In field measurement of forces and deformations at the rear part of a motorcycle and structural optimization

The present study concerns the analysis of the asymmetric displacement behaviour of the rear part of a motorcycle. Stylistic reasons led to the design of a vehicle with only one suspension located on the left side. Experimental tests performed on a circuit with seven obstacles along a straight line confirmed that the bending displacement is higher on the right side than on the left one. This study aims to perform a structural optimization of the components involved at the rear end of the motorcycle, in order to find a solution to the problem. A hybrid approach is applied: the force acting on the suspension and bending displacements at the rear end were simultaneously measured in working conditions; a FEM model was then set up, validated and applied for design optimization purposes. Both methodological aspects and applicative results are presented and discussed. Finally a solution in accordance with design specifics is proposed.