Tag Archives: three-wheeler

Blade runner has three in-line wheels

Why would anyone think this Marabese Blade with three in-line wheels is a good thing for motorcycles?

The Marabese Blade is the work of the family owned Luciano Marabese design company that also designed the Piaggio MP3 scooter with two side-by-side front wheels.

PIaggio MP3 trikePIaggio MP3

The company has also designed bikes for Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Triumph and Yamaha.

Their Blade has been designed by Luciano’s sons Ricardo and Roberto specifically for Asian markets.Marabese Blade three-wheeler

Pros and Cons of Marabese Blade

The advantages could be more braking power and cornering confidence given the increased contact patch of the third tyre.

Marabese Blade three-wheelerLocking up the wheels in a brake test

That’s also true with other three-wheelers with two side-by-side front wheels such as Yamaha’s Niken and TriCity scooter.

It also makes the wheelbase longer which provides more seating space.

That makes it particularly suitable in Asian and African countries where they often fit whole families on motorcycles and scooters.

However, it would also make it heavier and more expensive to buy and maintain given the extra tyre.

We also don’t buy their argument that it is narrower for lane filtering as the two Yamahas are not much wider than normal bikes and scooters.

We’re also a bit sceptical about the designers’ claims that it is more stable over bumps.Marabese Blade three-wheeler

Despite the complex and heavy front suspension system, the impact on the handlebars of the two wheels taking a bump at different times must double the chance of kickback and instability.

The original prototype Blade used 10-inch wheels, but they have now gone up to 12-inch wheels.

That could make steering geometry fairly fast, but it may also contribute to some steering issues we’ve experienced with 12-inch-wheeled scooters.

It is powered by a single-cylinder 300cc engine, but the designers say it will also fit a twin-cylinder 550cc engine.

Marabese is still working on the prototype and it is not yet confirmed for production.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Custom Niken wins craziest bike award

Yamaha’s leaning three-wheeler Niken is one crazy bike and now a custom version has won the Craziest Bike award at a German custom show.

Polish manufacturer of custom motorcycles Game Over Cycles (GOC) is usually known for its modifications of American motorcycles.

However, their GOC Niken pays special tribute to its nationality with Japanese characters taken from the Yamaha brand philosophy: “Courage to set higher goals without fear of failure” (失敗を恐れず、もう一段高い目標に取り組む).Custom Niken wins craziest bike award

First Niken custom

The build was done in collaboration with Yamaha Motor Poland and is believed the world’s first fully customised Niken.

Niken debuted on the global market in 2018 and is based on a unique Leaning Multi Wheel (LMW) technology developed by the Japanese company.

Except for two front leaning wheels the extraordinary construction of the motorcycle consists of four steering heads and dual-tube upside-down forks.

Our Gold Coast contributor Todd Parkes recently tested the GT version and was amazed at its competency.

Alien Yamaha Niken GT
Yamaha Niken GT

The three-wheeler retails in Australia for $A21,990 and an extra $2000 for the touring version.

It is powered by a 847cc DOHC triple developing 86kW (115HP) at 10,000rpm, but weighs a hefty 263kg.

The GOC custom version has replaced all plastic parts with handmade aluminium parts.

Work on modifying the motorcycle took 1400 hours.Custom Niken wins craziest bike award

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Family creates web of Spyders

The three-wheeled roadster is a rare sighting on the road, but when this extended family goes for a ride, there is a whole web of them.

Jason Woodward, of Penrith, says he started the Spyder family phenomenon with a test ride one rainy day after being inspired by his father Kevin and father-in-law Terry Mansfield to try them.

Family rivalries

He says the Woodwards and the Mansfields had been riding motorcycles all their lives with the usual friendly brand rivalries.

The Woodwards were in the red corner with a love of Hondas while his Mansfield in-laws were in the Yamaha blue corner, except for his Triumph-loving father-in-law.

“So we have interesting discussions around the camp fires,” he says.

When Terry and his wife Audrey developed health problems that made it difficult to ride their Goldwing with a trailer, they started discussing the option of buying a Can-Am Spyder roadster.

Jason was skeptical and thought Can-Am Spyders were ugly.

“I, along with the majority of motorcycle enthusiasts put them down constantly,” he says.

“They are unattractive, unnatural and impractically slow. Why would you even bother?

“If you get to a point in your life when it’s time to buy a Spyder then just buy a car. It’s over.

“I thought to myself he has lost the plot.”

However, Jason thought that at least his father-in-law was still riding, so he spoke to his father about it and found that he was also considering a shift to three wheels.

Spyder web begins

So Jason started researching Spyders for them and headed down to Western Motorcycles in Penrith one fateful rainy day to have a look for himself.

The salesman said their policy was not to allow test rides in the rain.

“But hang, it’s a Spyder that has so much tech you can’t get into any real trouble,” the salesman told Jason.

The salesman then gave Jason a short carpark lesson on the unfamiliar controls such as the single brake foot pedal.

“He asked me to accelerate just like a normal motorcycle by turning the throttle and jump on the brake as hard as I can when he put his hand up, just like an emergency stop,” he says.

“So I did that and the bike stopped on a dime. I was shocked on how well the machine accelerated and stopped. That big Rotax 1330cc motor was better that I expected.

“We did this a few times until I was comfortable. After that I rode around the carpark just so I could feel what it was like.

“The flat turns and the way your body moves to the outside of a corner was weird at first but I was getting comfortable each minute I was in the saddle.”

After a short familiarisation lesson, Jason took the 2017 Can Am Spyder RT big touring model for “a decent ride”.

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Jason take his 2017 Can Am Spyder RT on tour

“I took off and rode it up the Blue Mountains for about 30 minutes and went into some twisty bends and also the open highway,” he says.

“This machine is fast and manoeuvrable. It had a radio so I turned it up; I was really enjoying myself.”

Jason also took the roadster to his parents’ house to give them a short spin around the block.

“I was riding back to the dealership with a huge smile and decided right then I was buying a Spyder for myself,” he says.

Jason says his wife, Julie, questioned why he would need a three-wheeler when he was still capable of riding a normal motorcycle.

“I had put crap on these things for years but had never given the machine a chance. They are awesome,” Jason told Julie.

On the day he took delivery of his new Spyder, he rode a couple of hundred kilometres to Callala Beach, near Nowra, to show his in-laws.

“I get a message on the phone and this picture comes up from my dad,” Jason says.

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Dad gets his Spyder

“At this stage I have tears in my eyes. He just bought one as well. I couldn’t believe it.

“This man — a life member of the Goldwing Club, has ridden Goldwing since the early ‘80s, has owned every model, is a very active member, and lives and breaths Goldwings — has just bought a Spyder!

“I showed the picture to my father in-law and he says, ‘Cool, I am getting one as well so we can ride together like we did a few years ago’.”

But wait, there’s more.

Jason’s sportsbike-riding brother, Darrin, drove their father to Armidale to pick up his Spyder and took the opportunity to have a test ride.

“A few months later my brother sends me a text: ‘I have just bought a Spyder. I need a lift to go pick it up’,” Jason says.

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Another Spyder joins the web

Then Terry texts Jason with a photo of his Spyder.

“Out of the blue, my nephew Sean (Darrin’s son) sends me a message: ‘I love dad’s Spyder. I am getting one’.”

Sean bought the new learner-legal 900cc Can-Am Ryker.”

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Ryker

Over the past 12 months, the extended Spyder family has been riding their web of Spyders together “as much as we can”.

Jason has even traded up to the sporty F3 Daytona.

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Trade up!

“We are enjoying the machines and having a lot of fun,” Jason says.

If you want to check out the community of Spyder fans, go to the Spyder Buddies Facebook page which is a great source of information, and photos of social events.

Web Spyder
Family web (from left): Kevin and Wendy Woodward, Sean Woodward, Jason Woodward and Allyson, and Darrin Woodward. Terry and Audrey were unable to attend due to health issues.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Alien Yamaha Niken three-wheeler will surprise

Yamaha’s Niken GT three-wheeler looks like an alien, but it corners surprisingly well, says Motorbike Writer contributor Todd Parkes.

When I first set eyes on the Yamaha Niken, I imagined an alien would ride one of these monsters.

This bike is pretty much an MT-09 with two very skilfully engineered front wheels grafted to what would have normally been the pointy end.

Piaggio and other scooter manufacturers (Yamaha’s Tricity included) have proved this concept of ‘doubling’ the front end grip of a cycle.

How many times have we watched motorcycle racing and witnessed a front end loss? The front wheel ‘tucks’ up and chucks its hapless rider down the road.

I tested the original Piaggio MP3 when released, and it was the most sure footed thing I’d ever ridden.

Niken GT testAlien Yamaha Niken GT

So, can the three-wheeled Niken service it up to its two-wheeled counterparts?

Apparently it can top around 210km/h and was a full second quicker than its MT-09 sibling, around Yamaha’s test track.

The bike I tested was the $24,478 (+ on-road costs) Niken GT and it can certainly live up to the Grand Tourer standard. It has heated grips, cruise control, touring screen, panniers, shift indicator, selection of three sport modes, traction control, ABS, side and centre stands, comfortable seating position, and wide handle bars.

There’s a six-speed transmission, a 847cc DOHC triple developing 86kW (115HP) at 10,000rpm, kerb weight of a hefty 263kg and high 820mm seat.

The 18 litre fuel tank will give a comfortable range of 300km before the reserve counter kicks in, depending on the engine mode used and how heavily you twist the throttle.

No lessons required

Sitting behind the handle bars gives no indication of what’s in front of you. The fairing may be a bit wider but apart from that nothing seems any different from a standard motorbike.

There is no requirement for tuition on how to ride the Niken. A Can-Am Spyder, outfit or even a trike needs a skill set outside that for riding a normal motorcycle.

You ride a Niken in the exact same way you ride any other bike.

The only differences are a slight noticeable ‘drag’ at slow speed, you can brake later into corners using more front brake and right hand U-turns are a piece of cake. You can even drag the front brake without pulling yourself down.

You do need a side stand and it will fall over if you don’t hold it up.

There are no fancy hydraulics, electronics or sensors, just plain old good quality mechanical engineering.

The mirrors are well positioned and offer good rear and side views without being filled with the rider’s shoulders or arms.

They can be difficult to adjust being so far forward, however, they are positioned in such a way that there is little need to shift the eyeline from the road ahead.

The instrumentation, mirrors and view ahead are virtually all in the same line of sight.Alien Yamaha Niken GT

Stability

The one constant while riding this bike is, stability. High speed, low speed, wet grass, gravel, uneven surfaces or cornering, it’s all the same.

There is a complete feeling of confidence that the bike will stay on track and be completely controllable.

I threw it at everything I could think of and it felt like it was on rails at all times. I reckon I’d have to do something completely stupid or idiotic to throw it down the road.

Both front tyres are still planted firmly on the road by the time you are fully grinding the footpegs into the tar.

Yamaha Niken neowing
(Image: Yamaha)

Pillion test

With my treasured pillion onboard we headed off to see what she thought of passenger comfort.

Seat comfort was good, grab rails were well positioned, foot rests not too high.

There was plenty of room for her to shift about. Now, as the rider, I noticed that there was no need for me to compensate for being with a pillion, those small counterbalance shifts a rider makes to keep the bike stable two up, the Niken does it for you. Two up at 10kph….easy…..two up over soft ground and wet grass is a doddle. Amazing!

I’m 180cm tall and 90kg and the 820mm seat height suited me fine. I was able to get both feet flat on the ground and spread out for good support.

The panniers are a little unusual in that they’re a cross between a soft and hard case with zipper closure (they came with a pannier liner bag).

They appear to be a bit on the light side, but, hold about 30 litres securely and can be carried around just like any old set of luggage.

The main downside with the panniers is their exposure to being ‘booted’ when getting on or off the bike. They won’t hold a full face, but will take an open-face helmet.

Apart from the obvious expense of purchasing an extra tyre, my main concern was the “busy” left hand switch block. It takes some time to get used to.

The high beam idiot light is a bit too bright at night, as are the cruise control globes. I’d also prefer some adjustment for the windscreen.

ConclusionAlien Yamaha Niken GT

Look beyond the alien appearance and take one for a test ride. It will surprise you as it did me.

Most of my age group couldn’t get past the alien appearance, but a couple of young riders walked up and started taking photos.

Their attention was drawn by the steering mechanism under the front.  They thought the bike was pretty cool!

Thanks to Yamaha Australia and Simon from Chris Watson Cessnock for the test bike. The base model starts at $22,438 (+ORC). Options include panniers ($775), brackets ($523) and centre stand ($781).

Yamaha Niken GTAlien Yamaha Niken GT

  • Price: $24,478 (+ on-road costs)
  • Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 847cc 3-cylinder
  • Bore x Stroke: 78 x 59.1mm
  • Compression: 11.5 : 1
  • Fuel: 18 litres
  • Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed, chain drive
  • Length: 2150mm
  • Width: 885mm
  • Height: 1425mm
  • Seat: 820mm
  • Wheelbase: 1510mm
  • Clearance: 150mm
  • Wet weight: 267kg
  • Suspension: USD Telescopic forks, 110m travel; link rear, 125mm travel
  • Brakes: Hydraulic dual 298mm discs, 282mm rear disc
  • Tyres: 120/70-R15;  190/55-R17

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Boom Trike fits new powerplants

Boom Trike is getting two new powerplants so former Ulysses Club magazine editor and long-time trike tester Ian Park checked out the new models and submitted this review.

Boom Trike review

Down through the years some of the most fun I’ve had behind bars has been on Johann Kastner’s Oz Trikes machines including the German-built, VW air-cooled Boom Trike.

In recent years the Boom Trike has been powered by various engines from 1600cc to 2000cc and usually with a manual transmission. 

The two-litre-powered Peugeot has now been replaced by a 1.6 litre Peugeot coupled to an auto gearbox and a Mitsubishi 1.5 litre turbo-charged power plant with a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Boom Trike
All images by Ian Park

Johann says there is also a Boom Xtreme coming with a two-litre turbo Ford Mondeo engine developing more than 150kW (200hp).

New Boom TrikesBoom Trike

The current two 1.6-litre machines have similar equipment levels. The orange-coloured Peugot is a two-seater, while the red Mitsubishi is fitted for a rider and two passengers. 

The turbo Mitsubishi has plenty of acceleration and with the CVT is very easy to ride, but I like to use engine braking. 

There is a “tiptronic” shifter on the left switch block which allows you to shift seven ratios, but it was a bit of a waste using it entering and exiting corners, due to the lack of engine braking. 

Also, I don’t particularly enjoy the turbo ‘whoosh’ whenever the engine is revved. 

Interestingly, those revs change depending on whether you are running along a flat or up a hill without moving the throttle, thanks to the CVT.

You also have to get used to the idle as it holds about 1800rpm for a few seconds after you stop. 

Pretty instrumentsBoom Trike

Both machines have “pretty” instrumentation with white facias, which made the indicator and other warning lights difficult to see in daylight hours. They were also difficult to read at night under streetlights, but were very good when there were no streetlights such as on country roads. 

Speaking of country roads at night, the headlights are absolutely brilliant. High beam would singe the fur on a kangaroo at 100m.

The left hand grip has all the usual switches which are set very close together and can present the problem of hitting more than one when wearing winter gloves.Boom Trike

I also got caught out by the emergency kill switch that operates in the opposite direction to normal bikes. 

There’s very few controls to operate; just a single right pedal for all the braking and a simple twist-and-go throttle.

Wide loadBoom Trike

If there is one constant when riding/driving a Boom it would be the width of the rear end. The bum is as wide as a Ford Falcon and can be a major concern if you forget.

Negotiating speed bumps requires a bit of care as you sit very low in the trike. I scraped the heels of my boots a couple of times while heading through carparks. 

Sitting this low also means you have some difficulty in traffic seeing through a car’s back window to view what’s in front of them. I also found it surprising that there was very little air buffeting. There was good protection from behind the large instrument cluster.

At around 1000kg, the ideal balance would be for 330kg under each wheel. I placed a scale under the front wheel and got a reading of about 140kg. This means the Boom is well balanced on the three wheels once the rider and or pillion are aboard. 

Obviously, with this in mind, front tyres will need to be changed more often (about 25,000km) than the massive rear ones.

With a rear-mounted wing/spoiler and a low centre of gravity this good front-to-rear balance means the vehicle is very stable during high speed cornering. 

Attention getterBoom Trike

The Boom attracted attention wherever it went, parked by the kerb or out on the highway where car passengers even snapped photos of us.

It is comfortable, has huge storage, is safe and very stable, has excellent fuel economy and you can even tow a trailer up to 325kg.

I’d love to own one. It would be an awesome super tourer. My favourite pillion agreed wholeheartedly and also loved her time behind the bars. My own view as pillion was similar to hers; very comfortable and enjoyable.

I would add a screen for winter, black or charcoal facias on the instruments with white numbers, an extra set of mirrors at the ends of the light bar and maybe cruise control.

How much?

Boom Trike Chopper
Boom Trike Chopper

Starting prices are $34,000 for the “old style” 1.6 litre rear-engined Chopper with four-speed manual, although the most popular optioned variant is closer to $37,900. 

The base 1.6 litre mid-engined four-speed-manual Boom Mustang is $46,900. 

Go with the Mustang Advance and add options like automatic transmission or extra luggage frame and the price can climb north of $55,000. 

Boom Trike
Mustang Advance

If you aren’t convinced that a Chopper or Boom Trike is for you, you could hire one to help make up your mind. They cost about $340 for a mid-week day or $630 from Friday lunch to Sunday night.

These trikes can be driven on a car licence in NSW while other states require a full motorcycle licence.

You can contact Johann at Oz Trikes on 02 4372 1100 or visit at 6 Ainslie Close, Somersby, NSW.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Honda Neowing three-wheeler to replace Goldwing?

A Honda Neowing leaning three-wheeler looks likely to be coming soon, possibly as a replacement for the ageing Goldwing.

Honda has now applied for a patent for the power steering of its Neowing leaning three-wheel concept (pictured above) unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

If it does go into production, Honda would be following the bike tracks of the Yamaha Niken leaning three-wheeler.

And why not? The Niken has scored some sales success in Europe.

Leaning three-wheeler scooters have been around for about a decade, but Yamaha is the first with a big-capacity three-wheeler.

Yamaha Niken neowing
Yamaha Niken

We’ve ridden several leaning three-wheel scooters and they are great fun.

The advantages are more front-end grip, better handling and increased braking performance.

However, the disadvantages are extra weight and price.

The Niken is based on the triple-cylinder MT-09 which sells for $12,299 (plus on-road costs) up to $15,499 for the Tracer model and $16,999 for the Tracer GT.

Niken starts at $21,999 with a GT model coming in March 2019. That’s about a third more expensive!

Yamaha Niken three-wheeler neowing
Niken

Powerful Neowing

While Yamaha’s three-wheeler is powered by an 847cc triple, Honda’s Neowing could be a lot more powerful.

The concept featured a four-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine with electric motors in each wheel.

However, the patent drawings for the electric power steering do not show the engine, only the complex steering system.

Neowing patent drawings (Image: Morebikes.co.uk)
Neowing patent drawings (Image: Morebikes.co.uk)

They also don’t show any electric motors in the front wheels.

But it would need to be powered by a hefty engine to cope with the extra weight and power requirements of the steering system.

Yamaha’s Niken is marketed as a sport tourer.

The Neowing could be more of a tourer, perhaps to take over from the ageing Goldwing with its six-cylinder boxer powerplant.

Some might say these leaning three-wheelers are not strictly motorcycles.

But if they provide the same thrill as a motorcycle, yet with more grip, then who cares!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com