ACCIDENT-AVOIDANCE CAPABILITIES OF MOTORCYCLES

The report describes a study of motorcycle handling qualities, involving both transient and steady-state directional stability and control properties, and the development of test procedures suitable for the evaluation of these properties. The approach used in the study consisted of the application of both experimental (with one machine) and simulation techniques (with six motorcycles) for the identification of the significant physical properties and performance measures with which to characterize the machine's accident avoidance capabilities. Emphasis was placed on evaluating the input-output relationships for the group of motorcycles in a series of constant speed-variable radius (hence, variable lateral acceleration) runs covering a range of cornering capability which encompasses normal operation. The primary test used for evaluating transient maneuvering and rider-vehicle interaction characteristics was the single lane change. Supporting activity involved testing of nine motorcycle tires in eighteen configurations to obtain side force performance data developed through slip angle and inclination angle.

• Corporate Authors:

  Calspan Corporation

  4455 Genesee Street
  Buffalo, NY  United States  14225

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • RICE, R S
  • Davis, J A
  • Kunkel, D T
• Publication Date: 1976-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 119 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Control; Crash injury research; Crashes; Dynamic loads; Loads; Maneuverability; Mechanical stability; Motorcycles; Performance tests; Physical properties; Prevention; Research; Safety; Tests; Tires
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic response
• Subject Areas: Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00133177
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CALSPAN-ZN-5571-V-1 Final Rpt., DOT-HS-801-810
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-4-00976
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 23 1976 12:00AM