Experimental Analysis of Out-of-Plane Structural Vibrations of Two-Wheeled Vehicles

An analysis of the handling and stability of two-wheeled vehicles depends on structural flexibility. This paper deals with laboratory experimentation carried out to identify the vehicle's structural modes of vibration. The tests were carried out in stationary conditions considering several combinations of constraints. Although the testing conditions did not correspond completely to actual road conditions, information about the influence of structural modes on weave and wobble modes was obtained. An analysis of the Frequency Response Functions obtained from several kinds of tests made it possible to establish the best testing conditions to obtain the desired information. Experimental results regarding a super-sport motorcycle and a maxi-scooter are presented and discussed in this paper.