Children
who begin their vehicular life on tricycles typically migrate to
two-wheelers, eventually graduating to four- wheelers. Now some grown-
ups are returning to their three-wheel roots, although without the
pedals this time around.
New models and a variety of designs are breathing life into a
category that was largely abandoned. These machines can deliver the
thrills of a vintage sports car and the excitement of a motorcycle,
without the risk of tipping over at stoplights.
Three-wheelers may also be an attractive alternative for riders with
some types of disabilities or whose spouses are anxious about the
hazards of the road.
Recent entries such as the Can-Am Spyder and Polaris Slingshot use
two wheels at the front and one at the rear to create a stable chassis.
The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler Trike, using the more traditional
format of a single wheel at the front, is marketed as a symbol of
simpler times.
The Piaggio MP3 500 maxi scooter is different: It leans into turns
like a conventional motorcycle. It combines the agility, slim design
and easy parking of a motorcycle with the added safety margin of
duplicate front wheels and brakes. This makes the MP3 popular for
European commuters who often encounter rain, cobblestones and slippery
streetcar tracks.
Variations in wheel placements result in fundamental differences in operation.
Two-wheel motorcycles, scooters and bicycles - and the Piaggio MP3 - lean over as they proceed through a turn.
Non-leaning three-wheelers steer like a car, and cornering forces
can lift an inside wheel, which could frighten an inexperienced rider.
These are some examples of the three-wheelers currently offered.
2015 Piaggio MP3 500 ABS
What it is: A three-wheel scooter from Italy that leans like a sportbike.
How it drives: It is a hoot, with responsive steering, excellent braking and extra grip.
The Piaggio MP3 is a hit in Europe, where maxi-scooters are regarded
more as transportation than recreation. Sales have been slower in the
United States, despite rave reviews.
That is too bad because the MP3 is a metric ton of grocery-toting, urban- commuting giggles.
The articulating front suspension gives it an extra measure of
safety and security, with dual front tyres, anti- lock braking and
traction control.
The MP3 500 ABS goes on sale early next year. Prices for the redesigned model have not been announced.
2014 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler Trike
What it is: Essentially, the front half of a Harley-Davidson with the back half of a 1954 MG TF.
How it drives: Like a 544kg tricycle.
The Freewheeler starts at US$25,855 (S$33,580), including delivery.
It is built for riders who crave the rumble of a Harley but are looking
for the stability of a mount that will not fall over at stoplights.
It is propelled by a rubber-mounted, fuel- injected version of the air-cooled, 1,687cc V-twin engine.
The tricycle-style design, introduced on the 1932 Harley-Davidson
Servi-Car, seems reassuring, but its narrow front tyre, wide track and
high riding position make quick evasive manoeuvres problematic.
Harley also offers a touring-oriented three-wheeler, the Tri Glide Ultra, for an added US$8,000.
2014 Morgan 3 Wheeler
What it is: A Sopwith Camel - a British World War I
single-seat biplane fighter - without the wings, for US$51,930 with
shipping and customs fees.
How it drives: The Morgan 3 Wheeler is, in truth,
older than the Sopwith Camel - the first production examples were
driven on British roads a century ago.
The current version, evolved from models of the 1930s, uses an
82-horsepower V-twin engine, based on Harley-Davidson architecture,
driving the single rear wheel through a Mazda five-speed transmission.
The Morgan is built by hand. Aluminium body panels are mounted to
the steel-tube chassis on a framework of hand-formed hardwood, and a
customer can choose from 40,000 paint colours and 50 shades of leather.
