Comments on: Aprilia Magnet Tilting 3 Wheeler

By: Speedmonster

Speedmonster — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:12:30 +0000

For all the guys above with their security and comfort suggestions on the Aprilia Magnet, I think they should add the backrest to their chopper and maybe even add a nice ashtray to their bikes.
This is a recumbent electric Trike for all the Hell Angels sake!
Evidently you haven’t read why the design was created and the target driver. We are talking somewhere between Formula 1 and Hayabusa here. Go buy an SUV and roll over on the first hard turn.

By: Coleman

Coleman — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:23:18 +0000

This is exactly why design is runing the world.

By: John McDowell

John McDowell — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 14:20:00 +0000

Well, I like the idea of a three wheeler as a matter of “balance”, or lack of it on my behalf. I would think that a taller version would be better, but still low enough for a sensation of control. A version could be produced using today’s standard motorcycle engines, tires and wheels. Keep in mind the idea of more versitale seating to fit more people, ie. adjustable seats for both driver and passenger, and adjustable controls. I would like to build a simular three-wheel tilt model based on the tricycle called “go-one ” (www.go-one.us) with an optional enclosure/roof/windshield.
I my dreams, but a real possibility.

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 15:07:30 +0000

Its look solo Safer then with a passenger.
Is this 3 wheeler concept the new Trend of motorcycles??
I like it, its a whole other dimension of riding.

By: GenWaylaid

GenWaylaid — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 04:12:01 +0000

I think the core of the concept could work as a street-legal vehicle. It’s certainly possible to fit all the lights and mirrors required. The rear traction shouldn’t be an issue if this thing is intended to weigh about as much as a motorcycle.

There is some serious re-engineering to be done before the Magnet could go into production, though. All the gee-whiz-tech that doesn’t directly impact the riding experience would have to be stripped out. Dump the electric boost motors and the hubless wheels; de-spindlyfy the front suspension; maybe simplify the tilting mechanism to something like the Brudeli’s; put some actual functional fenders on there. I don’t see why a full backrest couldn’t be added.

Since the Magnet would register as a motorcycle in most places, it’s not required to have safety belts. A four-point harness would be in keeping with the F1 theme, though, as would a full suit of safety gear. Both are probably necessary.

That passenger seat is useless. There’s absolutely nothing to grip except the driver, which would get uncomfortable really quickly.

The height probably is the killer problem, though. Too low to be seen by large vehicles, too high to drive under them.

A larger, taller, more ergonomic tilting 3-wheel feet-forward vehicle with genuine seating for two might make an excellent highway cruiser.