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Making a Reverse-Trike Tilt...
scootz - 4/3/12 at 09:51 PM

Yes, I know I should be learning to walk before running, but...

My trike wheelbase is long at around 2.8m, making for a track-width of around 1.75m using the 1:6 formula.

Looks a little awkward (IMHO)...




I've seen a number of production scooters (Piaggio etc) with tilting twin-wheels up front and it struck me that a tilting system would help negate the need for such a wide track.

I understand the general parallelogram 'concept' behind the tilting systems, but could one be designed where the steering input completely controlled the lean angle (and you wouldn't need King Kong arms to turn the thing in!).




designer - 4/3/12 at 10:02 PM

I don't think that the 'standard' wheelbase/track formula applies to reverse trikes.


maccmike - 4/3/12 at 10:52 PM

my trike was made wider due to instability. maybe mount the hubs not as far apart and if you feel you need more width afterwards, wheels spacers and wider wheels..


plentywahalla - 4/3/12 at 10:55 PM

On a bike the steering input and lean are not related, sometimes they are opposite.

What would happen when the back end breaks away, you could not opposite lock without unbalancing the whole thing.


matt_gsxr - 4/3/12 at 10:58 PM



Proportions of T-rex look nice (to me, but I do know nothing about trikes). But it is almost square (2.28m front to back, 1.98m wide)

Any chance of moving your front wheels back?


plentywahalla - 4/3/12 at 11:03 PM

If you want to keep to the wheelbase to track ratio, could you not move the front axle back taking the chassis frame over and under the front part of the tub.


scootz - 5/3/12 at 08:28 AM

quote:
Originally posted by plentywahalla
What would happen when the back end breaks away, you could not opposite lock without unbalancing the whole thing.


This guy has plenty of opposite lock






But yes, I understand what you're saying. Sliding principles in the dirt are very different than on tarmac.


scootz - 5/3/12 at 08:37 AM

quote:
Originally posted by matt_gsxr
Proportions of T-rex look nice (to me, but I do know nothing about trikes). But it is almost square (2.28m front to back, 1.98m wide)


That's the problem with having it as a single-seater... it's going to be long and narrow.


tony-devon - 5/3/12 at 08:47 AM

not such an issue for 2 up front trikes, but be aware of different MSVA lighting rules for trikes wider than 1700mm, thats overall width.


scootz - 5/3/12 at 08:56 AM

quote:
Originally posted by tony-devon
not such an issue for 2 up front trikes, but be aware of different MSVA lighting rules for trikes wider than 1700mm, thats overall width.


Cheers Tony... it was something I'd already picked up on.