Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 3 wheeler or Super 3?

I'm going for a test drive of a 3 wheeler tomorrow having never driven one before. I would like to add a 3 wheeler or Super 3 to the garage at some point in 2025. Any tips for the test drive?
Given that mid-30k pricing seems achievable in a buyer's market for both models, any thoughts on whether a 3 wheeler or Super 3 would make the better choice for someone hoping to step a bit out of my comfort zone for some 3 wheel adventures?
Any thoughts on a gloomy December day welcomed!
Beard

Firstly enjoy your test drives and I think you will be surprised at the difference in character of the two machines.

Both are up to long distance adventures, many M3Ws have been used for extensive UK and European trips and have many 10s of thousand miles on them. I've done over 36,000 miles in my 2021 M3W including a trip to Istanbul earlier this year with two other M3Ws.

If you do decide to look further at one or the other then there's a wealth of help, advice and opinions on here but it's probably more important to research the M3W if you a interested in getting one of these. They do have a list of known "issues" along with well proven fixes. The earlier the car the more upgrades you should check have been done or budget for if you plan to use the car.

The Super3 being a newer car has a smaller list of things to look out for and of course is still in production.

Do have fun tomorrow and let us know your thoughts on the cars.

3 wheeler (5 speeder) - Old school image - has more charm and if you get an upgraded example for reliability (Centa and Ohlins for example) then still perfect for touring (take a look at UK touring groups EU adventures) and also 2 friends of mine (each in their own 5 speeders) recently completed an 8000 km road trip - no issues. Prices seem to have stabilised.

Super 3 - modern image/styling - modern engine and electrical system - people who have had a 5 speeder before have said the Super 3 is nicer/easier to drive and after following Steve Morris at Grindelwald when the S3 was launched I can agree the S3 does handle well. Main Issues seem to be with the seating position (sit on rather than in the cabin), they are a bit of a handful in the damp ending in accidents....as well as the width of the front end on UK roads.
Possible future engine issues (although cheaper to repair than a 5 speeder...)
A concern of mine would be the plummeting prices, lack of support in near future (tyres?) and the fact that not many S3's have been sold - as wouldn't be surprised if MMC halted production/support in near future.
Complete lack of charm compared to a 5 speeder.

Personally go for a well sorted 5 speeder - not biased in anyway of course

Many thanks for the advice - much appreciated.
I'll let you know my impressions post drive (hoping for a drive road!).
Beard

It's always worth reading The Buyers Guide to acquaint yourself with various issues concerning the S&S powered M3W along with many of the fixes. Some of the issues were addressed in later production, but most are up to the owner to resolve. If you can find a car that has the modifications already done then you will have a more reliable car and potentially save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

How did the test drives go and what are your thoughts on each car??

I prefer to drive a M3W
I would prefer to own a Super3

Back from Williams garage in Wiltshire where I was made extremely welcome yesterday. I had a very interesting test drive of one of their 3 wheelers - a lovely 2020 model. It was much more stable than I was expecting with quite good damping, which came as a nice surprise. It had the small windscreens so felt very exposed at speed, but certainly characterful and i had a lot of fun on some good b-roads. I later found that the vibration had made my watch stop and I can imagine a longer journey or motorways being quite trying. Steering good once under way, braking not so good - I didn't like the long brake pedal travel before anything happened. I really enjoyed the drive with the small dimensions and the great visibility made it very easy to place on the country roads. I'm intrigued enough to want to try one or two more and a Super 3 in the months ahead before reaching a conclusion...watch this space!

I own a v twin S and S three wheeler and have done European trips around 2,500 miles with no problems. I liken the V twin vs super 3 like the difference between the original mini and the modern mini. The original has real character, always needs something fixing but had a real character and a way of connecting with the road. The modern mini is much more refined in every way but for many lacks the character of the original. Very comfortable, more room and a real cruiser, but in the case of the 3 wheeler lacks the sound of that big thumping V twin. Each is perfect in its own way but I think once you have tried the super 3 you will know. Good luck on your journey!

Vibration issues can be resolved by installing an m3wservices engine mounting kit - it really makes a difference..

Braking should be 'good', (suppose good depends to what you have driven before..) - it could be the rear brake cylinder has seized which is a common occurrence - the pedal itself can also be adjusted if needed.

Good luck with the test drives - keep us all informed!