engineering study of three wheelers

[Frank Lee]

I'd say that's debateable.

It depends on whether the trike in question is subject to greater accel or decel forces. Of course the normal street machine is subject to greater decel forces and so I agree the tadpole is more stable, more often. Something like the Vigillante, though, seems to do quite well with the delta style: http://www.vigillante.com/vigillante1.htm

[cfg83]

Frank -

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I'd say that's debateable.

It depends on whether the trike in question is subject to greater accel or decel forces. Of course the normal street machine is subject to greater decel forces and so I agree the tadpole is more stable, more often. Something like the Vigillante, though, seems to do quite well with the delta style: http://www.vigillante.com/vigillante1.htm

My friend just posted this one that is very stable because it does the "motorcycle-slant" thang :

http://www.carver-worldwide.com


But, they're pricey. It took me awhile, but it looks like they go for around $40K+ USED :

http://www.carver-worldwide.com/UplF...2008124741.pdf

CarloSW2

[elhigh]

10 seconds to 60 was pretty quick in 1982.

For a modern version, check out the Lomax - there's both 4- and 3-wheeler versions out there. It starts from a Citroen 2CV chassis; for the 3 you remove one rear wheel and its swingarm, and turn the other swingarm over so it's facing inward. Funny but effective.

There was also the HMV Freeway, built in Burnsville MN. It was powered by a Tecumseh rider mower engine and could deliver 100mpg. Tandem two-seater. I'd like having one of those.

[DAN]

i was sure that the the three wheeler tested had a Citroen 2CV power unit. a 850 flat twin. they were sold in the us but fed. standards stopped Citroen here way back when. i hear that Canada is full of them, more or less. it was a very good sub vw bug car/truck. like a very, very plain suv. the bike testers said it was not fast on pickup. but it cornered as fast as any sports car. they loved it. its worth reading. back in the mid 60's( i think) think popular mechanics made a three wheeler with plans to short trip. it had some kind of a big lawn mower motor. it was short, high, and had the passengers way up front. i worud sit in a electric chair before i'd drive it far. three wheelers are light. but for going around corners and have places to put stuff, four is the way to go. right now i'd like to make a tube framed 850 or 1000 car with the motor in the back for street use. like a mini hot rod or sand buggy.