A motorcycle powered Reverse-Trike, akin to the T-Rex. It's called the Tri-magnum. and it's completely DIY, plans-only, no kit.

Go here for a PDF version of an article written about this in '83. Of note is there have been a few design improvments since that article was written. Most notably hand operation of the clutch is no longer recommended. A more traditional foot operated clutch is the preferred design.

Here's one under construction that I think looks bad a$$:
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Here's an interior shot

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Probaly going to be started as a winter project although estimated labor is something like 300 hours so it'll be a while in the making. My brother's even interested in getting involeved and we have some design improvements in mind. Follow along in my blog, here:

http://www.blurty.com/users/aravahan

What do y'all think?

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Great site to check out http://www.briery.com/vortex/index.html

sounds like a fun project I'm dying to build a lotus 7 replica with a Honda F20C from an AP1 S2000! ~900 lbs, 240hp.. a surefire recipe for personal injury

fairly DIY but a little more than $2000.. even in 1983

Already got that one bookmarked, but thanks. The Vortex isn't really my style, though...

Hmm, that does look pretty cool. Probably more money than I could manage though. I've been a kit-car fan for years but have never had the time, money, or ambition to build one. the closest I got was buying a already built Dune-buggy to restore. Sadly my daily-driver died and I ended up trading the Dune-buggy away for a motorcycle so that I had a something to drive (ride) while fixing my daily driver...

LOOKS LIKE A MOONBEAM ON STEROIDS

Yeah, it does take some getting used to. At first I wasn't that impressed. But after a few weeks of 'internet research' (isn't it cool that there's now a more official sounding way to say "wasting time surfing the internet"? ) I've seen just how cool these things can be. And, like I said, the body is completely DIY, so there's no reason why it would have to look like that if you don't want to follow the plans to the T.

Just to show you, here's the Tri-magnums that got me thinking "these things aren't 1/2 bad looking after all...":
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Okflyboy,

Once you get that done, you got to race over here to ORU and show me.

Cool, another Okie! Will do!

Here's a diagram of the original TM:
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And my version with some of the modifications I want to make:
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any idea what engine you plan to use?

and I think a wider rear tire is an absolute must.. a huge honking 15-16" like you mentioned will prodive a lot of grip. The single tire will be expensive, but you're only buying one at a time

Assuming you don't plan on driving it in the rain, I think using Rain-X alone would suffice. I use rain-X and you can honestly drive in very heavy weather without using the wipers. In light to moderately heavy rain, Rain-X is all you need. If its just misting lightly though, visibility can be lessened because 1) not enough water to bead together, and 2) not enough force to push those tiny individual droplets off the window. Of course, you can still see fine, but the view is not completely clear as it would be with rain-x alone in a little bit heavier rain.

Those last two are cool as hell! makes me want one. what are front ends in those things out of?

VW of course. answered my own question. you no they have a factory made three wheel car like this coming out in europe that has wheels that auto camber into the inside of a turn at high speeds for better motercycle like hnadling.

Not sure at this point. A Goldwing seems a good choice, lots of CCs and a heftier charging system than most bikes. Although a high CC sportbike would be fun for the sheer acceleration. I've started looking for wrecked bikes with front-end only damage but so far haven't turned up much (which is not really a problem considering I couldn't afford to buy anything right now anyway...) Really its going to depend on what I can find on the cheap around tax return time, I think, as that's the soonest this project will be able to go anywhere beyond the planning stages.



Agreed. Besides the cost of the initial donor-bike purchase this will probably be the most expensive part of the build. I've ridden bikes before but never modded them. Adding a wide wheel is going to require frame modification that I as of yet, anyway, have no idea how to do. I'll probably have to take it to a professional to have that done.



I dunno, OK is a wet place, even in the summer. I just don't see it being a viable solution, I'll admit though, I've never used Rain-X. If it works as well as you say it may be after all.

I guess I could try it on my Caprice for a week or two. Pretend I don't have wipers and see how it fares. In fact, I think I'll do that. I'll try to pick some up tomorrow...



Yup, they're called Tilting Trikes and several manufactuers are working on 'em right now...

I can back up the rain-x. That stuff owns all. I used it for a month or so while I was trying to figure out if I should get blades, turns out you kind of need them to pass inspec here in MO.

St Louis, huh? Not too terribly far from here. And you said Rain-X worked well for you? Okay, I'm definately convinced enough to experiment on my Caprice. I'll get some tomorrow and will keep you all posted.

Thanks guys!

you will be surprised. I was amazed at first that the stuff actually worked.. and worked very well!

Well, I bought and applied some this morning. It's just stopped raining so I can't test it. (I never thought I'd see the day where I was hoping for rain... lol)

heh, it's 52 deg here and raining.. Good thing, that means today will be a slow day at work.

Okay, so it was a 'heavy' mist (not heavy enough to be rain really, but heavier than mist...) on my drive to work this morning. Tameone's right, in a mist visibility goes down but is not completely restricted like you'd expect. I've noticed an added benifit: all the greasy road oil being sprayed up by passing trucks rolls right of with a quick swipe of the wipers! (The Caprice's windshield washer system doesn't work, so this is a HUGE benifit to me...)

So far its looking pretty good...

One of the ones I used for an example is up for sale on ebay, check it out:

(REALLY wish I had the $$$)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...em=250042236939

did you look deep into the sellers home page? check this out:

http://www.ccpc.net/~jaho/3wheel2.html#scorp

(tons of pictures of different models, scorpion is my fav!)

edit... change that.. i like the T-rex better! http://www.ccpc.net/~jaho/3wheel2.html#rex

Yeah, the t-rex is awesome, but its also ~$40,000! Doing internet research into DIY alternatives to the T-Rex is what brought me to the Tri-Magnum...

Here's another cool project by the designer of the Tri-Magnum:

Ground Hugger

A Recumbent Bicycle You Build From Plans

This unique human powered vehicle was developed and patented in the mid 1960s, and first introduced as "Ground Hugger" in a special plans offering by Popular Mechanics magazine. Ground Hugger's sleek lines and elegant mechanical design captured the interest of bicycle manufacturers, worldwide. But the benefits of the recumbent were not widely understood, and it would be another 15 years before high-end bicycle manufacturers began producing them. Due to today's popularity of recumbents, the original Ground Hugger plans have been updated and republished. And we've also developed the Ground Hugger XR2 - a computer-engineered carbon fiber machine utilizing the latest in cycling design and componentry. A major benefit of a recumbent is the awesome power that a rider can deliver to the pedals. Nearly everyone has enough strength in their legs to lift up to twice their own weight, and some of us can lift as much as three times. A recumbent provides the rider with something to push against (the back of the seat), so total leg power can be delivered to the pedals. In contrast, a conventional bicycle limits the maximum push against pedals to roughly that of the rider's weight. This, in combination with its inherently lower frontal area and reduced air resistance, is responsible for the recumbent's greater speed. The speed record for a recumbent is over 65 mph. In addition, a recumbent naturally positions the body for improved blood flow because the heart does not have to work against gravity.

Safety in the event of a spill, and virtually zero stress on arms, hands, and low backs are other advantages. The attribute that receives the most accolades from new riders, however, is also the most difficult to justify in practical terms. The sheer thrill of gliding along at 30 mph just inches above the ground puts Ground Hugger in a class of its own. It's a sensation that has to be experienced in order to be fully appreciated.

Riding a recumbent is an entirely different experience. One's sense of balance has to be reoriented to the new seating position and close proximity to the bicycle's reaction point. Because the ground is a bicycle's reaction point, the conventional riding position high above the ground translates into greater lateral distances between opposing lean angles, which means slower reaction times. A recumbent reacts more quickly because of the rider's low center of gravity and close proximity to the ground. New riders initially sense this quick reaction time as instability. Normally, it takes three or four attempts at cycling before one gains enough confidence to make the full commitment.

Early versions of Ground Hugger were equipped with the Sturmey-Archer 3-speed hub; the type with a built-in coaster brake. Plans also show how to install calipers brakes, lightweight crank and head sets, and a multi-speed derailleur system. The original frames were built of inexpensive mild steel tubing. But the frame can also be built of thin-wall 4130-N or aluminum tubing to keep weight to a minimum. The cost to build Ground Hugger will depend on the type of components and materials you select, and on whether you purchase new parts individually or buy a used bike and take the components from it. So the rock-bottom cost-to-build will be on the order of $200 (mild steel frame with parts from an old bike). But a high-performance multi-speed road bike with a 4130 frame and new high-end components will cost much more - depending on the materials and components you select.

Plans may be purchased as CAD drawings in electronic format (dxf format on 3-1/2-inch disks), as large 24 x 36-inch prints on bond paper, or in a set containing both CAD and printed drawings.

Specifications
Length: 88 inch
Height: 29-3/4 inch (to top of handlebars)
Wheelbase: 66-3/8 inch
Font Wheel: 18 x 1.125 inch (optional 16 - 20 inch wheel)
Rear Wheel: 26 - 27 inch (optional cross-section)
Weight: 30 - 45 lbs (depending on materials and accessories)
Gearing: Optional (multi-speed derailleur or hub)
Brakes: Optional (caliper or hub brakes)
Adjustment: 4-inch longitudinal seat & handlebar adjustment
(Fits 64 - 72 inch rider height as shown. Frame may be shortened or lengthened for taller or shorter riders.)

I'm taking a welding class next semester. I'm thinking of giving this a try as my welding class project. Seems easier then jumping right into the Tri-mag. I need a new bike anyway...

Here's the newer version (this one's a carbon fiber frame, but the seat design and multi-speed can be applied to the older metal-framed design as well):

two words: chain guard!

I could see that ripping someones pants right off! ::

I have to jump in on this thread, I have always loved three wheeled vehicles like this. I currently own a three wheeled recumbent trike made by the FLYBY trike company. its two wheels in the front and one in the back, needless to say its a blast to ride, I dont have any pics of it but I do have pics of my other trike, its like the tri mag except you dont sit so close to the front axle. I always wanted to build a tri-mag, I even have the plans and almost bought one from E-bay until I came across the one I have now. its a carman ghia front end single seat frame with a Kawasaki KZ-1000 shaft drive bike from the neck back. only thing I wish it had was reverse so if your looking for a donor bike get a goldwing with reverse, I wouldnt worry about performance, with the light weight of these you can be at 60mph in 3 seconds. I still have some wiring to do and some linkages to fabricate and then I need to make a body.

Heres a side view

Veeeeeeerry cool!!

Nice find OKflyboy. I certianly spent some time looking over all the plans from that tri-mag site. It does sound like a blast to drive. If I could use it for a daily driver, then i'd seriously consider it. I don't suppose that a single drive rear wheel is much good in snow covered hills though... TESCORP, have you done any 3 wheeling in the snow at all?

havent had it in the snow but I dont see it as an suv, the one rear drive wheel wouldnt be good in deep snow. if it was front wheel drive it would probably do better in the snow. I had visions of hacking a small front wheel drive car up for this project until I found this one. of course if I where to strap big ski's on the front wheels and got a studded tire for the rear it might do good in the snow. I plan to do some road trips in it. should have a pretty good range as I plan to get a 10 gallon Moon tank for it.

That same site that has plans for the tri-mag also features the Doran. This car is a front wheel drive with a non-powered rear wheel. Doran I'd imagine that it does better in all weather conditions, but doesn't sound nearly as cool as the tri-mag. It uses the drivetrain and front axle from a 80-89 subaru hatchback. It seems that it makes similar power/weight as the tri-mag. Also sounds like a lot more fabrication to make the chasis. Ah well. . always need a project for later I suppose.
A 10 gallon tank should do it... what that... around 400-500 mile range with that? I'd almost be concerned about that much fuel being in close proximity. You do have the benefit of a welded frame around you though, as opposed to a tri-mag which is mostly plywood, foam, and fiberglass...

the trikes frame is all tubular steel so I dont have to worry. The tank will be in the back, I will be in the front in the body section I will have to make. no fiberglass or wood. just sheet metal and lexan. I'm thinking I should get at least 400/500 miles on a tank of gas.

What is the plan for reverse? Are you going to have to be careful where you park and roll back, or will you push it back to get out of something you'd nomrally use reverse for? You mentioned the donor bike is a shaft drive - is there anything about that over chain which makes it superior for this application?

Well, for the recumbant bike project I bought this since it was cheap and I wanted a better idea of what was involved. After taking a decent look at this drawing I'm sold. So its damn the torpedoes, full spead ahead! (at least with that project...) I won't start my welding class until next semester so I think I'm going to ask for the plans for Christmas.

The bike looks like it would be a fun project. Also a good smaller scale one than starting right at building a three wheeled car... Someday I'll make one though...

The Hugger looks cool, I have to get a few pics of my three wheel recumbent trike for you. the plan for reverse on the trike is to get out and push. I was thinking of maybe rigging up a starter motor on a pivot with a small drive wheel and engaging it for reverse with a lever, still need to give it some thought.

OK, heres a few pics of my other trike.

Ahh, I've seen a few of those on the web. Look cool. How's the ride with such a laid back seating postion? That's one thing I liked about the Ground Hugger vs. other recumbant bikes I've seen, you're still somewhat upright...

[edit] I like the "saddle bags" too. I've been thinking of how I was going to carry anything on the GH, thinking about a rack above the rear wheel like the standard bicycle racks... [/edit]

Heres the other side. this thing is a blast to ride, very comfortable. its like a la-z-boy on wheels. the saddle bags are my spare set from my Sportster, they are strapped to a stock carrier frame. the ride is not as bad as you think laid back like that, could use a head rest on long rides.

Tescorp.. all that needs now is a motor and then i might make one...

p_su

Thats why I have this, powered by a Kawasaki KZ1000 shaft drive "donor" bike.

check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZYJhrVunq4

That is Cool...

That trike is cool but I prefer two in the front. didnt BMW make something like that already? I've seen the tilting body before somewhere.

Actually, GM did in the 80s, but it wasn't near as sophisticated.

Just ordered both the Tri-Magnum and the Ground Hugger plans. $143 Woo!!

Thats a slick little beast!

this thread really got me interested in the DIY tri cars. there are plans coming out for a bio-hybrid that looks pretty cool. i am thinking about building a tri car myself and i made these renderings of a design i have in mind