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 Z1300. The engine is fuel injected, 130 HP, and we expect it to weigh about 900 pounds. As of july 2007, a brief road test was done, project is on hold for a few months due to other priorities.

The chassis is built 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 an 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.

 A Honda ring gear on a custom made hub is attached to the drive shaft, and a starter engages that for reversing.  Steering rack is Geo Metro.          The dash is teak, the instrument panel and switch panel are from the Kawasaki.  Custom made paddle shifter.

Chassis fabrication, suspension, steering, brakes and exhaust system by Sean O'Brien.  Machined parts for suspension and driveline by Tom  Chamlee.

More photos and details on page 6