A better three-wheeler?

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I was wondering if people here had seen this yet:

https://www.motomag.com/spip/IMG/jpg/MP3-Piaggio2.jpg

Now don't laugh please. Yes, it's a three-wheeler. But Tim Luckhurst, the Independent's bike reviewer, who's a serious biker and no friend of watered-down scoot-lite two-wheeling, says he's amazed at the grip and manoeuvrability of the thing.

Read it here:

https://motoring.independent.co.uk/features/article570620.ece

"Enjoying the machine is initially difficult for an experienced motorcyclist. You have to unlearn key riding skills. Steering is halfway between riding and driving a car. You can turn the front wheels suddenly at low speed in a way that would result in an accident on a two-wheeler. Cornering demands none of the counter-steering and shifts in bodyweight that guide a conventional bike. On three wheels you just lean and steer.

At first, such manoeuvrability is disconcerting, but the potential revealed itself when I misjudged a sharp right-hander. Nicola Poggio says that under extreme pressure the front wheels slide sideways. The back wheel certainly locks under fierce braking. But neither leads to a spill. After that, I thrashed my tricycle mercilessly. Front-end road holding is exceptional. I have not experienced many lightweight two-wheelers that feel so composed when cornering at 75mph.

A brilliant innovation then? It is very clever, but the PiaggioMP3 is basically a big scooter. It comes in 125cc and 250cc versions and the latter is capable of 80mph. But this technology deserves to be tested under real power. In its present guise it feels like a motorcycle for people who find motorcycles frightening. The idea works, but it is not just my pride that is threatened by technology that lets novices corner fast. A cautious transport minister might regard that as an incentive to enjoyment. That would never do. "

So, wouldn't you like to see something like this with proper power, and large wheels? I'd be very interested. And I can imagine this thing being very, very, very practical around town. If only I could get past the hideous looks. and the fact that it's a scooter.

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ok, now I know that people have seen this because I searched. But this is a report on how it actually rides, from a biker's perspective. So given what the review says, are you interested?

[zaknafien]

It has three wheels and is a scooter, so no.
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[tony532]

no.. not in the slightest
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aprilia rs125 - suzuki gsxr400rrsp 1990 - yamaha yzf600r thundercat - honda hornet 6

[map]

A slightly better picture showing the two wheels at the front layout.
https://www.adnkronos.com/Assets/Imgs/P/piaggiomp3--200x150.jpg

I've often thought the 'hammerhead' layout on a trike would be better. Similar to the old Morgan cars (and many modern copies). The design can be narrower than a traditional 2 rear wheel trike (basically because it's not based on a car). So it would still be possible to filter a little

However, finding anyone who'll do a conversion on a modern bike is like finding hens teeth.

Unless more than one manufacturer takes up the idea though I think this will be seen as just an engineering exercise.

Just my thoughts
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[Finglonga]

Yuppie (is that still a word) transport. Clickie
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[mr.z]

it isn't a new idea, in fact a good 20years ago a guy craig vetter (afaik) made a similar thing which was basicly a cx500 with all kinds of funky suspension works on the front and two indipendantly suspensioned wheels.. (cant find any pictures at the moment)

another company, japanese one (one of the big ones can't remember the name) has designed a smaller scooter with a two wheel front end, interchangeable for skis on the front to turn it into a skidoo sort of thing..

I can only really see the point in these for disabled riders, in which case there great, but if your fully abled and want one beause your "scared it will fall over" then you should stick to haveing a car imo.. just dont really get who there marketing them at? :/

(incendentally trikes are very cool, great fun in a different but simillar way to bikes, 99% of people who knock them havent tryed them..)
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[Tarmacsurfer]

Assuming it's not greatly wider (ie. it can still filter) than a standard X9 or similar, yes, I'd definitely consider it should it be released with a decent motor.
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[code guru]

na i hate it coz the hole point off a bike in my eyes it that its got 2 wheels ect thats like a reliant robin but the 2 wheels is at the front and its auto and its not got a roof and doors. pointless

[Keen]

wouldn't buy one, but I have to admit I'd love a go. But to be honest I'd pretty much like a go of anything that has an engine.
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[colin1]

im sure we already have a thread on this thing somewhere

in fact u know this as u did a search, so why the new thread ? its better to add to the existing one
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