Our steed of choice is of course the infamous Auto Rickshaw. We have not yet got behind one of these things, but we are told that they can be the scariest thing to ever be on the road with.
No doors, no seatbelts, no crumple zones (unless we include our kneecaps), only one brake…. the list of lack of things it has goes on.
| The Statistics: | |
| Engine: | 2 stroke, single cylinder, forced air cooled |
| Engine Size: | 145.45cc |
| Power: | 7 HP at 5000 rpm |
| Tourque: | 12.17 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| Transmision: | 4 forward, 1 reverse |
| Brakes: | Hydraulic expanding shoe |
| Fuel Capacity: | 8 ltr inc. 1.4 reserve |
| Top speed: | 55kmph (I’ve seen more, especially down hill) |
| Weight: | 277kg |
The machine of mirth
Driving a rickshaw might not be the fastest thing we’ll ever do, but by golly gosh it brings a smile to the face. With a foot brake and a twist grip accelerator and gear change it’s not like driving a car or a motorbike. They are a touch loud and you would be hard pushed to say they protect you from the elements (because they don’t) it is basically the ultimate driving machine for short trips in a small town. Which of course makes it the perfect choice for a 4500 km dash through some of the highest and hardest terrain on earth.
Oh, and dont forget, with only three wheels its very prone to falling over.
And we are taking this heap of junk up and down the biggest mountain range in the world, the himalaya’s !!
