Honda is also joining the leaning three wheeler concept competition with the Neowing, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. If both Honda and Yamaha are showing these concepts to the public, you can bet the showroom versions are coming in the not too distant future. The Neowing has an opposed flat four engine plus electric motors for some sort of hybrid drive system. If Honda puts this into production, the Can-Am Spyder is going to feel the heat.
NEOWING is an unprecedented three-wheeled vehicle that offers the cornering feel and sporty ride equivalent to a large-sized motorcycle while realizing excellent stability in low-speed ranges. This vehicle is equipped with a hybrid system that combines a horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine and electric motors to generate plentiful torque for powerful acceleration. With the adoption of an original Honda linkage mechanism on its front wheel, this concept model proposes new values with advanced styling that emphasizes the mechanical fascination of a two-wheeled motorcycle model.
The advantages of extra stability from a third wheel plus the motorcycle experience of leaning in the turns, I wonder how long before Can-Am adapts. I’m guessing, from the looks of the Neowing, some of the other big trike makers are going to lose more than a few potential customers, too.
Yeti2bikes says
Hybrid huh. I wonder if they set out to make a hybrid motorcycle and discovered it weighed too much for 2 wheels?
Paul Crowe says
I didn’t see any weight numbers or exactly what sort of hybrid system they were referring to, so we’ll have to wait and see what they have in mind.
todd says
My old Peugeot moped was a hybrid…
Honda should take this bike and put a conventional, single-wheel front fork on it! Why can’t they do that instead of the other lame versions with the wing engine?
Paul Crowe says
I suspect you’re not in the target market for this three wheeler, I could be wrong, but I get that impression.
todd says
True, I see no practical benefit for the added weight, complexity, and cost. I have no problems with balancing a motorcycle. While I think it is technically interesting I don’t understand its purpose. Is it for added stability through twisty gravel roads? Then why design it on a cross country touring platform? The MP3 made more sense to me as it could accell in the urban cobblestone rainy commuter market. I would think this Honda would sell better and have a much more clear focus if it was based on the CB500X or F platform – plus there would be some profit margin left…
blackbird says
I like the idea and want to ride it. Please remove all bodywork and leave the hybrid part out, too. Honda engineering can test that system on something else. This would only be a toy and not a high mileage commuter.
Clive says
Id like to know the skid pad numbers. Non leaning trikes seem like the most absurd machines to me, as a sharp enough turn would send you into a centrifugal nightmare of gravel and sausage. Much like turning a wave rider but without the soft landing.
But with this leaning gizmo, do you have twice the grip on the turning wheels WITH gobs of weight on the front helping the tires stick?
Tin Man says
It’s quite obvious that many of the posters have not had the chance to ride the newest F3 Spyder by Can Am, quite a sporting machine that would leave most 2 wheelers in it’s wake through the twisties. Try one out, you will be shocked. Regards; Tin Man
Clive says
How do you compensate for the centrifugal force trying to throw you of the top of the chassis which is acually leaning OUT of the turn? Im not doubting you, im just curious because it goes aganst all the mechanics in my head.
Doug says
Oh good. Honda built a bike Marquez can’t crash 😀
Ken Spencer says
Kudos to both Honda and Yamaha. Finally the possibility of an affordable leaning trike that looks to have respectable performance, and hopefully an affordable price point.
Right on!
Greg Jetnikoff says
Naysayers will be naysayers. Personally I would love to have a ride on one. I am in the Ulysses club ( old persons cruising motorcycle assosication ). The club has a loy of cruisers, goldwings and Can am spyders. Quite a few riders ( men and women) have lots some strength and mobility so getting a leg over and balancing the ridiculously big 2 wheelers is a bit problematic ( hence the spyders) but often they can ride quite well ( in some cases read VERY well). The problem with rigid 3 wheelers that don’t lean is they steer backwards. That is you steer right to go right , unlike a motorcycle which countersteers and often have crashes early on with the rigid non leaners when they hit an emergency.
A friend of mine, VERY good motorcyclist ( ISDE team member and road racer ) used to sell Spyders a well as motorcycles. We once took a ride up a twisty mountain road near our town. Interestingly he would steer wrong almost every corner then correct.That is he would wiggle left when going around a right hand corner because he was instinctively counter steering. I THINK the leaning trikes should countersteer like a conventional motorcycle and thus be more safe for experienced motorcycle riders.
The other thing is motorcycles like the Can Ams have a host of Auto stability controls to keep them stable. A leaner would require far less electronic overlay.
Eric says
I’ve been following reverse/leaning reverse trikes now for about five years, and have had my own design in my head and on paper and computer models for just as long. I really crave a bike like this because I was born with a bad hip and personally do not feel safe with a two wheeled bike or the dumb drivers on todays roads. Furthermore concerning others with disabilities and new comers to the cycle world, not everyone likes the typical motorcycle and seeks out other options.
As Paul mentioned before we truly need to consider the future of cycles and build prototypes not more customs. Sure for the individuals that wish to build a custom bike for themselves or others, there will always be market for those kind of bikes. However from the growth that I have followed over the last five years the 3-wheeled versions of cycles, R- trikes and LR-trikes; these types are what is starting to gain more popularity weather anyone likes it or not. We need something different, something affordable, something reliable and something fun; but most of all we need a change of the same old run-of-the-mill thinking.
‘There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?†-Robert F. Kennedy
Clive Latham says
I love the idea ! A bike with a safety element in the rain or on gravel/diesel etc. More grip for braking/cornering, and no worries holding it up and parking, maybe some fun to be had deliberately sliding it, and no wider than a normal tourer.
As long as it’s got good power, (bearing in mind the weight), what’s not to like !