Here at bikerworld we like to bring you the
latest in cutting edge vehicle technology and high-tech chassis design. In
the spirit of great British pioneers like Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Edward
Turner we are proud to present Dobber and his latest project; the Dobber Trike.
The Shed, home of the
Dobber Trike. The roof needs slight attention but security is
not a problem at this stage of the project.
This will be running in
two weeks for the Pie Eaters Rally. Allegedly.
What do you do when you find yourself
with a spare three litre Ford Granada and a yard full of scaffolding
pipe ? The answer was easy for Isle of Man racer Steve Dobby,
builder of the world's most tasty Spondon Ducati 916 and current
campaigner of a Triumph 595. So out came the hacksaw and welder
and the beast you see before you began to take shape. We're going
to be following the project as it develops, check back soon for
the latest installement.
The three litre Essex
V6 lump and auto box is now supported in an angle iron chassis. Scaffolding
pipe has been bent up and welded to form the main chassis cradle to which
the headstock is yet to be attached. At the back end the original Granada
IRS suspension and rear axle is tacked into place and now awaits another scaffolding
pipe cradle to support the top shocker mounts and fuel tank. The front end
is a single-sided leading link affair using one of the Granada front wheels
and brake. Rear legs have still to be fabricated. Suspension will be provided
by two shockers mounted onto the bottom yoke. As the Essex V6 is such a big,
strong engine weight is not a problem, so everything can be over-engineered
for strength. Cost so far? Around £130.
Will it ever run? Will it get to
the Pie Eaters Rally? Check back here soon to find out.
UPDATE: After a long lay off,
work is at last progressing on the project. Click here for the latest update.
