Planet Engineering Cyclecar
January 25th, 2008 by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider"
Looks like we have another Morgan inspired 3 wheeler coming out, this one is from Planet Engineering over in the U.K. Got a note from Dave Kennell about their new Cyclecar which is powered by an S&S 96 cubic inch engine connected to a Ford 5 speed gearbox via a lightweight flywheel and clutch assembly including special bell housing made in house. Drive is then transfered to a mono arm, again of their own design, to a BMW bevel box which drives the rear wheel.
The tube frame is bonded to the the fiberglass body for rigidity and has removable bonnet and boot sections for storage and access. The dash has a Dakota digital speedometer and tach unit.
The vehicle in the photos is the prototype and has just passed all the testing procedures that it needs in order to go into production and sell to the public. They’re available in left and right hand drive. There’s no mention yet of price.
Related: Motorcycle Powered Cars
Related: ACE Cycle Car
Posted in Three Wheel Motor Vehicles
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8 Responses to “Planet Engineering Cyclecar”
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January 25th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Awsome looking vehicle. I want one! I’ve always thought the Harley engine was made for a Morgan/style vehicle. Who was the dude that thought of using them in motorcycles??? Will it be in kit form? I could save alot by just buying the Harley stove here instead of shipping two ways. I’d buy it in a heartbeat if the dollar hadn’t deteriorated against the pound so badly. Besides prices are so inflated now I probably couldn’t afford it anyway. I’d like to be kept informed of the company progress, just in case. Bush has promised me a huge rebate!!!! Yeah Right! Thanks Waldo
January 25th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Awsome? This ‘prototype’ doesn’t even look street legal. But besides that, I have found that the proper weight placement is much more forward than is shown here. More like the T-rex.
This vehicle will be prone to flip if it catches on a curb. But no worries, they’ve “thought” of that and designed SOME roll protection. Right?
And I’ll bet the other fiberglass pieces aren’t even mounted on rubber (so it’ll bet itself to death). Yes, awsome dude-
January 25th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Yes, Morgan style trikes are prone to flipping despite their reverse layout. This thing is built in England where people are familiar with Morgans, and if you drive it like a Morgan it should be fine.
I’ve said it before but to me, the Harley motor does not fit the intended market segment. I’ve usually found that people who like Morgans do not like Harleys and the people who like Harleys like to drive pick-up trucks, not fancy little gettabouts. Sure the motor has the Vee configuration of a Matchless or JAP but it sure isn’t one.
-todd
January 25th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I have a solution for the flipping problem: put your toolbox in the trunk
Oh, and don’t hit any curbs head-on. Sheesh. You’d be just as wrecked if you were on a motorcycle and did the same thing.
cl
January 26th, 2008 at 8:19 am
The ACE Cycle Car, seems to do the Harley powered Morgan idea in a much more finished form, I like the ACE quite a bit. This one looks to be an attempt to do a lower cost version, though, as I said above, I have no info on price.
January 26th, 2008 at 11:19 am
If you have a problem with the H-D or H-D style v-twin, there’s always a Moto Guzzi. Or even one of the modern Japanese powerplants, some of which even look good.
February 16th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Looks like another variation on the JZR and TriKing themes, which are done well by their respective manufacturers. JZR has had a HD powered, Ford 5 speed kit for years and years. The ACE looks like the best of both JZR and TriKing to me.
March 21st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
YOU KNOW EVERY THING IS PRONE TO FLIPPING. IF RIDDEN STUPID.