Motorcycle handlebar with shock absorber

Abstract

A handlebar assembly including a pair of handgrip portions extending outwardly from a mounting portion and configured for generally vertical, arcuate movement relative to the mounting portion. One or more shock absorbing arrangements may be provided to produce a force tending to resist downward movement of the handgrip portions. Desirably, the handgrip portions are adjustable in height relative to the mounting portion.

1 . A motorcycle handlebar assembly, comprising: 
 a clamp tube defining a handlebar axis, said clamp tube being sized and shaped to be secured to a motorcycle by a handlebar clamp arrangement;    an elongated, first handgrip portion, said first handgrip portion being pivotally connected to said clamp tube at a first pivot assembly and extending outwardly from said clamp tube, said first pivot assembly substantially constraining movement of said first handgrip portion to vertical, arcuate movement about a first pivot axis generally perpendicular to said handlebar axis, said first pivot axis being spaced above said handlebar axis;    an elongated, second handgrip portion, said second handgrip portion being pivotally connected to said clamp tube at a second pivot assembly and extending outwardly from said clamp tube, said second pivot assembly substantially constraining movement of said second handgrip portion to vertical, arcuate movement about a second pivot axis generally perpendicular to said handlebar axis, said second pivot axis being spaced above said handlebar axis;    a first stop and a second stop, said first stop being configured to limit upward movement of said first handgrip portion and said second stop being configured to limit upward movement of said second handgrip portion; and    at least one shock absorber configured to provide a force resisting downward movement of said first and second handgrip portions.    
   
   
       2 - 39 . (canceled)