Three-Wheel Think Tank

[Smurf]

Everyone has seen the TRex motorcycle/car contraption that is designed for rappers and athletes to show off.

And many of us have seen the 1000cc+ home built trikes as well.


But in all my searching, I've barely found any builds that focus on fuel efficiency. Why must they use tire-melting power in these machines? Wouldn't it be great to build something safe, stylish, cheap, and gets 50+ mpg?

So, that encouraged me to start this thread as an overall "think tank" on different designs, concepts, philosophies, etc. I looked at every 3-wheel thread on Ecomodder, and the closest to what I'm thinking of was only a few posts long.

With all the different ways to do this, it'd be nice to get a consensus on which is the 'best route' to take. A Metro drivetrain with a static rear wheel? A 250cc/500cc motorcycle grafted into the back of a sandrail frame? With a VW beam, or donor a-arm setup? One person? Two people? Side by side, or in-line seating? It's easy to get lost in all the different options

Anyone interested, or previously kicked the idea around?

[Patrick]

Dynamic Stability of Three-Wheeled Vehicles in Automotive-Type Applications

XR3 Hybrid Personal Transit Vehicle: A 125 mpg Plug-In Hybrid Three Wheeler You Build From Plans

Tri-Magnum: Excitement on Three Wheels

http://www.rqriley.com/tm.html

http://www.rqriley.com/u-trike.htm

http://www.commutercars.com/download...chineStudy.pdf

[Smurf]

RQ Riley's site is always a great resource. But I view his projects as the Ferrari's of the field, because his designs are very advanced for its time.

But the UrbaTrike reminded me of another dilemma. Electric drive? It definitely helps with the cG having the batteries between the front wheels, but you limit your vehicle to in-town use only. The UrbaTrike is with two rear wheels, I think two up front is the way to go.

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by Smurf

. . . I think two up front is the way to go.

I agree. I would also go side-by-side. Here's another variation (could use a lot of aero cleanup!): Popular Science - Google Books

[Patrick]

Have you seen Aerohead's Mini Hypercar? It uses a motorcycle for the back wheel and drive and a VW Bug front end:

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Other vehicles 2 - Picture

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Other vehicles 2 - Picture

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Other vehicles 2 - Picture

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Other vehicles 2 - Picture

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Other vehicles 2 - Picture

Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Album: Other vehicles 2 - Picture

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I always got some interest in tricycles. I'd rather get a traditional one for leisure.


But those reverse-trikes such as the T-Rex and the Can-Am Spyder, are a good base for a hypermiling-oriented project. Also due to the absence of a differential they have a fairly easy maintenance and less technical complexity. Considering power and torque ratings I'd consider a BMW motorcycle flat-twin with its shaft drive as the best setup, since some models have the reverse "gear" all-electric, which could be a good start for a hybrid project...

[Michael Moore]

Here's the patent document for the Calleja system for a moto three wheeler:

http://www.eurospares.com/graphics/c...aUS5611555.pdf

cheers,
Michael

[sheepdog 44]

Pulse Autocycle. Best by far.

[Smurf]

Aerohead's car reminds me a lot of Dick Kincheloe's Raptor, the 2nd pic in the original post. Here's the Raptor with some more of the body done:



I'm thinking tube-frame chassis, 1.5". The way Aerohead has his VW beam looks like it's almost under the driver's knees, which would keep the weight over the wheels. Just a matter of connecting the steering at that point.

Another idea was getting a Warrior type sandrail frame

and moving a couple of the rear crossbars around to secure a motorcycle. Considering the Warrior has a 95" wheelbase, you're looking at about 7' in front of the bike, so ~11' overall. Bonus, the Warrior is $399. I was thinking cutting foam down to squeeze between the rails, fiberglass over it all. That should keep the weight down, right?

Perhaps a 250cc bike?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Smurf

Perhaps a 250cc bike?

Not a bad option at all. There are even some Chinese-made 2-seater sandrails fitted with 250cc bike engines. But I'd rather use a slightly bigger engine revving a little lower.