Is a tricycle a motorcycle or a mini car? This is the first question that arises when looking at tricycles. This miracle of engineering can be safely called an intermediate link.
For some reason, many consider tricycles to be a Chinese invention. Probably by analogy with rickshaws. However, the first to create a three-wheeled miracle was the Japanese. Chinese designers only improved Japanese development and put it on stream. However, for China this is not new. But China is China, and the championship still belongs to the Land of the Rising Sun. Presented at the Geneva Motor Show, tricycles (China) Honda and Toyota made a splash. The developers of the company "Toyota" for over 40 years engaged in technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption and reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. They spent ten years creating the Toyota i-Road tricycle, and, it must be said, not in vain. Appearing for the first time in Geneva, this half-motorcycle - half-machine immediately attracted universal attention.
Until now, the manufacturer has not fully disclosed the technical characteristics of his brainchild. It is only known that the length of the tricycle is 2350 cm, the height is 1450 cm. The power unit consists of two motors with a total power of 2 kW.
Thanks to the dimensions of tricycles, parking problems will not arise. In addition, the side wheels provide them with excellent stability. Of the technical innovations of i-Road, it is possible to note the tilt compensator, which is connected with the front wheels. It is he who determines the optimal angle of inclination of the motorcycle in a turn.
By analogy with the Japanese invention, the Chinese presented their version of the tricycle. And although at first glance Chinese motorcycles look like a hybrid version of the three-wheeled scooters Honda and WWII, in their design and functionality there is something unique.
China’s tricycles are equipped with an air-cooled 150 cc single-cylinder engine. In a pair he has a regular variator installed. But the tricycle gearbox is a purely own development of Chinese designers, as well as the rear brake, which is made in the form of a pedal on the floor.
If the external design of the Chinese tricycles still causes ironic smiles, then the driving characteristics of this technique inspire respect. We must pay tribute: the Chinese have created a very light tricycle. But his frontal area is a bit too big. Therefore, air resistance does not allow it to accelerate more than 85 km / h. Nevertheless, for the technology of such dimensions, this is a very solid speed.
Well, now, as they say, about sore - about quality. Fortunately, tricycles in the Chinese version are devoid of the drawbacks that their older brothers in the car family are so infamous with. All plastic elements are carefully adjusted. There are no terrifying gaps and protrusions. All joints are smooth. Nothing creaks. A little annoying howling of the engine, but here, alas, you can’t cover it with a hood. But the main thing that can be attractive to Russian youth is unlimited tuning opportunities. By the way, the manufacturer is pushing for this, offering a large number of tuning components, starting from a 200 cc engine and ending with sports variators.