3-wheel motorcycle - next big thing or another Segway-type failure?

twobone · twobone's Garage

http://spyder.brp.com/en-CA/

I've always been too chicken to own a street bike...maybe in a few years this will be a way to get part of the experience.

What do you guys think?

I like the Rotax 990cc V-twin.

If you add a sport pipe, you could have some real fun pretenting you are on an Aprilia.

I wonder how the handling will be?

the · 03-24-2007, 06:48 PM

Not going to be a big seller.

Motorcyclists are going to reject it because. . . it's not a motorcycle. It's a tricycle.

Non-motorcyclists are going to reject it because it's pretty much just as dangerous as a motorcycle.

I think there are very few that really want to ride a motorcycle but feel they can't because it lacks training wheels.

Dantilla · 03-25-2007, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by the
Not going to be a big seller.

Motorcyclists are going to reject it because. . . it's not a motorcycle. It's a tricycle.

Non-motorcyclists are going to reject it because it's pretty much just as dangerous as a motorcycle.

I think there are very few that really want to ride a motorcycle but feel they can't because it lacks training wheels.

Yeah. What HE said.

Izze · 12:08 PM

I think the Atom is a better choice

Atom @ Top Gear

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Won't fly in America, for the reasons listed above. The only reason why your can see trikes like this at vintage sportscar races is due to some sort of taxation differential in the UK between cars (4 wheels) and motorbikes (2 or 3 wheels). Explains the existence of 3-wheelers like Morgans, Autotrix, Coventry-Victor, BSA, etc.

VincentVega · 03-25-2007, 08:29 AM

That's just weird

the · 03-25-2007, 08:54 AM

BTW, it's the same reason the Segway failed.

Segway-type devices already existed, at much *much* lower cost.

Something like this, for under $200, is just as fast as a Segway:

Yes, in theory an 85 year old may have an easier time on a Segway. But the problem is, an 85 year old isn't going to ride the cheap 2 wheel Scooter, OR a Segway. Both have risks an 85 year old isn't going to take, these are risks inherent with any 2 wheeled device traveling at 12 mph under the control of the rider (i.e., going off a curb, running into a tree, falling off it, hitting something, getting run over by an SUV, etc.) So it's a moot point.

On the flip side, I'd bet 99% of the people that have bought Segways could ride the $200 scooter just as easy.

So, like the 3 wheel motorcycle, the Segway was the answer to the question that no one was asking. No one was saying "Gee, I'd really like a 12-15 mph electric scooter, if only I could learn to balance on it."

5axis · 03-25-2007, 09:33 AM

Try this out

http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/OurCompany/News/PressReleases/PolarisRevolverConcept.htm

ckissick · 03-25-2007, 09:41 AM

VW had a three wheel concept last year. It was fast and cornered like crazy, and the bean counters said it would make a lot of money. But the VW lawyers rightly nixed it. It felt more like a car, but was really a motorcycle and, therefore, very dangerous compared to a real car. The lawsuits would have been staggering.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Cool idea, but I'd also rather have an Ariel Atom.

CurtEgerer · CurtEgerer's Garage

I'm not a fan of trikes, at all. But when I first saw this, I made the obvious connection to the company's sleds. That's really all it is - a snow machine with 2 tires replacing the skis and a rear tire replacing the track. Neat idea. Maybe it will sell to sled owners (who don't own motorcycles) as summer transportation because the handling dynamics and ergonomics would be similar? They've got a loyal base of customers for sure.

EDIT: and that website has got to be the most annoying I've seen in months! What's wrong with a simple website without all the theatrics?

Flatbutt1 · 03-25-2007, 01:04 PM

when I'm too feeble to ride my motorcycle I'll get a trike, but why would I want two wheels in front?

cashflyer · 02:06 PM

Top gear tested one of those motorcycle creations and it had tons and tons of over steer... to the point of being only really good in straights.

And here is the proper fate of all English three wheelers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN3JjUUdjWU

oldE · 03-25-2007, 02:18 PM

Considering the number of GoldWings I see in the course of the summer with training wheels, I think they might be on to something. Remember those aging Baby Boomers, who have a bit of cash and are getting a little less sharp in their reflexes.
Every year I hear from guys who dropped it in a parking lot and had to get help getting the thing back on two wheels.
I just don't see the 'crotch rocket' aspect working.

Les

Flatbutt1 · 03-25-2007, 02:18 PM

"how're you gonna use it again?" OMG thats hilarious!

john70t · 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cashflyer
Top gear tested one of those motorcycle creations and it had tons and tons of over steer... to the point of being only really good in straights.

Then it really needs a bigger engine back there

.
...And leaning front tires, and an overhead fairing for inclimate weather, and lockable/removeable luggage racks.
All for a decent price of course, or it will remain a toy.

Zeke · 03-25-2007, 03:48 PM

If it's gonna have 3 wheels, you should be able to sit IN it, not ON it. Shoot, even Gurney's MC is a "sit-in." I'd like to try one of those.

Hawktel · 03-25-2007, 06:01 PM

I think Morgan already did this, and did it better..

daepp · 03-25-2007, 06:58 PM

The Segway is a failure?

the · 03-25-2007, 07:24 PM

I just remember the hype 5 years ago, I thought they said they were going to sell 100,000 the first year, it was going to revolutinize the world, etc. etc.

I've traveled all over the country the past 5 years, and have yet to see a single one in use (other than at a Segway retailer).

they are heavily backed and can probably afford to go a long time, but I can't imagine that now that after a half a decade, their actual sales are anywhere near what was anticipated, projected or hyped.