Harley-davidson, Inc.

Harley-davidson Motor Company

Jeffrey L Bleustein

Daniel A Matre

Erik F Buell

Bicycle or similar article

A velocipede such as a bicycle or tricycle includes a drive sprocket mounted on a frame for adjustment between a plurality of positions defining an arcuate path having an axis of curvature. A second sprocket is rotatably mounted on the axis and is coupled to the drive sprocket by a first chain. A third sprocket is mounted coaxially with and is coupled to the second sprocket for rotation therewith. A fourth sprocket is mounted on the rear wheel and coupled to the third sprocket by a second drive chain.

Bicycle or tricyle

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.

Growing community of inventors

Bayside, WI, United States of America

Jeffrey L Bleustein