INVESTIGATION OF SOME EXPERIMENTAL MOTORCYCLE PARAMETERS

AMF/Harley-Davidson and AMF/Advanced Systems Laboratory investigated specific items which would be feasible for use on a near-term experimental safety motorcycle. This investigation was carried out on a cost sharing basis with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Items which were investigated included anti-lock braking system, conspicuity, improved headlight system, improved traction tires, and dynamic tire failure. Each item was carried through a hardware availability investigation, prototyping and limited testing. The conclusions drawn are that an anti-lock brake system is feasible on a motorcycle and even in early development stages, greatly reduced stopping distance over a skidding vehicle. Vehicle conspicuity can be greatly improved at nighttime with the use of reflective tire sidewalls, rider clothing, and vehicle paint and reflective tapes. A substantial improvement in the headlight system was realized by use of a two-lamp system. A tungsten-halogen lamp was used in conjunction with a conventional tungsten two-beam headlamp, with only the two-beam lamp used for low beam operation. Improved traction tires did not produce conclusive results due to the short time interval available. Dynamic tire failure can be made less hazardous by use of a method which retains the tire bead in the rim bead seat. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress on Automotive Safety, July 16-18, 1973.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Motor Vehicle Safety Advisory Council

  400 7th Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hirsch, N R
  • Meinnert, R J
• Publication Date: 1973-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 20 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Antilock brake systems; Antilock brake systems; Headlamps; Motorcycles; Tires; Traction; Visibility
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00095944
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Report/Paper Numbers: Paper #73043 Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1975 12:00AM