Tuk Tuk coming to American roads near you?

www.autobloggreen.com ^ | 05/13/2008 | Staff

[Red Badger]

We recently reported on the unfortunate demise of the Bajaj 3-wheeler from the American market due to slow sales. Happily, a new brand of funky 3-wheelers is set to make its debut in the U.S. by way of Thailand. Tuk Tuk North America (TTNA) reports that its vehicles are currently undergoing EPA and NHTSA testing for road-use approval, though its line of trikes is reportedly already for sale for off-road use. Available in a number of passenger, cargo and truck body styles, the Tuk Tuk comes equipped with either a 200cc or 650cc version of a newly-designed, liquid-cooled four-stroke powerplant. This replaces the original two-stroker from which the vehicle received its funny-sounding name. TTNA also reports that its vehicles are available with both automatic and manual transmissions. Interestingly, the options page of the TTNA site shows an LPG kit which would convert the engine to run on dual fuels -- both liquefied petroleum and gasoline.

[Red Badger]

First Ta Ta, now Tuk Tuk.......

http://www.tuktuknorthamerica.com/index.html

Go to link for video of "various models"............

[Red Badger]

Ping!..........

[Red Badger]

http://www.tuktuknorthamerica.com/index.html

[SampleMan]

Generally, three wheelers are more stable cornering if they are two in front and one in back.

[Dixie Yooper]

Here's the only tricycle I would ever be seen on.

http://spyder.brp.com/

[Red Badger]

[snoringbear]

“the Tuk Tuk comes equipped with either a 200cc or 650cc version”

Wonder how fast the 650cc version will go? I know these things will carry a load as I have seen the Thai’s pile them up with virtually everthing but an elephant.

[Red Badger]

Go to the company’s website link, there’s even a DRAG racing version!........

[Moose4]

Hmm. I could see that being useful in cities, some of the tourist traps might like it if the engine isn’t too loud.

}:-)4

[gridlock]

The design is based on motor scooters. I know the Indian versions from 20 years ago had a lot of shared components, like the entire front fork, handlebars, engine, etc. The only thing different was the body work and the rear axle.

[JRios1968]

TUK TUK????

[Red Badger]

Yes Yes.......not to be confused with Ta Ta........or these:

Though you'll probably NEED THEM!..............

[TheBattman]

I have taken a ride as a passenger on a TukTuk on a few occasions while in Guatemala. Kind of interesting, though the drivers can be pretty wild. I have thought owning one would be kind of interesting. I have no idea what kind of MPG they get.

[Red Badger]

Neither do they......

[Sender]

I've been wanting one of these for awhile now. They are imported near me in Georgia, so I could get parts and service.

A lot of my trips are short ones, going to the grocery or to a nearby restaurant. I could take the backroads and do just fine in a Tuk Tuk.

It seems to have a lot of the pleasures of a motorcycle, with a lot of the utility of a car. I like this.

[JRios1968]

I still like Tatas better

[Red Badger]

Yes, they’re much easier to ride for a long distance......

[PUGACHEV]

It's not really how fast it will go that's important, but how long it takes to accelerate. A 250cc motorcycle can go 60-70 mph, it's just that it would take forever to reach that speed, and it would no reserve power for maneuvering when it did. This makes it dangerous and very uncomfortable on the highways. It would also shake like an old washing machine. Personally, I find even 750cc too small, and wouldn't consider traveling on a modern highway with less than a liter.

[JRios1968]

More cushiony

[SampleMan]

I think the design function is to serve as a motorized rickshaw correct? Very luxurious in a part of the world where you can see a family of five riding a scooter.