New TR1ke member

[media116]

Thanks very much for all the friendly welcomes. The idea of brekkie at the cafe in Bexhill is certainly tempting, especially if the sun is shining! Are you all doing a run which ends in Bexhill?...maybe I could join in at some point along the route?

The TR1ke is still very new to me; I've only had it for about 2 weeks, and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've driven it so far! It had some over-heating issues when I got it which needed to be sorted, plus the readouts on the Acewell digi dash are all over the place because it hasn't been properly calibrated yet.

The driving experience is like a three-way cross between a go-kart and two-seater sports car and a big-engined motorbike. Other owners I've spoken to reckon it takes several weeks to get used to it, and I can believe that. It's such a contrast to a 'normal' saloon car, and the high-revving engine (red line at 12,000rpm) takes some getting used to. Not having ridden a bike since I was in my teens, pushing an engine to those sort of revs seems like mechanical cruelty! But, hey, I'll get used to it!

The 'rear end' is straight off the R1, and is simply bolted on to the TR1ke's main frame. Same rear wheel, too, but fitted with a car tyre to improve the footprint. Getting the power down is probably the biggest issue. The width of the front track ensures good stability and, from the driver's seat you'd never think there was only one wheel at the back because it feels so stable. Avoiding wheelspin in the low gears requires a gentle right foot, and it's not really until 3rd gear that you can start to push hard. A sticky rear tyre obviously helps, plus a hot, dry day!

The R1 engine fitted is one of the first of the fuel-injected models, producing 160bhp, so performance is snappy. Weighting just 325kg or so, it'll do 0-60mph in 3.5secs! If you're prepared to push it right to the red line, it'll do about 60 in first gear. The gearbox is from the bike too, so there's a sequential change and no reverse. To overcome this inconvenience, mine is fitted with an electric motor to create a reverse.

By the way, what time do you all meet at the cafe for breakfast?

Regards,

Chris

[Tony B]

Welcome Chris, nice looking machine.

Instead of joining us "at" breakfast why dont you join from the start?, I only live up the road from you in Maresfield so if you popped up the A22 I can meet you en route to the meet venue

[graham b]

Welcome Chris, nice looking machine.

Instead of joining us "at" breakfast why dont you join from the start?, I only live up the road from you in Maresfield so if you popped up the A22 I can meet you en route to the meet venue

but tony you wont keep up with chris

[DJ.]

Welcome to SKCC Chris, that's a great looking car

I think it might be the ideal car for this club, while we're all fearing for our sumps on one of Mark's green lane short cuts (with a grass covered hump in between the tarmac strips) , your back wheel will just lift your engine out of danger

[Tony B]

Welcome Chris, nice looking machine.

Instead of joining us "at" breakfast why dont you join from the start?, I only live up the road from you in Maresfield so if you popped up the A22 I can meet you en route to the meet venue

but tony you wont keep up with chris

, you may be right, you may be wrong

(anyway, whers the ITN?)

[media116]

At this stage there's nothing to worry about as I won't be going faster than anyone, any time soon. It's all I can do to keep the thing in a straight line posting.php?mode=reply&f=10&t=5224# I've not even started exploring its level of grip around corners yet...mainly because there's hardly been a dry road since I've had it! Mind you, the sound it makes at all times is just wonderful posting.php?mode=reply&f=10&t=5224#

Just found out the in-laws are coming for lunch this Sunday so, thanks for the kind offer Tony, but I think I'll have to go straight to Bexhill for something hot and tasty...but that's another story posting.php?mode=reply&f=10&t=5224#

[media116]

Oh, why can't I see the emoticons?!

[locost220]

umm no one can see your emotions ??

[Tony C]

Chris,

As others have already said the car looks great, what tyres are you running, perhaps a 888 on the rear would help you gain more traction/grip?

Looking forward to seeing/hearing the car

Welcome

Tony

[Crunchie Gears]

Brilliant

I have driven a three wheeler. Really cool and so much fun.

Aeroman has a three wheeler too. He has not taken it on a run with the club but I have been on a trackday with him. He has promised to take it out so you might encourage him.

Welcome and I would really like a passenger ride

See you out and about.