• vehicle dynamics
• vehicle behaviour
• Multibody analysis
• handling simulation

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.