ProjectVF - March 12th, 2008

This screen capture shows CAD drawings of ProjectVF from the side, as well as a projection of the top view. Eventually I'll move to full-3D versions, but for now these will suffice.

The general idea here is to create a different steering mechanism which uses fewer parts and reduces backlash. The current prototype on the Test Mule works, but I think I can do better.

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Here's the side view showing the vertical pivot and the location of the handlebars. The location of the lower tie-rod in relation to the A-arms is critical to eliminate any bump-steering or binding.

With preliminary drawings like these I have enough information to fabricate a crude prototype on the Test Mule.

 

 

 

 

Back to the Construction Sequence page

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a close-up of the top view. The upper triple-clamp and ball joint are shown in green. The upper control arm is yellow and the frame is blue. The steering mechanism is shown in red.

The handlebars, attached to a relocated pair of triple-clamps, would push or pull on a tie-rod connected to the upper arm of a vertical pivot. The pivot is bolted to the left side of the frame. The lower arm of the pivot would push or pull on a tie-rod connected to the top of the left fork, which thus turns the front wheel left or right.

I know it looks confusing, but this drawing confirms the basic geometry will work, the tie-rods won't scrape the frame and the levers won't interfere with the rider or the air cleaner.

Best of all, this design eliminates two rod-ends and one pivot.