Advanced motorcycle chassis and braking system

Abstract

A motorcycle chassis embodies novel techniques, geometries, and configurations to provide enhanced performance, including new techniques to enhance braking performance. A first feature facilitates the application of braking force to each wheel in proportion to its traction capability. Maximum deceleration rates are provided prior to wheel lockup. A second feature applies liquid cooling to a brake disk. Liquid cooling eliminates brake fade caused by overheating of the brake pad material. Aerodynamic control features in concert with unique component arrangement better protect the rider from wind forces and also reduce aerodynamic drag. Narrow steering bars enclosed by bodywork and deep leg notches in the fairing contour largely remove rider induced air flow trips. The leg notches serve to brace the rider during deceleration, unloading his wrists from much of the braking force. An exhaust system routed over the engine permits a totally smooth body undercarriage to reduce aerodynamic drag. Through-flow ducting to a rear mounted radiator and discharge of cooling air to a low pressure region aft eliminates the need for drag inducing side vents in the fairing. The arrangement also directs heated (radiator discharge) air away from the rider. A wide non-separating tail section of porous exit area design promotes near laminar discharge of through-flow air, reducing the wake turbulence (induced) drag.