Or...Maybe The Future Is 3 Wheeled!

I was working on some insurance business with my company, BlueCircle Insurance, as we received word that yet another of our insurers has accepted the 3 wheeled Polaris 'Slingshot' for risk. It's been a bit of a battle to get some of these types of machines categorized properly, even though the Can-Am 'Spyder' has been on the market and accepted for several years now. I guess with the increase in power and the 'sport bike' similarities, insurers needed time to sort them all out but it appears there is a definite trend toward these motorcycle/car hybrids.
Doing some research on teh topic gave me a few surprises, despite my knowledge of more historical types of three wheelers, like the Morgan. That manufacturer still makes their 3 wheeler today, slightly more modern than their originals of course. However, with the research I've done, there are a multitude of production 3 wheelers and several kits you can purchase to build on the platform of your existing bike.
Here's a small cross section of several of them, starting with the modern Morgan in it's retro style.

Current C.E.O. of Morgan Motors, Charles Morgan, enjoys riding in his new three wheeler.

The Campagna T-Rex has been around a few years

The newest Can-Am Spyder

An older version of the Spyder

The TriMagnum is a kit you buy to convert your exiting bike

TriMagnum rear view

This little rig is new from Elio Motors

Not much bigger than a motorcycle, except for width.

The XR3 is another kit for an exiting motorcycle platform

Looks like 'The Jetsons'! haha

an old 60's style three wheeled 'car'

Yamaha makes this TriCity scooter, with the emphasis on leaning

Proxima has a slick looking enclosed cab three wheeler

Proxima side view.

The T-Rex with enclosed cab

The Future Is Electric?

Since I was riding around on an electric motorcycle prototype on the weekend, I thought I'd do some more research on the topic, since I've done several other posts on electric bikes in my blog. It's part of my job to stay current with not only motorcycle insurance (3 years ago we had to work hard to get proper ratings for electric bikes ) but also motorcycles themselves and what's going on in the industry.

Interestingly, while doing some research, I came across the Peugeot 515, or a redesigned version of the original. The first was built back in the 1930's by what is claimed to be the oldest motrcycle manufacturer in the world, Peugeot of France. The 1934 Peugeot 500 c.c. P515 set 9 world speed records in it's day and was a pretty interesting bike in it's own right.

 

The origianl P515, with it's very cool art deco tailpipe

 

However, Madella Simone has taken the classic bike and totally modernized the look,as well as bring it into the modern age by replacing the 4 stroke engine with a lithium powered, in-wheel engine. Add in the hubless front wheel and you have a futuristic looking bike that you could actually ride and it appears somewhere more practical than most of the other prototypes I've seen.

2015 version of the P515

I wonder how that hollow body will be affecting the handling at high speeds and wind

A sleek looking rig, without a doubt

Fat tires, front and back

If you're interested in electric motorcycles, watch for future posts, and check out some of my past posts by searching on the blog search engine under 'electric'.


LiveWire

I had the pleasure of going for a little test ride the other day. Harley Davidson has been on the road with their new electric motorcycle, the LiveWire. It's just a Proto type and they are letting potential customers take these bikes for a spin. 

I written a couple of electric bikes before, so I had an idea of what to expect. I will say, I did like this particular model and would have liked to have had more time to run it through its paces. It was quite nimble, had a ton of torque, responded well on and off the throttle, and I like the look of it. Not sure if I'll be able to afford it if and when it comes out but I had fun taking it for a ride.

Just like the rig they haul around for Demo Days

It's not a big bike, weighing 225 kg, but it feels solid and definitely has power (72 h.p and 0-60 in under 4 seconds)

Sabrina, from Heritage Harley Davidson in Edmonton, came to give it a ride.

The charging station

Posing!

City T.V.

Today, Blue Circle had the honour of being invited to be a part of a small promo video for the Calgary Motorcycle Ride For Dad, filmed in a friend's man cave and hosted by the lovely Jaclyn Brown.
As a proud sponsor of this great charity, we got to tell a little story about how we got involved and why we believe in this cause. Blue Circle does sell insurance and puts a lot of value on you, and on your assets, so it's not a stretch for us to want to be a part of finding a cure for something that affects 1 in 6 men and impacts all of their loved ones.
Here's a few photos of the shoot and we look forward to sharing the video when the final cut is done.

A few words on how it's going to roll

Getting set up for the action

A shot from another angle

Gerry shares his thoughts

World's Longest Demo Ride

Troy and Ang are half way through their adventure on the "World's Longest Demo Ride" and are cruising around the Cabot Trail as we speak.

Getting ready to depart Calgary

Concentrate ont eh shirt!

Have a safe and fun trip!

Heritage Harley Davidson 21st Anniversary

Talk about tardy! I inadvertantly scheduled my post for the 29th of August, instead of June. Doh!!!
Anyway, I was up in Edmonton and helped Heritage Harley Davidson celebrate their 21st Anniversary. Lots of bikes and guests, some great food and bands, and some awesome weather, albeit a bit hot!

Motorcycle Parking Only!

Bikini bike wash anyone?

The warm up band.

Always lots of bikes.

You can get some fresh ink while enjoying the Anniversary party.

Octane has his 'doggles' on for the ride.

Octane gets tucked into his carrier for the ride home.

2015 Calgary Stampede

We live in a city that has a 10 day continuous party every summer and we like to join in the fun. Here's a little photo exhibit showing a few of the things we like to do at the Stampede with some of our good friends, and a few strangers too!! haha!

Kelly celebrates her birthday during the Stampede, with a little help from Harry The Horse!

Mmmmm...deep fried Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, but beware of molten chocolate and peanut butter when taking a bite.

Stampede Midway Bingo isn't so much for the game but more about getting a padded seat and resting your weary feet!!

Our friends and affiliates at Carstar invited us to join them and watch the chuckwagon races

Some pre-race entertainment of equestrian skills courtesy of the Stampede Showriders

How about these two cute cowgirls?

The start of the race and a really tight turn around the barrels! I never realized how wide the lead horses went in comparison to the second pair until I looked at this photo.

The 'after' photo from the tight turn in the previous pic. You can really see how tight of a turn they make around the barrels.

A different team of horses strut their stuff while the track gets a grooming.

Terry, Gerry and myself enjoying the chuckwagon action.

After the races we headed back to the barns to visit the horses.

A picture of the grey mares!! haha!

These athletes get treated very well!

Matt, from Carstar, and Gerry hand out some carrot treats.

There's a lot of tack to clean and organize

Kathey is definitely drawn to the greys

Hey...got any more carrots???

The nightly fireworks have a different look from the chuckwagon barns!

This is a view from our neighbourhood atop Scotsman's Hill.