Nonlinear Dynamic Behavior of a Motorcycle's Forecarriage During Braking

An experimental and numerical experience was carried out to investigate the nonlinear dynamic response of the forecarriage of a motorcycle, paying attention to a particular type of vibration that occurs during the braking. In fact, it was found that, in particular conditions of load on the handlebar, braking pressure, speed and temperature, the first flexural mode of the front fork is strongly excited. Thanks to the numerical model, solutions to these undesired vibrations were identified. Experimental tests were carried out modifying the design parameters of the motorcycles and of the braking system as suggested by the numerical model thus verifying that the purposed solutions were effective.