Simulation of Off-Road Motorcycle Ride Dynamics

The dynamic ride response of a motorcycle was investigated using a four-degree-of-freedom computer simulation (bounce, pitch, and movement of each wheel). The simulation is nonlinear in terms of both geometry and suspension components, and is generally applicable to any type of motorcycle of reasonably standard configuration. It was developed in the context of application to off-road motorcycles and special problems associated with simulating off-road motorcycles are discussed. Results indicate that the dynamic response is strongly nonlinear with wheel liftoff and suspension bump stops as the two major sources of nonlinearity.