Designing for Pitch and Bounce Motions of Single-Passenger Off-Road Vehicles

Using the validated computer model described in reference (1), general design rules of thumb are developed for the design of single passenger off-road vehicles (ATV). The question of spring stiffness balance from front to rear is discussed along with the effects of damping ratios in jounce and rebound, and tire/suspension stiffness ratio, and suspension travel. The design objective is to minimize vehicle bounce and pitch accelerations transmitted to the rider and to maintain as flat of a riding position as possible.