Research

Electrical system

Background Refer to the description of the original Moto Guzzi harness and dashboard discussion. Much progress in vehicle electrical systems has been made in the past twenty-five years since our Moto Guzzi California 1100i was manufactured. Electronic circuit boards now make it possible to consolidate component form factors while, at the...

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Chassis

Background The early Morgan 3-wheelers were all very light and relatively simple machines. The steel that supports the suspension and body is surprisingly sparse: basically two parallel bars in an “H” ladder frame with a few attachments to hold up the mudguards and stabilize the wheels. The aluminum skin is primarily...

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Legalities

Background Three-wheeled vehicles — often referred to as trikes, autocycles, or cyclecars — exist in a murky and evolving world of local, state, and federal laws combined with complex registration and title regulations. Drivers of these vehicles are subject to a different set of state legal requirements involving driver license endorsements...

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Drive train

Background The extended length of the cyclecar requires a corresponding expansion segment in the primary drive shaft. In addition, to implement reverse functionality a new reversing gearbox assembly must inserted between the original gearbox output and the U-joint input in the swing arm. The gear shift mechanism must also be completely...

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Dashboard

Background While the exterior body contours of the 1928 Morgan Super Sport Aero will be closely copied in our updated cyclecar, the cockpit is an entirely different matter. Much has evolved in nearly one hundred years of automotive technology, so the dash and controls in the cockpit will need an extensive...

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Specifications

Background Some specifications may apply only to Moto Guzzi California models. Also refer to federal safety requirements. Cyclecar dimensions The cyclecar is a small vehicle; it is about 5 feet shorter than a standard sedan (like a Toyota Camry) and over a foot narrower. All measurements in millimeters. Length 3360 Track...

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Motorcycle terminology

The motorcycle world is a distinct sub-culture with its own terminology. Aero Moto™  — Make of Kriss Motors cyclecar (project abandoned in 2022) Ape Hangers — Handlebars that are very high, and which often raise the rider’s hands above his or her shoulders. Apex — The middle or center point of...

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