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;    a first support extending upward from a first end of said clamp tube and supporting a first shaft, said first shaft defining a first pivot axis spaced above and generally perpendicular to said handlebar axis;    a second support extending upward from a second end of said clamp tube and supporting a second shaft, said second shaft defining a second pivot axis spaced above and generally perpendicular to said handlebar axis;    an elongated, first handgrip portion, said first handgrip portion being pivotally supported on said first shaft and extending outwardly from said first support, said first handgrip portion being substantially constrained to vertical, arcuate movement about said first pivot axis;    an elongated, second handgrip portion, said second handgrip portion being pivotally supported on said second shaft and extending outwardly from said second support, said second handgrip portion being substantially constrained to vertical, arcuate movement about said second pivot axis;    a first shock absorber positioned between said first support and said first handgrip portion to provide a force resisting downward movement of said first handgrip portion; and    a second shock absorber positioned between said second support and said second handgrip portion to provide a force resisting downward movement of said second handgrip portion.    
   
   
       2 . The handlebar assembly of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a crossbar extending from said first support to said second support.  
   
   
       3 . The handlebar assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said crossbar extends substantially from said first pivot axis to said second pivot axis.  
   
   
       4 . The handlebar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first pivot axis and said second pivot axis are spaced above said handlebar axis.  
   
   
       5 . The handlebar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first shock absorber is positioned substantially between said first pivot axis and said handlebar axis and said second shock absorber is positioned substantially between said second pivot axis and said handlebar axis.  
   
   
       6 . The handlebar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second shock absorbers comprise an elastomeric material.  
   
   
       7 . The handlebar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second shock absorbers bias said first and second handgrip portions, respectively, into a relaxed position relative to said clamp tube, said first and second pivot assemblies being configured to permit adjustment of said relaxed position of said first and second handgrip portions.  
   
   
       8 . The handlebar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first pivot axis is spaced between about six and twelve inches from said second pivot axis.