Tilting three wheeled vehicle

摘要

A three wheeled vehicle comprises a two wheeled rear frame carrying an engine and transmission and a front frame pivotably connected at two points to the rear frame whereby a steerable front wheel is tilted and whereto a seat is mounted. The vehicle negotiates corners by a combination of front wheel tilting and steering. The pivots are preferably aligned with each other and with the front wheel road contact point. The rearward pivot is behind and above the seat, which may be inside an enclosure. Foot pedals allow a driver to mechanically control tilting and righting of the front frame. Centring of the tilt mechanism may also be assisted by the inertia of the driver's body and by a spring and damper on left and right sides. Rear shock absorption is also provided. The trike is sufficiently stable to be capable of travelling in a straight line even when the front frame is tilted to one side.