Take that, Piaggio MP3! While some three-wheelers offer motorcycle-like handling (i.e. corner leaning), they still fall a bit short when the throttle is twisted.
But there’s now a three-wheeler that no one is likely to call under-powered!
Tilting Motor
Works of Stanwood, Wash., wanted to produce a faster and more stable
motorcycle – and to make sure the results wouldn’t be boring, they based their project around a Yamaha V-Max.
The prototype tilter front-end add-on uses Works Performance
shocks with the two front wheels fitted with Buell perimeter style brakes, which – according to company owner Bob Mighell – makes braking action extremely good.
The V-Max’s forks have been replaced with non-collapsing tubes, which transfer the steering action but no longer serve as stressed members since the two front wheels now attach to the bike’s frame at a lower point.
The Washington state company is still figuring out some of the engineering niceties, but plans to offer in-house conversions in 2008 – most likely for some large cruisers as well as the Max. Costs will be comparable to other trike kits, says Mighell.
For a look at some video action of the Max tilter in action, see www.tiltingmotorworks.com.
LOL – that is just SO wrong I might do it.
WartHog
I’m gonna send this one to Warthog …
Good point, TK4, but in the last couple of seasons I ‘ve met some former r iderswho’ve had to give up riding due to inj ury or disability thatmakes it difficult to balance a bike at a standstill. For them a trike that leans might be a viable alternative to regular bikes.
WHY???? Isn’t there enough madness on this little planet?
The first V-Max in history that actually handles!!!
Could someone please explain to me (again) why we need tricycles ???