4 wheels - still a bike?

**smoky** · 18th February 2009, 07:44

http://www.4-mc.co.uk/

A friend of mine in the UK is developing this, he's had a lot of interest in it
what do you think

Let me know if you can't play the video clip, I don't seem to be able too, feedback would be appreciated

**disenfranchised** · 18th February 2009, 08:25

Interesting...but what benefits would it have over the Piaggio MP3....the front end movement looks pretty similar, and the 3 wheeled design must be simpler and cheaper to manufacture.

I would consider that the design has more benefit being scaled out (wider) and being used in future car prototypes.
The leaning movement should allow for higher levels of grip with smaller tyres, which would result in less road friction and better fuel economy.

**vifferman** · 18th February 2009, 08:59

Hmmmmmmmmm......
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......

I dunno about this.
It seems to be a motorcycle for non-motorcyclists: it looks and behaves kinda like a motorcycle, but it's safer, less threatening, easier to ride.
Isn't that what a scooter or car are for?

**UberRhys** · 18th February 2009, 09:03

Looks like the perfect choice for Nana's and Grandpa's who have been left to get around in one of those mobility scooters.

Mind you some of those Nana's out there drive them like bulldozers

so maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea...

**smoky** · 18th February 2009, 10:18

Originally Posted by vifferman

It seems to be a motorcycle for non-motorcyclists: it looks and behaves kinda like a motorcycle, but it's safer, less threatening, easier to ride.
Isn't that what a scooter or car are for?

Thats the market it's aimed at, think about London and it's traffic, parking issues, congestion charges - people want to get on a bike but don't like the idea of falling off one

**smoky** · 18th February 2009, 10:25

Originally Posted by disenfranchised

Interesting...but what benefits would it have over the Piaggio MP3....the front end movement looks pretty similar

Something about the hydraulic suspension, and the way it increases the 'footprint' as you corner - better stability, and each wheel reacts independant in the suspension with out effecting the other wheel; the MP3 uses tie rod set up to link the two front wheels, not as good (apparently). Much the same as the Dodge Thomahawk - but it was too top heavy to right it's self.
This also gives the rider more options in a corner with things like throttle balance and body position, also at open road speeds you still employ the physics of counter steering which I understand the MP3 doesn't respond to.

Not that I'm an expert though

**oldrider** · 18th February 2009, 10:29

Anything new is interesting.

Once they get out into the market the real value and application is found by those who have specific needs.

It's amazing what people do with things, look at the way the (4 wheel) farm bikes have developed.

But are four wheelers really motorbikes?

John.

**smoky** · 18th February 2009, 10:33

Has anyone been able to play the video clip yet?

**phoenixgtr** · 18th February 2009, 10:50

It played for me. Was a bit jumpy but it played

**vifferman** · 18th February 2009, 11:03

It played fine for me - just had to pause it for a while to let it buffer the clip.
A bit short on action though - no wheelies, smokies, or other stunts, and the rider didn't bin it.

**UberRhys** · 18th February 2009, 12:19

Originally Posted by smoky

Has anyone been able to play the video clip yet?

Yeah played for me, was a bit slow to download but got there in the end.

**Dave Lobster** · 19th February 2009, 20:01

Originally Posted by smoky

Thats the market it's aimed at, think about London and its traffic, parking issues, congestion charges - people want to get on a bike but don't like the idea of falling off one

But.. as it isn't a bike, it'll still attract the congestion charge.

And, if you're enough of a puff that you wont get on a bike to get through the traffic, one of these wont help you.

Looks like fun though.

**3umph** · 19th February 2009, 20:17

interesting design and suspension and lean dynamics... would be interesting to have a ride on

**smoky** · 19th February 2009, 20:44

Originally Posted by Dave Lobster

But.. as it isn't a bike, it'll still attract the congestion charge.

No, it is going to be exempt from the congestion charge, and can be registered as a bike which is cheaper in the UK, but you don't need a bike license to ride it - Nick has all the information confirmed in writing. Good move ah

Originally Posted by Dave Lobster

And, if you're enough of a puff that you wont get on a bike to get through the traffic, one of these wont help you.

people buy those cheap chinese bikes don't they, and those mini choppa shit toys to ride around on don't they?