Is it a car or a motorcycle?

Hi, I have not posted for a while, but thought this next project is unique enough to post. I have been thinking about this for about 7 years now and am finally starting to cut tubes.

 

Motorcycle, at least in California.

 

Looks like you'll be splitting your time between here and the jockey journal.Keep us posted with the build.

 

I think the law is any three-wheeled vehicle requires the driver to have a motorcycle license...maybe aside from an Isetta.

 

Reverse trike motorcycle.

 

Looks like an old Messerschmitt car design. have fun

 

There was a guy around the Detroit area here, that had built something different...basically a car chassis with four wheels and a car driveline, (V8) but with handlebars and a motorcycle-style seat and tank. He sat high...as you would on a cycle, and was situated right in the middle of the chassis. I think he called it "The Devil's Joke" or somethin' similar. Good luck with your 3 wheeler.

 

In CA, you do not need a M/C endorsement for a three wheeler. Some states do not recognize an enclosed bodied trike as a motorcycle and regard them as cars. Check your DMV.
BTW, all Isettas, sold in the US, had 4 wheels. They are cars.

 

Now that you say that about Isettas, I wonder if I just imagined a three-wheeled version. I think, here, it depends on weight and HP. Scooters do not require registraion or a license up to a certain CC. That makes it convenient for all the drunks to still get around and still disobey traffic laws!

I think the three-wheel thing changed when the produced that 3 wheel monster that sits real low and produces something like 500+ HP. I forget what it was or who made it but I'm sure if you catch an old episode of Cribs you'll see one.

 

That would be a motorcycle in Nevada. Nice looking design, keep us posted. What do you plan on using for power?

 

That'd be a 2F1R trike, and a nice rendering of one at that! I spy a transverse spring for your front suspension, sure hope you start a build thread on your project...

 

Looks Like An updated version
of one of these

 

Whatever it is, I dig it! Looks like the cockpit pod off a P-38!

 

It's an old question, even Ed Roth couldn't get into a lot of car events with his three wheelers.

 

an Isetta.
Not a three wheeler . Has four , two close together.
Don

 

Depends. British market Isettas had three wheels, owing to tax considerations.
Cosmo

 

According to the DOT, having three wheels liberates it from quite a few safety rules.

Then, depending on your state, you could "pilot" it with nothing but a regular driver's license!!!

In California, You can ride a trike without a motorcycle license.

I remember having a customer when I worked for American Honda Motorcycles, he had a Goldwing converted to a trike because the DMV would not renew his motorcycle license on account of a stroke.

 

You need to paint 109 down the side of it.

 

Nice sketch, looks like a cool build. What's your plan for mechanicals? I've been scheeming a reverse trike build also and just bought a Kaw. Vulcan 1500 to be used for powerplant and final drive / suspension.
Here's a photoshopped rendering since I suck at drawing.

 

I think this should warrant the official build thread's motto to be "Don't mess with The Messer"!

 

The three wheelers are licensed either way. Licensed as a bike it's cheaper to insure but you my need to wear a helmet!!

Here's some shots of the latest project.

The Old TInbasher

 

A couple more for inspiration.

Click on photo to make bigger

 

Cool looking idea.

In some states, an enclosed driver keeps it from being a motorcycle.

 

Careful!





This one had a Honda transplant.

 

Try this one. http://www.brimstonecycles.com/

Not exactly HAMB friendly but it would certainly be a blast to drive.

0 - 60 mph 2.6 seconds 0 - 120 mph 6 seconds.

 

Any progress pictures on this project?

 

in Georgia you'd have to wear a helmet..

 

what engine are you going to run?

hyabusa?....freaking fast, although not traditional..or old school

maybe a flat head HD?

Cyclecar..registered as Motorcycle or same rules apply, cool

 

Here it is:
http://jalopnik.com/400511/the-devils-joke-laughs-at-helmet-laws-at-woodward-dream-cruise

 

In OK, that would be licensed as a MC, but you would not need a MC endorsement on your driver license to drive it, since it's a three-wheeler.