Harley-davidson Motor Company

Erik F Buell

Jeffrey L Bleustein

An automatic suspension system for a vehicle lowers the vehicle ride height when the vehicle is operated below a predetermined speed and when the vehicle is at rest so that the vehicle has a lower center of gravity for better balance and easier passenger boarding characteristics. The vehicle is elevated when it is operated above the predetermined speed to increase suspension travel and ground clearance. The raising and lowering of the suspension can also be varied depending on acceleration or deceleration characteristics or the combination thereof with vehicle speed. The correct ride height can be maintained for different loadings and is not affected by road irregularities. The system also responds quickly and adjusts ride height in a short period of time. While the present invention is adaptable to a wide variety of vehicles, it is particularly well suited for motorcycles.

Automatic suspension system

In a combined wheel-disc assembly, the wheel disc surface is used as a brake rotor. The need for a separate disc rotor is eliminated and the assembly provides a large area for brake contact and desirable air cooling of the braking surface. Braking forces are balanced in the disclosed assembly. Holes may be provided in the wheel disc to increase air circulation.

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Milwaukee, WI, United States of America

Erik F Buell