Planar Dynamics of a Motorcycle: Parameter Sensitivity of Ride Comfort to Engine Mounting System Nonlinearities

This paper examines the influence of several nonlinearities of an engine mounting system on the planar (in-plane) dynamics of a motorcycle. While the primary aim of the engine mounting system is to enhance ride comfort, some of the nonlinearities associated with the system can influence handling in a motorcycle due to the coupled dynamics of the rear unsprung mass and the swing arm. The use of engine mounts (or vibration isolation systems) is not common in motorcycle powertrains except for a few commercial manufacturers who use isolators to mitigate shaking forces produced by the engine, or to isolate the frame from torque recoil, or to provide isolation at idling or low speeds.