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Senior Member
Registered: 11-15-08
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Most trikes use some time of engine assembly with a wide wheel base to minimize roll-over in a turn. Many years ago I came up with the idea of using an "Tornado" engine and front wheel drive assembly for use on a trike because I liked the fact that the engine pointed forward and was massive. The concept idea was to build a trike that looked like a three wheeled fuel dragster by shortening the drive shafts and using an extended fork among other things( yes, I was going to use wheelie bars also).
The narrow wheel base would be a liability in cornering so I thought to use a limited range U-joint between the engine assembly and rider.
As the trike entered a corner, the inside wheel would begin to want to lift. Linkage attached to that wheel would then cause the rider and frame ahead of the U-joint to lean proportionally into the curve. Linkage would transfer some of that loading to the inside wheel pushing it down.
Another variation was to use linkage that would cause the engine to lean into the corner as well. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on linkage design that would maximize counteracting centrifugal force.
Another variation was to use the "Toranado" engine and trans assembly in tandem with another axle to create a 5-wheel bike for visual effect only.
Senior Member
Registered: 11-15-08
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For those to young to remember, the Toranado was one of the first cars to use front wheel drive. The engine was pointed forward and a big-block (455?). This may allow for a variation in engine use. many GM transmission were designed for use with different engines. A chevy small block might be able to be mated to the transaxle, but for those who like the power and sound, a Chevy 454 big block might also be used. Add some speed parts and a "Roots" supercharger and you got a trike that will scare people just standing still.
The advantage of using a fuel dragster design for the rear portion of the trike is that it allows the rider to sit in front of the engine lowering the center of gravity. Problem is how to build the front end so that it uses a classic chopper design with extended forks, a single front wheel, and standard length handle bars.Mounting a fuel cell at the rear behind the engine should help reduce front end load.
Using this design will result in a wheel-base that is longer than most trikes and while it can navigate most roads, it really belongs on long stretches of open highway. Just make sure you top off the fuel cell, especially if powered with a 454.
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