Triking Cyclecar
Morgan 3 wheeler replicas come in several flavors but the Triking was a really nice one. It was designed by Tony Divey of Marlingford, Norwich, England who owned 8 original Morgans and was also a friend of Peter Morgan, so he knew what he was about. There are very few around and this one is currently on eBay, offered at $20,000.
The Triking looks like a true to the original modern Morgan. The choice of Moto Guzzi power seems like a natural since the engines are already designed with a transmission set up for this orientation. The Triking has 5 speeds but no reverse, something the owner would need to be aware of but pushing this out of a parking spot is probably no more of an issue than it would be with any large touring bike not equipped with reverse.
There is a renewed interest in the Morgan 3 wheelers and other modern interpretations like the Ace Cycle Car give you reliable transportation with vintage looks. The Triking looks very close to the original plus you'll have a sweet sounding Guzzi twin to keep you company on the road. Nice.
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Triking Cyclecar
Kickboxer Subaru WRX Powered Motorcycle Concept
{ 10 comments… add yours below ... }
They look nice close up too. My local Guzzi dealer had one in for a service recently. It’d not been put together too well, a not uncommon problem with home assembled amchines, and the engine mounts needed attention though. The mechanic also told me that these things can be scary in the wet. He drove the three wheeler on a test run after he’d worked on it and said that when the rain came down, having a bike tyre at the back did not inspire confidence. His suggestion was that a wider section car tyre would help. He also said the space inside is very restricted, so if you’re big, you might not fit in. Definitely a case of ‘try before buying’. It’d also be advised to have someone who knows Guzzis pretty well to give the mechanicals a look over.
Oh, and they are pretty zippy too. The mechanic also said that the 1100 – powered version he tested was probably good for 120mph.
The Guzzi engine looks right at home in this application, more so than 45-degree twins. The 90 degree angle & proximity between the headlights & valve covers visually goes better than other engines I’ve seen used this way.
I agree with hoyt; the guzzi engine would be my #1 choice for this application. Of course, my dad has been suggesting we build a trike like this but with a CBX (or Kawasaki 6) mounted longitudinally under the hood. A very long hood…
-todd
Now I remember, the one I saw had an early 90s 1000-cc Guzzi motor (actually a 950) with the squared off barrels and rocker covers and 40mm Dellorto carbs. The more recent 1100 motor with fuel injection would give a little more power though it’s debatable how much more you would need. Like I said, the quality of the parts is very good but the quality of the home assembly can vary widely.
I think to truly do justice to a ride like this, one would need a large waxed mustache and probably aviator goggles mounted atop the head….maybe even a flowing scarf.
hearing the Guzzi rumble emanating from this “large-waxed-mustache” type of vehicle would make any gearhead smile.
You can get a small V-located supercharger for Guzzi twins can’t you?
Benjamin, the Kneeslider already covered Guzzi supercharges here:
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2005/08/21/moto-guzzi-superchargers/
-todd
Benjamin – you sure you’d want to go the blower route? How much power do you think you’d need? The power to weight ratio of these trikes is already pretty good and I was told they’re very lively as they are already, especially in the wet. A cheaper and less complex option would be to go for the 1100, fuel injected motor from a Guzzi Sport. It’d also mean you wouldn’t need additional cooling for the blower.
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