The Kawasaki-powered T-Rex is the fastest 3-wheeler in the world (157 mph) and Fifth Gear star, Tiff, takes it for a spin in some pretty harsh conditions. You don’t see a 3.5 seconds trike with a steering wheel being driven like that every day.
Freshly unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show is the entirely new HYmotion3 Compressor concept by Peugeot. A three-wheel tilting trike which features combined characteristics of a car and a scooter, the concept benefits of late Peugeot ‘HYmotion’ technology involving simultaneous powering of a petrol engine and two electric ones.
Featuring two seats and three wheels, the all-new vehicle powers the rear wheel with a 125cc, supercharged petrol engine developing 20 bhp. That only could have decently powered the Peugeot (and it actually can when selecting petrol only engine mode), but in that case it wouldn’t have been called a hybrid. So it gets two equally powerful (3kW) electric motors for each front wheel, quality that makes electric-only mode possible.
As you already suppose, the Peugeot is a highly efficient fuel economic trike, and you haven’t even heard the best of it yet. It actually features start/stop system which offers significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in urban and stop-and-go traffic. Still, performance isn’t that bad as it needs 11.2 seconds to hit 60 mph while a quarter of a mile will require 17.6 seconds.
Because the HYmotion3 features roll-over protection, designers made sure that wind protection and that of the elements won’t become things to worry about so a screen/roof was added, making the trike worthy of being ridden by people wearing expensive suits rather than leather jackets.
Peugeot’s master plan also includes parallelogram type front suspension, which allows the front wheels to tilt, anti-lock brakes and a regenerative braking system which charges the batteries of the front electric engines. Life on board will also be made easier by the rearview camera and ride-by-wire controls.
The way I see it, Peugeot is most likely to stay keen on this project as there is a continuous increase of commuter vehicles and I wouldn’t be surprised if it will head to the production line in a couple of years.
If you plan on going at the Intermot it is strongly recommended that you don’t miss stand E-021 in hall 9.1. There, you can get a glance on the leaning trike made in Norway by Brudeli Tech. It is called Leanster (obviously) 645L and it combines the racing abilities of a cart with the excitement of a motorcycle-like riding position and controls. Press release after the break. Full story
Strange motorcycles are the salt and pepper of this industry so a compilation of these rule-braking machines are the very best thing for each one of you. Either you’re into skulls or into complete comfort when riding your bike/trike/armchair, this is the clip to see if looking for some
inspiration.
Never managing to disappoint, these homemade machines find their way in people’s minds and stay there until sharing them with friends. Let’s see how many you can confine.
Harley-Davidson has just presented the 2009 models and some have already started interest. For example, the Muscle V-Rod version is a motorcycle powered by a 1250cc engine developing 122 hp @ 8500 rpm. It didn’t ended up in the line-up with no purpose, all the contrary. It is suppose to keep Harley fans on the American motorcycle now that Yamaha has launched the V-Max and its 200 horsepower look threatening.
Highly refined, the Muscle V-Rod features Brembo brakes, aluminum handlebars and led taillight and indicators. Colors available for it are Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver, Blue Denim and Red Sunglow
A great 2009 addition is the first official Harley-Davidson trike. Based on the Ultra Glide Classic, the machine is suppose to cover up this market section that Harley and the other makers seem to have missed for so long.
Apart from that, the Touring models are getting new chassis and wheels as well as Brembo brakes and a new tank. Everything is designed to add comfort for the long haul where these babies are heading.
