Chassis responding to steering inputs

This is a close-up of the chassis starting its lean function and through a U-turn. No special steering action needed.

A problem in the early testing was any kind of backlash or looseness in any mechanical pivot was detrimental. The lean control could not distinguish between a corner and a sloppy mechanical connection. Everything was eventually switched to sealed ball bearings and tapered roller bearings to adjust/control the backlash. This included a near zero backlash steering wheel. Road grit would make bronze bushings sloppy within days and it took many weeks to figure this out each time. Once these tasks were completed, the lean control behavior improved and was easier to drive smoothly. Separating lean control issues from the trike’s functionality issues was time consuming to understand.

Now the trike has a solid lean response to steering inputs. It seems like one functionality after a few corners. If you turn-in too early, you will have all three wheels in your neighbor’s grass. Now, my neighbor’s sharp 90 degree corner has a magnolia tree with its low branches. Patience is a good thing.