Suspension System

[Derwin]

I just came across this suspension system that I think is very interesting.

Do any of you think this could be used in our open project?

Actually, I'm not sure if it could be used for a tilting vehicle or not.

Independent Suspension System

The engineers at Mystery Designs developed a suspension system with the help of a NASCAR engineer that specifically addresses correct roll-centers for high speed cornering. This has enabled us to produce an independent suspension system that rides softly and corners aggressively without lifting the inside tire. Our independent suspension system was built and designed for enhanced performance and greatly improved handling. Our suspension systems will revolutionize the perception of trikes as being cumbersome, awkward, and even dangerous. No Modification to your motorcycle frame needed, swingarm will be the only part modified.


http://www.hualsbikes2trikes.com/images/main/550_RearSuspensionKit_Medium_.jpg

[wireman]

Hi Derwin
Yes indeed this unit could be used on a 1F2R. It happens that I met the brother-in-law of the guy who owns Mystery (they are in Dallas, Tx.). The suspension you've shown in your post IS their tilt design I think. I know for certain that they make one, and if you like, I will try to get them to come to FTRC and talk with us.

It would be simple to mount the unit on a set of supports taking the place of a motorcycle swingarm, so this would shave down design time considerably! As of now they have chain and belt drive units, but they are also working on a direct drive model to convert trikes to electric.

[rickb]

Very interesting. Do you happen to know the degree of tilt? As cool and labor saving as the tiltster may be............ $5k adds a big price to what is probably already a high priced custom open project. Hopefully, they may accept your invitation for FTRC disussion.

[Derwin]

Hi Derwin
The suspension you've shown in your post IS their tilt design I think. I know for certain that they make one, and if you like, I will try to get them to come to FTRC and talk with us.

Very cool. I now give you the honor of being an "official" FlyTheRoad Club emissary! Try to get them to come over and discuss their product.

I think it'll be interesting for everybody.

Thanks.

Derwin

[WarpedOne]

I for one would welcome openhanded.

5k is a steep price to pay for that mechanism, but I could surely use some schematics and ideas :D

[rickb]

The first question I have is the "Tiltster" adapable to a 2F1R "Reverse Trike" Design like the Spyder? Perhaps Wireman or WarpedOne already knows the answer to that question.

[rickb]

I found answers to my own questions..........only an 8 degree tilt and the Tiltster is designed as an option/add on to their own suspension system design. So it sadly wouldn't work on the Spyder without major customization........... if at all.

[wireman]

Sadly, s' true RickB. I spoke at length with Steve at MD friday and he confirmed to me that the tilt was intended to assist the big touring bikes converted to three wheels to take slow corners on city streets and be more stable during lane changes and wide curves on the highway. It won't make a quick bolt on front end for a 2f1r, but it could very well make a good rear suspension, tilt or not, for a 1f2r like Carver/ Persu. Just off the top of my head, it seems that if you could get the tilt of the front end wheel/body to work in tandem with the smaller tilt of Mystery's IRS, you would get a nice net stability increase.

[rickb]

Wireman.............in my opinion the 8 degree tilt is minimal and provides important added safety to big trikes on lane changes or quick manuvers but is not the "fun factor" 45 degree tilt on the ride we are looking to build or purchase. Mysteries market is probably Baby Boomer Bikers doing trike conversions because of knee replacements, aches and pains, etc. enabling them to stay on their bikes without having to do big investment new trikes. Those boomers will become future Persu Hybrid enthusiasts.

[wireman]

Too right, RickB! That is exactly the market they are after. However, I think you may have missed my point earlier. I was thinking that the 8 degrees of MD's design could be used in conjunction with the 45 of the front end of a Persu type 1f2r. My opinion has no math or study to back it up (yet), but since the Persu has a non-tilt rear end, the standard Mystery IRS w/o tilt would seem to be a viable option. Certainly worth looking at. And the small tilt on the rear might increase stability a bit, and every bit helps when it comes to safety!

Oh, and I know that market well! I AM that slice of American pie!

[rickb]

Wireman.........good point! Your thinking makes good common sense pariculary from a safety perspective on a 1F2R design. I also remember you making a comment awhile ago about "Old School" at 50+ but I was the principal of Old School (at 62) and a member of that same market impatiently waiting to fly the road.

[wireman]

Thanks RB! Some more on MD's li'l tilter. The unit is more-or-less self contained, is a 1-to-1 limited slip differential and has it's own sensor set, run from the 12V system of the donor bike, so it doesn't seem as though there would be any conflict with the tilt of the front end. It comes with a set of mounting plates to be welded to the swingarm, which have slide grooves for tensioning the belt/chain. Obviously, if any of us incorporate this unit, we will simply design a truss frame to fit the bolt pattern. That saves a couple of nickles. Warped1, I see you're on line, and I'm real sorry that this couldn't work for your tadpole. Better luck in the future dude! Ziggy! Does this have a use for you? We haven't heard from you in a bit about your project.