Just spoke to Jason over at Olmax Fabrication about their new Cosmo trike. If you’ve seen the Big Wheel trikes the kids ride, just picture one that’s very well built, quite a bit larger and motorized and you’ll have an idea of what the Cosmo looks like.
It has a fiberglass body, air ride suspension, a 24 inch front wheel and automotive wheels and tires out back. It’s designed to fit anyone from 5 foot even all the way up to 6 foot 4 inches which, I would imagine, covers the majority of riders .
They sourced a number of automotive engine parts from various locations around the world and built up a 2 cylinder vertical twin, added a Garrett turbo, hooked it up to a 4 speed automotive transmission with reverse and built this 3 wheeler. Power is around 70 horsepower and Jason says he can easily cruise at highway speeds all day long. It’s no racer but it will hold its own with the usual V-twin crowd.
The engine is water cooled but the grill up front is a little misleading because that isn’t where the radiator is located, it’s out back below the trunk. The engine itself is covered by the side panels because, just like many inline 4s, it isn’t pretty, it’s functional. Normal replacement parts like air and oil filters will be available most anywhere, though engine parts will need to be ordered from the factory or from a dealer. Base model starts at $17,900.
They’re looking to build up a dealer network but that’s still in the very early stages, so if this looks like something you would like to put in your garage, you’ll need to order direct for the time being. If you’re the type that needs to get up close and personal, there are a number of events around the country where the Cosmo will be on display and you’ll be able to see the steel and fiberglass first hand.
Pretty interesting design, with the low center of gravity it looks a lot more stable than the average trike of this configuration. Cool!
Thanks for the tip, Mark!
Link: The-Cosmo
Jarred says
Interesting: I would like to see a picture of someone actually riding this. With the seating position that low, I would imagine visibility could be an issue.
Ricky says
>just like many inline 4s, it isn’t pretty
De gustibus non disputandum.
Brian Okeefe says
I’ve seen this trike in person at the Donnie Smith bike show in St. Paul, MN. There was a lot of nice stuff at that show but this machine was probably the coolest thing there! I talked to one of the builders/owners and they said it hauls a**! Neat machine, keep up the good work guys!
Brian.
Erik says
Its very pretty and nicely done but is there really much of a mass market for trikes? They’re the worst of both worlds, too fat to lane split and just as exposed (and therefore as dangerous) as a regular motorcycle. Is the cover in the back for the rumble seat?
kneeslider says
Erik, there’s a huge market for trikes. Lots of older and/or disabled riders find trikes a way to keep riding out in the open air and sunshine without having to wrestle with a bike, especially on and off a centerstand, balancing and backing it up in tight spots or picking one up if it tips over. Most of us do those things without a thought but not everyone can do those things easily.
The cover in back is for the trunk which has some carrying capacity for smaller items which can be kept out of sight.
Geofrey says
Interesting trike, maybe the low low seat would help wheelchair bound people who would like to ride.
Walt says
I like bikes in part for their visual complexity — the more fins, carbs, filters and oil lines, the better. But this is clean and tidy and I like it too. Aggressive shape and WAAY different.
Matt in NC says
Nicely executed, not my kind of thing, but well done just the same.
Looks to have some “Corbin-esque” styling, but that’s probably just coincidental.
kim scholer says
I assume you have to dress up like a 6-year old kid to ride this thing.
Ride says
Fake peddles on the front axle would complete the image.
taxman says
i’d pay $100 for one gallon of gas and an empty parking lot for that thing. it’s like a big kids big wheel. the gas tank does seem a bit tall, like it would be hard to see past. but the fun factor…
todd says
I’m more interested in the engine. The lack of info tends to make me think it is sourced from some sort of Chinese car – maybe not a bad thing. 70 hp is just fine for this sort of thing and about all or more than is in other V-twin trikes. It certainly has more power than my bikes so it’s not bad.
It does look like fun, though I wouldn’t order it with the dated chopper styling. Maybe mine would be a “green machine” with a rear hand brake for fish tailing… I’d definitely keep the seat low to keep it from tipping over.
-todd
OTTO MANN says
I LIKE THE LOOK A LOT. I DO WISH THEY HAD SOMEONE ON IT, TO COMPARE THE SCALE. BUT STILL NICLY DONE.
lostinoz says
Id like to know why it has a full compliment of levers (foot and hand) if its an automatic transmission. No need for a clutch and shift lever but the bike still shows them.
Interesting idea that you have your options as to seat height, peg distance and wheel choice. It might be a great option for short riders and the disabled, I would like to see a passenger seat and hard bags as options though. It definately will attract a crowd wherever you go, and the base price is definately a good selling feature.
kneeslider says
lostinoz,
“…why it has a full compliment of levers (foot and hand) if its an automatic transmission…”
It’s “automotive” not “automatic.” The transmission is a manual.
lostinoz says
HEH, my bad, I could have sworn I read 4sp automatic. Not only does it make sence now for the levers, its also more appealing to me (but less so for the wife)
Thanks for clearing that up for me!
Sean says
http://www.the-cosmo.com/images/blackflames-3.jpg
davidabl says
Only 2 words for it: fugly,overdone.
davidabl says
..Of course thats also true of most other contemporary “Customs.”