OL, OR. That is, the left fastener MOL is disposed in the left through hole 116L and the right fastener MOR is disposed in the right through hole 116R. In an embodiment, the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R is axially aligned with the respective through holes 1 16L, 116R. In another embodiment, the handlebar risers 122L, 122R of the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R are adapted to receive the first ends 142L, 142R of the corresponding fasteners MOL, MOR. Accordingly, each of the handlebar risers 122L, 122R is provided with a cavity to accommodate the first end 142L, 142R of the corresponding fastener 140L, 140R. Thus, the first end 142L of the left fastener 140L is disposed inside the handlebar riser 122L and the first end 142R of the right fastener MOR is disposed inside the handlebar riser 122R. In an embodiment, the first ends 142L, 142R of the pair of left and right fasteners 140L, 140R is moulded integrally with the handlebar risers 122L, 122R of the corresponding handlebar holder 120L, 120R. In another embodiment, each of the handlebar risers 122L, 122R and the corresponding left and right fasteners MOL, MOR are cast to be a single body. In yet another embodiment, each of the left and right fasteners MOL, MOR are welded to the corresponding handlebar riser 122L, 122R after inserting the first end 142L, 142R of the respective fastener MOL, MOR into the cavity in the corresponding handlebar riser 122L, 122R. In a further embodiment, the first end 142L, 142R of each of the left and right fasteners MOL, MOR and the cavity in the corresponding handlebar riser 122L, 122R is provided with a notch lock feature 1421 (shown in Figure 11 ) adapted to lock the first end 142L, 142R in the corresponding cavity.

[027] In another embodiment, the headlamp bracket 130 is adapted to receive the second ends 144L, 144R of the pair of left and right fasteners 140L, 140R. In a further embodiment, the second end 144L, 144R of each of the left and right fasteners 1401, OR is secured with a corresponding clamp nut 148L, 148R. Thus, the headlamp bracket 130 is sandwiched between the bridge member 110 and the corresponding clamp nut 148L, 148R. In an embodiment, the second end 144L, 144R of each of the left and right fasteners OL, MOR is provided with a threaded structure onto which the corresponding clamp nut 148L, 148R can be screwed and tightened. Figure 12 illustrates an exploded view of the upper bridge member 110 and components mounted thereto that form the assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A pair of nut washers 1301 is disposed between the upper bridge member 1 10 and the headlamp bracket 130. Each nut washer 1301 has a hole configured to receive the second end 144L, 144R of each of the left and right fasteners MOL, MOR.

[028] Figure 13 illustrates a top perspective view of the headlamp bracket 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The headlamp bracket 130 includes a central portion 131 and a pair of side portions 131 L, 131 R disposed on either side of the central portion 131. The central portion 131 extends to a vehicle front direction. The side portions 131 L, 131 R extend rearwardly of the front portion 131 , such that the headlamp bracket 130 forms a substantial C shape with the opening of the C facing a vehicle rear direction. In an embodiment, the headlamp bracket 130 includes a pair of left and right mounting holes 132L, 132R at a rear of the headlamp bracket 130. The pair of left and right mounting holes 132L, 132R are provided on the corresponding side portions 131 L, 131 R. The second end 144L, 144R of each of the pair of left and right fasteners OL, OR is inserted in the corresponding mounting hole 132L, 132R. In assembled condition, the pair of left and right mounting holes 132L, 132R are axially aligned with the corresponding clamp nut 148L, 148R.

[029] In an embodiment, the headlamp 32 of the vehicle 10 is supported at a front of the headlamp bracket 130. In another embodiment, first mounting provisions 134 are provided on the centre portion 131 . The first mounting provisions 134 are adapted to mount a top of the headlamp 32 to the headlamp bracket 130. In yet another embodiment, second mounting provisions 136 are provided on the centre portion 131 rearwardly of the first mounting provisions 134. The second mounting provisions 136 are adapted to mount a rear of the headlamp 32 to the headlamp bracket 130. In a further embodiment, third mounting provisions 138 are provided on each of the side portions 131 L, 131 R. The third mounting provisions 138 are adapted to mount left and right sides of the headlamp 32 to the headlamp bracket 130. In an alternate embodiment, the first mounting provisions 134 or the second mounting provisions 136 or the third mounting provisions 138 may be used to mount any other component of the vehicle 10 that needs to be disposed in the front of the vehicle 10.

[030] In a further embodiment, the headlamp bracket 130 is made of a resin material. In another embodiment, metallic mounting inserts 1321 are disposed in the pair of mounting holes 132L, 132R to reinforce the mounting holes 132L, 132R. The provision of the metallic mounting inserts 1321 in the mounting holes 132L, 132R helps the headlamp bracket 130 to withstand clamping loads of the assembly 100. Additionally, the size and load rating of the metallic mounting inserts 1321 is optimised to match the clamping load distribution of the assembly 100. In yet another embodiment, the shape of the headlamp bracket 130 is such that a handlebar mounting tool can be used to assemble components of the assembly 100 without interference from the headlamp bracket 130.

[031] Figure 14 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the headlamp bracket 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The headlamp bracket 130 includes square hollow portions 135 at its bottom. The square hollow portions 135 make the headlamp bracket 130 sturdy by providing greater girths and more surface area, while simultaneously limiting material usage. Hence, material usage is at an optimum resulting in reduced weight and cost of the headlamp bracket 130.

[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides an assembly 100 of the upper bridge member 110, the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R and the headlamp bracket 130 of the saddle type vehicle 10. By using a common fastener 140L, 140R to mount the pair of left and right handlebar holders 120L, 120R and the headlamp bracket 130 to the upper bridge member 110 the number of fasteners used on the upper bridge member 110 can be reduced, thereby decreasing the vibrations in these components. Mounting the headlamp 32 close to the front forks 22L, 22R enhances the manoeuvrability and handling of the vehicle 10. Other advantages include ease of serviceability, ease of manufacturability, ease of assembly, space optimisation of the upper bridge member 110, advantages in packaging, weight reduction and reduction of manufacturing cost and reduction of assembly cost.

[033] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.