Trick Trike: Australian Spykster illustrates novel steering concept
After seeing Volkswagen's wacky three-wheeled GX3 and the Type 1, our pal Dan Quelch took a moment to hip us to his own trike take... the Australian-built Spykster.
Built as a proof-of-concept for a Quelch's company's steering system, Spykster's insect-like layout necessitates a motorcycle-esque driving position (read: straddling). Powered by a 1998 Yamaha R1 engine (150 hp), the Spykster weighs in at 576 lbs, affording it a frightening power-to-weight ratio more in line with a bike than that of a car-- the prototype has already cleared 140 mph.
The most interesting thing about der übertrike isn't the oddball aesthetics, it's the unconventional directional controls that employ two separate levers. The steering system not only allows use of a twist throttle, it reportedly leaves "the rider free to deal with direction control and placement of his weight around the saddle. With balance and weight distribution being of such keen importance in motorcycle riding, this is indeed an interesting execution. What's more, Quelch and company posit that the steering system could be applied to any similar form of transportation, be it snowmobile or jet ski.
If you ever bring the Spykster Stateside, Dan, give us a ring at Autoblog Towers... we'd like a mitts-on demonstration.
Check out the Spykster's steering system in action here.
[Source: Spykster Developments]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James Brown 11:38AM (2/17/2006)
This looks a lot like a bike made by a canadian company, and already for sale in the United States.
http://www.go-t-rex.com
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james 3:48PM (2/17/2006)
it is similar in that it is a trike design. but the t-rexx you sit down where as this bike/car you straddle as you would a motorcycle. I believe the unique steering mechanism is the center of the article. I think that it changes the "push right to go right" to something more like a jetski, so says the article..I'm still lost on some details if someone else wants to chime in.
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Sam Kelly 3:04AM (2/20/2006)
Mate the t-rexx looks more car orientated, steering wheel, sit down etc.
The Spykster, to turn right you pull back with your right hand and push up with your left hand, both actions at the same time compliment each other just like on a motorcycle, only the action isn't straight into your gut like riding a quad, snowmaobile,jet ski. download the larger movie off the web site www.spykster.com and you will see it in action
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