Harley explores three-wheelers
Will we see an American MP3?Harley-Davidson has submitted a patent application for a leaning three-wheeled motorcycle, similar in concept to the Piaggio MP3 (pictured), but involving greater use of hydraulics.
The application says, in part: “The present invention relates to a suspension system for a three-wheeled vehicle. The suspension system permits the vehicle to lean while cornering, much like a motorcycle. This is accomplished via hydraulic actuators that force the bike into a leaning position while turning, and back to an upright position while tracking a straight line. A transverse beam is coupled to the hydraulic actuators and to spring dampers to allow the suspension to operate independently, even while the vehicle is cornering.”
While the initial application refers to a bike with two front wheels, the company also mentions the possibility of having two on the rear instead.
It’s too early to say whether the idea will actually go into production, but the application suggests Harley has been working on the concept for a couple of years.
Harley has produced three-wheelers in the past, namely its Servicar workhorse series and of course its factory-mounted sidecars.
You can view full details of Harley's patent application
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