Numerical and experimental investigation of passive rider effects on motorcycle weave

Despite the importance of rider passive response to the lateral dynamics of motorcycles, there is very little literature on the subject. Even more uncommon are works that consider rider passive steering impedance and its effect on motorcycle stability. Moreover, until this time, there have been no published studies on steering impedance that include correlation to on-road motorcycle stability testing. This paper explores these topics using an advanced motorcycle simulation model which includes rider torso and steering impedance values derived from experimental characterisation and anthropometric modelling. A novel method for quantitatively evaluating on-road stability is discussed and utilised to compare the simulation results to on-road weave stability testing for two different riders in the ‘hands-off’ and ‘hands-on’ the handlebars conditions. Good correlation is achieved between simulation and test indicating stability differences between riders and highlighting hands-off/on effects