Dunecycle

DUNECYCLE

CYCLE WORLD IMPRESSION

Not Truly A Whiz On All Terrains, The Dunecycle Is Still The Most Stable Of The Lot — A Flat-Handling Slider.

TEN YEARS AGO, a motorized three-wheeled tricycle like the Dunecycle would have been unheard of, except maybe to an enterprising kid or two who had built a multi-wheeled sidewalk screamer from cannibalized lawnmower parts.

Today, things are different. Kids are not building three-wheelers anymore. Aerospace firms have taken over the burden of construction, and the resultant products are called "all-terrain vehicles."

Allied Pacific Manufacturing Co. is marketing two similar Dunecycle models, neither of which are true allterrain vehicles they can't swim like some of their six-wheeled counterparts.

Actually, the flat tracker and the standard model are identical except for the rear rims and tires, and a minor body styling difference. The standard model uses 11.5-20 in. diameter low pressure tires with a paddle-like tread. Small diameter rims are used, which allow the sidewalls to flex easily, thus providing a soft ride.

For the individual seeking better handling on smooth surfaces, such as graded dirt roads, stiffer rear tires like those on the flat tracker are desirable. Unfortunately, the 9.5-18 in. diameter universal tires, mounted on conventional rims, are not interchangeable between models, due to a different lug bolt pattern.

A T-bone shaped tube frame connects minibike style front forks to the rear axle assembly. Foot pegs are welded to the main frame just behind the forks. Additional braces support the fiberglass seat assembly. A bottom seat pad is provided, but in really rough going an additional back seat pad would greatly increase rider comfort.

Dunecycles are powered by 5-bhp Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder fourstroke engines, coupled to variable-ratio V-belt torque converters. As such, they are not the most powerful three-wheelers available. But they are the best ha lulling.

The reason for this lies in the use of an automotive type bevel-gear differential that allows the rear wheels to turn independently. This machine has no tendency to go straight on packed surfaces when the front wheel is turned.

Maneuverability is further aided by two 4-in. drum brakes which can be operated separately or together by squeezing one or both handlebar mounted hand levers. A twistgrip throttle is also handlebar mounted.

So, what's it like to ride (drive)? Tight turns are usually initiated with the brakes. On smooth surfaces, the power can be left on and wild slides are easy to bring off without the fear of high-side spills that we have come to associate with this type of vehicle. Although Dunecycles must be ridden with more caution over rough ground. CY(T F WORLD staff members were surprised to find that either model would negotiate Saddleback Park's difficult motocross course with relative ease.

An optional spark arrester, a roll bar to protect the driver and engine and a front snow ski that bolts on in minutes add to the Dunecycle's versatility. At lit) lb., they are easily transported.