Steering control to balance a motorcycle at low speeds based on riders’ input

Abstract

Motorcycles are a primary mode of daily transportation in many developing countries, especially in towns and cities. The increased traffic congestion constrains the average speed of the motorcycle, causing stability and safety concerns for the riders. A controller that assists the riders can improve this scenario. This paper presents a new controller developed using an experimental study that improves the low-speed stability of a motorcycle. The experiments were conducted on a motorcycle with the riders of three experience levels: beginner, intermediate and expert. The input parameters: steering angle and steering torque; the output parameters: roll angle, yaw angle, roll rate and yaw rate were measured. Critical input and output parameters were identified statistically from the experimental measurements and used for the controller modelled in Simulink. The controller model was co-simulated with a multi-body dynamics model of the motorcycle. The co-simulation results showed the controller developed herein stabilises the motorcycle model at low speeds.

The History of Two-wheeled Vehicle Dynamics in Japan and Subsequent Trends

“…In 1990, a reverse control system for motorcycles was introduced by A. Ota et al 120) This was a control system that verified the conditions of large motorcycles when reversing and was incorporated to enable stable reversing. Other control system research has been presented as a support system and is expected to spread in the future 128),129),130),131),133),134), 136) .…”

Exploring the association of riders’ physical attributes with comfortable riding posture and optimal riding position

“…In general, research related to motorcycle design has been revolving around four key areas: (1) studies related to motorcycle seat design and (dis)comfort assessment, 4,9,10 (2) studies related to anthropometry of Indian motorcyclists, [11][12][13] (3) studies related to riding posture, [6][7][8]14 (4) Motorcycle dynamic studies. 15 There are no studies which have estimated direct correlation among the motorcyclist's range of motion (ROM), posture and personal protective equipment/clothing (like jackets, boots). 16,17 Though motorcyclist's wearing tight clothing/suit might affect the motoring skill and ROM of the motorcyclist, 18,19 Indian motorcyclist usually wears simple clothing while riding.…”