FORUM8 has added a motorcycle simulator to experience riding motorcycle (MT/AT) in UC-win/Road VR environment to our automobile simulator lineup. This simulator can be utilized for various scenes such as driving school and R&D. In this topic, we will introduce the details of the motorcycle simulator and the motorcycle model used in UC-win/Road.

Fig.1 Exterior view of the simulator

Steering, Switches, Levers, and Instruments

Figure 2 shows the arrangement of levers and switches around the steering of the simulator. The steering, switches, pedals, and levers are made of real motorcycle parts, allowing motorcycle riding simulation in UC-win/Road's VR space by operations just like the real motorcycle.

Fig.2 Steering

The steering is motor-controlled and generates a reaction force according to the traveling speed and steering operation. Parameter of reaction force can be edited.

The simulator is equipped with an 8.9-inch LED monitor that displays instruments such as speedometer, tachometer, and neutral lamp, etc.

Fig.3 Instrumental panel

Motorcycle Model in UC-win/Road

As for the motorcycle model in UC-win/Road, each parameter of the vehicle dynamics can be changed in the same way as that of car model.

Driving performance can be adjusted by setting the center of gravity, wheelbase, and maximum steering wheel angle as shown in Figure 4.

Fig.4 Input parameters

It is possible to change the torque value for each engine speed and the gear ratio of the transmission according to the model and displacement of the motorcycle. Figure 5 shows the gear ratio setting screen.

Fig.5 Gear ratio setting screen

Leaning

The simulator body can be leaned by 7 degree to both left and right. The steering value changes by tilting the simulator body, allowing the car to turn the curve just like a real car (self-steering) when driving curves in UC-win/Road. In addition, the simulator's internal motor control generates a restoring force, which is a force to return the car to the neutral position, by accelerating from the tilted state.

Fig.6 Leaning

Switch Manual Motorcycle and Automatic Motorcycle

The simulator can be switched between the automatic motorcycle and manual motorcycle easily. Users can remove and replace the seat, remove and attach the footrest, and adjust the grip hardness of the left lever (which works as the clutch lever in the manual motorcycle mode and as the rear brake in the automatic motorcycle mode).