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First test drive.

did you enjoythe driving?

It appears that Gunter spent all his time taking photos, and very good they are too. (as usual, you really must give us all an art-class lesson)

I don`t want to hide my first driving impressions with the 3Wheeler any longer:

It is great fun to drive the new 3Wheeler. When you lift the bomb release button and start the engine you are impressed. Hearing every detonation of the massiv S&S twin Zylinder a magical step back in time starts. I can promise, that every journey with the 3Wheeler will be an adventure. And you will find many new friends. It`s a toy no one needs, but it`s nice to have when you can afford it.

Steering response is very direct and driving comfort better than I expected. It`s the double wishbone front axle that works better on bumpy roads than the traditional Morgan front axle. I didn`t drive it hard (it was wet and the 3Wheeler was brand new and not mine) so I can`t say a lot about the handling under "racing" conditions yet. Turning in some cases might be a problem because of the huge turning circle.

There are three further topics I want to mention:

1. The drive train is very noisy; I think it comes from the gear box and the reason might be the vibration of the big V 2 engine (I think it`s tolerable, if it does not cause mechanical damages).

2. The demonstrator felt as if there was to much brake power at the rear wheel. In my opinion it would be better, if the front brakes felt a little bit more aggressive. I couldn`t find out whether this was a problem of the brake balance or caused by the narrow front wheels?

3. There is enough power to have real fun. But I think – as a "racer" - you can never have enough. So a little bit more power would be fine. I had a look at the COC paper and recognized that the engine power is now „only“ 81 bhp and not the originally announced 115 bhp. In combination with the increase in weight from 450 kg to now 550 kg there is an increase in power to weight ratio of significance. I asked Steve Morris (Morgan Motor Company) for the reasons of the power reduction. He answered:

„Firstly, it is important to know that the initial data published was as always the best guess based on information we had at the time of issuing.

As with all Development of new products we are completely governed by legislation and OEM supplied product.
The new figures published are following our calibration and unfortunately they are what they are. It is important that we follow procedures as set out by the governing bodies which is what then allows us to sell the vehicles.......

.........Please do not pre judge the performance until you have driven the vehicle as I think you will find the performance exhilarating.“


I think the character of the engine is driven by its high torque and not the peak in power output. I agree, performance really is satisfactory and if someone wants to have more, the big capacity S&S engine has a lot of potential to solve this problem easily. I already sent a mail to S&S what to do to reach around 145 bhp. I will keep you informed.

It`s worth waiting!!!

Best wishes

Guenter

Guenter, thanks for the write up and insight.

Great write up Guenter to go with your excellent photos. It'll be interesting to see what mods there are to increase the horsepower.

There was a great documentary on BBC2 last night "The Real Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines" of the Round Britain Rally for Microlights.....it really made me think of the three wheeler at times and one guy in particular who flew the greatest distance (once flew over Everest) certainly should be a M3Wer!

I want to add:

I didn`t get an answer from the factory if they detuned the engine by remapping or by mechanical changes or if the power output is originally lower than expected.

But I think we will find this out.

Best wishes Guenter

Hi Günter,

thanks for sharing those great pictures (as ever) and your insightful write-up. I´m sure it´s no problem to get more bhp out of a 2l. engine. May be it´s not so bad to start with 80 something bhp to make first experiences - and later on tune it up a little bit.

If you enjoyed that, you would probably enjoy Antony Woodwards book 'Propellorhead'. He's the guy eating his sausage sandwich while sitting next to the 'instructor' with the dodgy back who couldn't land because he lost the feeling in one side. You don't have to be a flyer to enjoy it.

As a lapsed PPL, I though the guy was dangerous with little aptitude for piloting.

I use to fly quite a lot with a friend who was a qualified instructor, mainly Piper Cherokees ....then he went and had a heart attack so put an end to me being able to fly with him. Shame as he has a rather nice Jodel now which goes rather well with the Morgan. I've often been tempted with microlights and the program has made me want to have a flight in one!