Motion analysis of motorcycles - a study on DCT mechanism

While many people enjoy riding their motorcycles, they can't avoid risks of serious traffic accident completely. Though it is desirable to solve the motion analysis of motorcycles in order to decrease the risk of riding, the analysis is very complicated problem. Firstly, it is necessary to treat 3-dimensional movement since the motorcycle will turn with roll angle. Secondly, it is also necessary to include a mathematical human dynamics model in simulation since the rider's action will have large influence on motorcycle movement. To solve these problems, we propose an application of robotics technology to the motion analysis of motorcycles. As a beginning of developing the rider robot, we have developed the DCT mechanism that can control the electrical motor driven motorcycle model (DCT means; Damping unit, Counter-steering angle, Temporally input). This paper presents the experimental results with the model that equipped the DCT mechanism, and also shows the results of simulation based on the Sharp's 4-DOF traditional motorcycle model. Moreover we describe the effect of improvement of Sharp's model that include the round profile of tyres and the rolling resistance of tyres.