Sensibilization of a motorcycle simulator to the effects of the roll motion: Modelling and experimental validation

Correctly reproducing the roll effects to obtain a realistic riding experience is still an open issue in motorcycle simulators. This goal becomes more challenging if the motorcycle simulator uses a car dynamic model, such as the simulator of the MOVING. This study has defined a control logic integrated with the pre-existing model to reproduce the effects of the mockup passive inclination. Following research regarding roll effects on motorcycle riding, the control logic for the roll of the simulator has been developed, based on the production of a roll contribution added to the steering torque applied on the handlebar. This strategy has been adopted by observing that both steering torque and roll produce a variation of the radius of curvature. An inertial platform measured the inclination of the simulator mockup. A validation test with participants revealed improvements over the previous model, especially in stationary and medium-high speed maneuvers. Riders inadvertently adjusted the mockup's mean roll as the simulator model's roll sensitivity changed. Although the logic was optimized only for stationary maneuvers, the results show a good level of realism achieved by the simulator also during transients. This simple and effective logic opens the way for new methodologies to improve the rolling behavior realism of motorcycle simulators, encouraging their development and diffusion.