6. Conclusion: Which 2, 3 or 4 Wheeler is best for which application?
A beautiful design does not by itself alone sell a vehicle. Like any other product,
a vehicle must present many appealing attributes to
attract consumers.
Also, a vehicle is a compromise and cannot possess all appealing attributes.
Right from the start, it's the general concept or component layout of a 2, 3 or 4
Wheeler, that determines its potential of appealing
attributes. And with its own set of attributes, each vehicle concept performs better in
different applications.
The table below summarizes typical applications where
these vehicle concepts perform best,
in the order of their potential (1st, 2nd or 3rd) for each application:
A) Practical in terms of passenger and luggage space / Traction in snow /
Collision protection:
Front wheel drive cars are nearly alone to offer a compact engine-gear-box-differential-drive-shafts
package, which leaves maximum room for passengers and luggage, while increasing
weight up front for best snow traction, for better passenger protection in case
of frontal collision and for better high speed stability.
B) Acceleration 1/4 mile:
The center of gravity height of motorcycles lets them lift their front wheel
during hard accelerations. This transfers weight on the rear driving wheel which
thus supports all the rider-vehicle weight and permits the best forward
accelerations.
C) Motorcycle free-air-freedom / ‘Custom’ look / Apparent mechanical
simplicity:
All motorcycle manufacturers have fallowed the 'custom' motorcycle trend.
Ideally, a custom motorcycle is a well chromed Harley and nothing else. A
3-Wheeler cans also be bare-boned and chromed, but it will hardly do better than
second in the race.
D) 'Formula 1' race car sensations:
Nearly no sports car or regular 2-Wheel motorcycle can rival the T-Rex and G-Max
at generating 'Formula 1' class sensations when driving: The steering wheel has
to be removed to get in the 'cockpit' and seat or 'lean' at about 110mm from the
ground. The engine roars behind the seatbacks. The vehicle turns street corners
at surprising speeds...
E) Motorcycle free-air-freedom / Power / Touring
capabilities:
A conventional touring motorcycle nearly doesn't have anymore reason to exist,
considering the new 3-Wheeler's advantages: Increased gas tank capacity.
Double luggage capacity compared to a regular touring motorcycle. Stability at
standstill, on the road and at high speeds. Excellent maneuverability and
safety... This 3-Wheeler can further be equipped with bigger suitcases, with
electrically adjustable windshield and suspensions, with heating seats and
handles, with radio communications... and with any other equipment increasing
comfort and easing long travel distances.
F) Fast and fun to drive on a winding road or track:
We cannot show the latest developments of this new 3-Wheeler concept that are
secret.
But we estimate that if well developed, such 3-Wheeler have the potential to
beat any production car or motorcycle on a fast road track.
Saying it or proving it on paper is one thing. Proving it for real on the road
or track is better.
Don't miss the follow up...