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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: AZRedhawk44 on October 18, 2013, 04:50:19 PM

Title: Elio
Post by: AZRedhawk44 on October 18, 2013, 04:50:19 PM
http://www.eliomotors.com/

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eliomotors.com%2F_v1%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F11%2FDSC_0113.jpg&hash=9ebce1bfe1e16b04d602139d7fe3cf727a31600c)

Legally a motorcycle, but 3-wheeled enclosed with a 900cc engine that gets 84mpg.  Front wheel drive.  Two-seater, in-line seating.

American made.

$6800.

That's effing awesome.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on October 18, 2013, 05:55:51 PM
Has cupholders, and an option for automatic transmission. Pure win.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: lupinus on October 18, 2013, 06:53:45 PM
Dear God I better not let my wife see it...
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: charby on October 18, 2013, 06:56:10 PM
Get a motorcycle trailer to go with it and it would quite utilitarian.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: geronimotwo on October 18, 2013, 08:00:03 PM
http://www.eliomotors.com/

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eliomotors.com%2F_v1%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F11%2FDSC_0113.jpg&hash=9ebce1bfe1e16b04d602139d7fe3cf727a31600c)

Legally a motorcycle, but 3-wheeled enclosed with a 900cc engine that gets 84mpg.  Front wheel drive.  Two-seater, in-line seating.

American made.
$6800.

That's effing awesome.





edited for proper emphasis!   =)
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Sergeant Bob on October 18, 2013, 08:23:03 PM
That's about half the price of a CanAm Spyder, and it keeps ya dry!
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Regolith on October 18, 2013, 08:27:13 PM
They should make it rear-engined/RWD. It'd open up a lot of storage space up front (essentially turning the current engine bay into a trunk), and it'd be a bit more sporty. Downside is it'd be a little bit longer.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: AZRedhawk44 on October 18, 2013, 08:39:21 PM
They should make it rear-engined/RWD. It'd open up a lot of storage space up front (essentially turning the current engine bay into a trunk), and it'd be a bit more sporty. Downside is it'd be a little bit longer.

It'd also handle like slop in the rain and snow.  1 pressure point on the ground, no paired power wheel.  I normally favor RWD, but I don't think so in this case.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: lupinus on October 18, 2013, 08:41:55 PM
Agreed. For a three wheeled vehicle, two powered wheels up front is truly superior to the more traditional trike set up.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: geronimotwo on October 18, 2013, 09:03:30 PM
It'd also handle like slop in the rain and snow.  1 pressure point on the ground, no paired power wheel.  I normally favor RWD, but I don't think so in this case.

wouldn't all the power to one wheel work better than splitting the power and weight of the axle between two wheels?  not to mention even better gas mileage as you're not turning dual driveshafts?
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Angel Eyes on October 18, 2013, 09:05:42 PM
Legally a motorcycle, so the occupants have to wear helmets (in states with helmet laws)?
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: MechAg94 on October 18, 2013, 09:25:27 PM
Not knowing motorcycle engines, is that big or small?

How does this compare with smart cars?  I assume those itty bitty cars are the main competition?
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Triphammer on October 18, 2013, 10:45:34 PM
Do the front wheels lean into a turn like the CAN-AM's?
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Cliffh on October 18, 2013, 11:59:18 PM
Not knowing motorcycle engines, is that big or small?

How does this compare with smart cars?  I assume those itty bitty cars are the main competition?

Used to be considered big.  Now-a-days, not so much.  Current larger bikes have engines over 1300cc's.  My last bike had 1100cc's & a 6 speed trans.  Second gear was good from stop to ~90mph.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Sergeant Bob on October 19, 2013, 12:16:48 AM
Legally a motorcycle, so the occupants have to wear helmets (in states with helmet laws)?


When Michigan still had a helmet law, you were required to wear one on a three wheeled vehicle. Other states may be different though.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Tallpine on October 19, 2013, 01:12:16 PM
I assume that the rear wheel does not steer  :O

Otherwise, I'm not sure why this wasn't done 30 years ago.  Actually I think it was but it didn't take off - I remember seeing a YT some time ago about something built in the 1980s  =|
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: geronimotwo on October 19, 2013, 02:24:40 PM
Not knowing motorcycle engines, is that big or small?

How does this compare with smart cars?  I assume those itty bitty cars are the main competition?

in the early 80's, the largest goldwing tour bike was 1200cc.  now there are some out there with 1800cc engines.  our 2001 CRV (honda suv) was only 1900cc.  a roomate of mine ran a"midget" racecar that had a kz900 bike engine.  i'm curious who makes the engine, and how the parts supply will be.

this company must not have any stockholders.  motorcycles of this size are going for 9k, and they have fewer components.  the can-am runs from 17k-30k.  at a price of $6800, i can't imagine that there would be any profit beyond modest workers wages.  also, i can't imagine dealerships springing up nationwide as salesmen like a cut as well.  maybe factory direct shipping?  btw, i'm not complaining if the profiteers don't get their cut, as far as i'm concerned we could all afford products like this if we took them out of the loop.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Chuck Dye on October 19, 2013, 02:42:23 PM
A nice update on the Messerschmidt Bubble Car, but still a bit narrow for my carcass.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Frank Castle on October 19, 2013, 03:12:50 PM
I what this is one , 2013 Morgan 3 Wheeler

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimage.motortrend.com%2Ff%2Froadtests%2Fconvertibles%2F1208_2013_morgan_3_wheeler_first_drive%2F39018113%2FMorgan-3-Wheeler-front-three-quarters-top-view.jpg&hash=196209de403c2a6df159c35bf851dbb16c5570f1)

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/convertibles/1208_2013_morgan_3_wheeler_first_drive/ (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/convertibles/1208_2013_morgan_3_wheeler_first_drive/)
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: tokugawa on October 19, 2013, 04:20:42 PM
There are a few designs out there similar in concept, but they lean like a motorcycle.  To me, that would be the selling point, as the g force's would tend to push one down in the seat, like on a MC or in an airplane- the sensation is of carving the corner.
 
 The reason all these cool designs are three wheelers is because the FEDERAL REGULATIONS pertaining to cars do not apply to thee wheeled vehicles.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Hawkmoon on October 19, 2013, 05:17:00 PM
That's about half the price of a CanAm Spyder, and it keeps ya dry!

I was thinking the same thing.

WANT!
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: BobR on October 19, 2013, 05:29:38 PM

Quote
in the early 80's, the largest goldwing tour bike was 1200cc.  now there are some out there with 1800cc engines.


(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0603%2FBob8251%2FRandomness%2FRocketad1_zpsd0c29c74.jpg&hash=31df26e1b817f7bb6609628bbb6a841bd774f408)


I would put a 900cc engine somewhere in the middle ground these days. 600cc seems to be very popular.

bob
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Hawkmoon on October 19, 2013, 05:33:16 PM
Otherwise, I'm not sure why this wasn't done 30 years ago.  Actually I think it was but it didn't take off - I remember seeing a YT some time ago about something built in the 1980s  =|

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isetta
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Tallpine on October 19, 2013, 07:24:58 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isetta

I remember those little cars.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Sergeant Bob on October 19, 2013, 08:31:40 PM
I what this is one , 2013 Morgan 3 Wheeler

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/convertibles/1208_2013_morgan_3_wheeler_first_drive/ (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/convertibles/1208_2013_morgan_3_wheeler_first_drive/)

Got an extra $45,000 laying around?
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Lee on October 19, 2013, 10:22:35 PM
That's pretty cool. The SF video (perhaps wrongly) says it gets 50 mpg...still not bad.
I already see an aftermarket for hot rodding that thing.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on October 19, 2013, 10:50:47 PM
That's pretty cool. The SF video (perhaps wrongly) says it gets 50 mpg...still not bad.
I already see an aftermarket for hot rodding that thing.
50 in town, 80ish on highway.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: zahc on October 20, 2013, 01:03:36 AM
Quote

 The reason all these cool designs are three wheelers is because the FEDERAL REGULATIONS pertaining to cars do not apply to thee wheeled vehicles.

And all these 3-wheeled designs would be better, and safer, if they could use 4 wheels. There is pretty much no reason to use 3 wheels, except that the government will actually permit you more freedom if you use the inferior platform. It is impossible for me to be attracted to Spyder-type vehicles, knowing that they were designed not according to engineering principles, but were designed around Federal regulations.
Title: Re: Re: Elio
Post by: cassandra and sara's daddy on October 20, 2013, 05:10:03 AM
ever see the givs idea of a safe motorcycle? ala jian claybrooks regime?

damn phone
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: geronimotwo on October 20, 2013, 06:45:18 AM
And all these 3-wheeled designs would be better, and safer, if they could use 4 wheels. There is pretty much no reason to use 3 wheels, except that the government will actually permit you more freedom if you use the inferior platform. It is impossible for me to be attracted to Spyder-type vehicles, knowing that they were designed not according to engineering principles, but were designed around Federal regulations.

having four wheels may be safer, but would lose in the gas mileage and performance category due to the extra weight.  the elio also gives up visibility, which I have always considered the largest safety bonus of a bike.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: lee n. field on October 20, 2013, 08:52:33 AM
having four wheels may be safer, but would lose in the gas mileage and performance category due to the extra weight.  the elio also gives up visibility, which I have always considered the largest safety bonus of a bike.

Kind  of like a recumbent bicycle that none of the road-hypnotized driving zombies can actually see because it's so low.

I'd like to know something about its crashworthiness.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: geronimotwo on October 20, 2013, 09:35:11 AM
Kind  of like a recumbent bicycle that none of the road-hypnotized driving zombies can actually see because it's so low.

I'd like to know something about its crashworthiness.

it does have 3 airbags, and a crumple zone front and back.  in the video they claim something like "soon to be given 5 stars for impact" rating.   =D   if i was gonna be hit, i would rather have a cage with airbags around me than nothing.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Sergeant Bob on October 20, 2013, 11:03:04 AM
it does have 3 airbags, and a crumple zone front and back.  in the video they claim something like "soon to be given 5 stars for impact" rating.   =D   if i was gonna be hit, i would rather have a cage with airbags around me than nothing.

Yep. A traditional motorcycle is a crumple zone.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: sumpnz on October 20, 2013, 01:04:00 PM
I remember those little cars.

I knew a guy that has 3 or them.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: zahc on October 20, 2013, 01:14:53 PM
Quote
having four wheels may be safer, but would lose in the gas mileage and performance category due to the extra weight.

Unsubstantiated; and I have no reason to believe it. 3 wheels have less rolling resistance than 4 if they are the same size wheels, but have you seen the size of the rear wheel on the Spyder? They just make it bigger to compensate for having one, yet they still give up the stability advantage of 4 wheels. Rolling resistance isn't the sole performance metric, things like you know, handling and cornering are important too and there's no way throwing out a wheel helps those things.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Harold Tuttle on October 20, 2013, 01:21:56 PM
Carver 1
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.forum-auto.com%2Fmesimages%2F361663%2Fcarver.jpg&hash=75e17e99d99291078f48f3fcbdff703a6840f918)
http://youtu.be/TK4wzBYmTIo

Title: Re: Elio
Post by: geronimotwo on October 20, 2013, 01:51:21 PM
Unsubstantiated; and I have no reason to believe it. 3 wheels have less rolling resistance than 4 if they are the same size wheels, but have you seen the size of the rear wheel on the Spyder? They just make it bigger to compensate for having one, yet they still give up the stability advantage of 4 wheels. Rolling resistance isn't the sole performance metric, things like you know, handling and cornering are important too and there's no way throwing out a wheel helps those things.

my thinking is that it has more to do with weight reduction and wind resistance, not to mention the added friction from the fourth wheel bearing.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Gewehr98 on October 20, 2013, 01:58:26 PM
Unsprung weight of wheel/tire/spindle, the weight of the suspension for that 4th wheel, the weight of having bodywork around that 4th wheel, the rolling resistance, the extra brake rotor/caliper/pads/brake lines,  sway bar, you name it.

Quote
Yep. A traditional motorcycle is a crumple zone.
  :rofl:

As a motorcycle rider myself, that flipped my giggle switch, I'll have to admit! 

Anybody remember the OSHA horse?

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi168.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu184%2Fcyrustelk%2Fosha_cowboy.jpg&hash=9276ee0080b977058f13b3f0824fdb4074466b55)

Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Tallpine on October 20, 2013, 04:21:19 PM
In Oz, "cowboys" are now required to wear helmets  ;/
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: tokugawa on October 20, 2013, 04:28:48 PM
In Oz, "cowboys" are now required to wear helmets  ;/
Please tell me this is a joke.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: tokugawa on October 20, 2013, 04:36:40 PM
What I want is an open wheel- think formula ford - car with the wheels and the drivers pod set up to lean into the corner. It would use a high output MC engine like a Busa, have four MC tires say 180/55x17, use a chain drive to a limited slip dif. RWD.  Weight around 1000 lbs.

 That carver is a real hoot, but again, it suffers from  FEDERAL REGULATORY nightmare avoidance syndrome.
 ( FRNAS) 
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Tallpine on October 20, 2013, 04:37:12 PM
Please tell me this is a joke.

No, but I can't remember where I read it.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: cassandra and sara's daddy on October 20, 2013, 06:20:02 PM
Joan claybrooks 450 k design


http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x201/hultman89/Claybrook.jpg

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: AZRedhawk44 on October 21, 2013, 06:13:04 PM
I've been seeing things like this around town, recently:

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.thewoodwhisperer.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fharley-training-wheels.jpg&hash=3491dc8ff923c52c7734ab832c2578a5e9a8bc59)

Stupid *expletive deleted*ing safety nazi unskilled untrained devices to give a false sense of security to people that don't learn how to DRIVE A *expletive deleted*ing MOTORCYCLE PROPERLY.

Hint:  You'll NEVER learn to ride properly if you use these since you'll never learn to counter-steer.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Balog on October 21, 2013, 06:18:16 PM
Wait, seriously? That's a real thing, not just a "training wheels for Harleys" joke?  :O
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: AZRedhawk44 on October 21, 2013, 06:18:46 PM
Wait, seriously? That's a real thing, not just a "training wheels for Harleys" joke?  :O

Yes.  They exist.  Srsly.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Balog on October 21, 2013, 06:20:09 PM
 :O :facepalm: :O :facepalm: :O :facepalm:
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: AZRedhawk44 on October 21, 2013, 06:22:06 PM
High-end ones.   ;/

http://www.trikealternative.com/

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trikealternative.com%2Flib%2Fimg%2Fghostwheels.png&hash=3e42e05e9882f3fd615332de10401e4e88d65e71)

Quote
With the flip of a switch unlock the stabilizing wheels to provide a two wheel ride. With another flip of a switch immediately lock the wheels to provide the stability of a trike. The wheels are always on the ground ready to lock or unlock in an instant.

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trikealternative.com%2Flib%2Fimg%2Fretractatrike2.png&hash=1f7d17962b4a01dba29af5d968ac066c9b7663c3)

Quote
At your fingertips is the ability to control the stabilizing wheels, raise them to provide a two-wheel ride. Lower them with the flip of a switch to provide the stability of a trike. Consider them landing gear for motorcycles - for 1500 and 1800 Goldwings only.

Yes, people ACTUALLY think FEEL that these stoopid things INCREASE stability. :O  :rofl:
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: geronimotwo on October 21, 2013, 06:52:08 PM
I've been seeing things like this around town, recently:

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.thewoodwhisperer.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fharley-training-wheels.jpg&hash=3491dc8ff923c52c7734ab832c2578a5e9a8bc59)

Stupid *expletive deleted* safety nazi unskilled untrained devices to give a false sense of security to people that don't learn how to DRIVE A *expletive deleted* MOTORCYCLE PROPERLY.

Hint:  You'll NEVER learn to ride properly if you use these since you'll never learn to counter-steer.


that can't be real!   :facepalm: :facepalm:  the only thing that's good for is parking on hot asphalt. 
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: MillCreek on October 21, 2013, 08:10:17 PM
^^^ I have always wondered if those training wheel setups would be good for an experienced rider who was perhaps starting to experience balance issues from old age or vertigo or something.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: geronimotwo on October 21, 2013, 09:40:53 PM
^^^ I have always wondered if those training wheel setups would be good for an experienced rider who was perhaps starting to experience balance issues from old age or vertigo or something.

 unless those trainers are attached to a swing arm any bumps are gonna tear them, and you, up.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Cliffh on October 21, 2013, 10:18:03 PM
How the hell are you supposed to lean into the turn with those things on??/rhetorical question

They must not be, but they sure look to me as if they'd be more dangerous than riding without.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Sergeant Bob on October 21, 2013, 10:23:34 PM
I've been seeing things like this around town, recently:

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.thewoodwhisperer.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fharley-training-wheels.jpg&hash=3491dc8ff923c52c7734ab832c2578a5e9a8bc59)

Stupid *expletive deleted* safety nazi unskilled untrained devices to give a false sense of security to people that don't learn how to DRIVE A *expletive deleted* MOTORCYCLE PROPERLY.

Hint:  You'll NEVER learn to ride properly if you use these since you'll never learn to counter-steer.


There are indeed training wheels for motorcycles but, that definitely looks like a Photoshop.

And if it's not "shopped" then:

unless those trainers are attached to a swing arm any bumps are gonna tear them, and you, up.

^^^ I have always wondered if those training wheel setups would be good for an experienced rider who was perhaps starting to experience balance issues from old age or vertigo or something.

I have vertigo so the "high end" ones would be right up my alley and I already know how to counter steer.

Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Stand_watie on October 21, 2013, 10:36:03 PM
I thought outriggers for motorcycles were for riding on snow/ice?
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Gewehr98 on October 22, 2013, 06:19:15 PM
That's not a true Harley.   ;)
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: charby on April 23, 2015, 03:23:40 PM
Looks like Elio is getting serious again, I have been seeing their ads on the web.

http://www.eliomotors.com/

Title: Re: Elio
Post by: MillCreek on April 23, 2015, 03:37:52 PM
They keep pushing the release date back, and I don't think the factory is anywhere close to up and running.  That being said, I continue to follow them with interest.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: MillCreek on May 22, 2017, 06:44:18 PM
http://thehayride.com/2017/05/shreveports-elio-motors-debacle-reaches-end-stages/#ixzz4hgCRn7UJ

This looks close to the final nail in the coffin for Elio.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: HeroHog on May 22, 2017, 07:04:52 PM
http://thehayride.com/2017/05/shreveports-elio-motors-debacle-reaches-end-stages/#ixzz4hgCRn7UJ

This looks close to the final nail in the coffin for Elio.

Yeah, we ain't buying it.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: Andiron on May 22, 2017, 09:14:28 PM
That's too bad,  those things were cool looking.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: makattak on May 23, 2017, 08:24:11 AM
http://thehayride.com/2017/05/shreveports-elio-motors-debacle-reaches-end-stages/#ixzz4hgCRn7UJ

This looks close to the final nail in the coffin for Elio.

That's a shame. I can only guess that the shale oil revolution has dampened the enthusiasm for the vehicle. If gas prices were still pushing $4 per gallon, I don't think he'd be having so many problems.

Random thought- I wonder how these would do paired with self-driving technology.
Title: Re: Elio
Post by: HeroHog on May 23, 2017, 08:42:19 AM
It's not the vehicle that's the issue here in Shreveport, LA, it's the shady business practices and lying that has destroyed the faith and trust in the project here locally.