Planar Dynamics of a Motorcycle with Electric Powertrain: Modeling Inertia Effect of Mounting System

This paper examines the planar (in-plane) dynamics of a motorcycle with a specific focus on modeling the influence of the inertia effect of the mounting system of an electric powertrain. The inertia effect of the mounting system is examined by capturing wave effects and internal resonances of the vibration isolation system through a discretized model that is capable of high frequency characterization. Since an electric drive system exhibits vibroacoustic characteristics that are significantly different from an internal combustion engine, the model is particularly aimed at analyzing the planar dynamics of a motorcycle with an electric powertrain. The specific contribution of this paper is the integration of a discretized model of the mounting system with the planar model of the motorcycle. The planar model has been used to evaluate ride comfort and handling when the motorcycle is traveling in a straight line. Results indicate that the model can capture internal resonances of the mounting system at relatively higher frequencies (above 1 kHz) that may not be possible with a conventional spring-damper representation. The planar model presented in this paper is comprehensive and can be adapted to investigate critical design parameters associated with the mounting and suspension systems in motorcycles with electric powertrains.