Multibody analysis of a new three wheeled vehicle

This work is aimed to analyze the dynamic behaviour of a new three wheeled motorcycle introduced in the market by Piaggio & C. S.p.A. in 2006. This new tilting vehicle, shows the peculiarity to have two front wheels that increase the safety feeling. The dynamic behaviour of conventional motorcycles is a well established subject, on the contrary, there is no technical literature about this of kind tilting vehicles. In order to study the dynamics of the vehicle, a multibody model was built in MSC-ADAMS environment, furthermore handling analyses and a three post rig test were performed. Due the complexity of the front design, a kinematic analysis of the front tilting system was performed. To assure the stability of the motorcycle, two virtual drivers were developed. The data obtained from simulations were compared with results obtained with a mathematical model and experimental data.