What you see here may not be a very refined exponent of automotive engineering. It is, however one of the most unique India-built automobiles you would ever come across. Three students from IET engineering college Alwar’s Department of Mechanical Engineering have given shape to this leaning reverse trike – the first of its kind in India. The students behind the project, Krishan Kumar, Praveen Sharma and Shailesh Upadhyay prefer calling themselves Chitties, probably taking inspiration from the android the lead character in the south Indian movie ’Robot’ built.
Anvitha is built on the TVS Maxx 100 motorcycle, with suitable alterations having been made onto the chassis. Since the Anvitha is more of an experiment, and made on a tight budget, a basic 2 stroke single cylinder 98cc engine with peak output of 7.8 bhp @ 5500 rpm is employed to set the wheels in motion. The Anvitha employs a custom made, half-duplex cradle type chassis. The engine is held in place by a double cradle with single spine and single down tube. A Butterfly type direct mechanism comprises of the steering system.
Up front, suspension duties are taken care of by a double wishbone type suspension with A-shaped control arms providing linkages between the chassis and the wheels. This is an independent-type suspension system which allows for a smoother handling and good absorption of undulations along with competent handling. At the rear, the Anvitha gets a simple twin spring-damper suspension arrangement.
Braking duties are taken care of by drum units both at the front and at the rear. The front drum brakes are operated from the right hand lever provided on the vehicle’s steering handle. Rear braking is taken care of through a pedal operated from the right foot.
The triad of the students behind the Anvitha tried to theme the motorcycle as a café racer. For now, the motorcycle isn’t a very good exponent of the theme. Hopefully, with some more funds coming in the Anvitha would manage to look better. Designed as a people mover than a sporty concept, the Anvitha has a comfortable, upright riding position. Some changes have been made to the brake and gear shift levers to ensure an ergonomically convenient riding posture.
On the move, the tilting/leaning mechanism helps the rider lean the vehicle during cornering and allows for some fun-filled cornering. The leaning property makes for better maneuverability and stability than the non-tilting vehicles. The system also enhances the traction of the wheels during turns. Lateral force generated during turns is minimized due to the addition of two wheels at front. Naturally, more rubber touching the tarmac, an extra wheel and a wide track all add up to lend Anvitha more stability and composure than a two-wheeler at a marginally extra price.
The Applications of the Anvitha can be as a sporty, recreational vehicle, as an option for the differently-abled people and as a safer low-cost commuting tool.
Here’s a video of the trike in action, piloted by its inventors. While we appreciate the industriousness and the innovative spirit of the Chitties, may we request that they replace this video with one where they are wearing a proper helmet before setting it in motion?
Do let us know what you think of this new concept. Do you think it could be adopted by one of the motorcycle manufactures in India for mass productions? Convey your thoughts to us via comments.
