The 2008 Stallion Trike
From Southwest Trikes

Check out the new stallion Forum
Stalliontrikeforum.com

MSRP $29,995

By Kirk Johnson
Jan 2008

About the Trike

December 2007, the Stallion finally made its way to the showrooms.  You can now view it, sit in it or even take if for a demo ride, as I did.  This three-wheel vehicle, with 1 wheel in the front and 2 wheels in the rear, offers drivers the thrill of an open air motorcycle ride with the allure of a sports car.    

The Stallion has a frame and suspension designed completely in-house by Motor Trike engineers, and is powered by a 2.3-liter Ford four-cylinder engine.   The engine produces 155 horsepower and 160 ft-lbs. of torque, according to Motor Trike, which Thoroughbred says will give the Stallion the power-to-weight ratio of a Mustang GT. Unlike a standard trike conversion, the Stallion has a Ford 5-speed automatic transmission with reverse and a steering wheel instead of handlebars.

The "dash" also has air conditioning and heat for both the front and rear passengers, who ride the Stallion on tandem leather seats.  And if that is not enough, it also comes with a Sony AM - FM radio, cup holders, Ford component gauges, Ford automatic shifter with cruise control and, of course, one brake pedal and one gas pedal. 

The Stallion also has a 9.5-gallon fuel tank, which is much larger than any motorcycles that I know of.  Its fuel economy will rival that of some of the hybrid cars with 45-MPG Highway - 35-MPG City.  According to these numbers, the cruise range should be close to 340 miles with a 2-gallon reserve.  Not bad for a motorcycle.

Stallion Specs

Test Drive

I did a test ride review in a proto type Stallion about a year ago and was really impressed with it at that time.  Now, I finally get to spend some time in a real production unit.  With this test, I will spend a little more time behind the wheel and give it a good test ride.

Again, the first thing that happened when I climbed aboard and turned the key, grabbed the steering wheel and the automatic transmission shift lever to put it in reverse so I could back it out of the stall, I felt that funny feeling that I forgot to put on my seatbelt.  After ignoring that impulse, I was headed to the open road.

The first thing that I did was head to the closest on-ramp.  I really wanted to put the little 4-cyclinder to work and see how it would perform.  When I get there the sequence light is on and only letting vehicles on one at a time.  After clearing the light, I find more slow traffic ahead to negotiate.  Actually, that turned out to be a good thing.  I found that after merging, and then changing lanes and accelerating around slower cars, the Stallion handled like a sports car.  The lane changes were flat and sincere as the stallion accelerated with that powerful four cylinder engine while it shifted at 5,600 rpm as it ran through the gears.  Then I noticed after getting around the traffic, I was going in excess of 80 mph.  I had no idea I was going that fast.  This is one stable and solid little unit.  This was fun!  Although, I was at 80+ this little Stallion had a lot more in it. 

I found that the Stallion handles, changes lanes and stops or slows down like a champ on the interstate.  The wrap around clear windscreen really protects you from the wind while giving you complete visibility.  Although, I did find that there was a chilly wind rushing at me from the back.  But, this was offset with the heater blowing on me from the front.  I played with the radio for just a minute, it has great controls, but the wind noise had some negative effect on its clarity.

With the standard seat and seat back, protection and comfort, this would be an easy machine to spend the day in while cruising around town or crossing the state or the country.  Add to that the extra storage with the trunk and I even was able to put my helmet behind my left leg on the floor because I did not want to wear it anymore.  Try that on another trike or motorcycle.

After playing in traffic for a while and feeling very comfortable, and having a gas, I decided to head for some back roads to see how it handles on the curves.   I wasn’t disappointed.  Now this is a three wheel vehicle, not a sports car, so I wanted to see how sable it was on the corners.  To my amazement, this little unit handles just fine.  No, it is not a sports car and to compare it to a sports car may be unfair.  What I did find, was a very solid, predictable machine that corners really great without any surprises.  The cornering is very flat and there is not any suggestion of tipping what so ever.  I wanted to hit the brakes and make it come to a sliding stop sideways like a big wheel.   I don’t think the owner would appreciate me doing that with their demo.

After riding around on some to the curvy back roads and heading back to civilization and traffic, I noticed that there were basically two kinds of looks that I got from other passengers in other cars and people along the streets.  It was either a double take or a stare.  People everywhere were interested and wanted to know more about this new creature.  It is defiantly an attention getter.

Summary

One of the most fun rides that I have had in a long time.  This is the luxury model and sport model all in one.  It handles more like a sports car than a trike.  It is very stable and solid.  155 hp moves it down the road with authority and I love the sports car sound that comes from the engine and exhaust.  If you do not like shifting or holding up a big bike, this is a must to check out. 

I am very nimble and getting in and out was easy for me.  But I can see that this might be a problem for some people.  Be looking around for the new Stallion.  I am sure it will be very popular.  Also, make sure you check www.southwesttrikes.com for new aftermarket accessories like special wheels, exhaust pipes and seats.

Ride safe
Kirk

www.phoenixbikers.com
www.motorcycletestdrive.com