The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Mystery 3 Wheeler – From BMW?

By

[Photo removed at photographer’s request]

One of our comments yesterday on another post linked to these spy photos of a very finished looking 3 wheeler out for a road test. Evidently the photos were taken at Deals Gap and the photographer says he believes it’s a BMW, though he does not know for sure. The trike would make a run, then they would plug in a laptop and tweak a few things, then off for another run.

A lot of comments where this was posted speculate on other manufacturers but isn’t this a great way to get something like the BMW powered GG-Quad on the road? Quads are not road legal in the U.S., so just narrow the rear to one wheel, license it as a motorcycle and off you go.

These photos show the rear passenger wearing diver’s weights to give the impression of a heavy back seater so they’re checking lots of handling parameters and the laptop tweaks means they have enough electronics aboard and the overall finish quality sure seems to make this more than a backyard special.

Who really makes this and how close is it to production? Is it a concept only or really close to a green light? Whatever the case, I like it. Your thoughts?

Thanks for the pointer Steve!

Original Link: Winding Road

UPDATE:

From EVO magazine:

The engine is a 1000cc, 60-degree water-cooled V-twin, designed and built by Rotax, which is owned by Bombardier. It is the same engine as used in the Aprilia RSV-R superbike, so should make around 130 bhp.

According to the firm’s original plans, the bike should have a CVT gearbox, but the spy pictures appear to show a conventional foot-operated gearchange. Bosch has developed an ABS brake system for the vehicle, and an electronic stability system. The front and rear brakes are operated individually, as on a motocycle.

The vehicle could be marketed under the Can-Am brand, which, again, is owned by Bombardier. The firm is planning to launch the vehicle on February 7 at an airfield in San Diego, and it will be sold in mainland Europe and the United States, with deliveries starting in the first half of 2007.

Related: GG Quad

Comments

  2. It doesn’t have shaft-drive (seems to have a belt drive on the left side) so I guess no BMW. The exhaust pipe underneath looks pretty thin so my guess is no big engine. Maybe it is a Polaris (also because the pic was taken in the US)?

  3. Weird looking and kind of ungainly. If it can’t split lanes then what’s the point, really? Yeah, I know, we’re only allowed to legally split lanes in California. But still, trikes seem to combine the worst of both worlds of cars and bikes. Except that you can’t drop them!

  4. Ah, the new Ural breaks cover!

    Tom

    PS: For most of the USA, 3 wheels = legal motorcycle = car pool lane.

  5. I’m with Erik. Car pool (diamond) lanes never seem to be where you need them; there’s about a half mile of diamond lane in my total 32 mile commute. A lightweight commuter bike that gets great mileage can make my own “diamond lane” splitting lanes. A mazda miata or an old VW convertable gets me open air motoring reliably for a couple grand – in case I need to carry some groceries on a scenic drive. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to see something new no and again.
    -todd

  6. “It doesn’t have shaft-drive (seems to have a belt drive on the left side) so I guess no BMW”

    Wrong, Hugo. Both BMW F650CS & F800 have belt drives.

  7. unless it leans – it’s just a tiny car with no weather protection. the whole point of a three wheeler is that it combines the BEST of 2 and 4 wheel configurations. not just whacking a wheel off the back and deleting the roof. unless they’re using the three wheel style to skirt vehicle regulations – in which case – why just make it like a way-too-big touring bike??? so close and still so far too go. . .

  9. does anyone think this looks like an 80’s era snow mobile with wheels?
    will snow mobile riders buy this ?

    where has Aaron been?

  11. Smells like a bombardier to me. They retain a design patent for just such a vehicle. They’ve obviously let the utilitarian side of their nature take over. This ride has NO style. I do believe that there is another, much smaller company working on something simalar, only way more evil. I can’t remember where I saw it… I’ll get back with you after I poke around awhile.

    mototom!

  12. I THINK Mr. Visscher (see above entry) is one of the primary design engineers on this project. I apologize for the in-your-face critcism. I did not originally see your name there. Just a personal observation. All for the better in the end, I’m sure. This product idea has great potential. Mr. Visscher and his team have recognized that and will, no doubt, be leaders as this idea crawls through it’s infancy.
    ***If you need any assistance (fresh ideas) of any kind, I can be had at tgvandy@earthlink.net***

    All the Best…

  14. I do not work for BRP but my involvement in the snowmobile industry requires that I keep an eye on patent applications…where I spotted this thing.
    I think this type of vehicle may have some potential. Imagine the fun that a 1500 cc, 165 bhp triple could generate if run through a snowmobile-style CVT.

  15. German magazines talk about the machine using an Aprilia Mille(=Rotax=Bombardier) engine, so a 130hp V-twin doesn’t sounds too bad either…And Gerhard: BMW’s have belt-drive but on the right side not left side

  16. It’s a Can-Am (formerly Bombardier) and it uses the 1000cc V-twin Rotax engine which is the same engine used in the Aprilia RSV-R sportbike.
    =====================================

  17. I founded the video on you tube 1st…which led me to that:

    opentheroad.com

    Looks like this teasing stuff could be the bike or roadster if that’s what they call it we’seen on the Spy shots…What’s your take?

    If so, it might be coming soon…?!