(Well then, lookie here. The Piaggio MP3 has a new, burlier cousin.)
While checking the pulse over at TheKneeSlider I ran into this image. It seems Motorcycle Daily has dug up a patent application from Harley Davidson for their tilting 3-wheeler. The front end appears much more complex than what I’ve seen in the MP3 and a LOT wider.
Maybe next month’s dealer show will provide a little more detail on this oddity.
Harley! As long as we’re talking about scooters, bring back the Topper!
7. June 2007 at 11:24 am
More like the Can_Am Spyder than the MP3. It’s been done but then again, Harley’s profit are sinking fast so maybe they need to re-invent again.
7. June 2007 at 6:07 pm
Maybe Harley Davidson needs to invent a modern engine with overhead cams to be competitive.
7. June 2007 at 11:07 pm
I dunno, I this thing makes a lot of sense. I’ve noticed a lot of Honda GoldWings equipped with, for lack of a better term, training wheels. Why? Their aging riders are growing less able to cope with a 1,000-lb. motorcycle. Harleys aren’t particularly light, either. Can you imagine training wheels on a Harley? Not bloody likely…r
8. June 2007 at 1:52 pm
Great find Steve!
Like Orin says it does fill a gap for aging riders.
Looking careful at the drawing I see the possibility for a PTO on the front which would allow the rider to attach a mower deck or rototiller. This would be a very functional scooter.
Steve Williams
Scooter in the Sticks
8. June 2007 at 4:31 pm
:D LOL!
That’s hilarious Steve! Rototiller *shakes head*
I hear that there’s a washing machine accessory too! Power from the drivetrain is used to operate the agitation and slab rollers.
But, seriously. Bravo to HD for trying to stay in the game AND if it means more granddads live longer I dig it.
8. June 2007 at 6:30 pm
The Spyder is a better design. The HD uses hydralics to make it lean providing a “motorcycle-ish” sensation to the driver but you don’t actually counter-steer like a real motorcycle, scooter, or MP3.
For me, the main fault of the Spyder is [1] the length which means you need to find car-parking rather than angle-park like a motorcycle and [2] they designed the front-end at a steep angle for “looks” when they could designed it to hold several bags of groceries.
8. June 2007 at 8:08 pm
C’mon now, if it’s the same size as a car, why not put a real v-twin in it? Like a Moto Guzzi???
triking-cyclecars.com
Long live the Morgan!!!
9. June 2007 at 8:50 pm
Well, Piaggio, the makers of the MP3, own Moto Guzzi, so you might see this sooner than you think. :-D
10. June 2007 at 1:35 am
I’m all over that when they start selling them
12. June 2007 at 3:06 am
I dont think this thing is gonna tilt. The suspension looks like it was taken off an F1 car. Looking at the the whole front end I’d say this thing is gonna steer like a car.
12. June 2007 at 7:05 pm
Three-wheeled motorcycles selling out quickly
Powersports Business
Tuesday June 12, 2007
The squeeze of higher gasoline prices coupled with novelty are sparking sales of Bombardier Recreational Products’ three-wheeled motorcycle in the earliest stages of its U.S. debut.
Wisconsin dealer the Engelhart Center has sold its entire allocation of 18 Can Am Spyder roadsters and has already taken deposits from another 60 buyers for 2008.
The Spyder is being rolled out initially in 12 states based on motorcycle sales, including Wisconsin. There are six other Spyder dealers in the state.
The Spyder retails for $15,700 and a $1,000 deposit will hold one for next year.