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ERGONOMIC ASPECTS OF MOTORCYCLE BRAKING CONTROL

This thesis reports the work performed in a two-phase research project concerned with braking, stability and handling of motorcycles. Phase i was a literature review. Phase II was an investigation of ergonomic aspects of motorcycle braking control. The accident literature demonstrated that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in an accident than other vehicle users, and the consequences are more severe. In the most common accident scenario, the motorcycle's right of way is violated by another vehicle. The literature revealed that riders typically make poor use of the braking capacity of their machines, thereby increasing both accident frequency and severity. A pilot series of braking experiments was performed with a motorcycle with variable brake control gradients using two expert riders. Several objective and subjective measures were used to assess rider/motorcycle braking performance and braking quality. It was found that the two riders were able to modify their control inputs to achieve nearly the same braking performance over the whole range of brake control gradients encountered. Furthermore, on average, both riders distributed braking effort between the front and rear wheels in an optimal manner, so as to make roughly the same demands on the pavement/tyre friction available at the front and rear wheels. However, both the subjective and objective performance measures were subject to substantial variability. The thesis was submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Engineering Science in the University of Melbourne. (TRRL)

  • Corporate Authors:

    Melbourne University, Australia

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Grattan Street
    Parkville, Victoria 3052,   Australia 
  • Authors:
    • Juniper, R G
  • Publication Date: 1982-7

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: n.p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00465169
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: ARRB
  • Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Jan 31 1988 12:00AM