DO ISETTA'S TURN OVER EASILY?

by Tony Marshall (published in the Isetta Gazette October 1980)

Do Isetta's turn over easily?

This is a question many of us must have been asked. My answer is that they can be made to turn over quite easily if driven too hard, and it is quite important to remember that the Isetta is a twenty five year old design, and should be driven like a car of that age. However, there are other factors which can bring about the circumstances in which an Isetta will turn over.

Chief among these is probably sudden deflation of the rear wheel. This is not peculiar to the isetta, and can affect any vehicle, but it is more serious on a car with only a single rear wheel. I have witnessed the effect on a Messerschmitt that I was following, and can assure you that it makes the vehicle almost unmanageable. Prevention being better than cure, it is obviously important to check the tyres regularly, ensuring that any flints are removed from the tread. Tyre pressure must also be kept at the recommended figures.

Drive coupling failure is another possible cause of overturning, but it is less likely that this will happen without warning. Usually a vibration will be felt (especially in reverse), and investigation will reveal a split developing in the coupling. Again, regular checks should ensure that the damage is seen before it can cause trouble. Even if a coupling does fail, it is often at a time when they are most under strain, pulling away from rest, or during a rough gearchange, and will seldom result in the wheel seizing in such a way as to overturn the vehicle.

One possible reason of the rear wheel locking without warning is the breakage of the rear chain drive. Fortunately, the chain on the Isetta is a Duplex one, and so rather stronger than usual. However, it is always better to be on the safe side and check yours from time to time, especially when overhauling the transmission. A sideways movement of the chain is the usual sign of excessive wear, and if present shows the chain needs replacing. The price on the spares list may seem extravagant, but it is surely better than risking the consequences of an accident, don't you think?