Honda Neowing

[Retsel_imp]

4 paws, I get a vision of your wife hanging out the sidecar on a hard left turn! She'll never be satisfied with a 4 wheeler again!

That NM4 Vultus looks like something they used in Starwars!

I take that back. It has a chain drive! Definitely retro.

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[Henrik_imp]

For those of you not familiar with these modern three wheelers, here is a good clip of the Piaggio MP3. They are ridden like a traditional two wheel scooter, perhaps feeling a little bit sluggish when you first try them. You quickly get used to it though, and as such they basically provide all the same advantages that regular two wheel scotters (and bikes) do. On top of that, they provide better grip on the front, with a much more stable front when braking hard or rising in the wet. As a result, they have become very popular around cities in Europe.

The Quadro4 is a further development of these, but I think the four wheel solution actually is detrimental to the practicality. There is much less luggage space on them, for actually only a small added benefit.





Interestingly, the Japanese have been producing an alternative to these for years with their three wheel delivery scooters. There is a major difference in that they have two wheels in the rear, but are still articulated so as to ride like a regular bike. They are very common around Japan, and are extremely practical delivery vehicles around the tight streets there.

[the Ferret]

Honda brought out that articulated rear wheel 3 wheeler when I was working for them, which would be pre 1989. Trying to remember the name they had here. Remembered...Honda Gyro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLJ7GLc2MWY

I have also ridden the Piaggio MP3. Interesting concept. There is a lever to lock the front end and keep it from pivoting when it is just sitting there, or you come to a stop. You have to release the lever to lean once you start.

[Henrik_imp]

Indeed, I remember seeing them on my first trip to Japan back in 1991, so late 80's is probably right. I always wanted to get one for my regular commute in Switzerland, with the canopy and all it would have been perfect. But, they were never imported there.

I'm actually in Japan right now, and hope to check out some CB1100 stuff while in Tokyo next week.

[the Ferret]

Oooh cool, have fun in Japan. You should see some cool bikes.

[SSK Dave_imp]

Indeed, I remember seeing them on my first trip to Japan back in 1991, so late 80's is probably right. I always wanted to get one for my regular commute in Switzerland, with the canopy and all it would have been perfect. But, they were never imported there.

I'm actually in Japan right now, and hope to check out some CB1100 stuff while in Tokyo next week.

Great place, I love it. I went 2 years ago but had no time for bike shops unfortunately. Enjoyed a few Tokyo banana's though!.


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[ClassicVW_imp]

Honda brought out that articulated rear wheel 3 wheeler when I was working for them, which would be pre 1989. Trying to remember the name they had here. Remembered...Honda Gyro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLJ7GLc2MWY

I have also ridden the Piaggio MP3. Interesting concept. There is a lever to lock the front end and keep it from pivoting when it is just sitting there, or you come to a stop. You have to release the lever to lean once you start.

Ferret, if you lock the front end when you come to a stop, you don't need to press it again to unlock it. All you need to do is twist the throttle to accelerate, and the front unlocks. This method does not work of you're just moving it around the garage without sitting on it. In that case you do need to press the LOCK/UNLOCK switch to unlock it. The system uses a seat sensor.

[the Ferret]

ahh thanks for the info Vdub

[ClassicVW_imp]

ahh thanks for the info Vdub

[4 Paws_imp]

Passed an older (even by our standards!) couple on a matching set of Piaggo MP3's last summer when I was heading home - they appeared to be towards the Blue Ridge Parkway on what I'm guessing was a joy ride.

Been looking for them ever since, my kind of neighbors.

Retsel - you should see my dog leaning in the sidecar when she rides with me! A natural.