Comparison Between Experimental and Numerical Handling Tests for a Three Wheeled Motorcycle

This paper deals with the analysis of the handling behaviour of a novel three-wheeled motorcycle. This vehicle has two front steering wheels and a single rear wheel and can be driven much like a common two wheeler.

In order to analyse the handling behaviour of such vehicle and to compare it to an ordinary two wheeler, an experimental campaign was conducted with the vehicle endowed with several transducers. Experimental tests included some classical handling manoeuvres. Concurrently, a simulation model was developed using a multi-body code. A simple logic was employed to drive the model; it consists in a roll follower and a longitudinal velocity follower.

The main dynamic parameters obtained from simulations, such as the steering angle and steering torque are compared to the experimental data and discussed. The effect of the driving style on the manoeuvre is also analysed with reference to steering pad manoeuvres.