FACTORS IN THE MECHANICAL DESIGN OF MOTORCYCLE LABORATORY TEST SYSTEMS

This paper presents a process for defining the mechanical parameters of laboratory test systems used in evaluating durability and performance properties of motorcycle chasses, subassemblies, and components. The foundation for productive lab-based testing is the proper design of mechanical fixtures, reaction elements, and servohydraulic components. When designed correctly as a system, they will recreate the desired operating environment on the specimen. Only when this specimen-operating environment is accurately simulated through good mechanical design will the test engineer and design engineer have the means to measure useful response data for test control and analysis.

This paper also reviews how to establish clear test objectives on which the mechanical design is based. Criteria are given for the design of two types of test setups. The first type includes self-reacted tests, which are typically used for component-level testing. The second type includes inertially reacted tests, which are typically used for full vehicles.