We have all known the motorcar Piaggio and now it continues to sell under the name Ape Calessino. Submit to a test circuit may seem a daring …

We wanted to try a ‘motocarro‘ lifelong. Now it called otherwise, Piaggio Ape Calessino 200, but it is practically the same. But no one had tested in a circuit and we were going to do. It is noteworthy that the engine Ape Calessino 200 just it sounds, the very low idle stays and have to climb a lever under the steering column makes the role of starter, because otherwise it tends to stall because its engine is fitted with carburetor. The truth is that there seems to be torn off and that took the single-cylinder four times manufactured by Piaggio on the rear train and the passenger compartment is not very sound proof is said.

But we have not mentioned the most important of this Piaggio Ape Calessino: It has three wheels, one in front and two behind. The engine and gearbox propels the rear wheels and front steering handles. Therefore we in the cockpit with a handlebar offering on the left handlebar change with the clutch lever.

He Calessino, capable of carrying almost twice its weight (360 kg in running order may weigh 610 kg load). Because, what it is true, is that This trike takes a lot out of your CV 10.2 single-cylinder 200cc. So their weight / power ratio is 36.3 kg / CV. So we enfundamos the monkey and the helmet, as if we were to try the best of sports, and we got down to work. Safety comes first and the convertible is going very exposed. Only a belt band fastened to the hip will seat while the sidebars no exercise of ROPS.

We launched our open grave and thrown out the first “that” we are in and that usually very scary with any car, then check with the Ape Calessino It is thorough, or about 60 km / h, and the chassis is unfazed. It carries a rear suspension arms with elastic rubber elements and a simple cushions. That causes a lot with any bumps bounce but for that route no problems. The entrance to curvón done without stopping and thoroughly done all of it. That part is checked lateral acceleration in this case just happens 0.5 g of with a very limited tires 8 inch diameter grip when a sporting good often reaches 1.2 g. And because of the drop at the output we can see that the speedometer needle reaches the figure of 80 km / h which it is the limit of our single marker (next to the fuel reserve). The reality is that we have to reach 65 km / h before the actual sharper braking circuit. Is awkward maneuver stepping on the brake pedal because you have to lift off the ground losing support and restraint (seat and belt does not hold anything of course), but then can be dosed and locking the rear axle is quite controllable. It is best not help much with reducing gears change because more time is lost because it is rather vague and if you are wrong in reducing excess can block the back wheels.

At first I was a little leery with the behavior of the car, because the impression is that going to capsize at any time. Then, as you get used to the peculiar behavior a Three wheels and excessive body roll, as you see that the limit is higher. But still, the feeling on the track is going very slow, because the lines are eternal and will make, as there is a small rise because the motor can not. And is that ratio power / weight of 36.3 kg / CV is not to ask miracle.

Ape Calessino, a little history

He first Ape It was built in 1948 and it was the result of the crisis of the postwar period. Cargo vehicles were needed to boost the reconstruction of the Italian economy and designer Vespa, Corradino D’Ascanio, It came up with the idea of ​​riding a two-wheel shaft for mounting behind a pallet. Enrico Piagio, the founder’s son, he enthusiastic about the idea and since then has not been discontinued. From the beginning it was known as motorcar and gradually was “sophisticated” its structure and design. For example he was added a driver’s cab, a more sophisticated rear axle mounted or seats were added to carry passengers and serve as taxi.

Ape Calessino 200. The main data

Price: 6,500 euros

Motor: Rear 45º inclined rearward cylinder 1 and 4 times. 197 cc. Supply: Gasoline carburetor. Distribution: 2 intake valves and one exhaust valve. Maximum power: 10.2 hp at 4,750 rpm. Maximum torque: 1.7 mkg at 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: Rear-wheel drive with manual 4-speed.

Chassis: Monocoque sheet. Frame: front suspension connecting rod with coil spring and damper; trapezes rear rubber elastic and damping element. Address: Direct by pivot and handlebar. Brakes: Drum Ø 170 mm front and rear. Tires: 4.80 / 4.00-8 70N. Tire pressure: 2.2 bar.

DimensionsLong / width / height: 2,700 / 1,300 / 1,820 mm. Wheelbase: 1,920 mm. Routes: – / 1,140 mm. Weight: 360 kg. . Weight / power ratio: 36.3 kg / CV. Fuel tank 10.5 l

Benefits

Maximum speed: 55 km / h.

Consumption: 3 liters / 100 km