Say you've become disabled, but don't want to give up your lifelong love of motorcycling. A trike is probably a good compromise for getting out on the road again without sacrificing comfort or stability, but most aren't rigged for performance, or frankly, much style. Until now: we recently came across a news release from Mobility Conquest, which apparently addresses that very specific niche. The company has released a so-called "wheelchair motorcycle" said to combine a powerful engine and an innovative design. In their words, "the Conquest wheelchair motorcycle is made especially for those who can no longer ride a standard motorcycle, but who aren't ready to give up the exhilaration of riding a big motorbike."
The news release goes on to say that the Conquest is specifically designed from the ground up for wheelchair users and drivers unable to ride traditional motorcycles due to disabilities. It claims to be the only high performance trike that can be ridden from your own wheelchair. The design was originally penned by Alan Martin, founder of Martin Conquest Wheelchair Motorbike in the United Kingdom, for his son, a young man who had become disabled. The wheelchair motorcycle then progressed through the stages of new product development, generating a good deal of interest throughout the UK. Martin Conquest worked with several organizations to develop the trike, including The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) and the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).
Mobility Conquest was then tagged as the exclusive partner in the United States, putting out a version of the Conquest that's been fully road- and track-tested to comply with U.S. safety standards. The vehicle - called Mobility Conquest Wheelchair-Accessible Motorcycle - officially launched at the annual National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association Conference last February 10-12.
Not that you'd be inclined to do a smoky burnout your first time out, but the Conquest utilizes the standard front end of a BMW R 1200 R motorcycle along with an 1170cc Boxer engine, attached to an aluminum frame and two alloy rear wheels. The steering is conventional, albeit through modified handlebars; the drive is rear -wheel; and the entire build and design appear to be fairly high-end, with standard equipment including 6 forward gears plus reverse, and keyless entry. Many optional extras are available, and the trike can be tailored to fit your needs; everything from the position of the locking mechanism to the handlebar controls can be customized.
There's an unlikely performance aspect to this thing too: Conquest claims a 0-60 number of 7.6 seconds. Top speed is said to be a blazing 105 mph (which certainly sounds tempting), mostly guaranteeing that you won't lack for power when it's needed. But what's most apparent on the wheelchair bike is its stylish design- a direct result of all that streamlined fiberglass bodywork. You won't see many rides like this on the road, sporting the sleek lines of an F1 racer.
Rigged for the Ride
Part of the fun of motorcycling is having someone along for the ride, and the Conquest acknowledges this with a specially-designed, high-end suspension at both ends to absorb the extra load without compromising handling and control.
The driver mounts the wheelchair-accessible motorbike via an automatic rearward ramp. Both driver and wheelchair are then secured via a locking mechanism with a push-button release to ensure a stable driving platform. The passenger compartment offers space for the driver and a wheelchair, as well as safety systems and a passenger. All Conquest trikes come with a reverse gear and push-button Kicktronic shift for smooth acceleration through the motorbike's six gears. Impressive.
Specifications:
Martin Conquest 1200
BASE PRICE: N/A
Standard warranty: 30,000 miles/2 years
ENGINE
Type: air/oil cooled Boxer twin
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1170cc, 101mm x 73mm
Valve train: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Compression: 12.0:1
Fuel system: EFI
Transmission: 6-speed, w/semi-auto thumb-operated gear change and reverse
CHASSIS
Overall length: 120.07 in.
Wheelbase: 82.28 in.
Wet weight: 1190 lbs.
Seat height: N/A
Rake/trail: N/A
Wheels: 17 in. cast alloy
Front tire: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tires: N/A
Front brake: 330mm vented, hydraulic discs
Rear brake: 254mm vented, hydraulic discs
Front suspension: telescopic fork
Rear suspension: wishbone; dual gas shocks
Fuel capacity: N/A
PERFORMANCE
Fuel mileage(claimed): 45mpg