WO2016133469A1 - Side cover structure for naked motorcycle - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a side cover structure for a naked motorcycle that can further enhance a naked feel without involving insufficient structural strength, and can create a favorable impression of both a naked feel and a robust feel. A side cover structure for a naked motorcycle includes: a seat (1) that is retained by a hinge provided to a side of a vehicle body of the motorcycle and is openable toward a side, the seat on which a driver can sit in a closed state; an under-seat open space (S) that is provided under the seat (1) and is visible through an opening part (K) defined on a side of the vehicle body; and a side cover (a first side cover (9), a second side cover (10)) fitted to the vehicle body under the opening part (K). The side cover has a character line formed in a truss-like shape when viewed from a side.

Description

SIDE COVER STRUCTURE FOR NAKED MOTORCYCLE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a side cover structure for a naked motorcycle having an under-seat open space that is visible through an opening part defined on a side of a vehicle body.

Background Art

Motorcycles have been developed that have an under-seat open space for

accommodating articles under a seat on which a driver can sit and also have an opening part through which the under-seat open space is visible from a side of a vehicle body (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1). Such a conventional motorcycle includes a seat that is retained by a hinge provided to a side of the vehicle body of the motorcycle and is openable toward a side, the seat on which the driver can sit in a closed state, and a side cover (rear cover portion) fitted to the vehicle body under the opening part. The opening part exposes the under-seat open space and creates a naked feel (as if not covered by covers).

Citation List

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1 : Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-184609

Summary

Technical Problem

The conventional side cover structure for the naked motorcycle, however, fails to emphasize a naked feel for side covers on the vehicle body side, while the opening part creates a naked feel to a certain extent. For example, simply increasing the opening area of the opening part to enhance a naked feel can possibly lead to a brittle image.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a side cover structure for a naked motorcycle that can further enhance a naked feel without involving a brittle image, and can create a favorable impression of both a naked feel and a robust feel. Solution to Problem

An invention according to claim 1 provides a side cover structure for a naked motorcycle that includes: a seat (1) that is retained by a hinge (a) provided to a side of a vehicle body of the motorcycle and is openable toward a side, the seat on which a driver can sit in a closed state, the seat (1) defining an opening part (k) on a side of the vehicle body through which an under-seat open space (s) provided under the seat (1) is visible; and a side cover (9, 10) fitted to the vehicle body under the opening part. The side cover (9, 10) has a character line (CH) formed in a truss-like shape when viewed from a side.

An invention according to claim 2 provides the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 1 , in which the side cover includes a contact portion (9a) capable of being in elastic contact with a part of the seat in the closed state, and has a trusslike shape expanding downward in front and rear directions from the contact portion.

An invention according to claim 3 provides the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 2, in which the side cover has an opening (H) in a center portion forming the truss-like shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portion.

An invention according to claim 4 provides the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 3, in which the opening (H) in a portion of the truss-like shape has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from a side.

An invention according to claim 5 provides the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 4, in which the seat (1) includes a garnish (4a) fitted in a portion facing the contact portion (9a), and the garnish (4a) is positioned on a peak of the truss-like shape expanding downward when viewed from a side and has a substantially triangular shape protruding upward.

An invention according to claim 6 provides the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 1 , in which the side cover includes a first side cover (9) having a character line (CH) in a truss-like shape and a second side cover (10) disposed under the first side cover and provided integrally with the first side cover, and the second side cover (10) is formed to extend across the whole length of the first cover in front and rear directions.

An invention according to claim 7 provides the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 2, in which the character line (CH) includes a first character line (CHI) that rises toward the contact portion (9a), a second character line (CH2) that inclines from an upper part of the first character line rear- and downward, and a third character line (CH3) that inclines from a rear part of the second character line rear- and upward, making a zigzag shape that defines a truss-like shape design.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

With the invention according to claim 1 , the side cover has the character line formed in a truss-like shape when viewed from a side, and thus the area of the opening part for the under-seat open space is increased. With this structure, a further enhanced naked feel does not lead to a brittle image, and the design effects of the truss-like shape can add a robust image to the structure, which can create a favorable impression of both a naked feel and a robust feel.

With the invention according to claim 2, the side cover includes a contact portion capable of being in elastic contact with a part of the seat in the closed state, and has a trusslike shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portion, thereby providing a design for supporting the seat by the truss shape protruding upward with the contact portion at the peak. With this structure, even when the opening area of the opening part is increased to further enhance a naked feel, the cover design for supporting the seat with a robust structure can create a robust impression.

With the invention according to claim 3, the side cover has an opening in a center portion forming the truss-like shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portion, and thus the opening of the center portion of the truss-like shape can enhance a naked feel in addition to the naked feel created by the opening part, which can create a further impression of a naked feel in the entire motorcycle.

With the invention according to claim 4, the opening in a portion of the truss-like shape has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from a side, and thus the appearance of the truss-like character line can be further emphasized by the substantially triangular opening.

With the invention according to claim 5, the side cover includes a contact portion capable of being in elastic contact with a part of the seat in the closed state, and has a trusslike shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portion, and the seat includes a garnish fitted in a portion in contact with the contact portion, and the garnish has a substantially triangular shape protruding upward above the contact portion when viewed from a side. Thus, the peak of the truss-like shape has a design in a substantially triangular shape protruding upward that can represent the truss shape. With the invention according to claim 6, the side cover includes a first side cover (9) having a character line (CH) in a truss-like shape and a second side cover (10) disposed under the first side cover and provided integrally with the first side cover, and the second side cover (10) is formed to extend across the whole length of the first cover in the front and rear directions, and thus a desirable design shape can be formed with the two covers without increasing the size of the first side cover having a complicated character line, which can provide an easy-to-manufacture structure.

With the invention according to claim 7, the character line (CH) includes a first character line (CHI) that rises toward the contact portion (9a), a second character line (CH2) that inclines from an upper part of the first character line rear- and downward, and a third character line (CH3) that inclines from a rear part of the second character line rear- and upward, making a zigzag shape that defines a truss-like shape design, which creates a strong impression of the structural image. Brief Description of Drawings

[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a motorcycle to which a side cover structure for a naked motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a motorcycle seat and nearby parts under the seat applied to the side cover structure for a naked motorcycle.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the motorcycle seat and a seat support frame applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle are removed. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the motorcycle seat and the seat support frame applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle are removed.

[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line V-V in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line VI- VI in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line VII- VII in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line VIII- VIII in FIGs. 6 and 7.

[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a back view illustrating the motorcycle seat and the seat support frame applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle.

[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a support frame side cover applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle.

[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a side view, viewed from outside, illustrating the support frame side cover fitted on the seat support frame, applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle, and then assembled to the seat.

[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line XII-XII in FIG. 1 1.

[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a side view, viewed from inside, illustrating the support frame side cover fitted on the seat support frame applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle.

[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a sectional view, viewed from inside, illustrating the support frame side cover fitted on the seat support frame, applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle, and then assembled to the seat.

[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view, viewed from outside, illustrating a side cover applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle.

[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view, viewed from inside, illustrating the side cover applied to the side cover structure for the naked motorcycle.

Description of Embodiments

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A side cover structure for a naked motorcycle according to an embodiment is applied to a scooter-type motorcycle including a step floor as illustrated in FIG. 1. The side cover structure for the naked motorcycle includes a seat 1 , a seat support frame 2, a support frame side cover including an outer front seat garnish 4 and an inner front seat garnish 5, and a side cover including a first side cover 9 and a second side cover 10.

In the motorcycle applied to the present embodiment, in addition to the above- described components, a meter 11, a meter cover 12, a headlight cover 13, a headlight 14, a pair of right and left headlight side cover 15, right and left front blinkers 33 provided on the right and left of the right and left headlight side cover, and a headlight guard 16 rotate integrally with a handle bar 32, and are fitted integrally around a pair of right and left front forks 39 that supports a front wheel 35. Unlike a typical scooter structure, in which components around front forks are covered by front and rear covers, the motorcycle is structured to have a coverless-type-like image. This structure can create a naked scooter image synergistically with an under-seat open space described below. In particular, by disposing the pipe-like headlight guard 16 under the headlight from the sides toward the front as well as exposing the support frame under the seat to the sides, the entire model has a highly integrated image of a naked scooter. In addition, disposing an inner upper cover 18 behind the front forks, right and left upper leg shields 17 extending on the right and left of the inner upper cover, an inner cover 19 continuous under the inner upper cover, and a leg shield 21 disposed in front of the inner cover can create a cover structure that has the function of the leg shield, as in a typical scooter, even though the components around the front forks are not covered by covers. Provided behind the inner cover is a step floor 20, and a portion under the step floor is covered by a lower cover 22. On the left side of the lower cover, a side stand 23 is disposed. In a vehicle body frame behind the side stand, a unit swing mechanism that incorporates an engine on the front side and supports a rear wheel 36 on the rear side is supported by a rear suspension 28 in a vertically swingable manner. The structure including the step floor and the unit swing mechanism is a typical scooter structure. The unit swing mechanism includes, for example, a maim stand 24 under the unit, a belt converter case 25 provided on the left side and also serving as a swing arm that shifts the driving force of the engine and transmits the resultant power to the rear wheel, an inner rear fender 26 that covers an upper half of the rear wheel to prevent mud or water from entering an under-seat open space, and an air cleaner 27 provided above the belt converter case and connected to the engine. A portion above the rear suspension 28 and around the seat is provided with a pair of right and left rear side covers 29, a rear light 30 behind the rear side covers, right and left rear blinkers 34 under the rear light, a rear grip 31 a passenger on the rear seat can grip, and a pillion step 38.

In addition, the motorcycle according to the present embodiment has, as illustrated in FIGs. 2 to 4, an under-seat open space S that is provided under the seat 1 and is visible through right and left opening parts K on the sides of the vehicle body. The under-seat open space S is formed of a space under the seat 1 that can accommodate baggage, and is visible from the sides through the opening parts K and opens toward the step floor 20 on the front. This structure can create an appearance with a fewer covers (what is called a naked feel). The applicant of the present application has created this structure that significantly changes an image of scooters, in which the components under the seat are typically covered by covers. Reference sign 37 indicates hooks for catching baggage accommodated in the under-seat open space S. A total of four hooks, two each for front and rear corners in the space, are provided, so that baggage can be stably fixed in the space under the seat using a net or the like, while creating a naked feel.

The seat 1 is retained by a hinge a provided to a side of the vehicle body of the motorcycle (on the right side of the running direction in the present embodiment) and provided to a right pipe frame. The seat is openable toward a side. The seat, on which the driver can sit in the closed state, includes a seat portion la and a bottom plate portion lb (refer to FIGs. 5 to 7). By swing the entire seat 1 about the hinge a toward the side and opening the under-seat open space S upward, large baggage can be accommodated. The seat 1 in the closed state can be locked on the vehicle body side by a seat catch b retained by a left pipe frame 3. It should be noted that, even when the seat is in the closed state, small baggage and others can be put in or out through right and left front openings.

The seat support frame 2 includes the right and left pipe frames 3 formed integrally with the seat 1, and a pair of right and left elastic members 6 provided to the pipe frames 3. The elastic members 6 can be in contact with the frame or the cover (contact portions 9a in the first side cover 9 in the present embodiment) on the vehicle body side when the seat 1 is in the closed state. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the pipe frame 3 includes a pair of pipe members extending in the front and rear directions. The pair of the pipe frames 3 are connected to each other with connecting members hi and h2, and are integrally coupled with the bottom plate portion lb of the seat 1. Two frame members D are positioned on the inner side of the contact portions 9a. The frame members D extend upward from a cross pipe C that connects between a pair of right and left seat frames B. Thus, the frames receive the seat weight on the contact portions 9a. With this structure, the seat weight is supported at four positions of the pair of right and left contact portions 9a, the hinge a, and the seat catch b.

Each of the elastic members 6 is fit and fixed to a bracket 3 a fixedly welded on a front end portion of the corresponding pipe frame 3. The elastic members 6 are made of elastic material such as rubber, a rubber material, or a resin material, for example, to be capable of fitting. When the seat 1 swings to be in the closed state from the open state, the elastic members 6 come into contact with the contact portions 9a of the first side cover 9. Thus, the elastic members 6 can restrict a further swing movement of the seat while absorbing the impact. Furthermore, the seat 1 in the closed state can be elastically supported, whereby the vibration during travelling can be effectively absorbed. As illustrated in FIGs. 5 and 12, the elastic members 6 according to the present embodiment have two mushroom-shaped protrusions 6a integrally formed on the upper surfaces. Each of the elastic members 6 is fitted with the protrusions 6a inserted and fixed in two holes formed in the bracket 3a.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , in the seat support frame 2 according to the present embodiment, a pair of right and left grip covers 7 are fitted to weld bolts of the bracket fixedly welded to the pipe frames 3 with bolts 7a and 7b. The pair of right and left grip covers 7 have substantially the same width as each of the pipe frames 3. The right side and the left side of the right and left grip covers 7 cover the position of the hinge a and the position of the seat catch, respectively, on the outer side, at the outer surface of the rear side of the vehicle body (refer to FIGs. 6 and 7). The bolts 7a and 7b, which are disposed at the center position of the grip covers in the upper and lower directions, are at lower positions than the center of the pipe frame. Thus, the pipe frame 3 has the side portion covered with the corresponding grip cover, but can be easily seen from the above, contributing to a naked feel a person near the motorcycle gets. However, as described later, a mask portion 4b of the outer front seat garnish 4 is positioned on the inner side of the pipe frame 3. Thus, the inner side portion of the pipe frame cannot be seen even from the above. Thus, an attractive appearance can be achieved with the structure of the hinge and the seat catch on the inner and lower side of the pipe frame being difficult to be seen. Furthermore, the grip cover 7 on the left side can be gripped by the driver trying to swing the seat 1 about the hinge a, and thus is much more convenient than being merely a cover. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2, the cover extends from the rear end of the opening part K to the rear end portion of the pipe frame 3. Thus, the length of the exposed portion of the pipe frame 3 is substantially the same as the upper side of the opening part K. Thus, the opening part and the pipe frame create a harmonized appearance, which can create a further impression of a naked feel.

The pair of right and left support frame side covers cover the outer surface (a part as described below in the present embodiment) of the seat support frame 2. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, only the outer surface at a portion where the elastic members 6 are formed is covered. Thus, the outer surface of the pipe frame 3 is exposed. More specifically, the support frame side cover according to the present embodiment includes a pair of right and left outer front seat garnishes 4 and a pair of right and left inner front seat garnishes 5 as illustrated in FIGs. 5 to 7.

Each of the outer front seat garnishes 4 includes an outer cover portion 4a covering the outer surface of the seat support frame 2 where the elastic members 6 are formed, and further includes the mask portion 4b that extends toward the rear side of the vehicle body from the outer cover portion 4a along the pipe frame 3 and covers and masks the gap between the seat bottom plate lb and the pipe frame 3 as illustrated in FIG. 10, and an inner lap portion 4c that overlaps with the inner surface of the pipe frame 3. The outer cover portion 4a, the mask portion 4b, and the inner lap portion 4c are integrally formed with resin by injection molding.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the inner lap portion 4c includes fastening portions 4d and hooked portions 4e. The fastening portions 4d are used to fasten the outer front seat garnish 4 to the pipe frame 3 with general fastening means such as bolts. The hooked portions 4e are used to fit hook portions f formed in the pipe frame 3. The fastening portions 4d and the hooked portions 4e are alternately formed along the extending direction of the outer front seat garnish 4. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the fastening portions 4d are fixed by inserting bolts into threaded portions formed on the inner side of the pipe frame 3. In the figure, the bracket is denoted by reference sign 41 and a weld nut welded on the bracket 41 is denoted by reference sign 42.

As illustrated in FIGs. 5 and 12 to 14, each of the inner front seat garnishes 5 is fitted to the outer front seat garnish and the bracket 3b on the inner side of the outer cover portion 4a with three screws 5a, 5b, and 5c, after the outer front seat garnish 4 is fitted to the pipe frame 3. The bracket is disposed between the pipe frame and the connecting member hi and connected by the screw 5c with the garnishes connected to each other with the screws 5a and 5b as illustrated in FIGs. 5, 13, and 14. The outer cover portion 4a and the inner front seat garnish have substantially the same shape, which is the same as the shape of the bracket 3a having the elastic members 6 fitted to the seat support frame 2 when viewed from a side, and incorporate the bracket. With the inner front seat garnish 5 and the outer front seat garnish 4 described above, both the outer and the inner surfaces of the portion of the seat support frame 2 where the elastic members 6 are formed can be covered.

As described above, the pipe frame 3 according to the present embodiment has the rear end side of the vehicle body covered with the grip cover 7 and the portion of the front end portion where the elastic members 6 are formed covered with the outer cover portion 4a of the outer front seat garnish 4. Thus, the outer circumference surface of the pipe frame 3 according to the present embodiment has only a range denoted by reference sign a in Fig. 9 exposed to the outside. The pipe frame 3 assembled in the vehicle body of the motorcycle has the exposed portion of the outer circumference surface in substantially the same length as the upper portion of the opening part K as illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2.

In addition, the outer front seat garnish 4 according to the present embodiment is connected to the pair of right and left cover members 8 that cover the fitted portion where the hinge a of the seat 1 is fitted and the fitted portion where the seat catch b that locks the seat 1 in the closed state is fitted as illustrated in FIGs. 8, 9, and 14. The cover member 8 is fixed to the fitted portion extending toward the inner side from the inner lap portion 4c of the outer front garnish 4 with a pair of right and left front fastening units 8a and a pair of right and left rear fastening units 8b as illustrated in FIGs. 8 and 9. In addition, an opening from which a grommet g fitted to the seat bottom plate lb is exposed is disposed adjacent to the seat catch b. The grommet g comes into contact with the vehicle cover supported by the vehicle body frame and can absorb the impact when the seat 1 swings to be in the closed state from the open state.

The pair of right and left side covers are fitted to the outer side of the vehicle body under the opening part K. The pair of right and left side covers establish a fastening structure with the inner cover as the inner wall of the under-seat open space to incorporate the vehicle body frame. As illustrated in FIGs. 15 and 16, an outer cover is formed by assembling a pair of right and left first side covers 9 and a pair of right and left second side covers 10, with bosses of the first side covers fastened with screws through screw holes 10b of the second side covers and protrusions of the first side covers fit into hole portions of the second side covers. The first side covers 9 according to the present embodiment have, as illustrated in FIGs. 1 to 3, the character line (outer shape) in the truss shape (structural shape based on a triangle) when viewed from a side, and in particular, include the contact portions 9a capable of being in elastic contact with a part of the seat 1 (the elastic members 6 in the present embodiment) in the closed state, and have a truss-like shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions (in the right and left directions in FIG. 1 ) from the contact portions 9a.

In addition, in the first side covers 9 according to the present embodiment, the center portion of the truss shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portions 9a has an opening H. The opening H in a portion having the truss shape is substantially triangular (substantially triangle shape protruding upward) when viewed from a side. In addition, the garnish described above (specifically, the outer cover portion 4a of the outer front seat garnish 4) has a substantially triangular shape protruding upward when viewed from a side, at an upper portion of the contact portions 9a as illustrated in FIGs. 10 and 11, whereby a triangular design 4al is provided in a recess. The second side covers 10 have hook shapes 10a and can be assembled to the vehicle body with the hook shapes 10a. Holes in which the protrusions on the first side covers 9 fit are denoted by reference sign 10c.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the first side covers 9 have a design in a truss shape defined by three character lines, that is, a first character line (CHI) that extends upward from a lower part of the contact portions 9a toward the contact portions, a second character line (CH2) that inclines from an upper part of the first character line rear- and downward, and a third character line (CH3) that inclines from a rear part of the second character line rear- and upward. The two triangles including the triangle protruding upward formed by the first and the second character lines and the triangle protruding downward formed by the second and the third character lines can create an impression of a truss shape, which is known as being structurally robust. The three lines define a zigzag form, which can create a strong impression of the structural image. The second side covers 10 are integrally provided with the first side covers and have a substantially V shape to cover the lower sides of the first side covers from the front side to the rear side over the character lines of the first side covers. Thus, a desirable design shape can be formed with the two covers without increasing the size of the first side covers having complicated character lines, which can provide an easy-to-manufacture structure. The first side covers and the second side covers may be painted differently to emphasize the character lines and the truss shape.

According to the above-described embodiment, the side cover has the character lines formed in a truss-like shape when viewed from a side, and thus the area of the opening part for the under-seat open space is increased. With this structure, a further enhanced naked feel does not lead to a brittle image, and the design effects of the truss-like shape can add a robust image to the structure, which can create a favorable impression of both a naked feel and a robust feel.

Furthermore, the side cover includes a contact portion capable of being in elastic contact with a part of the seat in the closed state, and has a truss-like shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portion, thereby providing a design for supporting the seat by the truss shape protruding upward with the contact portion at the peak. With this structure, even when the opening area of the opening part is increased to further enhance a naked feel, the cover design for supporting the seat with a robust structure can create a robust impression.

In addition, the side cover has an opening in a center portion forming the truss-like shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portion, and thus the opening of the center portion of the truss-like shape can enhance a naked feel in addition to the naked feel created by the opening part, which can create a further impression of a naked feel in the entire motorcycle.

In addition, the opening in a portion of the truss-like shape has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from a side, and thus the appearance of the truss-like character line can be further emphasized by the substantially triangular opening.

Furthermore, the side cover includes a contact portion capable of being in elastic contact with a part of the seat in the closed state, and has a truss-like shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portion, and the seat includes a garnish fitted in a portion in contact with the contact portion, and the garnish has a substantially triangular shape protruding upward above the contact portion when viewed from a side. Thus, the peak of the truss-like shape has a design in a substantially triangular shape protruding upward that can represent the truss shape.

In addition, the side cover includes a first side cover (9) having a character line (CH) in a truss-like shape and a second side cover (10) disposed under the first side cover and provided integrally with the first side cover, and the second side cover (10) is formed to extend across the whole length of the first cover in the front and rear directions. Thus, a desirable design shape can be formed with the two covers without increasing the size of the first side cover having a complicated character line, which can provide an easy-to-manufacture structure.

In addition, the character line (CH) includes a first character line (CHI) that rises toward the contact portion (9a), a second character line (CH2) that inclines from an upper part of the first character line rear- and downward, and a third character line (CH3) that inclines from a rear part of the second character line rear- and upward, making a zigzag shape that defines a truss-like shape design, which creates a strong impression of the structural image.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the support frame side cover covers only the fitted portion for the elastic member 6 when the seat support frame 2 is in contact with the vehicle body, the outer surface of the pipe frame 3 is exposed to the outside for the other portions, and thus the area of a side opening part under the seat 1 can be increased. Thus, the naked feel of the motorcycle designed under a naked-type concept with the open space for the side portion under the seat 1 can be further enhanced. In addition, covering the minimum necessary part can prevent the appearance from being impaired and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Furthermore, the outer circumference surface of the pipe frame 3 is exposed to the outside for substantially the same length as the length of the upper portion of the opening part K. Thus, the pipe frame 3 can be exposed to the outside across the entire area of the upper portion of the opening part K in the open space under the seat 1. Thus, the opening part K and the pipe frame 3 create a harmonized appearance when viewed from a side, which can further emphasize a naked feel.

In addition, the grip cover 7 that has substantially the same width as the pipe frame 3 and covers the outer surface on the rear side of the vehicle body is fitted to the seat support frame 2. Thus, the grip cover 7 having a necessary function can be provided to a portion that requires the function, which can provide both a desirable naked feel and required functionality. In addition, the grip cover 7 extends from the rear end of the opening part K to the rear end portion of the pipe frame 3. Thus, the appearance of the pipe frame 3 exposed to the outside at the upper portion of the opening part K can be further emphasized.

The elastic members 6 are disposed in the front end portion of the pipe frame 3. The support frame side cover includes the outer front seat garnish 4 that includes the outer cover portion 4a covering the outer surface of the portion of the seat support frame 2 where the elastic members 6 are formed, and the inner front seat garnish 5 that is fitted to the outer cover portion 4a and covers the inner surfaces of the portion of the seat support frame 2 where the elastic members 6 are fitted. Thus, even though the space under the seat open to the side is provided, the rear side of the outer cover 4a cannot be seen from the opposite side.

Furthermore, the minimum necessary part that needs to be covered can be covered from both the outer surface and the inner surfaces (front and rear) with substantially the same shape when viewed from a side.

In addition, the outer front seat garnish 4 includes the mask portion 4b that extends from the outer cover portion 4a to the rear side of the vehicle body along the pipe frame 3 and covers and masks the gap between the seat 1 and the pipe frame 3 and the inner lap portion 4c that overlaps with the inner surface of the pipe frame 3. The outer cover portion 4a, the mask portion 4b, and the inner lap portion 4c are integrally formed. Thus, no special cover for covering the gap between the seat 1 and the pipe frame 3 needs to be additionally provided. Thus, the number of parts can be reduced, and the covers can be efficiently fitted to the vehicle body.

In addition, the inner lap portion 4c includes the fastening portions 4d for fastening the outer front seat garnish 4 to the pipe frame 3 and the hooked portions 4e for fitting the hook portions 4e formed in the pipe frame 3. The fastening portions 4d and the hooked portions 4e are alternately formed along the extending direction of the outer front seat garnish 4. Since the fastening of the fastening portions 4d and the fitting of the hooked portions f are alternately performed, even when the pipe frame 3 is formed relatively long in the front and rear directions, the pipe frame 3 and the outer front seat garnish 4 can be stably integrated, and the number of parts can be minimized.

The outer front seat garnish 4 is connected to the cover member 8 that covers the fitted portion for the hinge a of the seat land the fitted portion for the seat catch b that locks the seat 1 in the closed state. Thus, the outer front seat garnish 4 and the cover member 8 each can be at the optimum position to cover the corresponding portion that needs to be covered. More specifically, the outer portion of the garnish and the mask portion 4b formed by injection molding are on right and left in a mold layout while the cover member 8 that covers the seat catch b extending in the seat bottom plate direction has an upper and lower mold layout. Thus, the optimum cover configuration (the outer front seat garnish 4 and the cover member 8) corresponding to the different mold layouts can be provided.

While the present embodiment has been described, the present invention is not limited to the description above. For example, the support frame side cover may cover the entire outer surface of the pipe frame, or may have a character line with a truss-like shape when viewed from a side and have no opening H. The opening H may have a shape other than a

substantially triangular shape when viewed from a side.

Industrial Applicability

The side cover is applicable to side cover structures with different external shapes or different functions as long as they are side cover structures for naked motorcycles that have truss-like character lines when viewed from a side.

Reference Signs List

1 seat

2 seat support frame

3 pipe frame

4 outer front seat garnish

5 inner front seat garnish

6 elastic member

7 grip cover

8 cover member

9 first side cover

10 second side cover

S under-seat open space

K opening part

H opening

Claims

1. A side cover structure for a naked motorcycle comprising:

a seat (1) that is retained by a hinge (a) provided to a side of a vehicle body of the motorcycle and is openable toward a side, the seat on which a driver is capable of sitting in a closed state, the seat (1) defining an opening part (k) on a side of the vehicle body through which an under-seat open space (s) provided under the seat (1) is visible; and

a side cover (9, 10) fitted to the vehicle body under the opening part, wherein the side cover (9, 10) has a character line (CH) formed in a truss-like shape when viewed from a side.

2. The side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the side cover includes a contact portion (9a) capable of being in elastic contact with a part of the seat in the closed state, and has a truss-like shape expanding downward in front and rear directions from the contact portion.

3. The side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 2, wherein the side cover has an opening (H) in a center portion forming the truss-like shape expanding downward in the front and rear directions from the contact portion.

4. The side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 3, wherein the opening (H) in a portion of the truss-like shape has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from a side.

5. The side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 4, wherein the seat (1) includes a garnish (4a) fitted in a portion facing the contact portion (9a), and the garnish (4a) is positioned on a peak of the truss-like shape expanding downward when viewed from a side and has a substantially triangular shape protruding upward.

6. The side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 1 , wherein the side cover includes a first side cover (9) having a character line (CH) in a truss-like shape and a second side cover (10) disposed under the first side cover and provided integrally with the first side cover, and the second side cover (10) is formed to extend across the whole length of the first cover in front and rear directions.

7. The side cover structure for the naked motorcycle according to claim 2, wherein the character line (CH) includes a first character line (CHI) that rises toward the contact portion (9a), a second character line (CH2) that inclines from an upper part of the first character line rear- and downward, and a third character line (CH3) that inclines from a rear part of the second character line rear- and upward, making a zigzag shape that defines a truss-like shape design.