"Is there an easier way to accomplish an independent drive?  If not, I  think this is not much more complicated than the StreetFigher rear end.   "
Read more and join the discussion:  Fully independent drive system
The Viking is a very unique tandem trike that includes an independent  transmission system that allows one rider to stop pedaling without  affecting the other. The Viking Tandem Trike uses commonly available  20mm disc brake hubs, so there are no hard-to-find or overly expensive  components needed. The frame is completely made of square steel tubing,  and everything else on the Viking Trike can be found at bicycle shops or  hacked from scrap bicycles.
The building process is designed to allow anyone with a Do-It-Yourself  desire to finish his or her own version of the Viking Trike without  requiring previous bike building experience or specialized tools and  skills. The plan is laid out in a format that makes customization or  alternate parts usage a breeze, so you will certainly be able to include  your own imagination in the process of building a recumbent trike.
If you have been eying up those expensive imported tandem trikes, but  think $8,000 is a bit too steep of a price tag, then get out your tools  and build it yourself! For thousands of dollars less than the price of a  basic tadpole trike, you can create your very own tandem trike that  will rival many of the factory built machines available. 


 
