Chinese-Built 60 mpg Wildfire Puts a New Face on Motorcycles
Appears in Print As: A motorcycle in disguise gets 60 mpg
The Chinese-built Wildfire is actually a three-wheeled motorcycle with some added coachwork. Perhaps its most noteworthy feature is its 60-mpg rating. There are two versions, a sedan for $7,781 and a delivery truck for $7,160. Each is powered by a 26-hp, 650-cc, water-cooled four-stroke twin engine. A four-speed manual transmission includes reverse. Front and rear drum brakes provide stopping power. Cruising speed is 45 mph, and top speed is 65 mph. The delivery version, which has collapsible bed sides, can carry a 1,000-lb load. The vehicles are street legal in every state except California, a state in which the company has yet to get the vehicles approved and certified.
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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.
© 2012 Penton Media Inc.
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Comments
2009 wildfire 3 wheel car
More of a question than a comment... I just became the proud owner of one of these marvels. Does anyone know where I can get a manual on it? I've looked in all the auto parts store & on line. Thanks a bunch.
2009 WILDFIRE 650C OWNER
I HAVE HAD IT OVER A YEAR NOW. OVER 6,000 MILES IN THE CITY ( PITTSBURGH PA ) AND MAJOR HIGHWAYS, 60 TO 65 MPH NO PROBLEMS. NO MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS. 59.5 MPG !!
I HAM BEETING THE OIL PRICES HANDS DOWN.
Wildfire 3 whee lcar
I have seen one driving around my area and looked at it while it was parked. I like micro cars, have a early Mini, and Berkeley, Would be interested in buying one but not much info out there.
What years were they made, what is value of used ones?
Anyone got one for sale?
BritCarGuy contact me please. amgcr@juno.com
I am an owner of a Wildfire
I have over 7000 miles on this and have no tipping problems. The electrical system was very shoddy but has all been replaced with American fuses and wiring. Also the battery and fuel pump have been replaced. Still, getting about 60 mpg and all the attention anyone could possibly want!
Rliability
SO how has the reliability been? I gather from your comment it to some shakedown and work to get it where it is now. Once you got past that initial phase how has it been?
All the 2009 test drive vehicles are showing up for sale in the $3500 to $5000 range. I am seriously considering the wildfire to supplement the Cushman (which has had some reliability problem itself). I have been out of work but no I need something reliable for a daily commute. I feel better with two vehicles so I have a backup.
cheers
Rolf
where can I get a good one for 3500.00 dollars ?
Anybody still haev any left ??? (twofirst1@aol.com) Wildfire only either type truckster or sedan trike is good...65 mph cruise at 45-50 is great ...60 mpg is even better...Good heater is needed...
Wildfire 650 van
Hi Rolf, Being a Cushmann owner and also King Midget I wondered about the Wildfire. I had a Isetta 300 which was a great let down for what I thought German engineering would be. Don't know what everyone was paying for the vans, but mine was $5015.00 from the importer in Stubenvile Ohio. I've got about 20,000 miles on it now. I drive it hard and fast. I put it in a ditch and up on its side, which really totaled it after a front blow out. Other than poor tires, its been great. The battery failed about a month ago, and thats it for trouble. The local tech school straightened the body and looks like new again ( at just $400. ) I've installed a cd player, couldn't hear the old radio over my custom dual straight pipes ( hey the Harley guys get away with it ). And I installed oversize tires, Hercules 5.00 x 12. Its dependable and road worthy, xxx better than the Cushmann onan truckster I had. But if you need parts, the parts guy at Wildfire is never at the desk. You'll have to go the their web site and e-mail the C.E.O. then you'll get service. I love mine and am sure if your half mechanical, tighten a bolt here and there like a sports car, you'll love one. Earl...
Stability
1) The longer the vehicle the less the tipping problem is. This is why these are (almost certainly) more stable than the 3 wheeled ATV. Also note that ATV's are used off road where tipping is more likely.
I drive a Cushman 3-Wheeled motorcycle (Truckster). It is taller and shorter than these wildfires and hence tippier. The have skid plates in case of tipping. I tipped mine once and the impact of the tip plate with the road popped it back up instantly. I was surprised, but reassured! I am more careful on corners now, of course.
2) Compared to a motorcycle my Cushman is MUCH safer. Not as safe as a car, but life is a risk no matter what you do. It has been proven that big SUV's are MUCH less safe than smaller cars if you include the victims of the other car(s) in the collision. I am sure most SUV drivers would agree with "my life is worth more than yours" but I don't buy it!
3) Since these are motorcycles you need to follow helmet laws. I
I don't know how many cops would hassle with you, but given my registration, plates, and license all say "motorcycle" I am not going to argue with a cop.
Have some fun!
actual owner
I have owned a 650C for about 3 months. I have put over 1500 miles on it since then. It is a little tipsy for right turns with only the driver but it is controllable. I am getting over 50 mpg while steady driving 45 to 50 mph. I can personally atest that it will do in excess of 70 mph. It still had more to go but I had a turn coming up. It handles well on smooth roads, but can be interesting with rutted roads.
Wildfire driver
I have read a lot of comments about the Wilfire but noone has said that their comments are backed up by experiance. Shame on anyone who puts down something without trying it first. I have several miles on a 650C and can say that not once did tipover become a concern. As far as safety, I feel safer in the Wildfire motorcycle than I did on my Honda CX500 or my Yamaha Venture. I always kept in mind that this is a motorcycle and don't ever compare it to a car. A forth wheel would make it a car and more expensive.
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