Behold the Sky Cycle Trike!

After a bunch of test flying on my custom trike I came to the conclusion that the 340 air cooled engine was not going to cut it in terms of my expectations.  It simply doesn't produce enough thrust for the 17m Manta wing.  This fact, along with other previously mentioned issues prompted me to look for a more powerful engine.

After searching diligently on Barnstormers and Craigslist I found a low hour re-build Kawasaki 440 down in Texas.  The 440 will produce at least 10 more h.p. and is also fan cooled, which will eliminate the cooling issues I had with the 340.  This particular 440 also has a larger reduction drive, 2.67:1, meaning I can throw a larger prop as well.

After purchasing the engine I started thinking again.  Even if I put the 440 on the custom trike, the overall setup is still going to be heavier than I really want for the 17m Manta Wing.  For this wing I need a very light and powerful trike chassis.

So I started shopping for a new chassis as well.  I was hoping to find something used in excellent condition as this would be the most cost effective way to go.  Nothing ever really came up so I started looking at new units.  I finally settled on the Sky Cycle trike.  The Sky Cycle is quite well known and a lot of them have been built.  The builder Michael Theeke at Fly Hard Trikes is very easy to work with and promptly responds to all questions via e-mail or phone.  Mike does quality work and I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to purchase a new trike.

The photos show the basic unit as it was shipped to me.  I received the chassis a little over a week ago.  So far I have it uncrated and put together with the engine mounted and exhaust and carb installed.  I still need to hook up the electrical, run the fuel lines and add the instrument pod.  By the time I am done it is going to be a very sweet little unit!