Reverse Trike - Concept build

[michaelplogue]

As I mentioned in my short intro, I'm currently stationed in Ankara, Turkey. I've found that the roads here are very slick - even when bone dry. I'm told it has to do with the mix they use for their asphalt. It's so slick, I can easily do a standing burnout ------ on my bicycle! :eek<img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />. I've already seen several motorcycle accidents here, so I'm beginning to think a two-wheeler would not be a very good idea here. <br /><br />
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So here I am working out how to build a reverse trike. <br /><br />
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I've done some preliminary research, and it looks like the most common (larger motor) cruiser-style bike that comes up for sale over here is the Yamaha Drag Star XVS 1100 cc. Thinking I'd be more apt to go with the 1100 to deal with the extra weight of the additional body.<br /><br />
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The idea is to mate a motorcycle with a VW Beetle, front axle beam. I'm a computer geek in my spare time, and I've found that doing 3d visualization renderings helps a lot with projects like this.<br />
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So, I found a 3d model that's pretty close to the XVS, and did a rough model of a VW front axle beam.<br /><br />
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Started playing with some body styles.

Figured on designing from the outside in.

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Here's the first style I've been playing with:<br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMine05.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMine10.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMine06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMine07.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMine08.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMine09.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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[michaelplogue]

Another design... more of a roadster style. I kinda like this one better - a little more minimalist and a bit easier construction wise....<br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineB-05.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineB-10.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineB-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineB-07.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineB-09.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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All Black with wind screen...<br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineB-05c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineB-10b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineB-08.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
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[Nana]

Ooooooo... I like #2 better too!

 

[The Wolf]

Do something in the style of the T-Rex

 

[John Luciano]

I vote for # 2 I can't decide on black or yellow. But like the cover up of the motorcycle better. Seen a lot with most of the bike showing , didn't care for it. Looks to tack on the back for me. looks like a motorcycle pushing a lawn cart. the 2nd one looks very cool

 

[fiorano]

i like the black with the windscreen, with the exposed bits keeping it simple seems to be the most appealing.
good job and good luck

 

[Gorilla]

Very interesting. I love the concepts.

 

[michaelplogue]

Thanks for all the comments! <br /><br />
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Did some refinements on version two. Swept back the side panels to mate up with where the seat would have been. Cleans it up some, plus adds another point of contact to where the frame can connect with the bike.<br /><br />
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Also added a cowling over the engine compartment. I tried it with it going all the way up the roll bar, but it started looking too much like a Formula car.

Stopping short of the top and curving it over the gas tank helps maintain the roadster look I'm going for.<br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/RoadsterB-02-01.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/RoadsterB-02-02.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/RoadsterB-02-03.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/RoadsterB-02-04.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/RoadsterB-02-05.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/RoadsterB-02-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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I would like to be able to do the frame using 2&quot; aluminum tubing - not sure it it would be structurally sound.

In either case, I would want to be able to use mechanical connections from the frame to the bike - in order to make it easier to remove for maintenance. With this set up, I would have a pipe through the head tube (removable from below), and mechanical connections to the frame at three points where the frame crosses over the seat area, and two others at the bottom front of the frame.<br /><br />
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I think that something like this <i>should</i> sufficiently support the weight of the bike and distribute the stresses. Yet still maintain some 'modularity' that allows for the removal of the bike.<br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/RoadsterB-02-07.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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Here's an earlier design which I had scrapped. My thought was that making an angled frame would be easier to build (mitered welds as opposed to compound curves).<br />
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However, it came out looking too &quot;Mad Max&quot; for my liking..... <img src="images/smilies/tongue2.gif" border="0" alt="" title="blowing a raspberry" class="inlineimg" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineC-05a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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<img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/mplogue/Trike/ScorpionMineC-10a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />
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[Gorilla]

You are a genius with that CAD

 

[John Luciano]

Bike may run hot in the box U need air intakes or external radiator...

 

[michaelplogue]

You are a genius with that CAD

Thanks! It's something of a hobby of mine. Comes in handy sometimes....

Bike may run hot in the box U need air intakes or external radiator...

You are absolutely correct. Right now I'm still trying to hammer out a body style that I like. As you've surmised, there will be an airflow problem in the engine compartment. Even though the renderings don't show it, I'll have a panel between the passenger and engine compartments - to keep the engine noise down a bit. Although the bottom of the engine compartment will be open to the air, the combination of the seat bulkhead and the domed top will create a low-pressure area where a vortex will form - basically keeping a lot of the hot air inside (see illustration).

I have several options I can take - probably a combination. One, I can put some rear facing vents on the back side of the dome which will pull some of the air from the vortex area out the top. I can also put some air scoops on the sides of the dome (or even below on the main side panels) which will also disrupt the vortex. The last resort would be to put some air intake vents on the seat panel - though I'd be hesitant to do that as I want to keep the sound levels down (although ducting these vents should dampen a lot of the sound).

I've also been playing around with a two-passenger version, but it seems whatever I do, I'll end up having to extend the wheel-base more than I'd like. If I do them side-by-side I'll have to move the front axle more forward to allow for enough room for the wheels to turn. Tandem seats make it even longer. Here, I tried a staggered setup that sort of works, but sill makes it bigger than I want....

I'll probably stick with a one-person setup.

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[Z06-LITE]

Here is my JZR three wheeled cycle car. It is a reverse trike built in England.

 

[Gorilla]

Nice

 

[jaybasr]

Were cool, nice work but you may have to force air with fans into the engine area. You have a real talent. Like the black #2 set-up. Thanks for the great pics. Jay A.

 

[mkparker]

Nice drawings! A VW beam has been utilized a lot over the years. R.Q. Riley may have started the idea with his Tri Magnum kit design. Here are a few other ideas.

Rebirth:

Rebirth Website

Another modified VW beam.

You may have to register (free) to view more pics HERE

 

[michaelplogue]

Thanks all! Love the JZR - I'm jealous! Great links mkparker - some usefull build ideas there.

I've gone through several iterations of my design. Lately, I've been designing around Super-Sport (crotch-rocket) bikes - for several reasons. There are more used ones for sale over here, they are shorter, and there are a lot of options available for electronic shifters - which would mean less worry about running a shift linkage to the cabin.

Here was an interim version, where I added an 'accent strip' which served the double purpose of widening the inside of the cabin (to make room for small cargo), and to add some additional side-impact protection.

Then I decided to give the strips, which gives it a more streamlined and aggressive look - the profile of which has given me the name for this creation: The Talon-RT.

 

[michaelplogue]

I haven't re-done the internal framing yet, but it will be similar to what I had done with the earlier version.

 

[Nana]

Wow! your design software and skills are amazing! It is such fun to see this detail of what is normally all covered up from our eyes.

 

[michaelplogue]

Wow! your design software and skills are amazing! It is such fun to see this detail of what is normally all covered up from our eyes.

Thanks!

I've been doing some re-designing. I've been concerned that the compound curves in the tubing would be difficult to produce, so I've simplified everything. Now, all of the main curved tubes have the same large radius bend (with the exception of the roll-bar). I've also designed it so that it can accept pretty much any sized bike - except for probably a Goldwing, which cost a fortune over here anyway so it's not a concern for me right now.

Did a quick movie of the new design - including a fly-around animation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grMssmWgRow

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[michaelplogue]

Rendered some environmental shots with a bit of post-work...... Just for ships-n-giggles.....

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