Rolling a Reliant Robin | Top Gear | BBC
Why Hacker News recommends it
Mostly cited as a joke in threads on three-wheeled cars, and occasionally as a demonstration of the stability problem of a high center of gravity on three wheels.
What it is
In this Top Gear segment Jeremy Clarkson tries to roll a Reliant Robin three-wheeler through Barnsley, with celebrity helpers trying to keep it upright. The car keeps tipping over.
Recommended by 1 HN commenters across 1 different months, 2011 to 2021.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec PhantomGremlin · 2019-10 · on “A little car you can drive in France without a licence”
Jeremy Clarkson of BBC Top Gear had a lot of fun with a Reliant Robin. This is one of the single funnies videos I've ever watched. It never gets old. Clearly, a 3 wheeled vehicle needs 2 wheels in front, not the other way around. [this video] I think there's an even longer version around, but this one makes the point!
Cites goblgobl · 2011-08 · on “Top Gear caught faking another electric car "failure"”
Top Gear is an entertainment show with cars as the backdrop. Just like Daily show is a comedy show with political clips. If you want a car review show, take a look at Motor Week. I think these claims of "faking" are ridiculous when you have episodes where cast members "die" (top gear apocalypse), and characteristics are emphasized for comedic effect ( [this video] ). This article claims because of Top Gear's antics, the public is being misinformed about the benefits of electric cars. It completely misses the point that 1. it is not a car review show, and 2. there is a major poetical component of the show that celebrates automotive history. They like exciting cars and bash boring uninspired ones (
Cites hingisundhorsa · 2013-11 · on “Elio Motors: $6800 car, 84 mpg”
I looked up the point you are making. The data backs you up, 3 wheelers suffer from inherent instability on turns. [this video] "When the single wheel is in the front , the vehicle is inherently unstable in a braking turn, as the combined tipping forces at the center of gravity from turning and braking can rapidly extend beyond the triangle formed by the contact patches of the wheels. This type, if not tipped, also has a greater tendency to spin out ("swap ends") when handled roughly." What a pity. I was quite excited about the prospects.
Cites fishercs · 2015-04 · on “A Test Drive of the Death-Trap Car Designed by Buckminster Fuller”
Reminds me of the Robin Reliant, here's a video by a popular overseas motoring show that gives you a glimpse of the problems incurred when a high center of gravity is met with 3 wheels. [this video]