The new Talon Motors “Invader” provides two occupants with the side-by-side seating comfort of a sports car and levels of performance that were once available only to those willing to straddle a super bike. Enclosed in striking original body work, this unique reverse trike three wheeler (two steering front wheels, one rear drive wheel) uses a 1,300cc Hayabusa engine to propel it to 60 mph in under four seconds and can reach top speeds of up to 150 mph.
“The Invader really offers its owner the best of two worlds,” said Tom Sliger, Talon Motors vice president and creator of the Invader. “It delivers the power and road hugging closeness and thrills of a super bike, but allows its two occupants to sit side-by-side in the safety and comfort of an enclosed cockpit. It has a steering wheel and pedals just like a sports car, but it offers a totally unique driving experience that is unlike anything on the road.”
The Invaders frame is constructed from one-and-a-half-inch tubular steel with a front crash zone, triangulated side protection bars and a complete roll-cage around the cockpit. Its fiberglass body includes a Lexan windshield to protect two occupants that are comfortably strapped into car-like seats with three-point safety belts. Driving the rear wheel is a two hundred horsepower Hayabusa power plant capable of pushing this reverse trike to speeds approaching 150 mph. Its fully adjustable suspension provides precision handling and four piston brake calipers will stop it on the proverbial dime.
In building the Invader Sliger and Talon Motors president and partner Sandy Hall wanted to produce a totally unique reverse trike that would provide elements of performance, style and comfort unheard of in the market place. To help them turn this dream into a reality they contacted Adam Canni of Canni Design. “We looked at what was available on the market and decided that we would try and build what we like to call a High Performance Reverse Trike, or HPRT,” said Canni. “We wanted it to deliver the thrills and performance of a super bike while surrounding its occupants in a much safer and more comfortable cockpit that actually allows you to sit next to your passenger. The end result is the Invader, an exotic powerful machine unlike anything else on the road.”
The Invader’s cockpit has been designed for easier entry and exit with lower sills and a removable steering wheel. Inside the cockpit there is comfortable seating designed to carry two six-foot, two hundred pound-plus passengers. The Invader’s controls are much the same as would be found in any sports car – a steering wheel, gas, brake and clutch pedals and a six-speed sequential shifter with an electric reverse gear. A full compliment of gauges round out the cockpit and built in passenger side storage compartment and removable saddlebag-style totes make the Invader ideal for weekend escapes.
“The Talon has really been a collaborative effort between Tom, myself and Adam,” says Sandy Hall, President of Talon Motors. “We wanted to create a new level of comfort, performance and sensation that did not exist before. Combine that with its jaw dropping looks, and I think we’ve designed and built an exotic vehicle that provides more bang-for-the-buck than anything out there.”
Talon Motors recently announced a combined campaign with long time exotic car enthusiast and rock-and-roll legend, Sammy Hagar. Talon Motors and Hagar are currently working to design a signature series, “Red Rocker” edition of the Invader in 2011. The “Red Rocker” model will contain design and performance elements influenced by both Hagar and the Talon design team.
About the Company
Tom Sliger has over 20 years of experience as a designer and custom motorcycle fabricator. Sliger formed Talon Motors with long time associate and successful entrepreneur, Sandy Hall. Their partnership is based on their mutual admiration for the world of motor sports and a desire to use their business expertise and entrepreneurial savvy to create a unique and exciting motoring experience. The Invader prototype is being presented as proof of concept with the intent for full production by second quarter, 2011. This effort will be supported with both marketing campaigns and incentives designed to create a national dealer network.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Performance Bike
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