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Last Update 8/19/08
Tri-Rod Reverse Trike starting @ $34,995 approx (order now, in California)
For too many years the world’s perception of motorcycles has been formed by the status quo.
While motorcycles in all their incarnations are fun and exciting to own and operate, we knew there was a next step to take.
TriRods are three-wheeled straddle-mount motorcycles with two wheels in front and one in the back.
The inherent stability in the design not only increases safety, but ratchets up the adrenaline level with its insane cornering capability.
The F3 Adrenaline™ – is geared for street and track use. It features Penske Racing shocks, Pirelli tires, carbon fiber bodywork, and billet aluminum parts throughout.
A 20 inch rim with a 325 rear tire coupled to a 120 cubic inch racing motor might seem like overkill to some - its standard issue for this unit.
The X-Plor™ – is the ultimate touring vehicle. With 2800 in of storage in finely sculpted, removable saddle bags, touring windshield, 6.2 gallon fuel tank, and floorboards, this platform is made for long hauls on the open road.
The stability of the TriRod platform increases convenience and safety while revving up the thrills – a first in touring motorcycle history.
2-1 Layout
We chose the 2-1 layout (2 wheels up
front, 1 in back) over the traditional 1-2 trike configuration for its superior
handling, stability, and rollover resistance. We not only wanted the
platform to have phenomenal straight line acceleration and braking power, but
also have the ability to hug the road in the nastiest of corners.
Understeer
With the weight biased towards the front
of the vehicle in a 2-1 layout, the vehicle inherently understeers. A
traditional 1-2 layout tends to oversteer. Oversteer is a very unstable
and dangerous condition in a turn where the rear of the vehicle loses traction
first and the vehicle can ‘swap ends’ (spin-out). TriRods are tuned
for neutral to slight understeer for aggressive but safe cornering.
Rollover Resistance
A vehicle’s ability to resist rolling
over is largely dictated by the height of the center of gravity and track width
(distance between side by side wheels). Because braking forces can reach
greater levels than acceleration forces (3 wheels working in braking and only 1
or 2 wheels working in acceleration), the 2-1 layout has the best rollover
resistance of the two designs. With a center of gravity close to the
ground and a wide track, TriRods have uncompromising stability and unmatched
cornering capability.
Drivetrain
The TriRod boasts a powerful air-cooled
v-twin engine coupled to a 6-speed overdrive transmission. The engine
produces considerable torque at low to mid RPM. The engine is fuel
injected and features an O2 sensor in the exhaust. With this closed loop
system, the control unit continually makes fine adjustments to keep the engine
running at peak performance.
Chassis
TriRod’s all new platform required a
purpose-built chassis. TriRod engineers designed a unique chassis that is
not only lightweight but extremely tough. Although more expensive than
other types, the tubular frame design provides superior stiffness than cheaper
stamped sheet metal designs. A massive 3-inch diameter sweeping tube
serves as the main frame member - rigidly attaching the front steering and
suspension to the power-train and rear wheel. Engineered to resist
flexing, the chassis increases road holding and grants precise steering feedback
to the rider.
Suspension
In order to achieve maximum road holding
performance, the TriRod platform was designed with a Formula 1 type front
suspension system. The double, unequal, non-parallel a-arms position the
outside tire for maximum traction, exceeding over 1g in corners.
Everything from roll center height to spindle offset was carefully laid out in
order to achieve optimal handling and feedback from the road. Mating fully
adjustable shocks to the a-arms through a pull-rod and rocker keep unsprung
weight to a minimum. This allows the wheels to react faster to bumps in
the road for more precise control.
The rear suspension utilizes a high-performance motorcycle style mono-shock system. The shock attaches to the swing arm via a rocker and link which provides leverage ratio progression. This allows the suspension to stay soft and supple with normal road conditions while firming up just before bottom out when a large bump or pothole is encountered.
Materials
From the initial concept to the design and
selection of materials, TriRod engineers focused on creating an extremely light
and agile machine. The F3 Adrenaline™
model takes every component to the extreme. Forged aluminum rims with
6061-T6 billet aluminum shock bodies, rocker arms, and pull rods keep unsprung
weight to a minimum for maximum traction. Carbon fiber body panels and
fenders reduce weight while maintaining strength. Heat treated chro-moly
hubs are light and yet incredibly tough. 6061-T6 billet aluminum brake
calipers, foot controls, and hand controls are small, light, and extremely
strong.
TriRod Motorcycles
8230 Miralani Drive
San Diego, CA 92126 USA
858.547.9545 - Office
858.547.9030 - Fax
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