Three Wheel Cars: Our 3VG DIY Car Leans Toward the Future

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What we want to stress here, then, is that no machine is perfect, especially if it's a developmental prototype, and this one is no exception. It'd be ideal, for example, if the lean system were a stone-simple mechanical affair with a minimum of moving parts, but research showed us that such a design has some real drawbacks . . . one of which is that it takes almost superhuman force to initially lift the vehicle from the full-bank position. That's why we use hydraulics. (As you may know, a major auto manufacturer's efforts in this field resulted in a leaning vehicle controlled by foot pressure... which simply flops over when parked, if it's not locked in an upright position.)

More components, of course, mean more things to go wrong... and we'll admit that we've had our share. But the basic design seems sound, and only repeated testing will sort out the trouble spots in the system. (Since the front suspension is just a modification of a proven design, a lean system failure-even while the 3VG is moving -isn't necessarily dangerous, because the vehicle can be steered from any position.)

In addition, there's the question of overall comfort. To a person who's never ridden a motorcycle, our vehicle may seem louder and "closer" than the family sedan. Cycle riders should, however, welcome this compromise between car and bike. Avoidance of heat buildup has also been a prime consideration... because the engine is aircooled and the body-for aerodynamic reasons—has been designed to be as narrow and sleek as possible. The judicious placement of vents and ducts solves those summertime worries, and a more open design could even be utilized should certain engines call for it.

At this point, then, we've reached our initial goal. . . and now it's time to stand back, take a hard look at what we have, and consider just where we might want to go with it!

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