BMW Isetta Rallye

[macker1974]

Came across this little beauty on my Sunday spin today.
With no flaking paint, faulty TFT screens or collapsing wheel spokes to complain about, it struck me as a very boring proposition!

 

[Bails]

Interesting one front wheel is straight ahead the other is turned?

 

[fred_jb]

Interesting one front wheel is straight ahead the other is turned?

Isn't that due to the Ackerman geometry where a slight angle to the wheel on the outside of a curve (and I think the left wheel is slightly angled) has to be matched with a sharper turn on the inside wheel? Possibly exaggerated by the short wheelbase.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackermann_steering_geometry


Or it could just be broken!

 

[leadfarmer]

Isn't that due to the Ackerman geometry where a slight angle to the wheel on the outside of a curve (and I think the left wheel is slightly angled) has to be matched with a sharper turn on the inside wheel? Possibly exaggerated by the short wheelbase.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackermann_steering_geometry


Or it could just be broken!

I’d say it’s a combination of camera angle and as you quite correctly say, Ackerman’s principal

Coincidentally I saw a Messerschmitt today at a local vintage bike show

 

[squibb34]

Having experienced these things back in the day, at least the 3-wheeler, it has to be said ......... they are fun around town, but v.slow & roll over incredibly easily. Once on their roof, you cannot get out as the clam-shell door won't open & the sliding windows cease to slide. The old chugging BMW 300 single doesn't like being inverted & the smell of leaking petrol gets a tad scary. Thankfully some kind folk helped promptly. I can confirm that they will seat 5, with the roof open, but I can't even imagine being that stupid out on the road these days.

This one looks to have the twin drive wheel set up, which improves rear grip. The KR200 always looked the more exciting drive, but they disappear under the bonnet of an SUV out on the road.

Personally, late 60s I ran a Berkeley for a while, whilst taking driving lessons & waiting to get my VW on the road. Front wheel drive 325cc, it was fun, but lift off over-steer pretty scary, especially in the wet.

 

[Greg Masters]

Having experienced these things back in the day, at least the 3-wheeler, ....

It's a 4-wheeler.

 

[squibb34]

It's a 4-wheeler.

As I said in para 2.

Rear grip improved, but still invert themselves easily.

 

[Greg Masters]

As I said in para 2.

Rear grip improved, but still invert themselves easily.

So you did...

 

[beaver]

Bloke at work had the 3 wheel version... Bob they called him.. body builder and he was huge.. looked so funny to watch him get in / out.. opening the front door and all the stearing moves with it if I remember right

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Bob the Body Builder

 

[steve hughes]

When I was at College 1970’s , a lad on the course had one of these. Took me for a run in it. Slight problem the exhaust leaked so the further we went the bubble filled up with even more gas. Abiding impression was one of feeling sick!