greeneyesbrandon

dculberson

EXCEPT for the PIAGGIO MP3 which came out first, and is already on sale. The Piaggio MP3, also LEANS like a true motorcycle, and has a completely unique and novel uprighting system. It also costs 1/3 the price. 400cc version already out in Europe.

The Spyder might be "fun", but the MP3 is practical fun and according to those that have ridden it, unlike any vehicle ever ridden (in a good way).

Do your homework! :-)

http://www.piaggiousa.com/

darex

zzeebbaarr

SexCpotatoes

lascauxcaveman

no_slushbox

My point is that I agree with you that 4 wheels is dynamically better than three, but the 2000 pound, $45K Elise is as close as any manufacturer is ever going to get to an atom or other minimalist track car.

The small scale production and inefficient separate installation of the drivetrain means that the well made kit/component cars start at about $40K complete, and their somewhat grey legal status makes registration difficult.

On the other hand, VW was aiming at under $20K for the GX3, and it would have registered as easy as any other motorcycle. VW didn't want to enter the bike market, but I think this Can-Am vehicle will inspire other major motorcycle manufacturers to come closer to the GX3 concept.

no_slushbox

Given the damning conclusion you've come to I'll assume you've got hundreds of hours of seat time with this thing, so I'll bow to your review. All I know is that it's a different driving experience, it's pretty fun AND it keeps it's riders from acting like squids - a feature rocket bikes should be equipped with.

For the final time - it's not a motorcycle.

Ben Wojdyla

On top of that, a 3 wheel setup means you're not going to be able to do much to avoid potholes and road debris. On a bike, I'm single track and I can go around things, in a car you can stradle things with the distance between the wheels. With another wheel in the center, that ain't gonna happen.

crevans

eltonito

dculberson

pjsammy

chances are theyll call you names and laugh at you.

Drive-thru

Also, a lot of states don't require motorcycle licenses if your motorcycle has a sidecar (which they define as three wheels).

The problem that we have here is very similar to the CAFE problem. CAFE made cars more efficient, but it also forced a number of large car buyers into even less efficient SUVs. Similarly, federal safety regulations on 4-wheeled vehicles (i.e. crash testing, airbags, etc.) have made 4-wheel vehicles MUCH safer, but those regulations have also driven small sports car buyers to even less safe three wheeled motorcycles and kit cars.

no_slushbox

Inverse trikes are fine, and can be raced very hard, ask Morgan. There is also the modern T-Rex.

Honestly the price isn't bad, what's an Aprlia rotax powered 2-wheeler cost $13-14K? Hopefully one of the other motorcycle companies will have the balls to make a VW GX3 style three wheeler.

no_slushbox

FightingChance

And the three wheelers like the Suzuki 250R are entirely different animals. Two wheels in the back is dynamically unstable in turns while two wheels in front is actually quite stable. Trust me, there is very little rolling postential with this thing between the wide front end and the stability control nanny.

Ben Wojdyla

I do think the high seating position is dorky looking, though. The more car-like three wheelers (ie GX-3) look cooler and would handle better.

But, at that point, you might as well put two wheels in the back, and call it an Ariel Atom. It will handle and accelerate even better.

dculberson

I wouldn't have turned down an opportunity to try one out for free either though. After the experience of watching 3-wheeled devices going down lombard people still wear shorts during a test drive of these?

Vassago

nweaver

There is a reason why all the 3-wheel ATVs got sued off the market. Corbin sparrows roll at the drop of a hat.

Roll happy is BAD.

Thus you better have a leaning-suspension like the Piaggio MP3 scooter, or not bother building a trike.

nweaver

Ted Striker

Meat Farley

Jonny Lieberman