The Krauser Domani is a
motorcycle
A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruisin ...
based, 3-wheeled vehicle developed by Michael Krauser and powered by
BMW, built for sale in Japan and Europe. The vehicle looks like a motorcycle with a
sidecar
A sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, making the whole a three-wheeled vehicle. A motorcycle with a sidecar is sometimes called a ''combination'', an ''outfit'', a ''rig'' or a ''hack''.
...
attached, however unlike the former, the "sidecar" of the Domani is structurally an integral part of the frame. In Japan, a motorcycle license is not required to drive it, a normal car license is sufficient.
Body & Chassis

The Domani is built around a torsionally rigid tubular steel frame with structurally integrated sidecar unit. As mentioned above, the sidecar portion of the vehicle is an integral part of the frame. One of the advantages of this is that the frame is torsionally stiffer than that of a regular sidecar equipped motorcycle. Also, the suspension and layout for the two rear wheels can now be more car-like. The unique frame also allows for aerodynamic fibreglass bodywork that wouldn't be possible in a traditional set-up. This in turn allows for some unique packaging of the components, for example the radiator is mounted in the sidecar where it's better exposed to airflow. The aerodynamic skin also allows for the inclusion of a small luggage compartment in the back.
Engine
The Domani is powered by a
BMW K 1200 engine producing 150 hp and connected to a 5-speed gearbox. The engine, coupled with the Domani's light curb weight (390 kg) is enough to power the vehicle to a factory specified maximum of over 200 km/h.
Suspension
The Domani utilizes 3 wheel independent suspension with double-wishbones at the rear and dual rocker arms at the front. These are connected to 185/60 - R14 tyres at the front and in the sidecar and 195/60 - R15 tyred at the rear.
In popular culture
The Domani is featured in
Kōsuke Fujishima
is a Japanese manga artist.
He is known for his love of automobiles and motorcycles, and several of his series and their characters reflect this, such as in '' éX-Driver'' and ''Oh My Goddess!''.
Early life and career
Born in Chiba, Japan, ...
's manga ''
Oh My Goddess!
, or ''Ah! My Goddess!'' in some releases, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kōsuke Fujishima. It was serialized in Kodansha's ''seinen'' manga magazine ''Monthly Afternoon'' from September 1988 to April 2014 ...
'' as the vehicle of choice for the character
Chihiro Fujimi
The following are characters in the '' Oh My Goddess!'' manga and anime series:
Main characters
Keiichi Morisato
is a student of the Nekomi Institute of Technology and a member of the NIT Motor Club. One day Keiichi accidentally dials the Go ...
.
See also
*
List of motorized trikes
List of motorized trikes is a list of motorized tricycles also called trikes, and sometimes considered cars. There are three typical configurations: motorized bicycle with sidecar; two wheels in the rear, one in the front (aka trike); and two in ...
*
GG Duetto {{Infobox Motorcycle
, name = GG Duetto
, image =
, manufacturer = Grüter + Gut Motorradtechnik GmbH (GG)
, production = 1994-1999
, class = Sidecar
, platform = BMW K1100LT
, engine = {{convert, 1092, cc, cuin, 0, abbr=on, inline four-cyl ...
*
BMW K1200R
The BMW K1200R is a naked supersport motorcycle manufactured between 2005 and 2008 by BMW Motorrad, producing a claimed @ 10,250 rpm from its transverse-mounted 1,157 cc inline-four engine with torque of @ 8,250 rpm. Acceleration ...
*
BMW K1200RS
The BMW K1200RS is a sport-touring motorcycle
A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different p ...
*
BMW K1200GT
References
Tricycle motorcycles
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