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Magic Tricycle transforms into motorbike in tight spaces
Looking like something from the next Transformers movie, this slick motorcycle concept toggles between two and three wheels at (presumably) the touch of a button. For highway driving it uses all three wheels, but when things get a little tight the entire passenger cabin rotates, lifting the third wheel in the air, which sprouts blades that keep the chassis stable, just like in a helicopter tail. The seats in the cabin stay upright when it turns, so drinks can stay in their cup holders.
Student Seyyed Javad Ghaffarian created the twisty vehicle for Car Design News' 2008 design contest. It's called the Magic Tricycle, an apt name considering the feats of engineering that would be needed to take this idea from concept to reality. Still, it's amazingly cool — we promise to buy one if it ever comes to a dealership.
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Via Car Design News
By pakodoom at 1:53 PM ON 07/22/08
does anyone else see the major problem with those "bike racks" sure the back wheels of the bikes can drag just fine when it's on all 3 wheels but what happens when it makes a transition, why drag the back wheels anyhow?
first post!
By marmotsgrl at 8:20 AM ON 07/23/08
That is an awesome looking bike! All it needs are two stupid lookin bikes dragging from behind it and it is perfect! That just ruins the look.
By Alexander at 10:55 PM ON 07/23/08
Wow!!! It's hard to actually believe this was designed by a student. I wonder what level of study he is at the time of design. Captivating nextgen design - keep it up!
By James at 1:27 PM ON 07/24/08
As a motorcycle, it looks like it would be top heavy, and a bear to handle. It's an interesting looking design, but it doesn't look like it was designed by a motorcyclist, or someone who understands the physics involved in operating a motorcycle. As a two wheeler, this would have such a large turn radius, it would be impractical in a city.
By jason at 1:00 PM ON 07/25/08
Okay, it's an interesting concept.
I see no thought on how to power the bike. There's no place for an engine. Even if there was, there's an issue with having one or two rear wheels on the ground. The nightmare of a drivetrain would blow out all rear design.
By Shuma Fujiwara at 6:45 AM ON 07/29/08
kakkoii!!
By Gatling at 12:32 AM ON 07/30/08
THANK GOD FOR THE FUTURE AMEN
By Gatling at 12:44 AM ON 07/30/08
HOW DO YOU LIKE THOSE HOT AIR JACK STANDS THAT FAST PACE
By saman h at 3:03 AM ON 11/08/08
eftekhare bozegi baraye ma iranihast. be shoma tabrik migam
By bwolf at 11:39 AM ON 03/25/09
looks very futuristic and cool at the onset. Being a car, motorcycle, and plane enthusiast I can see some real problems with the 3 wheeled driving conversion, mainly seeing out the right side. Electric wheels would solve the drive train problem but then there is the battery issue. Lose the bike racks. If I had to take a secondary mode of transport with me it would be a fold up bike, rollerblades, etc. Though I probably would only use this vehicle for in city driving. In the end I would not have one, it doesn't address my needs as a consumer. Looks cool but immediately useful in most situations.
By bwolf at 11:40 AM ON 03/25/09
looks very futuristic and cool at the onset. Being a car, motorcycle, and plane enthusiast I can see some real problems with the 3 wheeled driving conversion, mainly seeing out the right side. Electric wheels would solve the drive train problem but then there is the battery issue. Lose the bike racks. If I had to take a secondary mode of transport with me it would be a fold up bike, rollerblades, etc. Though I probably would only use this vehicle for in city driving. In the end I would not have one, it doesn't address my needs as a consumer. Looks cool but immediately useful in most situations.
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bwolf:
looks very futuristic and cool at the onset. Being a car, motorcycle, and plane enthusiast I can see some real prob...More »