In the popular vocabulary, the words “trike” and “tricycle” are often used interchangeably. Let us clarify that the first is a subcategory of the second. Trikes are three-wheeled motorcycles that have one front and two rear wheels located symmetrically to the axis, and their technical characteristics allow them to travel on public roads. To drive a tricycle, category A license is not enough. If you are the owner of a model with a 50 cc engine, loaded with a weight of 550 kg, you will need category B1. B license holders can freely drive trikes and other three-wheeled vehicles.
The appearance of a three-wheeled motorcycle deserves special attention: the length of the fork is increased, there may be spikes on the rear wheels, and the engine is often located at the rear. But most of all, the public’s attention is attracted by custom models made on the basis of familiar domestic and imported bikes.
Yamaha Niken: What's the point of a motorcycle with two wheels on the front?
“Trikes”, or tricycles... Do you know what they are? I’m sure many have unmistakably pictured a tricycle in their minds. Absolutely right, here it is:
But only motorcyclists or people who are interested in motorcycle technology will think about this first:
But, as you understand from the title picture, there are many more types of tricycles than it seems at first glance. Technically, any motorcycle that has three wheels in its design would be called a tricycle. And it doesn’t matter at all which axle the two parallel wheels are located on – the rear or the front. Even if you attach it to the side, in the middle of the motorcycle, the trike will still remain a trike.
However, if you install double wheels on the front axle, the design will become much more complicated (after all, the motorcycle needs to be controlled somehow) and the bike will automatically acquire a very unique look, to a certain extent “cosmic” and in many respects technological.
The best example of illustrating such changes was the 2017 model year motorbike – Yamaha Niken. This unusual motorcycle looks evil and, damn, it's just incredibly distinctive! Probably, every time someone meets him on the road, at a gas station, he always asks the same questions: “How does it work?” and “Is it difficult to manage?” We are absolutely sure of this. We don’t even know why...?
Three-wheeled scooter
How many wheels to choose for a vehicle, two or three, is decided depending on what it is purchased for. For an ordinary driver, a two-wheeled scooter is quite convenient: it maneuvers quite well and easily overcomes traffic jams.
But there is a category of people for whom a more stable means would be more convenient, which is a three-wheeled scooter. These are elderly people, disabled people, village residents, as well as fishermen, hunters and summer residents.
Of course, first of all, such a vehicle was developed specifically for people with disabilities. The simple design consists of two rear and one front wheels.
However, cross-country enthusiasts did not ignore three-wheeled vehicles, preferring them to ATVs and minibikes. The reasons for such a strange, at first glance, choice are prosaic:
- since the motor is moved back here, it does not interfere with the legs;
- such transport protects well from dirt;
- Three wheels are more stable than two.
A few quick facts:
The Niken is based on the Yamaha MT-09. The only thing that has changed is the landing. Or rather, the seat has moved back to redistribute the weight closer to the rear wheel. This was done to make taxiing easier.
Three-cylinder engine with a capacity of 847 cc. cm and a power of 115 hp. With. with 87.5 Newton meters of torque was retained from the original donor. But it received a more massive flywheel so that the response to opening the throttle was not as sharp as on a regular motorcycle.
The most interesting. Instead of one wheel with 120/70 tires on a 17-inch front rim, the Yamaha has two 15-inch wheels. The rear wheel remains 17 inches. However, it has become wider for the sake of stability - 190/55 instead of 180/55.
The photos show the Niken GT version with a larger windshield and zippered panniers.
Ryno unicycle motorcycle
A completely safe unicycle motorcycle was proposed by Ryno Motors. The motorcycle's single wheel measures 63.5 cm in diameter. The device combines gyroscopes and accelerometers to ensure self-balancing of the motorcycle. And when the rider distributes his weight correctly, ensuring the motorcycle accelerates and stops, this vehicle from the future can feel completely safe.
The executive director of the company shared the history of the idea of creating such a motorcycle. His daughter ordered it for him, and even drew a sketch of her future motorcycle. Chris Hoffman really liked the idea, and he set about bringing it to life. Thus, the designer’s hobby turned into a business. Orders for their motorcycle, called the Ryno, are already coming in and deliveries will begin this spring.
On a regular motorcycle, it is driven by a hand throttle. Here you just need to lean forward slightly, just like on a Segway, and your motorcycle will move. When you lean on the handlebars, the sensor sets the wheel balancing, and to restore balance, the motorcycle moves. You lean back a little and the motorcycle stops. For those who find this inconvenient, the motorcycle is equipped with a hand brake.
A one-wheeled motorcycle can even overcome inclined surfaces. It takes six hours to fully charge this vehicle. A twelve-volt charger is used for this. This is quite enough to travel almost sixteen kilometers on it. And if you drive at low speed, you can travel further. The motorcycle has headlights and an electronic instrument panel.
Such a motorcycle seems dangerous only at first, but in reality it is very safe and simple. All controls are easy. The self-balancing of the motorcycle is impressive; it is impossible to fall on it.
Here you just need to learn how to properly distribute your weight. The motorcycle weighs just over seventy kilograms, and most of the weight falls on its single wheel and engine. When riding this motorcycle, you will not even feel the unevenness of the road. The following aspect is used to park the motorcycle. The motorcycle frame is equipped with a rubberized platform. You simply tip the motorcycle over, and it stands on this platform, which acts as a stand. On the wheel, on both sides, there are stands where the legs are placed. But if desired, they can be folded.
In some countries, such a motorcycle is allowed to be ridden on pedestrian sidewalks.
Let's move on to the unique aspects of the Yamaha Niken
What can you say about the riding characteristics of this motorcycle? In short, they are unique.
On the one hand, while driving the motorcycle, as motorcyclists who have been in the saddle of this unusual bike note, it handles like any other relatively heavy motorcycle (the Niken GT version weighs 267 kg). A little imposing, moderately “thoughtful.”
However, despite its outlandish appearance, its first unique feature is noted. The motorbike is quite agile and maneuverable than it might seem at first glance.
“You don’t even realize that it has two wheels at the front because the bike moves along a normal radius with the usual lean for motorcycles in this class, up to 45 degrees. You won't even see that you have two wheels in front, because they are completely covered by the large fuel tank. Wide and spacious, it holds up to 18 liters of fuel,” marvels Clemens Kopecky, journalist from Motorcycle Magazine.
By the way, the Yamaha Niken has a completely ordinary side stand on which the motorcycle rests, like any other two-wheeled unit.
The fork, or rather two parts of the front suspension (essentially, these are two forks with legs turned 90 degrees), work independently of each other. This way, one can be on the curb while the other doesn't lose traction.
List of serial trikes
Global manufacturers took care of motorcyclists who are not ready to turn their garage into a car repair shop by releasing the following models to the market:
- Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide. It has a 1.7-liter V-Twin engine with 87 horsepower, a Brembo brake system, and a 6-speed gearbox. Cruise control, an adjustable list, and a powerful audio system are responsible for driver comfort.
- Yamaha Niken. Designed on the basis of the “Japanese” YZF-R3, the model pleased the public with its appearance in 2022. The biker has a 900 cc engine and sporty driving dynamics at his disposal. Thanks to the atypical design, the Yamaha does not care about sharp turns, corners, or winding serpentines.
- Can-Am Spyder. Stylish, modern, maneuverable tricycle, originally from Canada. Accelerates in 4.5 seconds to 100 km. But its main advantage is the presence of several security systems. The 106-cid Spider engine is manufactured in Austria.
- Honda Goldwing Trike. Super comfortable model with a 1.8 liter engine. The 5-speed gearbox and 25-liter fuel tank are ideal for long journeys. The Goldwing competes with its two-wheeled sibling.
- Fantom. Available in a wide range of colors, the trike is compact and easy to operate. The engine capacity is 300 cm3, gasoline consumption is only 1.8 liters per 100 km. ways. It has a strong design, LED lighting, on-board computer. Despite its small dimensions, it is quite ergonomic and roomy.
Tricycles are very different and unique. But their common superpower is to inspire masters and not leave the public indifferent. If you want to combine fast movement in city traffic and gain popularity, a three-wheeled vehicle is for you!
Three point security
A significant difference between a classic motorcycle with two wheels is the incredible safety of the Niken model. Even if you slip in a turn (which you still need to try to do), you will, of course, eventually fall over, but the roll will increase much, much slower than the instantaneous slipping of one steered wheel on a standard motorcycle. Due to the peculiar design of the front suspension, the wheels in front will gradually move sideways, giving the rider time, and therefore a chance to correct the situation.
It turns out to be a good help for beginners. Of course, it is known that a horse will stumble even with four legs, but in terms of safety, Niken gives a head start to ordinary two-wheelers, although it is not comparable in safety to ordinary trikes. It is simply unrealistic to fall on them according to the classical scheme.
The only negative feature: when braking, the motorcycle becomes weak when maneuvering. Although, maybe this is a trick of the engineers? They seem to suggest that it is inappropriate to press the brake lever on the arc...
And a few more words about braking: the two front wheels are capable of transmitting enormous braking forces - they have all the grip you need! Therefore, it is necessary to operate the front brakes delicately even on a straight line. Where there is not enough effort on a regular motorcycle, there may be an excess of it on such a device. And if you hold it harder, you can do a “stoppie”, or even a front somersault... Be careful if you ever have the chance to ride such an unusual device.
Chic or just necessary?
A closed-type scooter resembles a cross between a motorcycle and an electric car for use in warehouses. But if you look at the price indicators, this transport begins to look like luxury:
- walking scooters with a roof cost from five thousand dollars;
- cargo - from seven thousand dollars;
- sports - from ten to twelve thousand.
The price depends on the technical characteristics of the model. But this transport is clearly not cheap. Although if noble goals are set, then the cost will no longer matter. However, if you wish, you can easily assemble a three-wheeled double scooter or a single scooter yourself. All components for this are sold. You just have to find the right motorcycle, put in a little effort, and the vehicle is ready.
This scooter consumes little fuel and is a more convenient and less dangerous form of transport for driving on the road and highway. A three-wheeled scooter can be an indispensable tool for fishing, hunting and in the country.
The motorcycle is well equipped
Standard safety equipment includes ABS, traction limiting system, and cruise control.
Dual USD 41mm forks are adjustable for compression and rebound. LED lighting all around is installed as standard.
The monochrome LCD display looks somewhat old-fashioned, but it is quite informative.
GT for long holds
Yamaha Niken GT is a version for traveling or long trips in comfort. Not the least important role in this is played by the enlarged windshield, which will deflect the oncoming traffic from the heads of even tall drivers.
There is a comfortable seat, heated grips, a rear luggage rack and side saddlebags. The downside of the latter is that they have zippers, so they are not airtight and allow water to pass through during heavy rains. Oh yes, they are also small.
Peculiarities
A three-wheeled scooter can be a pleasure scooter, a sports scooter or a transport scooter. For the first, as a rule, weak engines of up to 150 cc and one or two seats are used.
A cargo scooter has a trunk that can be used to transport large boxes, bags and other cargo. Such transport is capable of transporting mainly cargo up to one hundred and fifty kilograms, and less often up to two hundred.
Walking and cargo models may have a roof and glass with wipers. Basically, such models are scooters that run on gasoline. But manufacturers are also working on developing gas and hybrid models. The speed of such transport is up to sixty kilometers per hour.
Sports models are more powerful cars. The volume on them reaches 250 cubic centimeters, and in some cases even up to 580. They are represented by four-stroke units with liquid cooling. These models have only gasoline engines. Of course, they don’t have a roof. But a windshield may be provided.
Depending on the purpose of the vehicle, a three-wheeled scooter has brakes on one or all discs.
The result?
Yes, this toy is for an amateur or a beginner who has money for his first technologically advanced and safe motorcycle. In my opinion, the device looks too strange and unusual, like some kind of alien. In general, taste and the size of your wallet will decide whether you buy such a motorcycle for your garage or not. But as an attraction it would be possible to ride...
Reverse scooter
These strange vehicles first appeared in Europe, and the largest scooter manufacturer Piaggio began to produce it in several modifications at once: Gilera Fuoco 500, Piaggio MP3 400, 250 and 125.
Everyone is absolutely sure that three-wheeled vehicles are more stable than two-wheeled vehicles. Attempts to launch the production of this type of scooter have arisen more than once. However, they did not feel warm feelings towards them for the simple reason that the feeling of drive disappeared when tilting or turning, and the dimensions in width also increased.
