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(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication: 01.07.2009 Bulletin 2009/27

(21) Application number: 08022407.4

(22) Date of filing: 23.12.2008

(51) Int Cl.: �B62J 17/00 (2006.01) B62M 7/02 (2006.01)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TRDesignated Extension States: AL BA MK RS

(30) Priority: 26.12.2007 JP 200733478326.12.2007 JP 2007334868

(71) Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaIwata-�shi, Shizuoka- �ken 438-8501 (JP)�

(72) Inventors: • Masaki, Torigoshi

Iwata- �shiShizuoka- �ken 438-8501 (JP) �

• Oku, YujiIwata- �shiShizuoka- �ken 438-8501 (JP) �

(74) Representative: Grünecker, Kinkeldey, Stockmair & Schwanhäusser AnwaltssozietätLeopoldstrasse 480802 München (DE) �

(54) Saddle type vehicle

(57) An intercooler (105) is disposed above an en-gine (101) and below a fuel tank (171), and a fuel cooler(121) is disposed in front of the intercooler (105). Further,an air duct (173) is disposed capturing wind generatedwhile the vehicle is running from ahead of the two-wheeled motor vehicle and directs the wind toward thefuel cooler (121) and the intercooler (105). Wind gener-

ated while the vehicle is running is captured through airinlets (173a, 173b) on the front of the two-�wheeled motorvehicle. The air duct (173) is configured in such a waythat wind generated while the vehicle is running hits thefuel cooler (121) and the intercooler (105) before beinglet out through a wind outlet (175). Thus, a two- �wheeledmotor vehicle with improved cooling efficiency at the in-tercooler is provided.

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Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

�[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle typevehicle, more particularly to a saddle type vehicle includ-ing an intercooler.

Description of the Related Art

�[0002] In a two-�wheeled motor vehicle (a saddle typevehicle) with a turbocharger, an intercooler may be dis-posed

(1) below the radiator on the front (in the forwardpart) of the two-�wheeled motor vehicle;(2) on the side of the radiator;(3) on the side of the engine; or(4) in front of the radiator (i.e. the coolers and thelike are aligned with each other).

�[0003] Document 1, specified below, discloses a tech-nique for disposing an intercooler inside the main frame.�[0004] Further, a two-�wheeled motor vehicle (a saddletype vehicle) with an engine having in general two to fourcylinders, where the crankshaft is generally perpendicu-lar to the direction of travel of the vehicle, is known.�[0005] A turbocharger may be mounted in front of thecylinder head or the cylinder body of a two-�wheeled motorvehicle. In this case, the turbocharger is mounted in sucha way that the axis of rotation for the turbocharger (i.e.the axis of rotation of the turbine and the compressor) isgenerally parallel to the crankshaft of the engine (i.e. gen-erally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehi-cle).�[0006] Also, a turbocharger may be mounted in thefront of the vehicle below the crankcase. In this case, too,the turbocharger is mounted in such a way that the axisof rotation of the turbocharger is generally parallel to thecrankshaft.�[0007] Document 2, specified below, describes a ma-rine diesel engine with a supercharger mounted on oneend face of the cylinder block, as viewed along the lengthof the crankshaft, and an intercooler mounted on the oth-er end face thereof.�[0008] Document 3 describes a coolant tank disposedon one end face of the cylinder head, and a turbochargerand an intercooler disposed on the opposite side of thecylinder head to the coolant tank.�[0009] Documents 4 to 6 each disclose a two- �wheeledmotor vehicle with a turbocharger disposed behind theengine.�[0010] Documents 7 and 8 each disclose a two-wheeled motor vehicle with a turbocharger disposed infront of the engine. �

[Document 1] JP 2003-127965 A[Document 2] JP 2601714 B1[Document 3] JP 2676252 B1[Document 4] JP 2-33868 B2[Document 5] JP 63-45355 B2[Document 6] JP 1-27915 B2[Document 7] JP 61-50808 B2[Document 8] JP 64-3713 B2

�[0011] Disposing an intercooler below the radiator, asin (1) above, has the problem that the intercooler doesnot receive much wind generated while the vehicle isrunning due to the presence of the front wheel.�[0012] Further, the resulting increase in the length ofthe intake pipe means increased turbo lag. Moreover,the surface area of the front of a two-�wheeled motor ve-hicle is limited, which means tight design constraints onthe disposition of the radiator, the air- �cooling intercooler,and the air-�cooling fuel cooler in front of the engine.�[0013] Particularly, the performance of the intercooleraffects the engine performance (maximum torque, max-imum output), so that increased size and efficiency of theintercooler is crucial in increasing the output of the en-gine. Tight design constraints may make that impossible.�[0014] If an intercooler is disposed on the side of theradiator or the engine, as in (2) or (3) above, it is likelyto be damaged when the vehicle falls over.�[0015] Disposing large coolers or the like in line in frontof the engine, as in (4) above, results in decreased cool-ing efficiency of each of the coolers. Prolonged wheelbase also results. Prolonged wheel base means reducedmotion performance of the vehicle body: The balancingbetween the engine performance and the body motionperformance is difficult.�[0016] Disposing an intercooler inside the main frame,as in Document 1 above, allows only a relatively smallintercooler to be disposed, leading to limited ability tocool intake air.�[0017] On the other hand, a two-�wheeled motor vehiclewith a turbocharger according to the conventional art hadproblems regarding (1) the response of the throttle, (2)the mounting location of the turbocharger, (3) maneuver-ability, and (4) durability. These problems will be elabo-rated on below.�

(1) Problem regarding the response of the throttleMounting a turbocharger according to the conven-tional art results in prolonged exhaust passagewaybetween the exhaust ports of the engine and the tur-bocharger, in which case, for an air- �cooled gasolineengine, a time lag between the initiation of openingof the throttle and the initiation of supercharging bythe turbo is a factor of concern. This also applies towater-�cooled engines and diesel engines.(2) Problem regarding the mounting location of theturbochargerA two-�wheeled motor vehicle incorporating a water-cooled diesel engine needs to incorporate a radiator,

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an intercooler and an oil cooler, restraining locationof the turbocharger. �If the turbocharger is mounted in front of the cylinderhead or the cylinder body with its axis generally par-allel to the crankshaft, it may interfere with a radiatorthat is mounted between the front wheel and the cyl-inder head, so that only one of the two can be mount-ed. Cramming both of them would result in an ex-cessively long wheel base. Also, in terms of weightdistribution between the front and the rear, the frontwould be too light.�This is also the case when a turbocharger is mountedtoward the direction of travel of the vehicle below thecrankcase. In this case, it interferes with the inter-cooler or the oil cooler disposed below the radiator.(3) Problem regarding maneuverabilityInappropriate weight distribution between the frontand the rear as described above compromises themaneuverability of the two-�wheeled motor vehicle.(4) Problem regarding durabilityA two-�wheeled motor vehicle with a crankshaft gen-erally perpendicular to the direction of travel has anengine greatly protruding in the left- �right direction.Disposing a turbocharger or an intercooler in certainways may result in increased likelihood that the tur-bocharger or the intercooler is damaged when thevehicle falls over.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

�[0018] The present invention was made to solve theabove problems. An object of the present invention is toprovide a saddle type vehicle with improved cooling ef-ficiency at an intercooler.�[0019] Another object of the present invention is to pro-vide a saddle type vehicle with a turbocharger mountedat an appropriate location.�[0020] To achieve the above objects, according to anaspect of the present invention, a saddle type vehicleincludes: an engine; a fuel tank or a dummy tank providedabove the engine; and an intercooler provided betweenthe engine and the fuel tank or the dummy tank. Thesaddle type vehicle includes a duct for directing wind gen-erated while the vehicle is running to the intercooler pro-vided between the engine and the tank.�[0021] "Dummy tank" as used herein means a tank-like object replacing the conventional fuel tank at its lo-cation when a fuel tank is disposed below the seat, forexample. Thus providing an intercooler between the en-gine and the fuel tank or the dummy tank and directingwind generated while the vehicle is running to the inter-cooler through the duct allows the intercooler to receivethe wind effectively, thereby cooling intake air. Moreover,having an intercooler between the engine and the fueltank or the dummy tank allows a relatively large inter-cooler to be mounted on the vehicle.�[0022] Furthermore, directing wind generated whilethe vehicle is running through the duct allows intake air

to be cooled efficiently when the vehicle is running at highspeeds, i.e. at higher supercharging pressures. Thus,the maximum torque and the maximum output of the en-gine can be increased.�[0023] Moreover, the intercooler does not have to bedisposed in front of the engine, resulting in reducednumber of components in front of the engine. Thus, thewheel base can be shortened and the engine perform-ance and the body motion performance can be improved.�[0024] Further, providing an intercooler above the en-gine allows the length of the intake pipe to be reduced.Thus, the turbo lag can be reduced and the engine re-sponse can be improved. Also, a lighter and more com-pact vehicle can be realized, leading to reduced cost.�[0025] Moreover, providing an intercooler between theengine and the fuel tank or the dummy tank can preventdamage to the intercooler when the vehicle falls over.�[0026] Preferably, the saddle type vehicle includes: avalve for controlling an amount of wind generated whilethe vehicle is running to be introduced into the duct; anda control means that controls the valve based on opera-tion conditions.�[0027] By thus using a valve to control the amount ofwind generated while the vehicle is running to be intro-duced into the duct, the amount of wind generated whilethe vehicle is running received by the intercooler can becontrolled.�[0028] Preferably, the saddle type vehicle further in-cludes a vent for the wind captured by the duct.�[0029] Thus providing a vent allows wind generatedwhile the vehicle is running to be taken efficiently into theduct. Further, since an air route is created above the en-gine, heat from the engine toward the rider can be re-duced.�[0030] Preferably, the vent is provided on a side of abody of the vehicle.�[0031] Thus providing the vent on a side of the bodyallows wind generated while the vehicle is running to besucked out due to a negative pressure generated on theside of the body. This allows wind generated while thevehicle is running to be taken into the duct even moreefficiently.�[0032] Preferably, the saddle type vehicle further in-cludes a body cover on the side of the body. The vent isprovided close to the body cover. A slit is provided in aportion of the body cover close to the vent.�[0033] Thus providing a slit in a portion of the bodycover close to the vent causes a sucking-�off effect at thevent through the slit due to air flowing on the surface ofthe body cover when the vehicle is running. This allowswind generated while the vehicle is running to be intro-duced into the duct even more efficiently.�[0034] Preferably, the engine is a diesel engine, andthe saddle type vehicle further includes an air-�coolingfuel cooler provided inside the duct. The air-�cooling fuelcooler is disposed in front of the intercooler.�[0035] Thus providing an air-�cooling fuel cooler insidethe duct allows the fuel cooler to be disposed close to

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the fuel tank. It can also lead to a lighter and more com-pact vehicle and reduced cost. Further, since the fuelcooler is not exposed to the outside, damage to the bodyof the fuel cooler or fuel leak can be avoided when thevehicle falls over. Furthermore, disposing the fuel cooler,which is at lower temperatures than the intercooler, infront of the intercooler allows both fuel and intake air tobe efficiently cooled due to wind generated while the ve-hicle is running and captured by the duct.�[0036] Preferably, the engine is an engine having aplurality of cylinders, and a plurality of intake air outletsare provided for the intercooler, each corresponding toits respective one of the plurality of the cylinders.�[0037] Thus providing a plurality of intake air outletsfor the intercooler enables the intercooler to serve as anintake manifold.�[0038] Preferably, the engine is an engine mountedsuch that a crankshaft lies perpendicular to a directionof travel of the vehicle, and the saddle type vehicle furtherincludes a turbocharger mounted on a side of the vehicleadjacent to a cylinder head of the engine.�[0039] By thus mounting a turbocharger on a side ofthe vehicle adjacent to the cylinder head of the engine,the turbocharger can be mounted on the vehicle withoutdifficulty.�[0040] Preferably, the engine includes a plurality of cyl-inders. Exhaust gas passageways from the plurality ofcylinders are gathered into one in the cylinder head or ina manifold attached to the cylinder head. The turbocharg-er is located at an end of the one exhaust gas passage-way.�[0041] By thus gathering the exhaust gas passage-ways from the plurality of cylinders into one and locatingthe turbocharger at an end of the one exhaust gas pas-sageway, the distance between the exhaust outlet of thecylinder head and the turbocharger can be made smaller,thereby reducing the time lag for the initiation of super-charging.�[0042] Preferably, the turbocharger is mounted suchthat an axis of the turbocharger is parallel to the directionof travel of the vehicle and parallel to a surface on whichthe vehicle travels.�[0043] Thus disposing the axis of the turbocharger canprevent seizing-�up of the axis of the turbocharger.�[0044] Preferably, the turbocharger is mounted suchthat a turbine side of the turbocharger is located in a frontportion of the vehicle and a compressor side of the tur-bocharger is located in a rear portion of the vehicle.�[0045] If the turbocharger is disposed in this way, thecompressor side of the turbocharger which is at relativelylow temperatures is near the rider; further, the turbine islocated in the front portion of the vehicle, thereby allowingthe turbine to be cooled by wind generated while the ve-hicle is running.�[0046] Preferably, the turbocharger is mounted insiderelative to a plane including: an outer end of a handlebarlocated on the same side with the turbocharger; an outerend of a crankcase, a crankcase cover or an engine

guard; and an outer end of a muffler.�[0047] Mounting the turbocharger inside relative to thisplane can prevent the turbocharger from being damagedwhen the two-�wheeled motor vehicle falls over.�[0048] Preferably, the outer end of the handlebar is theouter end of the handlebar located on the same side withthe turbocharger which is turned inwardly.�[0049] If the outer end of the handlebar located on thesame side with the turbocharger which is turned inwardlyis part of the plane relative to which the turbocharger ismounted inside, damage to the turbocharger can beavoided still more efficiently when the two-�wheeled motorvehicle falls over.�[0050] Preferably, the engine is a parallel multiple-�cyl-inder engine or a V- �type multiple- �cylinder engine.�[0051] Thus, the present invention can be employedin both parallel multiple-�cylinder engines and V- �type mul-tiple-�cylinder engines. A parallel multiple-�cylinder enginehas a relatively large left- �right width, while for a V-�typemultiple-�cylinder engine, it is difficult to provide enoughspace in front of the engine. According to the presentinvention, the turbocharger can be mounted on the ve-hicle without difficulty while accommodating such char-acteristics of the engines.�[0052] It should be noted that the engine of the presentinvention may be a diesel engine or a gasoline engine.�[0053] Thus, the present invention may be employedin both diesel engines and gasoline engines. Particularly,a diesel engine has a large number of components. Ac-cording to the present invention, the turbocharger can bemounted on the vehicle without difficulty while accom-modating such characteristics of the engines.�[0054] The foregoing and other objects, features, as-pects and advantages of the present invention will be-come more apparent from the following detailed descrip-tion of the present invention when taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

�[0055]

Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a disposition of aparallel four-�cylinder diesel engine and its surround-ing components of a two-�wheeled motor vehicle.Figure 2 is a side view showing a configuration ofthe interior of the two- �wheeled motor vehicle.Figure 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of anair duct of the two- �wheeled motor vehicle.Figure 4 is a perspective view of intercooler 105.Figure 5 is a side view showing a configuration ofthe interior of a two- �wheeled motor vehicle accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention.Figure 6 is a side view showing a configuration ofthe interior of a two- �wheeled motor vehicle accordingto a third embodiment of the present invention.Figure 7 is a plan view showing a configuration of anair duct of the two- �wheeled motor vehicle.

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Figure 8 is a perspective view of intercooler 105 ofFigures 6 and 7.Figure 9 is a perspective view of an intercooler 105according to a fourth embodiment of the present in-vention.Figure 10 is a plan view of a two-�wheeled motor ve-hicle according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.Figure 11 shows wind vent 175b of Figure 10 andnearby components.Figure 12 illustrates an on- �off mechanism for an airduct of a two- �wheeled motor vehicle according to asixth embodiment of the present invention.Figure 13 is a plan view illustrating a configurationof an engine and its surrounding components of atwo-�wheeled motor vehicle incorporating a water-cooled four- �cylinder diesel engine according to aseventh embodiment of the present invention.Figure 14 shows a configuration of engine 101 andturbocharger 103 of Figure 13.Figure 15 is a side view of a two-�wheeled motor ve-hicle incorporating the diesel engine of the seventhembodiment of the present invention.Figure 16 is a front view of a two-�wheeled motor ve-hicle incorporating the diesel engine of the seventhembodiment of the present invention.Figure 17 is a side view of a two-�wheeled motor ve-hicle incorporating a diesel engine of an eighth em-bodiment of the present invention.Figure 18 is a front view of a two-�wheeled motor ve-hicle incorporating a diesel engine of an eighth em-bodiment of the present invention.Figure 19 is a plan view illustrating a configurationof an engine and its surrounding components of atwo-�wheeled motor vehicle incorporating a V-�typeengine according to a ninth embodiment of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODI-MENTS

[First Embodiment]

�[0056] A two-�wheeled motor vehicle representing sad-dle type vehicles according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention will be described below.�[0057] A two-�wheeled motor vehicle includes: a paral-lel four-�cylinder diesel engine; a fuel tank provided abovethe parallel four- �cylinder diesel engine; an air-�cooling in-tercooler and an air-�cooling fuel cooler provided betweenthe parallel four-�cylinder diesel engine and the fuel tank;and an air duct for directing wind generated while thevehicle is running to the intercooler and the fuel cooler.�[0058] The air duct serves to capture wind generatedwhile the vehicle is running from ahead of the vehicle andto direct it to the air-�cooling intercooler and the air-�coolingfuel cooler provided between the parallel four-�cylinderdiesel engine and the fuel tank. The air duct includes a

vent for the captured wind.�[0059] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a dispositionof a parallel four-�cylinder diesel engine and its surround-ing components of a two-�wheeled motor vehicle; Figure2 is a side view showing a configuration of the interior ofthe two-�wheeled motor vehicle; and Figure 3 is a planview showing a configuration of an air duct of the two-wheeled motor vehicle.�[0060] In Figure 1, "F" indicates the direction of travelof the two-�wheeled motor vehicle when going straight on.Figure 2 shows a front wheel 151, a back wheel 153 anda seat 181 for the rider of the two- �wheeled motor vehicle.�[0061] An intercooler 105 is disposed above a parallelfour-�cylinder diesel engine 101 and below a fuel tank 171(not shown in Figure 1), and a fuel cooler 121 is disposedin front of the intercooler (toward the direction of travel).An air cleaner box 107 is disposed behind intercooler105 and outside an air duct 173.�[0062] Air duct 173 serves to capture wind generatedwhile the vehicle is running from ahead of the two-wheeled motor vehicle and direct it to fuel cooler 121 andintercooler 105. Specifically, wind generated while thevehicle is running is captured through air inlets 173a and173b on the front of the two-�wheeled motor vehicle in the"A" direction. Air duct 173 is configured in such a waythat the wind hits fuel cooler 121 and intercooler 105 be-fore being let out through a wind vent 175 in the "B" di-rection.�[0063] Air duct 173 has a small chamber for containingfuel cooler 121 and intercooler 105 within it, and is con-figured in such a way that wind generated while the ve-hicle is running captured through two air inlets 173a and173b is directed into the small chamber and then let outthrough one wind vent 175 located below seat 181.�[0064] By having a room in the center of the body inwhich intercooler 105 and fuel cooler 121 can be dis-posed, a relatively large intercooler or fuel cooler can bemounted on the body. Further, the use of air duct 173 todirect wind to intercooler 105 and fuel cooler 121 allowswind generated while the vehicle is running to effectivelyhit intercooler 105 and fuel cooler 121.�[0065] A turbocharger 103 is mounted on the left sideof the two-�wheeled motor vehicle when viewed facing inthe direction of travel, adjacent to the cylinder head ofengine 101. Turbocharger 103 compresses fresh air in-troduced from air cleaner box 107 using a compressor103b before directing it to intercooler 105. Air cooled byintercooler 105 is introduced into parallel four-�cylinderdiesel engine 101 located below.�[0066] Exhaust gas from parallel four- �cylinder dieselengine 101 is directed to a turbine 103a of turbocharger103 and drives it to rotate. Exhaust gas from turbine 103ais passed through an exhaust pipe 113 and a muffler 115and exhausted at the rear of the vehicle.�[0067] The axis of rotation for turbocharger 103 is gen-erally parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle whengoing straight on "F". The crankshaft of engine 101 isgenerally perpendicular to the direction of travel "F" of

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the vehicle when going straight on.�[0068] Figure 4 is a perspective view of intercooler 105.�[0069] Intercooler 105 includes an air inlet 201, an inletside chamber 203, a cooling fin 205, an outlet side cham-ber 207, and a plurality of air outlets (intake pipes) 209ato 209d. The number of air outlets 209a to 209d is equalto that of the cylinders of engine 101. In this implemen-tation, intercooler 105 includes four air outlets 209a to209d corresponding to the four cylinders.�[0070] Air introduced from compressor 103b throughair inlet 201 into the intercooler is directed to inlet sidechamber 203. Thereafter, the air is divided into a pluralityof routes and cooled at cooling fin 205 before being di-rected to outlet side chamber 207. The cooled air ispassed through plurality of air outlets 209a to 209d ex-tending from outlet side chamber 207 and is directedthrough the intake ports of engine 101 to the cylinders.�[0071] Thus, an intercooler 105 having a plurality of airoutlets 209a to 209d can also serve as an intake manifold.Also, such a configuration of intercooler 105 is particu-larly effective when an intercooler is disposed directlyabove the engine as in the present embodiment, becauseintercooler 105 can be connected directly to engine 101without an intake manifold between them.

[Second Embodiment]

�[0072] Figure 5 is a side view showing a configurationof the interior of a two-�wheeled motor vehicle accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention.�[0073] The two-�wheeled motor vehicle of the presentembodiment is different from that of the first embodimentin that air cleaner box 107 is disposed in front of inter-cooler 105 and outside air duct 173, and that turbocharg-er 103 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle.�[0074] Fresh air introduced from air cleaner box 107into the system is compressed by the compressor of tur-bocharger 103 before being directed to intercooler 105.The air cooled by intercooler 105 is introduced into par-allel four- �cylinder diesel engine 101 located below.�[0075] Exhaust gas from parallel four- �cylinder dieselengine 101 is directed to the turbine of turbocharger 103to drive it to rotate. The exhaust gas from the turbine ispassed through exhaust pipe 113 and muffler 115 beforebeing exhausted at the rear of the vehicle.

[Third Embodiment]

�[0076] Figure 6 is a side view showing a configurationof the interior of a two-�wheeled motor vehicle accordingto a third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure7 is a plan view showing a configuration of an air duct ofthe two-�wheeled motor vehicle.�[0077] The two-�wheeled motor vehicle of the presentembodiment is different from that of the first embodimentin that a V- �type two-�cylinder engine is employed as en-gine 101, and that air cleaner box 107 is disposed directlybehind compressor 103b.

�[0078] Air duct 173 has a small chamber for containingfuel cooler 121 and intercooler 105 within it, and is con-figured in such a way that wind generated while the ve-hicle is running captured through two air inlets 173a and173b is directed to the small chamber and then let outthrough one wind vent 175 located below seat 181.�[0079] Fresh air introduced from air cleaner box 107into the system is compressed by compressor 103b ofturbocharger 103 before being directed to intercooler105. The air cooled by intercooler 105 is introducedthrough a location between the two cylinders of V- �typetwo-�cylinder diesel engine 101 located below into the cyl-inders.�[0080] Exhaust gas from the two cylinders of V- �typetwo-�cylinder engine 101 is directed to turbine 103a ofturbocharger 103 and drives turbine 103a to rotate. Ex-haust gas from turbine 103a is passed through an ex-haust pipe 113 and a muffler 115 and exhausted at therear of the vehicle.�[0081] Figure 8 is a perspective view of intercooler 105of Figures 6 and 7.�[0082] Intercooler 105 includes an air inlet 201, an inletside chamber 203, a cooling fin 205, an outlet side cham-ber 207, and a plurality of air outlets (intake pipes) 209eand 209f. The number of air outlets 209e and 209f isequal to that of the cylinders of engine 101. In this imple-mentation, intercooler 105 includes two air outlets 209fand 209e corresponding to the two cylinders of the V-type engine.�[0083] In the present embodiment, too, an intercooler105 having a plurality of air outlets 209e and 209f canalso serve as an intake manifold. Also, such a configu-ration of intercooler 105 is particularly effective when anintercooler 105 is disposed directly above the engine asin the present embodiment, because intercooler 105 canbe connected directly to engine 101 without an intakemanifold between them.

[Fourth Embodiment]

�[0084] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an intercooler105 according to a fourth embodiment of the present in-vention.�[0085] Intercooler 105 includes an air inlet 201, an inletside chamber 203, a cooling fin 205, an outlet side cham-ber 207, and a plurality of air outlets (intake pipes) 209ato 209d, the number of which is equal to that of the cyl-inders of engine 101.�[0086] In this implementation, air inlet 201 is config-ured in such a way that air is introduced into the inter-cooler from above in the drawing, and plurality of air out-lets (intake pipes) 209a to 209d are configured in sucha way that air is let out from the intercooler toward theviewer of the drawing.�[0087] The intercooler that is shaped as in Figure 9may be employed if, for example, the portion of the airduct that is in the area of intercooler 105 directs windgenerated while the vehicle is running from above toward

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below, or if the intake port�(s) is (are) positioned vertically.�[0088] In the present embodiment, too, an intercooler105 having a plurality of air outlets 209a to 209d can alsoserve as an intake manifold.

[Fifth Embodiment]

�[0089] Figure 10 is a plan view of a two-�wheeled motorvehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.�[0090] In the preceding embodiments, the air duct cap-tures wind through two air inlets 173a and 173b and letsit out through one wind vent 175. In the present embod-iment, the air duct captures wind through two air inlets173a and 173b in the "A" direction and lets it out throughtwo wind vents 175a and 175b on the left and right sidesof the body in the "B" direction, as shown in Figure 10.�[0091] More specifically, the two-�wheeled motor vehi-cle is a full cowling vehicle, and wind vents 175a and175b are disposed on the sides of the cowling.�[0092] Figure 11 shows wind vent 175b of Figure 10and nearby components.�[0093] Wind vent 175b is disposed on the side of acowling (or a body cover such as a side cover) 183, sothat a negative pressure is generated by air "C" flowingalong the surface of cowling 183 while the vehicle is run-ning, thereby causing a sucking-�off effect at wind vent175b. This allows wind to be introduced into the air ductmore efficiently, thereby achieving more efficient coolingof the intercooler and the like.�[0094] More specifically, wind vent 175b is disposednear cowling 183. One or more slits are provided on cowl-ing 183 near wind vent 175b. Thus, air inside wind vent175b is sucked out through the slit �(s), as indicated by thearrow "B" in the drawing.�[0095] Thus providing one or more slits on the coverof the body near the vent leads to a negative pressuregenerated by air flowing along the surface of the coverof the body while the vehicle is running. This causes asucking-�off effect at the vent. This will allow wind to beintroduced into the duct more efficiently.�[0096] Further, the use of a wind vent in the shape ofa slit�(s) increases the sucking-�off effect from the negativepressure.

[Sixth Embodiments]

�[0097] Figure 12 illustrates an on-�off mechanism foran air duct of a two- �wheeled motor vehicle according toa sixth embodiment of the present invention.�[0098] The on-�off mechanism can be employed in two-wheeled motor vehicles of the above embodiments.�[0099] As shown, an on-�off valve 303 is provided nearair inlet 173a of air duct 173 and in front of intercooler105 for controlling the amount of wind generated whilethe vehicle is running introduced into the air duct. Anelectronic control unit (ECU) 301 controls on and off ofon-�off valve 303. The controls are performed based on

operation conditions (water temperature, engine speed,the degree of opening of the accelerator, and the like).�[0100] In the cold state, on-�off valve 303 in the air ductis closed to prevent temperature decrease of intake air.Since intercooler 105 is located between the engine andthe fuel tank, there is little unnecessary heat dissipation.Thus, the engine can be quickly warmed up, thereby re-ducing smoke. After warm-�up, on- �off valve 303 in the airduct is opened to cool intake air.�[0101] The degree of opening of the on-�off valve maybe varied based on circumstances to control the amountof air flowing through the duct.

[Effects of the Above Embodiments]

�[0102] According to the above embodiments, the in-tercooler may be disposed between the fuel tank and theengine, and wind generated while the vehicle is runningmay be directed to the intercooler through a duct so thatintake air for the engine can be efficiently cooled whenthe vehicle is running at high speeds, i.e. when the su-percharging pressure is high. This will increase the max-imum torque and the maximum output of the engine.�[0103] Further, a duct may be positioned above theengine and below the fuel tank and the intercooler maybe disposed in the duct to allow a relatively large inter-cooler to be mounted. Further, disposing the intercoolerat this location can lead to decreased number of coolersand the like in front of the engine, resulting in reducedwheel base thereby increasing the engine performanceand the body motion performance.�[0104] Moreover, a duct may be positioned above theengine and below the fuel tank and the intercooler maybe disposed in the duct to allow the length of the intakepipe of the engine to be reduced. Thus, the turbo lag canbe reduced, thereby improving engine response. Further,damage to the intercooler when the vehicle falls over canbe avoided. Furthermore, the vehicle can be made lighterand more compact, and the cost can be reduced.�[0105] Further, the use of a duct allows wind generatedwhile the vehicle is running to be exhausted from underthe seat to the backward, thereby allowing wind to beefficiently introduced into the duct. Also, disposing theduct above the engine leads to reduced heat from theengine toward the rider.�[0106] Further, by using a negative pressure generat-ed on the side of the cowling to suck off wind in the duct,as in Figures 10 and 11, wind generated while the vehicleis running can be introduced into the duct still more effi-ciently.�[0107] Further, disposing the fuel cooler close to thefuel tank results in reduced distance between the fueltank and the common rail, thereby achieving a lighter andmore compact vehicle and reduced cost. Moreover, bynot exposing the fuel cooler to the outside, damage tothe cooler itself and the spilling of fuel can be avoidedwhen the vehicle falls over, thereby ensuring safety.�[0108] Also, when the fuel cooler, which is at lower

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temperatures than the intercooler, is disposed in front ofit in a parallel manner, both fuel and intake air can beefficiently cooled using wind generated while the vehicleis running captured by the duct.�[0109] Moreover, when the intercooler is located nearthe engine, an intercooler with an integrated intake man-ifold can be employed, as shown in Figures 4, 8 and 9.In these implementations, the downstream piping intowhich air exhausted from the intercooler flows can be inleft- �right symmetry, thereby minimizing variations in com-bustion among the cylinders. Also, reducing the numberof components leads to a lighter and more compact ve-hicle.

[Others]

�[0110] The present invention can be employed in die-sel and gasoline engines including an intercooler.�[0111] Further, while the above embodiments describeconfigurations in which a fuel tank is provided above theengine, the fuel tank can be replaced by another tank(for example, a dummy tank for containing a helmet oraccessories) disposed above the engine and a fuel tankcan be provided elsewhere.�[0112] Also, the present invention can be employed insaddle type vehicles such as two- �wheeled motor vehiclesand motor- �assisted bicycles. The present invention canbe carried out in any type of saddle type vehicles, suchas two- �wheeled, three-�wheeled, and four wheeled vehi-cles (or vehicles with more wheels), or vehicles that canbe moved using a crawler mechanism.

[Seventh Embodiment (about mounting locations for the turbocharger)]

�[0113] Figure 13 is a plan view illustrating a configu-ration of an engine and its surrounding components of atwo-�wheeled motor vehicle incorporating a water-�cooledfour-�cylinder diesel engine according to a seventh em-bodiment of the present invention.�[0114] As described in the above first to sixth embod-iments, when a turbocharger is to be mounted on a two-wheeled motor vehicle incorporating a three-�cylinder orfour-�cylinder water-�cooled diesel engine with a largewidth, all of the following problems need to be solved ata higher level: (a) the time lag for the initiation of super-charging; (b) the disposition of the turbocharger, the ra-diator, the intercooler, the oil cooler and the like whichneither causes difficulty nor results in an excessive lengthalong the direction of travel; and (c) compactness in theleft-�right direction, which prevents damage when the ve-hicle falls over. The two-�wheeled motor vehicle of thepresent embodiment meets these needs.�[0115] Referring to Figure 13, the outlined arrow "F"indicates the direction of travel of the two-�wheeled motorvehicle when going straight on. The other arrows indicateflows of air and exhaust gas (and piping through whichsuch flows are passed). The dashed-�dotted line indicates

the axis of the vehicle going through its center.�[0116] The two-�wheeled motor vehicle includes: a die-sel engine 101 having four parallel cylinders 101a to101d; an air cleaner 107 cleaning air to be introducedinto the engine; a turbocharger 103 having a compressor103b compressing air directed from air cleaner 107; anintercooler 105 cooling air compressed by compressor103b; an intake manifold 111 dividing air from intercooler105 into four streams and introducing them into four re-spective cylinders 101a to 101d; an exhaust manifold109 gathering exhaust gas from four cylinders 101a to101d; a turbine 103a in turbocharger 103 being rotatedby exhaust gas to rotate compressor 103b; an exhaustpipe 113 for carrying exhaust gas from turbine 103a to-ward the rear of the vehicle; and a muffler 115 mufflingthe sound of exhaust gas from exhaust pipe 113.�[0117] In addition, in the front of the two-�wheeled motorvehicle are provided a radiator 161 for cooling engine101 and a fuel cooler 163 for cooling fuel returned to thefuel tank to suppress increase in temperature of fuel.�[0118] The axis of rotation of compressor 103b andturbine 103a (axis of rotation for turbocharger 103) isgenerally parallel to the direction of travel "F" of the ve-hicle when going straight on, and to the surface on whichthe vehicle travels. The direction "D" in which the crank-shaft of engine 101 1 extends is generally perpendicularto the direction of travel "F" of the vehicle when goingstraight on.�[0119] If the axis of rotation for turbocharger 103 wereparallel to the crankshaft (i.e. in the left-�right direction ofthe vehicle), the bearing of the turbocharger would sufferseizing-�up when the two-�wheeled motor vehicle is in-clined at a curve for a prolonged period of time. Thepresent embodiment avoids seizing-�up by positioning theaxis of rotation for turbocharger 103 generally parallel tothe direction of travel "F" of the vehicle when goingstraight on.�[0120] Turbocharger 103 is located on the right sideof the vehicle when viewed facing in the direction of travel(adjacent the cylinder head of engine 101). Exhaust man-ifold 109 is connected to the cylinder head of engine 101.Exhaust manifold 109 lets exhaust gas from four cylin-ders 101a to 101d out in the direction of travel "F" of thevehicle before directing it to the right side of the vehiclewhen viewed facing in the direction of travel and thenintroducing it into turbine 103a of turbocharger 103.�[0121] Exhaust gas from turbine 103a is directed in thedirection of travel "F" of the vehicle before being directedbackward below turbocharger 103 to muffler 115 locatedin the rear of the vehicle.�[0122] It should be noted that turbocharger 103 maybe disposed on the right side or the left side of the vehicle.�[0123] Figure 14 shows a configuration of engine 101and turbocharger 103 of Figure 13.�[0124] As shown in Figure 14, turbocharger 103, ex-haust manifold 109 and the cylinder head of engine 101are located on one and the same plane (at the samelevel). Turbocharger 103 is located on the side of the

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cylinder head of engine 101 and exhaust manifold 109.�[0125] The dashed- �dotted line indicates the axis of ro-tation for turbocharger 103. Compressor 103b takes airin through an air inlet 103b- �1 located in the rear and letcompressed air out through an air outlet 103b-�2, whichfaces downward. Air let out downward through air outlet103b-�2 is directed through a pipe toward the front of thevehicle and introduced into intercooler 105.�[0126] Exhaust manifold 109 lets out exhaust gas fromfour cylinders 101a to 101d in the direction of travel ofthe vehicle before introducing it into exhaust inlet 103a-1 of turbine 103a. That is, exhaust manifold 109 is directlyconnected to exhaust inlet 103a-�1 of turbine 103a of tur-bocharger 103.�[0127] Connecting the engine to the turbocharger inthis way results in reduced distance between the exhaustports of the cylinder head and turbocharger 103. Thisleads to reduced time lag for the initiation of supercharg-ing.�[0128] Disposing the parallel multiple- �cylinder enginewith its crankshaft perpendicular to the direction of travelof the vehicle results in increased left-�right width of thevehicle. Thus, it is preferable to dispose the turbochargerin such a way that the width of the vehicle is as small aspossible. Specifically, it is desirable to have as small alength of exhaust manifold 109 as possible, and to dis-pose the cylinder head as close to turbocharger 103 aspossible.�[0129] Exhaust gas from turbine 103a is directed fromexhaust outlet 103a-�2 in the direction of travel of the ve-hicle before being directed backward below turbocharger103 to the muffler, located in the rear portion of the ve-hicle.�[0130] Figure 15 is a side view of a two-�wheeled motorvehicle incorporating the diesel engine of the seventhembodiment of the present invention, and Figure 16 is afront view of the same.�[0131] As shown, the two- �wheeled motor vehicle in-cludes a front wheel 151, a back wheel 153 and handle-bars 155. The cylinder axis of engine 101 (i.e. the direc-tion in which the piston �(s) in the engine move �(s)) is indi-cated by the arrow "H". As have been explained referringto Figures 13 and 14, turbocharger 103 is provided onthe right side of the vehicle next to the cylinder head ofengine 101. Air from air cleaner 107 is introduced intocompressor 103b of turbocharger 103 from the rear ofthe vehicle. Air compressed by compressor 103b is letout through the bottom of compressor 103b and directedto intercooler 105 mounted in the front of the vehicle.�[0132] Air let out of intercooler 105 is passed on theleft side of the vehicle and introduced into engine 101 asintake air.�[0133] Exhaust gas let out through the cylinder headof engine 101 is passed through the exhaust manifoldand introduced into turbine 103a of turbocharger 103 lo-cated next to the cylinder head.�[0134] Exhaust gas from turbine 103a is directedthrough exhaust pipe 113 to the front of the vehicle, be-

fore being passed backward below the vehicle and di-rected to muffler 115.�[0135] Turbocharger 103 is mounted inside relative toa plane including the following three points: the outer end(A) of the one of handlebars 155 located on the sameside with turbocharger 103 of the two- �wheeled motor ve-hicle (on the right side of the vehicle in the present im-plementation), the outer end (C) of crankcase 157 (or acrankcase cover) and the outer end (B) of muffler 115 (inthe drawings, the triangle formed by connecting (A), (B)and (C) is shown in dashed lines).�[0136] The outer end (A) of the handlebar is desirablythe outer end of the one of handlebars 155 located onthe same side with turbocharger 103 which is turned in-wardly. More specifically, turbocharger 103 is mountedon the right side of the vehicle. The point (A) in Figure15 is defined by the right end of handlebars 155 posi-tioned when front wheel 151 is turned all the way to theright.�[0137] Disposing turbocharger 103 in this position pre-vents turbocharger 103 from coming in contact with theroad surface even when the two-�wheeled motor vehiclefalls over on the side on which turbocharger 103 is dis-posed. Thus, damage to turbocharger 103 can be avoid-ed.�[0138] Further, turbocharger 103 is disposed in sucha way that compressor 103b, which is at relatively lowtemperatures, is near seat 171 (i.e. turbine 103a is farfrom seat 171). Disposing turbine 103a in the front of thevehicle allows turbine 103a to be cooled by wind gener-ated while the vehicle is running.

[Eighth Embodiment]

�[0139] Figure 17 is a side view of a two-�wheeled motorvehicle incorporating a diesel engine of an eighth em-bodiment of the present invention, and Figure 18 is afront view of the same.�[0140] The two-�wheeled motor vehicle of the presentembodiment is different from that of the seventh embod-iment in that engine guards (protectors) 201 a and 201bare provided on the right and left sides of the vehicle,respectively, for protecting the engine. Engine guards(protectors) 201a and 201b are mounted in such a waythat they protrude to the right and left of the vehicle be-yond crankcase 157 (or a crankcase cover), thereby pre-venting damage to crankcase 157 (or the crankcase cov-er) when the vehicle falls over.�[0141] Turbocharger 103 is mounted inside relative toa plane including the following three points: the outer end(A) of the one of handlebars 155 located on the sameside with turbocharger 103 of the two- �wheeled motor ve-hicle (on the right side of the vehicle in the present im-plementation), the outer end (D) of engine guard (pro-tector) 201a and the outer end (B) of the muffler (in thedrawings, the triangle formed by connecting (A), (B) and(D) is shown in dashed lines).�[0142] Further, the outer end (A) of the handlebar is

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desirably the outer end of the one of handlebars 155 lo-cated on the same side with turbocharger 103 whichturned inwardly.�[0143] Similar to the seventh embodiment, disposingturbocharger 103 in this position prevents turbocharger103 from coming in contact with the road surface evenwhen the two- �wheeled motor vehicle falls over on theside on which turbocharger 103 is disposed. Thus, dam-age to turbocharger 103 can be avoided.

[Ninth Embodiment]

�[0144] Figure 19 is a plan view illustrating a configu-ration of an engine and its surrounding components of atwo-�wheeled motor vehicle incorporating a V-�type engineaccording to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.�[0145] Referring to the drawing, the arrow "F" indicatesthe direction of travel of the two- �wheeled motor vehiclewhen going straight on. Other arrows indicate flows ofair and exhaust gas (and piping through which such flowsare passed). The dashed-�dotted line indicates the axisof rotation for turbocharger 103.�[0146] The two- �wheeled motor vehicle incorporates anengine 401 including four cylinders 40 1 a to 401d. Cyl-inders 401 a and 401 b are located in the front of thevehicle while cylinders 401 c and 401 d are located inthe rear of the vehicle.�[0147] An intake manifold 411 placed between cylin-ders 401 a, 401 b and cylinders 401c, 401 d is used todirect cooled air from the intercooler into cylinders 401 ato 401 d.�[0148] An exhaust manifold 409 placed around cylin-ders 401a to 401d is used to direct exhaust gas fromengine 401 into turbine 103a of turbocharger 103.�[0149] In the present embodiment, too, the cylinderhead including the exhaust ports of engine 401, exhaustmanifold 409 and turbine 103a of turbocharger 103 arelocated generally at one and the same level. Further,turbine 103a of turbocharger 103 is disposed next to thecylinder head of engine 401.�[0150] This leads to a smaller distance between theexhaust ports of the cylinder head and turbocharger 103,thereby shortening the time lag for the initiation of super-charging.�[0151] In the present embodiment, too, it is desirableto locate turbocharger 103 such that it is less likely to bedamaged when the vehicle falls over, as shown in Figures15 to 18.

[Effects of the Embodiments]

�[0152] As described above, the above embodimentsallow a saddle type vehicle to incorporate a radiator forcooling the engine, an intercooler and a turbochargerwithout difficulty. This eliminates the necessity for ex-tending the wheel base of the saddle type vehicle, achiev-ing balanced weight distribution.�[0153] A smaller distance between the exhaust ports

of the cylinder head and the turbocharger can also beachieved, thereby shortening the time lag for the initiationof supercharging.�[0154] The embodiments further dispose the axis ofthe turbocharger parallel to the direction of travel of thevehicle and parallel to the surface on which the vehicletravels, thereby avoiding seizing-�up of the axis of the tur-bocharger.�[0155] Moreover, the compressor side of the turbo-charger, which is at relatively low temperatures, facesthe seat so that its turbine side can be located far fromthe rider. This results in a turbine located in the front ofthe vehicle, thereby allowing the turbine to be cooled ef-ficiently by wind generated while the vehicle is running.�[0156] Further, the turbocharger can be located suchthat it is unlikely to be damaged when the vehicle fallsover as shown in Figures 15 to 18, avoiding damage tothe turbocharger as well as avoiding inability of the ve-hicle to move.�[0157] Diesel engines have more components thangasoline engines do, like an intercooler or a fuel cooler.Thus, employing the present invention in a diesel engineis effective in that all the components can be disposedin a reasonable manner, resulting in a two-�wheeled motorvehicle with improved traveling performance.�[0158] Moreover, diesel engines have lower tempera-tures of exhaust gas than gasoline engines, meaning asmaller energy in exhaust gas. Minimizing the decreasein temperature of exhaust gas from the exhaust portswhen it is introduced into the turbocharger, as the aboveembodiments teach, allows the turbocharger to operateefficiently. Since exhaust gas streams from the cylindersof a diesel engine rarely interfere with each other, engineperformance is unlikely to be decreased when the man-ifold immediately gathers the exhaust gas streams.�[0159] In V- �type multiple-�cylinder engines, unlike par-allel engines, the cylinder �(s) in the front of the vehicle areoften inclined toward the front, pushed out by the rearcylinder�(s). It is therefore not easy to provide enoughspace in front of the engine. Disposing the turbochargerat an end of the cylinder head as viewed along the lengthof the crankshaft, as the above embodiments teach, al-lows for reasonable disposition of components.

[Others]

�[0160] It should be noted that, instead of using an ex-haust manifold, exhaust gas routes from a plurality ofcylinders may be gathered inside the cylinder head andintroduced into a turbocharger located next to the cylinderhead.�[0161] The present invention may be employed in adiesel engine or gasoline engine, as long as it includesa turbocharger.�[0162] It should be understood that the above embod-iments are exemplary only and not restrictive in any way.The scope of the present invention is indicated not bythe above description but by the Claims, and all the mod-

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ifications equivalent to and within the Claims are intendedto be included.

Claims

1. A saddle type vehicle including:�

an engine (101); anda fuel tank (171) or a dummy tank providedabove the engine (101), �characterized byan intercooler (105) provided between the en-gine (101) and the fuel tank (171) or the dummytank; anda duct (173) for directing wind generated whilethe vehicle is running to the intercooler (105).

2. The saddle type vehicle according to claim 1, char-acterized bya valve (303) for controlling an amount of wind gen-erated while the vehicle is running to be introducedinto the duct (173); anda control means (301) that controls the valve (303)based on operation conditions.

3. The saddle type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,characterized bya vent (175) for the wind captured by the duct (173).

4. The saddle type vehicle according to claim 3, char-acterized in thatthe vent (175a, 175b) is provided on a side of a bodyof the vehicle.

5. The saddle type vehicle according to claim 4, char-acterized bya body cover (183) on the side of the body, and fur-ther characterized in that the vent (175a, 175b) isprovided close to the body cover (183), anda slit is provided in a portion of the body cover (183)close to the vent (175a, 175b).

6. The saddle type vehicle according to any one of thepreceding claims,�characterized in thatthe engine (101) is a diesel engine, and further char-acterized byan air-�cooling fuel cooler (121) provided inside theduct (173), and furthercharacterized in thatthe air-�cooling fuel cooler (121) is disposed in frontof the intercooler (105).

7. The saddle type vehicle according to any one of thepreceding claims,�characterized in thatthe engine (101) is an engine having a plurality of

cylinders, anda plurality of intake air outlets (209a-�209d) are pro-vided for the intercooler (105), each correspondingto its respective one of the plurality of the cylinders.

8. The saddle type vehicle according to any one of thepreceding claims, �characterized in thatthe engine (101) is an engine mounted such that acrankshaft lies perpendicular to a direction of travel(F) of the vehicle, and further characterized bya turbocharger (103) mounted on a side of the vehicleadjacent to a cylinder head of the engine

9. The saddle type vehicle according to claim 8, char-acterized in thatthe engine (101) includes a plurality of cylinders,�exhaust gas passageways from the plurality of cyl-inders are gathered into one in the cylinder head orin a manifold attached to the cylinder head, andthe turbocharger (103) is located at an end of theone exhaust gas passageway.

10. The saddle type vehicle according to claim 8 or 9,characterized in that the turbocharger (103) ismounted such that an axis of the turbocharger (103)is parallel to the direction of travel (F) of the vehicleand parallel to a surface on which the vehicle travels.

11. The saddle type vehicle according to any one ofclaims 8 to 10,characterized in thatthe turbocharger (103) is mounted such that a turbineside (103a) of the turbocharger (103) is located in afront portion of the vehicle and a compressor side(103b) of the turbocharger is located in a rear portionof the vehicle.

12. The saddle type vehicle according to any one ofclaims 8 to 11,characterized in thatthe turbocharger (103) is mounted inside relative toa plane including: an outer end (A) of a handlebar(155) located on the same side with the turbocharger(103); an outer end (C) of a crankcase (157), a crank-case cover (C) or an engine guard (D, 20 1 a); andan outer end (B) of a muffler (115).

13. The saddle type vehicle according to claim 12, char-acterized in thatthe outer end (A) of the handlebar (155) is the outerend (A) of the handlebar (155) located on the sameside with the turbocharger (103) which is turned in-wardly.

14. The saddle type vehicle according to any one ofclaims 8 to 13,characterized in that

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the engine (101) is a parallel multiple-�cylinder engineor a V-�type multiple-�cylinder engine.

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the Europeanpatent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot beexcluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• JP 2003127965 A [0010]• JP 2601714 B [0010]• JP 2676252 B [0010]• JP 2033868 B [0010]

• JP 63045355 B [0010]• JP 1027915 B [0010]• JP 61050808 B [0010]• JP 643713 B [0010]