Three-wheeled Motorcycles

We Could Easily Become a World of Motor Trikes

Motorcycle technology hasn't remained constant for the past few decades. There have been certain advances, but they've always had, by definition, two wheels. However, that is changing as motorcycles are adding on a little more: a third wheel.

I believe that there some expression about "a third wheel" referring to a useless addition, but I don't think that is the case here. The only point of adding a third wheel is for added balance, but you would never find any motorcyclist complaining about that. 

Last year, designer Vespa Piaggio gave us the MP3. No, this isn't a musical format, and I personally would have given it a different name. But I believe the MP3 is made to be marketed in Italy, so for all I know, MP3 could mean something entirely different. Anyway, you may know Piaggio for his Vespa, a model for scooters for the several decades. The extra wheel in front also gives the rider an advantage in braking. The MP3 also has front suspension that allows the vehicle to tilt up to 40 degrees.

Can-Am also has a three-wheel motorbike known as the Spyder. I would assume they put the "Y" in the name because of its Y-shape. They even use "Experience the Y-Factor" as their slogan. While the MP3 seems to have the extra front wheel as an afterthought, the Spyder takes full advantage of its three wheels for sports car-like suspension. It is powered by a Rotax 998cc engine, and has a multifunction gauge cluster to monitor details while driving.

If you are looking for more of an Earth friendly three-wheeler, you might want to consider the VentureOne. This one can be either all-electric or hybrid (using both gasoline and electricity). Like the MP3 scooter, this gives you the power of lean with lots of speed (0-60 in six seconds). The fuel efficient VentureOne also boasts 100mph with 100 miles per gallon. Now that is very cool, provided it's just two of you. This one covers the driver and passenger so it is a little less like a Harley experience.