If only the Japanese made a reverse trike...

[vito1943]

I have had great luck with my 2021 RT, with the only service needed was oil changes after 6,000 miles. But most of my decades of riding I have been a big fan of Japanese motorcycles, particularly Honda (although I did stray to Triumph for a few years). And as pleased as I am with my Canadian made reverse trike, if any of the major Japanese manufacturers came out with a competitive product (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki) I would certainly give it consideration. In over 40 years of riding, not once have I had a major mechanical issue with any of my Japanese bikes. My Triumphs were pretty reliable, but not to the degree that was Honda in particular.

I know Honda was hit pretty hard with the problems of their 3 wheel ATV back in the '80'S (if I recall) but I would love to see what the engineers who designed the fabulous Goldwing I used to ride would come up with in a reverse trike to compete with the Spyder.

 

[ARtraveler]

There are some similar threads back in the archives from years gone by. This will revive a once discussed subject and may be good to have some new input.

My take on this:

If Japan were to come out with a three wheeler, the single tire would be in the rear, a la Slingshot. There are some three wheelers out there but the price is very high. $75K or so.

If Japan, (and I refer to Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki), the big four who all have excellent motorcycle reputations. If either of these companies would have come out with a "spyder" type motorcycle, IMO, many people would have jumped ship. There have been rumors, but no beef ever showed up. Since I am now officially done with riding, I can only now sit back and see what the future might bring.

I do hope that CanAm can get the current issues (ACP) solved and move on. At the moment, they still have the $30K and under market pretty much to themselves. :yes:

 

[troop]

Honda had a prototype, the Neowing. Never went any further

 

[vito1943]

As I recall, the Neowing's front wheels tilted, requiring the rider to still put a foot down to balance the bike most of the time. And without a passenger seat or hard luggage, it never would have been a real competitor to the Spyder, only possibly the Ryker.

 

[troop]

As I recall, the Neowing's front wheels tilted, requiring the rider to still put a foot down to balance the bike most of the time. And without a passenger seat or hard luggage, it never would have been a real competitor to the Spyder, only possibly the Ryker.

I believe that was the Yamaha Niken. It was sold here in the states until 2023.. The Neowing was a self supporting design.

 

[vito1943]

Makes me curious as to why Honda never moved forward with the project. Maybe too much of a niche market for them to be bothered with.

 

[Peteoz]

Makes me curious as to why Honda never moved forward with the project. Maybe too much of a niche market for them to be bothered with.

Yes, plus for Honda or BMW to produce one to THEIR high standards would mean that the cost would be unsustainable, Vito - probably half as much again as the BRP Spyder. It would be very hard to make a sale at around $50k USD, ($70k AUD).

Pete

 

[troop]

Yes, plus for Honda or BMW to produce one to THEIR high standards would mean that the cost would be unsustainable, Vito - probably half as much again as the BRP Spyder. It would be very hard to make a sale at around $50k USD, ($70k AUD).

Pete

Harley has no problem moving $45K Tri Glides here in the states. A Goldwing powered Neowing would be awesome.

 

[pauly1]

Harley has no problem moving $45K Tri Glides here in the states. A Goldwing powered Neowing would be awesome.

That's the aging must-have-H-D crowd. I thoroughly enjoyed my Harley's over a 16 year period, and especially the competent dealer network. But the way the rigid and narrow rear axle treated the rider and passenger, it was a very easy decision to move to the ride and precision of the Spyder.

 

[RideOn]

That's the aging must-have-H-D crowd. I thoroughly enjoyed my Harley's over a 16 year period, and especially the competent dealer network. But the way the rigid and narrow rear axle treated the rider and passenger, it was a very easy decision to move to the ride and precision of the Spyder.

You and I have the same experience, and came to the same conclusion.

 

[PistonBlown]

I did consider a Yamaha Niken when I was looking for a replacement for my RS. It was a seriously well engineered bit of kit.

It had a much more motorbike feel to the ride, to the point where you'd almost forget it was a trike. It had more stability over poor road surfaces than a bike and certainly felt safer when I hit some bad surfacing in a corner.

However the Spyder feels safer still and has more road presence.

I began to get the old 'cloak of invisibility' feeling with the Niken with car drivers seeming to not notice me despite the unusual looks - for example when I come up behind cars in the outside lane on the Spyder they always move over to let me pass but a couple of times with the Niken while I had it on test that didn't happen. That's why I ended up getting the F3L instead.

 

[2dogs]

You and I have the same experience, and came to the same conclusion.

Me and my wife also.

 

[SXSMachine]

Most people I ever queried on a trike had the preference for their existing 2-wheeler to have a 3-wheel equivalent, so that does become a little harder in design and manufacturing costs to do per model kits. The TMW which had a go at making their own model never seemed to get support (I personally thought it was pig ugly) was bought by Arcimoto right in the middle of their downward spiral and I don't see a post for them since that time. There's plenty of market, maybe not the size market for a Honda or perhaps even HD, but there is money there to be made with the right design, one that captures the buyer's imagination and commitment.