Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 First post and 2,000 Mile Update

I picked up my M3W in Copake, New York from Morgan Motors of New England and trailered it to my home in Southern Vermont mid December of last year. That was the first time I had laid eyes on the new Morgan as well as the very first time I drove one. I came back to the dealership grinning like a total fool and absolutely thrilled! My hunch in plunking down a deposit had paid off!

Since Winter has left us, I have been able to take it out most days of late and taken the opportunity to drive! Winter in Vermont is devastating to the roadways since the ground freezes quite deep and causes all kind of havoc to the surface. Many roads were mangled or disappeared during Hurricane Irene two years ago and rebuilding is still going on. At first, I was very dismayed in thinking that I was discovering all the potholes, freeze humps and washboard surfaces in a most personal way. This thing does not appreciate it. Bump steering is a real issue then and it is very disconcerting to just see how much the front wheels can travel vertically when striking those surfaces.

However, I took Vermont Route 9 from Brattleboro to Bennington which crosses the entire state and what a joy! Beautiful day and soon found myself in the company of entire bike packs on their choppers cruising this most beautiful part of the state. Many thumbs up and smiles. Wistful looks from their lady passengers looking at a seat to sit in rather than riding pillar.

Just like driving motorcycles, situational awareness really comes into play when driving the M3W. Sight seeing and rubber necking like a tourist is hazardous to your health! It does not forgive. Both hands on the wheel at all times is the rule rather than the exception. I did have a chance last Sunday to drive north and then return via Interstate 89. Broad, smooth and well maintained. Lovely. Ran it up to about 75mph and played. Very stable with no tendency to drift. One section was beautifully straight so I ramped it up to 90 and crosswinds came into play. Very touchy and quite a strain to just keep it on track, so lesson learned.

So far so good. I love this car. I look forward to driving it whenever the weather cooperates. June may be a wash since the humidity will rise and black flies and mosquitos will be out in force as well as other winged thingies. Washing bug mung off is no fun. I have also had a few personal strikes and am very grateful for the foresight in acquiring leather helmet and bike goggles. Those critters hurt when you're doing 60!

Replacing the rear aluminum wheel shield with the ABS trailer fender is a must do. That should be standard on new builds! Pulling the seat back off and sealing that better is also a must do! Am also working on an effective way to seal the rear compartment better.

People keep asking about what mileage am I getting. Who Cares? is my answer.

Hi Michael,

Great write up and is great to hear you having fun...look forward to the photos!



R.

Welcome to Talk Morgan! It is always good to see another 3 wheeler stateside and like you I am glad that the warmer months have arrived. Nice review, looking forward to photos of the Morgan and your mods!

Welcome to the party!

it's difficult not to be instantly addicted to these machines.

I agree Calum ! A good rightup Michael, your proposed mods are well worth doing.

Oops that should be 'write up' !! I blame the wine ...

I just turned over 1000miles in my 3 and love it! The rear still makes more noise than I would like BUT it is soooo much FUN !!
Lot's of questions even while driving down the road. Stop lights...forget it...stop away from others or you'll never get away.
My only gripe is NO SERVICE MANUAL...what is up with that. My selling dealer is a few hundred miles away and I think I can do mst serves IF I knew what to do/when. HELP !!
eMail mr if you have any ideas. qbflyr@aol.com Southeastern USA
Thanks

Only thing that will happen always is the oil change. Checking tires is good, too. S&S recommends oil and filter every 2500 miles. First two can be mineral based but afterwards synthetic is the way to go. Aside from checking transmission levels and the bevel box at the recommended mileage there is not that much to do. Air filter is next then brake fluid.

Someday a service manual will be created but really, this vehicle is so simple that it really reminds me of an old Volkswagen in its simplicity

2,500 miles per oil change? Blimey....in this day and age that is unheard of, especially with modern synthetic oils

Am thinking that S&S is assuming that these will be driven like bikes in that they will drive not that often then will sit for long periods waiting for good weather. Having older oil in a block over a long period is not good even for synthetics. They do break down.

Anyone with more knowledge please weigh in!