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Suspension Designs
Trike Suspension and Swingarm Dynamics
There are basically two common suspension systems currently in use on trikes today. They can be identified as either “independent” or “solid axle.” Both systems each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Independent Suspension
These systems allow each rear wheel to travel through its range of motion independently of the other wheel. This occurs as the vehicle travels over rough surfaces and while cornering.
The primary advantage is increased ride compliance over obstacles and rough surfaces. The level of ride compliance may be affected by suspension geometry, loading, components, use of restrictive anti-sway mechanisms, and other factors.
The significant disadvantage to independent suspension is decreased cornering stability. This is most commonly referred to as body roll or sway. The ability of the suspension to move independently also allows compression at the outer wheel and extension at the inner wheel. Centrifugal force causes the vehicle’s center of gravity to shift toward the outside of a corner – which can be felt by the rider as the motorcycle wants to lean opposite the direction the trike is being steered. And we all know that a motorcycle wants to travel in the direction that it is leaning. So essentially the trike rider is forcing the vehicle in a direction opposite the lean angle. As speed increases, cornering becomes more uncomfortable. This design is more effective for an automobile where there are two wheels up front to help stabilize the vehicle.
Solid Axle Suspension
This remains the most popular design used for a trike application. With this design, cornering performance takes priority over ride compliance. However, the final result is still dependent upon suspension geometry, loading, suspension components, and most importantly swingarm design. Again, there are additional factors that can affect performance as well.
Lehman “No Lean” Advantage
The Lehman “No Lean” philosophy begins with a solid, one-piece swingarm that is designed to be the most sturdy and inflexible in the industry. What this does is completely minimize the trike’s ability to sway or roll to the outside of a corner. The noticeable benefits are increased stability and easier steering, especially at highway speeds. This is our simple “No Lean” philosophy that is responsible for the best handling trikes for over 20 years!
At Lehman Trikes, we will not compromise performance and safety to achieve incremental gains in low speed ride compliance. We strongly feel that independent suspension technology that is appropriate for a 4-wheeled vehicle does not account for the unique characteristics of a 3-wheeled vehicle using a motorcycle front-end.
Please compare the ride quality and high speed of a Lehman trike to that of any other design. You will appreciate our beautifully simple philosophy and our characteristically high level of performance.
| Low speed bump with the Lehman "No-Lean" suspension. |
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 Low speed bump with independent or less rigid suspension. |
 High speed bump with Lehman "No Lean" suspension. |
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 Cornering with Lehman "No Lean" suspension. |
 Cornering with independent or less rigid suspension. |
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