Field Measurement of the Motorcycle's Key Dimensions Using Simple Method and in-House Fabricated Instrument

Field Measurement of the Motorcycle's Key Dimensions Using Simple Method and in-House Fabricated Instrument

Muthiah Arunachalam Chirapriya Mondal Sougata Karmakar

Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India

Corresponding Author Email: 
karmakar.sougata@iitg.ac.in
Page: 
263-272
|
DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.18280/i2m.190403
Received: 
9 June 2020
|
Revised: 
26 July 2020
|
Accepted: 
4 August 2020
|
Available online: 
30 September 2020
| Citation

© 2020 IIETA. This article is published by IIETA and is licensed under the CC BY 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

OPEN ACCESS

Abstract: 

Out of many plausible causative factors for the spike in accidents, lack of riding skills is reported to be a significant reason for motorcycle mishaps. The riding skills can be improved through better availability of training facilities (simulator). Non-availability of the dimensional database (of different types of motorcycles), which are essential for simulator design, makes it difficult for the designers/ engineers to build the commercially available cheaper motorcycle-simulators. Moreover, the available measuring techniques and devices are costly and unable to satisfy motorcycle measurement's diverse requirements. Thus, the present research aimed to prepare the dimensional database of motorcycles using an in-house fabricated measuring instrument. Following the adaptive design method, the alpha prototype of a laser-pointer-based measuring instrument was developed. The calibrated device was used for measuring the dimensions associated with the handlebar, seat, and footrest of the 23 different motorcycles under study. Detailed (linear, angular, and circumferential) dimensions of the handlebar, seat, and footrest were measured using sliding calipers and protractors. Generated dimensional databases of 18 critical dimensions from the handlebar, seat, and footrest of the 23 different standard-motorcycles would be useful for deciding the motorcycle simulator's dimensions.

Keywords: 

design, human factors, innovation, motorcycle simulator, measurement, dimensional database

1. Introduction

Amongst 750 billion world population, 49% of all road traffic deaths comprise pedestrians, cyclists, and the rest related to motorcycles [1]. Out of 49% of all road traffic deaths, deaths related to motorcycles comprise 23%, which means 125 billion people die every year. Especially in South Asia and the Western part of WHO regions, motorcycle traffic deaths are 34% higher than other areas like Europe, USA, Africa, and Eastern Mediterranean [2]. The number of motorcycle users is increasing rapidly all over the globe, especially in the South-Asian region. Reports of injuries and accidental death rates of motorcycle riders are also alarming in this region in comparison to other on-road vehicles [2].

The cause of on-road casualties for men aging between 15-29 yrs. is associated with motorcycles. Out of many plausible causative factors for the spike in accidents, un-headgear, drunk-ride, and lack of riding skills are reported to be the significant reasons for motorcycle mishaps. Few of these reasons are strictly enforced by law in South-Asian counties like India, China, Malaysia, amongst others. The use of law enforcement in drunk and driving cases has reduced death rates by 20%. While the implementation of strict rules and regulations may control many of these issues, riding skills can only be improved through better availability of training facilities.

Training using a motorcycle simulator is a useful measure in this direction. The use of the simulator for training purposes is very limited in the South-Asian region due to lack of awareness and the high cost of the commercially available simulator. From literature, it is observed that amongst the notable simulators, MORIS Motorcycle Simulator, Postura Motergo [3], University of Padova Motorcycle Simulator (UNIPD), and Honda Smart Trainer are used in Malaysia and India, respectively. It has also been found that there is a lack of credible information like research publications on motorcycle dimensions. Non-availability of the dimensional database (of different types of motorcycles), which is essential for simulator design, is the main hindrance of developing the low-cost locally manufactured simulators.

1.1 Market survey and literature review on existing measuring devices

Usually, these mechanical measuring techniques are used in industries to digitize heritage components, reverse engineering of products, or inspect product quality improvement. Measuring techniques are classified generally as non-contact and contact measurement techniques. The appropriate measuring instrument and/ or technique can be determined according to the product's or its component's characteristics. The presently available measurement techniques are as follows: (a) 3D scanner, (b) Coordinate measuring machine (CMM), and (c) Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray 3D.

3D scanner: The three-Dimensional scanner employs several technologies together like laser line system, structured light system, multi-view camera system, and millimeter waves [4, 5].

In 3D scanners with a laser line system, it is mandatory to move the sensor to observe the product. It provokes a higher level of errors [6]. These systems are affordable and easily portable with few tripods (approx. 10000 US$) [4]. However, the working space provided (200mm×200mm×200mm) by this kind of system is not sufficient for motorcycle measurements [7].

The structured light 3D scanner works in a stereovision system. It has the same working principle through which humans perceive the world [8]. Usually, a structured light system uses only one camera and projected stripes for observing the 3D object surface. This system is easily movable and portable, less expensive, and assures faster scanning than other 3D scanners [9, 10]. These systems have problems with detecting pixels (640×480px) under the shadow in outdoor environments. This problem generates false detections due to reflection from a nearby reflective surface [8]. Therefore, this system is not satisfying enough to be used in motorcycle measurement applications.

A multi-view camera is another method of observing 3D cloud points extracted from a 3D object using one or more cameras at different viewing points [4, 11]. In this method, an experimental observation is made through a single handle held device (camera or iPhone/Smartphone) by a person, 360 degrees around the object with a different angle of focus to capture more pictures at each approximate position. The captured images are converted into CAD files (.stl and .obj) using online open-source software [12-17]. This method of scanning techniques is quite cheaper, portable, and affordable than other 3D scanning devices. This method satisfies all our motorcycle-measuring requirements. However, this technology has disadvantages; one amongst them is the poor capturing of good data for specific surface materials of highly specular products [18]. This method can be performed in close-range photography, which is applicable for small heritage products but not for a massive product like a motorcycle [13, 15].

The millimeter-wave method works under the principle of distinction between active and passive millimeter-wave scanners. The millimeter-wave passes through an object or human, while passive scanners process the emitted waves from objects or humans to observe the 3D cloud points [4]. This method is usually used in textile industries or airports for luggage and passenger scanning. Such scanners are not meant for mechanical industry usage. However, it has the advantage of scanning through clothes or covered material.

Coordinate measuring machines (CMM): A contact or non-contact probe fixed with a movable 3-axis arm obtains the 3D cloud points of objectives. An operator or computer programming may control this instrument and can be used to measure an object [19]. This instrument has a higher level of application in mechanical industries [20, 21]. The contact probes are portable and provide a higher level of accuracy as compared to non-contact laser probes [22-24]. However, this instrument has constrained workspace for measurement, which may not be suitable for motorcycle measurement. These instruments are costly and measure selective coordinate points, which may cause an information gap between two cloud points [23, 25]. 

Computed tomography (CT) X-ray 3D: This scanning method made by X-raying the 3D object. It is popularly called a C.T. scan in the medical field. This instrument works under the principle of residual radiation passing through a 3D object, which is detected as an X-ray image [25]. 

This scanning method can scan external and internal shape and geometry, defects of the materials of an object. However, this scanning method has the same drawbacks as CMM [26]. Thus, this scanning method is also not suitable for motorcycle measurement. Available 3D coordinate measuring techniques and devices are not only costly but also unable to satisfy diverse requirements of motorcycle measurements.

1.2 Aim

From the literature survey, it is observed that the available measuring techniques and devices are not only costly but also unable to satisfy the diverse requirements of motorcycle measurements. Hence, the present research aims to develop an easily portable and affordable measuring device for motorcycles and to use the same for preparing the dimensional database of different motorcycles. 

2. Method

The methodology followed following the sequential steps to accomplish the objectives:

1. Selection of key dimensions of the motorcycle

2. Market and literature survey on existing instruments to measure the key dimensions

3. Design and development of new device via the adaptive design process

4. Testing the level of accuracy of the newly designed equipment through field trial on the field through the standardized operation/ measurement procedure

5. Descriptive statistical analysis using IBM SPSS 24.0 for all the critical dimensions

2.1 Key dimensions and landmark's definition

According to IS 11432: 2002 standards, planes, and axis of the motorcycle are defined as shown in Figure 1, which must be considered during the measurement of the motorcycle's key dimensions.

Eight key dimensions were measured at the xz plane (Figure 2), which were chosen from the earlier published research articles [27-29]. These dimensions were measured via landmarks such as SIP (Seat Index Point), D-Point (Design point), Origin point, and Footrest point. Locations of these landmarks are described here for easy understanding by the readers. The SIP (or SRP - seat reference point) is a notional location corresponding to the furthest forward position on the seat and the lowest point on the seat [30]. G'-Point is located at the center of handle grip circular face. D-point is situated at the end of the rider seat, which is the highest point of the seat in the motorcycle's xz plane [31]. Fuel tank length is the distance between the extreme corner points of the fuel tank at the xz plane. Footrest point is located at the farthest end of the footrest grip's good portion. The origin point is located at a distance of 1000 mm along the X-axis and 350 mm from the floor (ground) [27, 29].

Figure 1. Definition of planes and axis of the motorcycle

Figure 2. Definition of motorcycle's key dimensions at the xz plane

Figure 3. Definition of motorcycle's key dimensions of handlebar, seat, fuel tank and footrest 

Figure 4. General dimensions of a motorcycles

Since the remaining ten dimensions (as shown in Figure 3) are also required for the basic construction of motorcycle simulators [3], the dimensions were measured using a standard procedure which is recognized in the previously published research articles [32-35]. These dimensions were measured through landmarks in handlebar, seat, fuel tank, and footrest. A large sliding caliper (GPM Anthropological instruments model 101; range: 0 –1500 mm and accuracy of ± 0.1 mm) was used to measure the FXL, FS, S2S, SXL, SS and F. Tape (Size: 1500mm x 130mm (L*W)) was used to measure the GL. Angular (ф, θ and ψ) measurements were recorded using a large protractor (Model name: Thermo – Protractor and Size 500 × 280mm).

The measuring technique/instruments should comply with the below following requirements, which may be used to measure the eight dimensions (at xz plane). These requirements led to identifying a proper measuring technique/instrument for the motorcycle key.

The requirements of the motorcycle's key dimensional measurements are as follows: All motorcycles are measured in the coordinate system (xz) and maintains a common origin point (0,0), since the general dimensions are provided in motorcycle company websites. The measuring technique/instruments may consider the wheelbase, overall length, overall breadth, overall height, and wheel size as their calibration dimensions (as shown in Figure 4). Most of the motorcycles' maximal volume observed to be 1830mm × 915mm × 1524 mm (L×B×H). Thus, these dimensions must be addressed by the measuring technique/ instruments as the minimal working space. Further, some of the general criteria/ requirements may help a hassle-free field study such as portable, affordable, less time taking for measurements, allows outdoor usage, and high accuracy level (at least 0.1% of mentioned workspace volume). Moreover, these requirements help in the guideline to identify the best suitable measurement technique/ instruments to measure the eight dimensions (at xz plane of motorcycles).

2.2 Design process

Generally, the design process can be classified into three types: (1) originality, (2) adaptive, and (3) variant design process. The selection of a design process depends upon the requirements and the existing products (instruments) in the market. From the market survey, it was observed that none of the available devices were able to fulfill the conditions, which was the demand for the current case of a motorcycle. The adaptive (product) design process, as explained by Meißner and Blessing [36] and Wilmsen et al. [37] was followed for the current study. Depending on the requirements of the current (mentioned in subsection 2) and working principle of earlier development by Chou and Hsiao [38], modularization (modification of specific parts) of the measuring instrument was done during the adaptive design process. Chou and Hsiao [38] used a laser-based instrument to measure the scooter riders' 2D coordinates at 2D (xy) plane. Further, this technique is fulfilling the requirement of the current study. Thus, the principle of design has been inspired by this study for further modification using the adaptive design process to fulfill our current study requirements and satisfy the IS 11432: 2002 completely.

The design is adaptive for developing a laser pointer-based 2D coordinate measuring device, as shown in Figure 5. It consists of 5 major parts: X-axis rails frame, sliding base (X-axis), Rod-stick (as Z-axis), Laser pointer holder, and Laser pointer. The sliding support allows the Z-axis rod-stick to move through the X-axis rail frame. The laser pointer affixed in the laser holder can also move along the Z-axis rod-stick during the measurement. Both rail frame (X-axis) and rod stick (Z-axis) have adhered to rulers.

Figure 5. Working principles of design and its parts

A conceptual model was designed using the CAD model for the further design process following the earlier mentioned working principles. Figure 6 shows the proposed concept, which follows the working as mentioned in earlier principles of the measuring device. Following are the functional descriptions of the proposed measuring device:

  1. The X-axis rail frame (C-section) is to maintain the straight runway path in X-axis. It is 2500 mm long, which can help to measure all the dimensions (including calibration dimensions). 
  2. The support wheel is attached with rod-stick holder and movable along with it. It helps to maintain balance/stability from the rod-stick Z-axis frame's self-weight during measurement and gives us an error-free measure. 
  3. Connector (bolt and nuts) is used in integrating the 2500mm X-axis rail frame. Its helps in portability/foldability of measuring device during outdoor measurement.
  4. Rod-stick holder is used to integrate the rod-stick Z-axis frame and X-axis rails frame for uniform measurement.
  5. Inside connector has been provided to integrate the pieces of rod-stick Z-axis frames. It helps in mobilization of the device during outdoor measurement.
  6. Rod-stick holder frames are pasted with a ruler-tape of 2000mm.
  7. The laser holder supports the movement along with the rod-stick Z-axis frames for the Z-axis measurement. It provides space to grip the laser pointer.  
  8. Laser pointer pen could use for pointing the landmarks during measurements. Since laser beam travels through air medium in a straight line, it has been used to locate the motorcycle's landmark.
  9. A rigid platform has been provided to give stability and a parallel plane is maintained during measurement. This detachable wooden block can be used for platform rigidity.

Figure 6. Proposed measuring device and its main parts

Overall, the proposed concept was able to address all the requirements of the current study. To further fabricate the functional prototype, the bill of material (BOM) was generated for the idea. The concept-cost estimations were calculated based on local shop purchase quotations. The total fabrication cost (GTFC) estimated for the concept was 42 $ (INR 3000).The cost components can be listed as: labor charge,14 $ (INR 1000); material price, 14 $ (INR 1000); and manufacturing cost, 14 $ (INR 1000). The cost estimation for the developed concept was significantly cheaper than other measuring instruments available in the market.

Before prototyping the proposed concept, the finite element analysis (FEA) test was performed using COMSOL 4.3 to identify the deflection caused by the Z-axis rod-stick frame's self-weight and generated errors during the measurement. The material selected for the proposed concept was aluminium (aluminium channels 1000 series). The FEA test discloses that the Z-axis rod stick's self-weight displacement was 0.044 mm in X-direction, and total deflection was 0.144 mm. These displacements were found to be negligible.   

The BOM was prepared using ISO A4 drawing sheets to purchase the materials. An alpha prototype was fabricated in the institute workshop. The developed alpha prototype checked for initial error and calibrations using scales/rulers. A portable bag was made to carry the newly developed measuring device (alpha prototype) for the field study.

2.3 On-field measurement procedure using an in-house fabricated measuring device

A total 23 (standard or economic segment) motorcycle's key dimensions were measured in the motorcycle showrooms (Figure 7). The 23 motorcycles include the popular motorcycle models (as listed in Table 1). Before commencing the data collection i.e. measuring the key dimensions at the xz- plane, a newly developed measuring device was calibrated using know dimensions like (wheelbase, overall length, and overall height).

The key dimensions measured followed a standard operating procedure (SOP). The SOP, Step 1 was to make the center point of the footrest fix at the distance of 1000 mm from the x-axis origin and 350 mm from the z-axis origin. Step 2, involved measuring the calibration dimensions (like overall length, overall height, and wheelbase) as per IS 11432: 2002 instructions. Each calibration dimension was measured twice for better clarification. Following the calibration process, landmarks of the handlebar and seat were located. Further, eight key dimensions (at XZ plane) were measured from the origin. After these measurements, key aspects of the handlebar, seat, fuel tank, and footrest (like FXL, FS, S2S, SXL, SS, GL, F, ф, θ, and ψ) were measured using a large sliding caliper and large protractor. The whole duration of the field measurement for a single motorcycle was approximately 1 hour.

Figure 7. Measurement setup with the new measuring device

3. Results and Discussion

3.1 Accuracy analysis of newly developed measuring device

The newly developed device is used for data collection and to estimate the error of the 23 motorcycles. The data-collection method followed an SOP to measure dimensions. The overall-height, overall-length, and wheelbase dimensions were analyzed using comparative analysis. The dimensions' actual value is the reference from the motorcycle company’s websites. The mentioned measured values noted during the first trial of measurements. The accuracy was assessed through the percentage of relative error (Error%), alterative-reliability (Pearson correlation), and Bland Altman plot. The relative error was calculated between actual and measured dimensions.  The relative error percentage (Error%) estimated using the following Eq. (1).

$Error\%=\frac{ {Actual}- {measured}}{ {Actual}} \times 100$       (1)

where, Actual is the real dimension of the motorcycle's overall length/overall height/wheelbase; Measured is observed dimension of the motorcycle's overall length/overall height/wheelbase using a new device.

Table 1 shows the overall length, overall height, wheelbase of relative error provoked during field measurement. Error% of overall length, overall height, wheelbase was estimated in the range from -0.152% to 0.153%, from -0.297% to 0.287%, from 0% to 0.238%, respectively. Among this error%, overall length error% was found to be relatively lesser than the overall height and wheelbase.

Overall, relative errors estimated at a maximum of 0.5%. This error% of all the dimensions was within the tolerances limit of ±0.5%. Also, the errors of each motorcycle's dimensions estimated to be negotiable and less. 

The comparative analysis was performed between the differences of two measures (existing measurement – newly developed device’s measurement) (as shown in Figure 8) using Bland Altman plot techniques [39]. This plot was drawn using SPSS for overall length (see Figure 8-A), wheelbase (see Figure 8-B), and overall height (see figure 8-C) dimension to evaluate the accuracy of the newly developed device. For the aforesaid plot, the upper bound (UL) and lower bound (LL) was estimated at the confidence intervals of 95%, using mean (M) and standard deviation (SD).      

The Bland Altman plot of overall length shows that only one outlier measurement falls beyond the upper limit and lower limit of the differences. Likewise, in the wheelbase measurements, two outlier measurements were found beyond the lower limit of the difference (of wheelbase measurements). However, in the case of overall height, no outliers were found. Moreover, most of them were within the confidence interval (between upper and lower limits) in Bland Altman plots. Therefore, the dimensions measured by the newly developed device would be reliable and trustworthy.

The alterative-reliability was evaluated through the Pearson correlation coefficient. The coefficient was estimated between the actual measures of overall length/overall height/wheelbase and measurements observed using the new device. The correlation coefficient of overall-length, overall-height, and wheelbase was estimated at 0.999, 0.998, and 0.999, respectively.

Furthermore, this correlation coefficient was within the reliable limit of 0.980. Thus, the new device was found to be reliable. 

Figure 8. Bland Altman plot – (A) overall length; (B) overall height and (C) wheelbase

Further to check the correctness (accuracy) and applicability of the device, general dimensions (overall-length, overall-height, and wheelbase) of 3 scooters (different types of motorcycles) were measured using the newly developed/ fabricated device. The comparative result between the actual and measured dimensions was found within the allowable error-limit (correlation coefficient of 0.980). Moreover, the new device's applicability for measuring the scooters' (other types of motorcycle) dimensions was observed to be easy and hassle-free.

Table 1. Percentage of relative error of new device (Unit: mm; Unless defined)

Models of motorcycles

Overall length

Overall Height

Wheelbase

Actual

Measured

Error%

Actual

Measured

Error%

Actual

Measured

Error%

Baja CT 100

1965

1962

0.153

1072

1075

-0.280

1235

1235

0.000

Pulsar 150

2055

2052

0.146

1170

1175

-0.427

1320

1317

0.227

Discover 150

2030

2031

-0.049

1065

1060

0.469

1305

1305

0.000

XCD 125

1980

1978

0.101

1200

1203

-0.250

1275

1273

0.157

Apache

2080

2078

0.096

1100

1102

-0.182

1303

1303

0.000

Victor

1980

1983

-0.152

1090

1088

0.183

1260

1263

0.238

Phoenix

1985

1985

0.000

1065

1063

0.188

1265

1263

0.158

Star city

1990

1992

-0.101

1010

1013

-0.297

1262

1262

0.000

CD shine

2014

2012

0.099

1071

1069

0.187

1266

1264

0.158

CD livo

2020

2021

-0.050

1099

1097

0.182

1285

1285

0.000

CB 125 shine

2012

2011

0.050

1090

1093

-0.275

1266

1264

0.158

CB unicorn

2092

2092

0.000

1100

1104

-0.364

1336

1336

0.000

Dream yoga

2005

2003

0.100

1095

1093

0.183

1285

1284

0.078

Splendor

1970

1969

0.051

1040

1038

0.192

1230

1230

0.000

Hero glamor

2005

2002

0.150

1070

1068

0.187

1265

1266

0.079

passion pro

1980

1978

0.101

1075

1075

0.000

1235

1235

0.000

ismart

1965

1962

0.153

1095

1093

0.183

1235

1233

0.162

Splendor pro

1970

1967

0.152

1040

1040

0.000

1230

1230

0.000

Dream neo

2009

2007

0.100

1074

1072

0.186

1258

1256

0.159

Optimax 125

2012

2010

0.099

1090

1090

0.000

1266

1266

0.000

HF Deluxe

1965

1962

0.153

1045

1042

0.287

1235

1235

0.000

Honda Hornet

2041

2040

0.049

1067

1067

0.000

1346

1345

0.074

Achiever

2060

2060

0.000

1086

1084

0.184

1290

1293

0.233

Table 2. Raw dimensions of 23 Motorcycle's key dimensions at XZ plane (Unit: mm)

Models of Motorcycles

G’-point

SIP

D-point

X

Z

X

Y

X

Z

Baja CT 100

840

1075

1200

730

1470

890

Pulsar 150

710

1045

1170

830

1380

920

Discover 150

850

1088

1300

870

1550

920

XCD 125

830

1070

1280

880

1480

920

Apache

590

970

1200

900

1320

1100

Victor

810

1070

1490

880

1250

860

Phoenix

770

1120

1280

890

1500

940

Star city

800

1075

1260

870

1440

920

CD shine

760

1070

1250

830

1430

870

CD livo

800

1085

1290

860

1510

910

CB 125 shine

780

1055

1240

830

1430

860

CB unicorn

740

1080

1240

840

1490

890

Dream yoga

770

1075

1240

890

1450

940

Splendor

800

1030

1260

810

1470

860

Hero glamor

770

1118

1240

860

1450

930

passion pro

820

1060

1170

890

1390

910

ismart

760

1095

1210

860

1390

930

Splendor pro

790

1065

1190

850

1420

890

Dream neo

770

1075

1240

890

1450

940

Optimax 125

780

1055

1240

830

1430

860

HF Deluxe

800

1030

1260

810

1470

860

Honda Hornet

560

1030

1050

840

1305

920

Achiever

800

1085

1290

860

1510

910

3.2 Descriptive analysis of key dimensions 

23 Motorcycle's key dimensions at the xz plane were presented in Table 2. Further, it was analyzed using IBM SPSS 24.0. The descriptive statistics have been shown through the mean, standard deviation (SD), maximum, and minimum for each motorcycle’s key dimension. Table 3 presents the descriptive statistics of key dimensions of among all the 23 motorcycles

The measured variations of G'- points for the handle (left/right) were found to be 560 to 990 mm for forward/backward direction, 970 to 1155 mm for the vertical direction, and 690 to 770 mm for In-between distance of Handlebar (G). The variations of In-between distance of footrests (F) were found to be 540 to 590 mm. The measured variation of coordinate points for the seat's D-point was found to be 1250 to 1550 mm for forward/ backward direction, 860 to 1100 mm for the vertical direction. Regarding SIP-point of the seat, 1050 to 1490 mm for forward/ backward direction, 730 to 900 mm for the vertical direction.

The 23 standard motorcycle models having the following seat dimensions of front width (SS) (mean: 160 mm; SD: ± 20 mm), narrowest width (SXL) (mean: 210 mm; SD: ± 20 mm), the distance between the front width and smallest width (S2S) (mean: 150 mm; SD: ± 20 mm) and the greatest length (GL) (mean: 360 mm; SD: ± 22 mm). The minimum and maximum fuel tank breadths were found between 130 and 250 mm and from 280 to 420 mm, respectively. The size of the Fuel tank length was a range from 340 to 520 mm. The mean (M) and SD of handlebar angles were measured as ф is M: 3° (SD: 2); ψ is M: 7° (SD: 3); θ is 20° (SD: 5).      

Most of the dimensional variations were recorded to be very minimal. The maximum SD was found in SIP_X (seat dimension). However, all the observations were in-line with existing standards [31, 33].

The study has few limitations that the overall relative error of the newly designed instrument is estimated as a maximum of 0.5% (±1mm) in comparison to FaroArm, (2019) [23] and CMM [19] where the accuracies are 0.05% (±0.1mm) and 0.001% (±0.01mm), respectively. However, the new device's accuracy is good enough for measuring larger dimensions of a motorcycle or its components.

Table 3. Descriptive statistics of the motorcycle key dimensions (Unit: mm; unless specified)

Key dimensions

Minimum

Maximum

Mean

SD

Handlebar_X

560

850

770

69

Handlebar_Z

970

1120

1066

32

SIP_X

105

1490

1243

76

SIP_Z

730

900

852

38

D-point_X

1250

1550

1434

71

D-point_Z

860

1100

911

50

Handlebar_ф (Unit: °)

0

8

3

2

Fuel tank length

340

520

447

53

Maximum fuel tank breadth (FXL)

280

420

332

35

Minimum fuel tank breadth (FS)

130

250

188

31

Distance between front width and narrow width (S2S)

110

180

150

20

Narrowest width (SXL)

190

230

214

13

Greatest length of seat (GL)

310

410

358

22

Front width of seat (SS)

140

190

162

15

In-between distance of footrests (F)

540

590

566

20

In-between distance of Handlebar (G)

690

770

732

24

Handlebar angle at Front Plane (ψ) (Unit: °)

10

11

7

3

Handlebar angle at Top Plane (θ) (Unit: °)

25

15

20

5

Note: G’-point at handlebar; SIP and D-point at seat. During these measurements, footrest fix at the distance of 1000 mm from the x-axis origin and 350 mm from the z-axis origin

4. Conclusion

The laser pointer based measuring device designed in the present research was light-weight (main structure made up of aluminum, 7kg), with easy assemble/ dismantle feature (sliding channel, clamp and nut-bolt mechanism), low cost (estimated INR 3000), and capable of measuring the key dimensions within the volume of 1830mm × 915mm × 1524 mm (length x. breadth x height). The maximum values of relative errors were found to be 0.153% for overall length, 0.287% for overall-height, and 0.238% for the wheelbase. Bland Altman plot and Pearson correlation coefficient results were found to be reliable.

It is expected that the measured database on dimensional variability of key dimensions of the three main contact points of the human-motorcycle interface would be useful for deciding the dimensions of the motorcycle simulator and many other similar applications.

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and research under the Design Innovation Centre (DIC) project. The authors would like to thank all the motorcycle-showrooms’ owners who allowed to perform the measurement survey.

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