• Article Photo. Steve Lucas demonstrates the leaning capability of his first prototype.
    Steve Lucas demonstrates the leaning capability of his first prototype.
  • Article Photo. Steve Lucas' suspension invention allows these cycle wheels to lean up to 15 degrees.
    Steve Lucas' suspension invention allows these cycle wheels to lean up to 15 degrees.
  • Article Photo. Steve Lucas will soon demonstrate this leaning prototype on the road.
    Steve Lucas will soon demonstrate this leaning prototype on the road.
  • Article Photo. Steve Lucas has spent nearly four years on his leaning cycle invention and patent.
    Steve Lucas has spent nearly four years on his leaning cycle invention and patent.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Steve Lucas tested his leaning suspension for the first time on Wednesday.
    Steve Lucas tested his leaning suspension for the first time on Wednesday.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.

After nearly four years and countless changes in his plans, Steve Lucas has begun road-testing and demonstrating his leaning motorcycle suspension.

Lucas took he first prototype – a three-wheeled scooter – for a ride outside his shop on the west side of Vinton for the first time on Wednesday. The suspension, which Lucas has patented, performed as he hoped and expected, although the engine and clutch of the motor on his machine needs some adjustments. 

The leaning suspension, said Lucas will appeal to a variety of cycling enthusiasts. The 15-degree lean will make highway travel safer, especially in turns. For older cyclists, who may find handling a parked 800-pound motorcycle difficult, the leaning suspension could offer them a chance to keep riding, he said.

The Vinton inventor plans to build suspensions for on motorcycle tricycles, reverse trikes with one wheel in the back and two in the front, and quads.

Soon Lucas will make a video of his cycle and other promotional materials for potential investors.

See a previous story about Lucas’ Leaning Suspensions HERE.