Contemplating a Project

[MGPilot]

I'm hunting for a project. I could restore an older bike or modify a newer one. But when I think about the idea of "capabilities" -- what new capability would an additional, standard bike offer? None, really. It would be a different way to do what I'm doing now. Not bad. Just a lot of overlap.

I'm out of flying for a while. Not interested at this time in building an experimental. I like experimental aircraft, but hangar space is prohibitively expensive and getting to the airplane through our heavy traffic changes the fun quotient.

I've considered building something like a wooden, 22', diesel-powered launch--but I don't have much room for a trailer and moorage fees are not appealing.

Have tried to get interested in R/C. The cost is certainly reasonable. Just can't seem to maintain interest. All it has done is left me with extra radio's and partially finished kits. Maybe later.

The Morgan 3-Wheeler is really interesting. Would allow me to take my wife or grand nieces/nephews for an occasional ride. Would be able to use it longer than I'll be riding two wheels. In WA state, if a vehicle has a steering wheel & seatbelts, you are not required to use a helmet (but do need eye protection of some sort).  But as engaging as Morgans are, they're not a true project and they seem to be so over-priced for what you actually get. (It's like you're rewarding them for inefficient production methods.)

But what if I made a Morgan-like three wheeler?

There seem to be at least two avenues.

1. I have Chris Gibbs' book on making your own sports car. There's lots of information on the Morgan 3-wheeler and its design/construction. Could start with a large displacement, touring Moto Guzzi. That could supply the engine/trans/electronics/rear suspension. I thought of a BMW--but they have such extensive electronics that it would complicate the build.

Don't need an H pattern for the trans, a sequential is fine. Would have to make sure the clutch is up to the challenge & the rear suspension can handle the weight. The drive shaft would be an issue. Would probably need to be two-piece with a universal to allow for the movement of the rear suspension. Morgan solved the problem with a Harley-like drive belt.

Could be an engaging, multi-year project with no particularly large, single expenditures. Space to do it would be challenging--but possible. I'm not a welder. Would need to find someone who could help for a reasonable price. Body could be done in metal or composite. Lots of my experimental aircraft buddies know how to fab good looking stuff in composite materials. Long process but doable. Biggest issue would be getting the strength in the frame while keeping weight down & getting the suspension right so it's pleasant to drive & doesn't have any bad handling characteristics.

2. Alternatively, could take something like a Polaris Slingshot & rebody it to be more like the Morgan.  More expensive up front, but more assured that it would handle well.  If you were careful, might be able to do it in ways so the Slingshot could be put back to original without a lot of holes or welds in the frame.  That would give me a more traditional form (less Space Invader). Would be more of a styling exercise than quasi ground-up construction. Would probably cost more, but a more conservative design approach.

Any options/issues I'm missing?

[charlie b]

Why not just build a 4 wheeler?  Tons of options out there and even kits if you want to go that route.

The idea of a Morgan 3 wheelers sounds good.  I just wonder how much mileage you get before something like the bevel gears gives up.  A lot more weight to deal with than they are intended for.

You might also sit in a Morgan for a bit.  If it is just for you then it might be OK, but, with a passenger it is really cramped.

[MGPilot]

I'll have to take a look. I assumed the weight was supported by a bearing and the bevel gear (drive gear?) would be affected by total weight and how you accelerated (treated it).  Hm.  Good thing to check.

[canuguzzi]

Take the Guzzi of your choice and convert it to belt drive. The advantages are questionable but there are some to be realized. Think if it as an interim project while you figure out a dream project.

[not-fishing]

I looked into building a JZR 3 wheeler also but after the review / comparison from Top Gear I decided to take a pass.                               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiktgVnoOr0

The big problem with reverse-trikes is where you take the pothole hit.  Either you take it in the side (front wheel) or you take it in the back (rear wheel).

So once I get my other projects done I'm hoping to resto-mod a 74 Alfa spider.  I had a '79 for five years and it was a great car. 

I'd get a decent running car.  Strip it completely down. Send out the engine for a minor massage, upgrade the suspension, paint, new interior and add lightness (to quote Chapman).

Sure it would probably cost $20,000 or more but I'd get the car that I've liked the most out of all the cars I've owned. 

Other's would tell me to just buy a Miata but that just seems wrong.  I've always liked the Alfa suspension for my aching back, ease of getting in-out of and the way it "tracks on rails" when you drive it right.

Wide-low-profile tired, back-breaking Ricers just leave me cold.  and I know I have to drive a Miata before I decide

[charlie b]

LOL, I had a 71 Alfa Spider a long time ago.  It was a neat little car.  But, very prone to rust, especially the floor pans.  Suspension was ok but not great, even after upgrades.  I did not like the seating position on long trips.  Maybe they changed it over the years but the knees bent up and arms stretched out was not a good idea.  Unless you swap in a V6 the engine was not that peppy.

Me?  I will build something up.  Either a kit car or custom.  4wheel.

[huub]

sounds like you need a triking or lomax with a guzzi engine.
i have a lomax , and they are fun to drive.
basically a road going go kart
i used the thing as daily transport for a couple of years , even took it to track days. no problems with potholes or stability.
due to the front wheel drive the lomax is impossible to roll.
knowing that , cornering is a case of hammering it into corners, let it understeer and let the resulting drift take care of braking.

[canuguzzi]

Restore a Saab Sonnet and then sell it to me. I had 4 at one time some years back.

[not-fishing]

  I did not like the seating position on long trips.  Maybe they changed it over the years but the knees bent up and arms stretched out was not a good idea. 

Ah you forgot to assume the Eyetalian driving position.  Seat back enough for good leg extension with hands at the bottom of the steering wheel then set the Italian "Cruise Control" the fast idle knob on the center console .  All steering done from the bottom of the wheel.

Then again I have a good Concrete Laborer's build with fairly short shanks so my arms are closer to the wheel.  Long legged types are worthless pushing wheelbarrels full of concrete.

As for rust, I'm in the California valley were it takes decades of exposure to even show a tiny bit of rust.