The Effects on Motorcycle Behavior of the Moment of Inertia of the Crankshaft

The moment of inertia of the crankshaft cannot be ignored when analyzing the dynamics of a motorcycle. In this research, the tire friction force (calculated by drag and tire side force) was used as an index of the drive performance. The ratio of roll rate and steering torque (here after referred to as a roll rate gain) was used as an index of the cornering performance, and it was analyzed as the influence of the moment of inertia of a crankshaft on the drive performance as well as cornering performance.

As a result, the influence on drive performance and cornering performance by the moment of inertia has been found.