According to the Adventurists:
‘With a pounding heart of 145.45cc pushing 7hp of raw power to three tiny wheels, the humble auto-Rickshaw is a feat of non-engineerance.
Loud, uncomfortable, prone to breaking down a lot and completely useless at protecting you from the elements, rickshaws are undoubtedly the ultimate long distance, off-road machine. Despite being designed for short distances, on roads. Possibly the least suitable vehicle on the planet for covering the entire subcontinent in two weeks. Perfect.
Engine: 2 stroke, single cylinder, forced air cooled
Engine Size: 145.45cc
Power: 7 HP at 5000 rpm (equiv. 1 family dog)
Transmission: 4 forward, 1 reverse
Top Speed: 55kmph (We’ve seen faster, especially downhill)
Fuel Capacity: 8 ltr + 1.4 reserve
System Voltage: 12V , DC
We’ve never driven a rickshaw before. Apparently it’s a little like driving a Vespa, only it breaks down more. We’ve never driven a Vespa either. Helpful.
The Adventurists have provided the guide below to help out novices like us..!
- Make sure the ignition is switched on.
- Make sure you’re in neutral (much harder than it sounds).
- Pull the starting lever (normally more than once).
- Apply the clutch and put into gear.
- Release the clutch slowly whilst giving it some juice.
- That’s too much juice.
- Push the rickshaw out of the river.
- Try again from point one, but try and keep it on the road.
- That’s it, now move up the gears.
- Try to drive it 3500kms without crashing. Easy.