THE STILETTO PROJECT

I have been thinking about building a 3 wheeler for many years, looked at some of the existing designs, and decided that I wanted something with better crashworthiness than the existing designs. The engine, rear suspension, instruments and various other parts are from a Kawasaki ZN 1300 Voyager. The engine is basically the same as the KZ 1300, but with electronic fuel injection, 130 HP. The complete vehicle weighs 1050 pounds without fuel, with almost equal distribution of 350 pounds on each wheel.

The chassis is built by Sean O'Brien, TIG welded entirely of 4130 chrome moly tubing. The windshield frame is the primary rollover structure.  The chassis is built in two sections, joined at the firewall. Exhaust is stainless.

Rear suspension is taken directly from the Kawasaki.  The radiator is made from a Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE oil cooler.

  The pushrod front suspension uses 2004 Suzuki GSXR motorcycle shocks, and the rear swing arm uses two of the same shocks. The spindles and axles are custom made. Front wheels are also Suzuki.

 The dash is teak, the instrument panel and switch panel are from the Kawasaki.  Custom made paddle shifter.

More photos and details on page 6