Please don't kill me; Trike a Monster

[Dietrich]

Just to throw into the mix....

I definitely prefer the "tadpole" configuration.  I've owned a Tri-Magnum scratch built 3 wheeled vehicle that used two wheels up front, and it was a kick to drive.  As mentioned above, any kind of performance riding would be best with two wheels up front. 

That said....  My dad has been building trikes for years, two wheels in the back.  He now has a small custom Harley shop in Anchorage, AK and is a dealer for a few trike conversion kit manufacturers for those bikes.  Some guys even convert their bikes to trikes for the winter, stud the tires, and ride on ice and snow, then back to two wheels for summer.  There are also plenty of conversions you see running around for Goldwings, etc.  They can be stable for cruising/touring type riding.  Just don't expect to go around corners very fast.  They are not going to topple over just riding around, but will need some extra care, and you can't push them with sporty riding.  Wheelies would be fun though! 

[EvilSteve]

You *really* want the 2-1 setup if you're going for a 3 wheeler as people mentioned already.

As far as 1-2 being ok for straight roads, I'd suggest that in an emergency situation, you'd definitely want the 2-1 configuration as emergency braking and swerving in traffic could result in issues given the inherent instability in the 1-3 config.

I'd be happy if no one ever made a 1-3 trike again.

[orenjimonster]

can i kill you?

[Dietrich]

Fun with sidecars:
http://anunciautos.com.br/blog/2009/09/side-cars-para-motos-todos-modelos-imaginaveis-e-inimaginaveis/

[hypurone]

Shorts,

FWIW, I was talking with a gal riding a Can-Am one day at our gas/coffee stop. She said the steering effort was VERY high on it. Worse at slower speeds obviously but effort filled all the time. She liked it a lot cuz she wasn't confident on a bike for various reasons but stated the steering was a bummer for her. I would see this translating to all platforms similar to the Can-Am. I would highly suggest a test ride if you think about going down that road (pun intended  )...

YMMV...

[Shorts]

lol  Thanks guys.


I'm PMing a couple Can Am riders to get their perspective on it.  I've received one reply so far.  She loved it.  She did state it rode like 4wheeler, and it was smooth and fun.  Also her entry into being on the road in traffic as she's now moved to a bike.  She didn't own it long because it was in the shop a lot and the dealer support was poor.  I know bugs are almost given in an new model making a debut.  Something to bear in mind but not harp on.

I'm familiar with riding 4wheelers and I can see how the low speed/no speed sort of maneuvering can take a bit more effort.  Dad taught me the key to get easy turning is to have the machine moving even just a little bit.  Every time  try otherwise, especially one-armed, there's a difference.




Oh, the truck just picked up my SV.  I'm not sure what I'm feeling about it, a mix of thoughts though.  Part of me says 'what a waste'.  Another is a bit relieved, like after you go to funeral and things are 'ok'.  A tiny voice still questions if I should be doing this (motorcycles).  Another says 'let's go look at bikes!'  <sigh>  Still got to work the bugs out.  All in good time I hope.

[junior varsity]

2-1 has far better stopping ability as well.

[Raux]

The Brudeli-style is the way to go in my opinion.

It will give the lean experience of true 2-wheel riding while giving the security of the 3rd wheel.

[DCXCV]

2-1 has far better stopping ability as well.

Excellent point. And, as others have pointed out, the emergency situation is the one to prepare for rather than the long straight road situation.  In that case the 2-1 is a better idea by far and in the straight road situation they're a wash. 

Braking hard and steering away from an obstacle and hard fast curves are where the 1-2 fails miserably.

[junior varsity]

Also turning period on down hills, it just rolls over crushing whoever was riding it. At least, that's pretty much why you can't buy an offroad (or even on-road) one anymore, and would have to build it yourself.

[Shorts]

I just ran to the post office and I ended swinging by the dealership.  Had a used S2R 1000.  Not the one I was expecting to see, they had just sold the 800.  But I climbed around on it no less.

That added nothing relevant to the  conversation.  Just wanted to say I sat on it and liked it as soon as I stood it up off the stand.  



I like the Brudeli design better than the Can Am.  And not particularly for the lean capability, but that it is not as bulky as the Can Am seems to be.  

Now I'm probably asking a really dumb question, especially to you engineers (I'm a jock, BS Health and Fitness  ) but how does the Brudeli stay upright when it's stopped but still retains he ability to lean?  

[junior varsity]

Without looking at it closely, I would assume its done by the springing.

[Speeddog]

My guess is there's a locking pin feature, much like a steering lock.

[Raux]

i took a close look at the front suspension. there are 3 springs up front i think. 2 for the independent suspension and one to center the lean

[Shorts]

I'd be up for a sporty 2-1 front end.  I like how that quad in the earlier pics stands. It just looks nimble and uncluttered.  Doesn't look big and heavy.

I just realized I'm basing things off looks and I didn't think I was this shallow.