Deceleration of Engine-Braked Motorcycles

Abstract

One of the key parameters in the analysis of some motorcycle accident dynamics is the motorcycle’s deceleration during engine braking without applying the brakes. Since this issue lies far beyond what is usually of most interest—the critical states of movement—it is only sporadically addressed in the literature; however, these rare cases can be of fundamental importance. In our research, the results of engine-braking deceleration are presented for 26 motorcycles that were in gear with the throttle back. The tests were carried out at an initial speed of 140 km/h (if this was not possible, then from the maximum speed for a given gear) to the speed at which the motorcycle reached a constant speed or when engine operation became unstable. For all motorcycles and all gears, deceleration vs. speed and speed vs. time were plotted. Regression lines were determined, and their equations are provided, along with ±σ and ±2σ limit lines. Engine-braking deceleration was shown to be inversely proportional to both motorcycle speed (higher speed—lower deceleration) and gear number (higher gear—lower deceleration). Moreover, engine-braking deceleration at the top gear of the various motorcycles tested (i.e., 5th or 6th) was found to be close to each other. The data provided are of crucial importance from the motorcycle longitudinal dynamics and vehicle accident analysis standpoints.