The connection to these patents – specifically US Patents 11,753,105 and 11,279,430 – exists because each image comes with them, as a precautionary measure. (Eric Rea/Tampa Trike/)
The three-wheeled vehicle category, encompassing trikes, roadsters, and Slingshots, has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity over the past decade. It’s not tiring to comprehend why. Enthusiasts of high-performance vehicles have cultivated a thriving culture centred around the art of customisation, where meticulous attention to detail and aesthetic flair converge with the pure exhilaration of open-road driving on a stable and controlled canvas.
This vibrant scene presents a unique opportunity for one man and his firm to reimagine the possibilities of trikes. The Tampa Trike concept turns traditional three-wheeled thinking upside down. Primarily, it’s an attempt to combine the finest aspects from different driving cultures.
Introducing the fundamentals of triking: A primer on getting started with three-wheeled adventures. There exist two fundamentally different design categories. The Delta design features a single wheel at the front and a pair of wheels at the rear. The “Tadpole” format features a unique design that incorporates two wheels at the front. While a trike can indeed lean into turns, this statement would be more accurate: A trike can pivot around its longitudinal axis to facilitate smooth cornering, similar to designs found in vehicles such as the Yamaha Niken and Piaggio MP3. The design is reminiscent of an automobile’s suspension system, utilizing an inflexible setup akin to a wishbone-type configuration, similar to those employed in the Polaris Slingshot and Can-Am Spyder.
The “free-to-castor” system enables smooth leaning into turns by utilizing a parallelogram configuration within the steering mechanism, which allows a telescoping fork to maintain even compression while cornering, thereby enabling both rider and chassis to countersteer and lean in harmony.
Constructed on all these principles, the Tampa Trike’s innovative design employs conventional Ackermann steering geometry. What’s that? When turning at an automotive level, the entrance tires primarily level out in multiple directions because As they traverse diverse route lengths, the steering linkage accommodates inner tires with shorter circumferences while outer tires cover longer ones.
Here’s where the Tampa Trike gets really interesting? Riding a Can-Am Spyder requires a subtle shift in body weight during turns, allowing the vehicle’s chassis to deliver centrifugal force to the tires, mimicking the dynamics of a traditional car. Riders are securely fastened into an automotive-style seat, precluding any adjustments to their position or distribution of weight during the ride. The Tampa Trike’s rigid design and lack of wishbone suspension employ squared-off automotive tyres, resulting in a larger surface area in contact with the ground compared to traditional bicycle tyres. However, its design does allow for subtle leaning motions by riders, mimicking the dynamics of motorbikes or bicycles. Riders of Tampa Trikes will enjoy a unique combination of exceptional cornering grip and unparalleled customer expertise.
Tampa Trike founder Eric Rea’s audacious aspiration is palpable from the get-go. “I aspire to be celebrated for simplifying daily driving experiences and making them an absolute pleasure.”
READ with great enthusiasm and dedication to challenging conventional thinking. When designing his sports car’s suspension, what factors would he typically consider when opting for a conventional wishbone arrangement rather than other configurations? Would he prioritize ride quality, handling precision, or some combination of both?
While designers assume that a direct correlation exists between steering angle and lean angle for normal and efficient driving. Regardless of speed, diverse nooks may possess distinct functional requirements? It’s impossible for me to achieve a purely mechanical connection.
With its mission accomplished, the Tampa Trike utilises a neutral, plunger-style suspension system for the front wheels. The team employs the term “Upright Shock Tube Channel,” which is essentially integrated into the wheel meeting, rather than the vehicle’s main body. But isn’t it a fundamental idea revitalized with modern materials and contemplation? The indefinite nature of this suspension’s duration adds to the uncertainty, allowing no set timeline? Please read something wonderful today.
Are you prepared to surrender to the uncertainty of the road’s every twist and turn, as your vehicle wavers precariously on the edge of control, the suspension straining against the unyielding force of the asphalt beneath? It’s comparable to most vehicles. The motorcycle’s manufacturing design features a classic twin shock suspension arrangement.
Reads: The Rea company asserts that its product will definitely not achieve stability with the use of a wishbone suspension system. When attempting to utilize an active-leaning system featuring a wishbone configuration, the pivot position geometries inevitably undergo a transformation. The unpredictability of an automobile’s route is fundamental to its existence.
Dimensions: 72 inches (183 cm) in length, 36 inches (91 cm) wide, and 48 inches (122 cm) tall; Frame material: Steel tubing, with an aluminum fork and rear rack; Wheels: 26-inch (66 cm), pneumatic tires, with stainless steel spokes; Seat height: 32 inches (81 cm); Handlebar height: 38 inches (97 cm); Suspension: Front fork suspension only; Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes front and rear; Weight: Approximately 55 pounds (25 kg). As the bike’s tilting worm gear kicks in, the chassis effortlessly leans into corners, providing a smooth and intuitive ride for both the rider and passenger. Notably, the vehicle features a distinctive wheel-mounted “plunger-style” suspension setup. US patents 11,753,105 and 11,279,430. (Eric Rea/Tampa Trike/)
The cornering capacity had been precisely calibrated from the start. Why not consider embracing a more fluid existence – one that defies traditional notions of space and time? By surrendering to the unknown and allowing our lives to unfold organically, we can potentially discover new paths and possibilities.
If lean management is too fragile, every minor setback or hiccup may prompt a reactive response: “Let’s just lean into this.” It required years of perseverance to perfect the code and electrical systems, ensuring they functioned flawlessly. This accounted for approximately 75% to 86% of the overall project scope. Sooner or later, they arrived, their journey finally on track.
While Rea may have a preference for stylish inline-four engines, the bike’s 250cc Ninja parallel-twin motor surprisingly harmonizes well with its 840-pound curb weight. The stated prototype reportedly achieves a fuel efficiency of up to 70 miles per gallon. All in all, three designs are intentionally crafted. While the Trigger 250 shares its motor with the Ninja 250, the Tango 750 boasts a powerful 750cc Kawasaki ZR-7 engine. The Trike Royale 1400 will debut as a street-legal motorcycle, boasting a sleek full fairing and a powerful engine yet to be determined. REA claims to be exploring ambitious plans to compete in the iconic Isle of Man TT races, with more information forthcoming.
Tampa Trike offers unique patent licenses to users who leverage the platform to develop their own builds, allowing for exclusive use of this intellectual property. Could the Tampa Trike’s versatile platform spark a new era of electric adventure?
The innovative design of the Tampa bike is cleverly complemented by a groundbreaking advertising and marketing strategy. Reassuringly, the Tampa Trike does not masquerade as a conventional automobile. The powersports brands Polaris and Can-Am will be able to retain their distinctive neon-lit accessories, audio systems, and bespoke paint schemes, allowing them to maintain their unique identities in the market.
The Tampa Trike’s minimalist design and user-friendliness are integral components of a comprehensive vision to offer an affordable, practical, and eco-friendly commuter alternative to traditional vehicles. And uniquely, this bike autonomously leans into turns without the need for any other three-wheeled vehicle’s assistance. However, it’s likely conceived with altruistic motivations, yet its primary purpose is undoubtedly to be an entertaining venture.
At present, a manufacturer’s suggested retail price has not been established, but Rea aims to position the Triger 250 model in the $10,000-to-$15,000 range. Ongoing efforts focus on solidifying the manufacturing process for a seamless production cycle. While some enthusiasts may have customized their motorcycle, However, generating one in numbers is a distinct challenge altogether. A manufacturing schedule has yet to be confirmed, though efforts continue unabated.
Is the Tampa Trike a visionary entrepreneur’s innovative endeavour to revolutionize rodent control? The history of two- or three-wheeled vehicles is marked by a persistent quest to maximize the contact patch’s surface area with the pavement. Eric Rea’s innovative Tampa Trike concept represents a bold solution. The concept exhibits an undeniable staying power.
