Three-wheeled motorcycles from all over the world

A tricycle is a motorcycle or a mini car? This is the first question that arises when looking at three-wheeled motorcycles. This miracle of engineering thought can be safely called an intermediate link.

Motorcycles tricycles for some reason, many consider a Chinese invention. Probably, by analogy with rickshaws. However, the first to create a three-wheeled wonder was the Japanese. Chinese designers only improved the Japanese development and put on stream. However, for China this is not new. But China is China, and the championship is still after the Land of the Rising Sun. Presented at the Geneva Motor Show three-wheeled motorcycles (China), "Honda" and "Toyota" made a real sensation. The developers of the company "Toyota" for 40 years are engaged in technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption and reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Ten years they spent on the creation of the tricycle Toyota i-Road, and, I must say, not in vain. Having appeared for the first time in Geneva, this semi-motocycle - half-car immediately attracted everyone's attention.

Until now, the manufacturer in full did not disclose the technical characteristics of his offspring. It is known only that the length of the tricycle is 2350 cm, the height is 1450 cm. The power unit consists of two motors with a total power of 2 kW.

Thanks to the dimensions of three-wheeled motorcycles, there will be no problems with parking. In addition, the side wheels provide them with excellent stability. Of the technical innovations of i-Road, you can note the tilt compensator, which is connected with the front wheels. It is he who determines the optimal angle of the bike in a corner.

By analogy with the Japanese invention, the Chinese presented their version of the tricycle. And although at first glance, China's motorcycles look like a hybrid version of three-wheeled scooters Honda and WWII, in their design and functional plan there is something special, especially individual.

Three-wheeled motorcycles from China have a 150-cubic-cylinder single-cylinder engine with air cooling. In a pair he installed a conventional variator. But the reducer on tricycles is purely a personal development of Chinese designers, as well as the rear brake, which is made in the form of a pedal on the floor.

If the external design of Chinese tricycles still causes ironic grins, the driving qualities of this technique inspire respect. We must give credit: the Chinese created a very light tricycle. But his front area is somewhat too big. Therefore, air resistance does not allow it to accelerate more than 85 km / h. Yet for the technology of such dimensions this is a very solid speed.

Well, now, as they say, about sore - about quality. Fortunately, three-wheeled motorcycles in the Chinese version are deprived of the shortcomings with which their older brothers from the family of cars are so notorious. All plastic elements are carefully adjusted. There are no horrible gaps and protrusions. All joints are smooth. Nothing creaks. A little howls the howl of the engine, but here, alas, you can not cover the hood. But the main thing that can be attractive for Russian youth is the unlimited possibilities of tuning. To this, by the way, the manufacturer also encourages, offering a large number of tuning components, starting from a 200-cube engine and ending with sports variators.