LocostUSA.com

Learning how to build Lotus Seven replicas...together!
It is currently March 28, 2024, 3:57 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 14 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 8, 2017, 10:02 am 
Offline

Joined: March 8, 2017, 9:38 am
Posts: 2
Hi y'all! Yes, I'm new. No, I'm not a kid. Yes, I have lots of tools, just no welding stuff...

Problem: I'm an old biker that loves to ride big bikes. I currently ride a '07 Vulcan Nomad 1600 with Cobra pipes. Love it. but... my wife doesn't. Now that I'm... gulp... approaching 50 (couple years out), my wife is loudly hinting that I should get off the bike. My butt says no to that Idea, and so does my lengthy commute of 45 min every morning, longer if I take the car.

In Houston, the HOV (cars with 2+) lanes allow bikers. The Fed Gov't says if it has less than 4 wheels, it's a bike, thus, If I build/buy a trike, I still ride the HOV lane, and solve a lot of problems... so.. since I like to tinker, but don't have a full-on welding rig, I am considering a reverse trike kit with a donor engine... better, I reverse trike kit that I can add a VW Type 1 Beetle engine to.

I've looked and looked, and searched and searched, and I'm not getting anywhere... does ANYONE have any info that would help?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 8, 2017, 10:53 am 
Offline

Joined: February 8, 2014, 10:47 pm
Posts: 781
Location: Cornelius OR
http://reversetrike.com/home.html

_________________
Honey anyone?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 8, 2017, 2:14 pm 
Offline

Joined: March 8, 2017, 9:38 am
Posts: 2
None of the links are working towards the bottom of the page.. is there an updated site? There is a link for Reverse Trike Kits... that's what I would zero in on if I can find info...


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 8, 2017, 2:25 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: April 12, 2012, 11:56 am
Posts: 662
Location: Pemberton, BC
I don't recall ever seeing a Reverse Trike kit; there are some Morgan 3 wheeler types available in the UK, but I don't think they are available in North America. I was going to scratch build a Morgan, but I changed my plan, and now I'm building a sidecar. I keep hearing your comments more often, and at least to me, it appears that sidecars are experiencing a resurgence, due to that. There are some commercial vendors and links that may be of interest.
http://advrider.com/index.php?forums/hacks.56/
http://www.dmcsidecars.com/
http://www.freedomsidecars.com/
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/m ... d.1184845/

_________________
Martin


My build log:
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=14520&start=0
My build video:
https://vimeo.com/143524140 password "matovid"


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 10, 2017, 6:11 pm 
Offline

Joined: October 8, 2008, 12:22 pm
Posts: 199
Location: Austin Texas
I hope this helps:
http://www.blackjackzero.com/mainindex.htm

Something with the CG strongly biased towards the two-wheeled end is good. If you're doing that with the so-called tadpole layout I think front wheel drive makes sense. If you like to do cookies you will have to do them in reverse though :-).

I suppose a Can-am Spyder is a store-bought possibility, but I would rather sit in, rather than on a non-tilting vehicle.

Should we assume that you don't like the looks of a Polaris Slingshot? I think with traditional styling that would be a pretty great vehicle, but I sure don't like their current styling.

Dean


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 11, 2017, 1:34 pm 
Offline

Joined: February 8, 2014, 10:47 pm
Posts: 781
Location: Cornelius OR
http://www.3wheelers.com/enter.html

http://www.blackjackzero.com/mainindex.htm

https://campagnamotors.com

http://www.vortexplans.com

http://www.rqriley.com

http://www.grinnallcars.com

http://www.indycycle.net

http://www.pembleton.co.uk

http://www.exosportscars.co.uk/exo.html

_________________
Honey anyone?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 30, 2017, 11:50 am 
Offline

Joined: September 20, 2011, 7:21 am
Posts: 112
https://www.facebook.com/ztrfactory/?fref=ts


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 30, 2017, 9:03 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: January 2, 2009, 1:45 pm
Posts: 1318
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Rorty hammerhead Trike? https://rorty.net/hammerhead-trike

OK, it's a plan, not a kit ....

_________________
Warren
Isuzu Pickup/SR20DE, +401 COLD frame
Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=11601


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 31, 2017, 1:04 pm 
Offline

Joined: February 8, 2014, 10:47 pm
Posts: 781
Location: Cornelius OR
KinFung wrote:
https://www.facebook.com/ztrfactory/?fref=ts


16hp??!! I don't think I have any interest at all.

And without a USA dealer there isn't a chance I'd give 'em a penny.

Do you know that when you try to return defective merchandise to China they charge you an import duty?

_________________
Honey anyone?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: March 31, 2017, 1:16 pm 
Offline

Joined: February 8, 2014, 10:47 pm
Posts: 781
Location: Cornelius OR
Warren Nethercote wrote:
Rorty hammerhead Trike? https://rorty.net/hammerhead-trike

OK, it's a plan, not a kit ....


The plans don't take into account that these machines are capable of producing over (or very close to) 1.0G on a skid pad.

That design with the riders mass well above the CG (unloaded) will tip over (or spit the rider off) near as easy as the original 3 wheel ATV.

To fully take advantage of a reverse trike design the majority of the occupant(s) mass should be located as low as practical.

This is why Crossbow or Slingshot = good and Spyder is bad

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2008-brp-can-am-spyder-roadster-mini-test-road-test
Look at the picture even, the rider is struggling to stay on the machine and it is about to lift the inside tire.
And weak skid pad results due to the riders "on top" location.

_________________
Honey anyone?


Last edited by Bent Wrench on April 2, 2017, 11:43 am, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: April 2, 2017, 10:16 am 
Offline

Joined: May 14, 2011, 9:04 am
Posts: 37
My two cents. A while back I did some research on this. My inspiration was the Trihawk. http://www.3wheelers.com/trihawk.html Google will reveal any number of sites with it.
My plan was to use VW Bug parts. Interesting trivia is that the early VW Rabbit used the same inner CV's as the bug IRS transmission. (Black Jack). Using two right side axles And the Rabbit uprights and possibly the rack.
I did get as far as mocking up one side of this set up, but for any number of reasons I lost interest but never forgot it. I was thinking of selling plans and by special order the chassis for those with no welding capabilities.
Once in a while I play with the design and also realized that by using a Subaru four cylinder drive line, uprights and axles it could possibly be simpler.
There is an obscure kit which looks like a 7 with a motorcycle engine rotated 90 degrees driving the rear wheel. That would be the same set up as the Polaris Slingshot.
Technically any FWD drive train could be used but coming up with a decent looking body poses some styling challenges. In fact I have seen a Honda civic that the roof was removed and the rear narrowed for the single wheel.
Tony


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: April 2, 2017, 12:31 pm 
Offline

Joined: February 8, 2014, 10:47 pm
Posts: 781
Location: Cornelius OR
I have driven a Tri Hawk, miserably under powered, but nimble and you did not have to slow down for corners.
It would go around a corner as fast as you dared, I was not able to find the limit. It was not mine so I did not push it hard.

I have often pondered which drive method is best.

It seems that the rear wheel driven design is more likely to break traction in the rear.
This leads to sliding it around a corner using the throttle to steer.
I don't think this is as fast as FWD but more fun.

FWD driving (that I have experienced) is way different and requires lots of balls turning in and patience before bringing up the power.
You can't put a rear sway bar on a 3 wheeler to tune the push.
Rear tire size and inflation and chassis roll control by weight placement.

I think you are on the right track looking at FWD. A Subaru would be the logical go to because pancake motor (and easy EFI)(turbo)
An upright motor will spoil the drivers field of vision, A Subi trans might even last with the weight reduction!
But since all of the suspension needs to be custom you could even use a Porsche flat 6, flip the ring gear in the trans turn the trans over or use a middy trans.
A Subi has the added weight of water cooling but I think the drive package is shorter from balancer to axle centerline.
You could put the radiator in the back for balance.

The rabbit uses struts and spins the strut body with a rear mounted rack.
Struts sticking up would totally spoil the front of the car body wise and the drivers field of view.
The TriHawk uses coil over shocks and is actually a front steer with a rack, looks like the arms curve up and forward from the upper ball joint area.

_________________
Honey anyone?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: April 8, 2017, 10:52 am 
Offline

Joined: September 20, 2011, 7:21 am
Posts: 112
Bent Wrench wrote:
KinFung wrote:
https://www.facebook.com/ztrfactory/?fref=ts


16hp??!! I don't think I have any interest at all.

And without a USA dealer there isn't a chance I'd give 'em a penny.

Do you know that when you try to return defective merchandise to China they charge you an import duty?

because u can't get a high power cycle engine legally in China
but they designed it for u to engine swap, the chassis & chain have enough strength to support more then 1000cc cycle engine.

I misunderstanding that u just want a chassis for your own build :roll:


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Reverse Trike Kits?
PostPosted: May 17, 2017, 1:48 pm 
Offline

Joined: August 12, 2012, 6:38 pm
Posts: 1937
Location: worcester county, Massachsetts
hi. Go to my build thread (link in my signature), read it from the begining if you like. ask me any questions you like.

Attachment:
IMG950511.jpg


I've put over 12,500 miles on vehicle in the picture, since about 3/2014 (when that pic was taken, its quite a bit more dirty/ratty now, that nature has taken it's course, and cleaning it is work) , I commute in it (drove it to work today in fact), take it on vacations, run errands with it, etc...basically I treat it like any other vehicle I've had since I began driving cars and riding motorcycles, legally, on the street (1971 and 1975 respectively).

I have a lot of practical experience in the daily use and dynamics of living with a 2 seat side-by-side rear-drive reverse trike. I'll gladly share what I know and have learned it the B-3's design, build and operation. Go check it out and ask away.

Oh, and you're not even 50 yet? Get off my damn lawn, you pup.


You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

_________________
The B-3 build log: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=13941 unfortunately, all the pictures were lost in the massive server crash

The beginnings of the Jag Special,
https://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=19012
Again, all pictures were lost.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 14 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Jump to:  
POWERED_BY