A power transmission mechanism of a motorcycle includes a drive case which
is disposed at the rear end of and outside of a rear swing arm, and which
surrounds the axle of a rear wheel and incorporates a transmission
device. In addition, the power transmission mechanism includes a drive
shaft extending from an output shaft of an engine for transmitting power
of the drive shaft to the rear wheel. The transmission device converts
the direction of a driving force of the drive shaft and transmits it to
the rear wheel. The drive shaft constituting part of the power
transmission mechanism is disposed below the rear swing arm and the pivot
shaft. The result is a motorcycle configuration that suppresses the
vehicle width without expanding the rear swing arm.