Exhaust gas control means for motorcycle and the like

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A first feature of the invention is adapted to be embodied in an internal combustion engine that is comprised of a crankcase defined by a crankcase housing.
The engine has a plurality of exhaust ports that are formed in a side of the engine and a plurality of exhaust pipes extend from the exhaust ports downwardly and pass beneath the crankcase housing.
Valve means are provided in the exhaust pipes for controlling the flow therethrough.
This valve means lies beneath the crankcase housing and in accordance with this feature of the invention, a recess is formed in the crankcase housing through which at least a portion of the valve means and exhaust pipes pass.
Another feature of this invention is adapted to be embodied in a control valve arrangement for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine of the type described in the preceding paragraph.
In accordance with this feature of the invention, the valve means is comprised of an outer housing having at least an upper and a lower vertically spaced exhaust passage in which a valve element is positioned.
The valve elements are supported upon respective rotatably supported valve shafts.
In accordance with this feature of the invention, a control device rotatably positions the lowermost valve shaft and a motion transmitting means transmits motion from the lowermost shaft to the uppermost shaft so that the valves will be operated in unison.
Yet a further feature of the invention is adapted to be embodied in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine with a plurality of exhaust ports from which exhaust pipes extend downwardly and pass beneath the engine.
Valve means are provided in the exhaust pipes for controlling the flow therethrough and a skid plate is positioned beneath the valve means for protecting the valve means.