Lehman Trikes, a company that has been making very high quality trikes using motorcycles from many different manufacturers, has scored a big one. Evidently their workmanship impressed Harley Davidson to the point where the two companies have entered into an agreement to sell the trikes directly through the HD dealer network with the Harley Davidson brand name, making the Lehman trikes a branded HD product.
Since there has been a lot of discussion about how many riders in the Harley demographic are getting up in years and perhaps more likely to be looking at trikes as an option, this seems to be a good fit for the Motor Company.
Harley Davidson press release follows:
MILWAUKEE (September 1, 2006) – Harley-Davidson Motor Company today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Lehman Trikes U.S.A., Inc. of Spearfish, S.D., for the development of three-wheeled vehicles, commonly referred to as “trikes.â€
Plans call for trikes to be developed around a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle product platform and sold as original equipment branded Harley-Davidson vehicles through authorized Harley-Davidson dealers. The Company has not announced the timing or other details of the product introduction.
“Trikes are another way we can inspire the dream of owning a Harley-Davidson,†said Harley-Davidson Vice President Ron Hutchinson. “Harley-Davidson continues to aggressively develop new products. We expect trikes to expand the appeal of our products to those who prefer either the styling or experience of three-wheeled riding,†Hutchinson said.
Lehman Trikes U.S.A. is a subsidiary of Lehman Trikes, Inc. of Canada, a recognized leader in the trike business for more than 20 years.
Link: Lehman Trikes
Related: Motorcycle Trikes for sale
John J. Redmond says
I think that is a good move for both companies.
I still don’t get it. Many 2 seat sports cars cost less and are safer than a trike.
What is the purpose of a trike??? If I can’t ride a motrocycle I’m buying a Miata or equivelent-rebuild a MG or Triumph.
John
hoyt says
I agree John. I’ve seen trikes attempting u-turns on divided highways in Daytona area – scary. The geometry of those things are only for the plains states.
If i was in a situation where a physical difference kept me from being in the wind, I’d have to find something better than a trike. Like a sidecar rig or convertible Porsche Spyder or 56.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-356-Speedster-56-Porsche-Speedster-Original-and-Authentic_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6428QQihZ009QQitemZ190027315802QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotohosting
On the other hand, a trike for the old crowd is about 7,000 – 8,000 pounds better than a geezer in an RV.
alejandro martinez says
If the trike had two wheels in the front and one in the back, it could give the sports cars a real run for the money.
george hitsman says
training wheels for boomers! god, how embarrassing!
can anyone imagine eddie trotta riding one of these, let alone customizing one?
paul sr.? indian larry when he was alive?
gimme a friggin’ break!!!
Richard says
I think I hear the death knell sounding for H-D.
Their main sales pitch is based on bad a$$ slogans like “ride free or die”, but their target audience is aging and soon won’t be able to putt from bar to bar on two wheels. Now they’ve “thrown in the towel” by endorsing bikes with training wheels for the incapacitated!
kneeslider says
Easy on the comments about training wheels, guys. Some older folks still like to ride in the wind and this makes it possible. Some younger folks with a disability find trikes work for them, too. You may not want one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good answer for others.
If someone wants to enjoy the fresh air and sound of a V-Twin engine, good for them. It doesn’t take anything away from your experience and one day you may get a bit older yourself. I think it works well for everyone.
Richard says
…except a motorized tricycle turns terribly. It gives a false sense of security because it won’t fall over at a stoplight, but trades this “stability” for a geometry that disallows effective turning. Since turning and slowing (and sometimes speeding up) are the only ways to avoid an impending collision, this is a very bad trade off.
PS I’m already “old” now. If I get to the point where I can’t ride a bike, but I still want to feel the onrush of wind as I zoom down the road, I’ll get a convertible sportscar and put the top down.
coho says
Instead of these Mattel BigWheel lookin’ things, HD should really consider resurrecting the TriHawk (I’m pretty sure they still own the name…anyone?). Especially considering the response to VWs GX3 (which I still hope gets built, even if it doesn’t come in under $20K like they said it would).
Charlie says
Sounds like alot of people, especially ones that have never ridden a trike, or probably a motorcycle before are adding alot of commentary here. I have a disability. I love to ride, I miss my 2 wheels but my trike is amazing. My recommendation is before you critisize the machine you may want to actually ride one. I do laugh at everyone dissing Harley trikes-Does anyone remember the servi-car? Trikes are not totally a new thing for the motor company, but I suppose to all the squid who have just recently jumped on the motorcycle bandwagon it may be news to hear they were built 1932-1973, a staple of the real Harley Davidsons, long before 2 pin crankshafts and electric starters.
Steven Addison says
I suffer from a degenerative back disorder and am in constant pain. I realize that those fotunate enough to ride two wheelers are somewhat elitist and unreasonable. I sold my Harley Softail three years ago and have been saving up for a trike for some time. As for those of you who would rather have a convertable sports car instead of a trike are missing the point. Riding, even on three wheels, having my wife holding me and feeling the wind rush across my body can never be duplicated in some yuppie mobile. I will have my Harley DFT trike soon and I will appreciate every moment that I feel the wind the sun and my wifes arms wraped around me. I could care less what snyde remarks two wheelers make about trikes, but believe me the Corvette tires and wheels they put on the DFT are sure no training wheels. See you in your sports car.
L. Waltermyer says
Frankly, I do not understand the need to criticize someone about whatever they choose to ride. Live and let live. I have ridden two wheels, and if I need a reason for owning a trike, well here it is. I am a homecare nurse. With the rising gas prices I thought a trike would be a great idea. The compartment on the back of the trike would be large enough to carry my bag with equipment, and also allow me to pick up some groceries on the way home. A servi-car type lift up lid or something similar would be perfect. My husband also has a bad back, and if he ever decides to buy a trike, I would be proud to hold onto him while the wind blows through our hair.
Dave Gobis says
I have just completed my 40th year of riding, started on a 68 XL which I used to ride from WI to GA 3 or 4 times a year. That was a hard ride. The older I get, the softer I like it. I no longer feel the need to get june bugs in my face, scrape my pegs in corners or push the speed to till my wheel wobbles. If that is your thing, more power to you, it just don’t mean anything to me anymore. My new Ultra with a DFT conversion is the softest ride I ever had and handles better than any tour bike I have owned and is a true pleasure to drive. I can U-turn tight as the wheel will lock. PS: I don’t own a trailer either.
bill farries says
I own a 95 anniversary glide which is currently in the workshop being converted to a trike . My good lady cant ride a motorbike but will be able to ride the trike here in scotland .
I am not giving up on two wheels as I also have a centenary sportser . So if you see a trike being escorted by a sporster give us a wave .
IRV MILLER says
I HAVE A 2003 HARLEY CLASSIC I CONVERTED TO A DFT TRIKE 4 YEARS AGO.DUE TO AN OLD INJURY I DECIDED TO TRIKE THE CLASSIC,ANYONE WHO HAS RIDDEN THIS TRIKE LIKES IT.I HAVE THREE SONS AND A DAUGHTER THAT RIDE HARLEY’S,WE’VE BEEN TO STURGIS 2 TIMES.THE TRIKE IS A REAL JOY TO RIDE.THE ATTITUDES SOME OF THESE PEOPLE HAVE MAKES ME WONDER IF THEY HAVE ENOUGH SENSE TO RIDE 2 WHEELS OR DRIVE AT ALL.
Deric says
I have 1940 harly davidson trike. I live in washington state and was wondering if there is place where i get parts for it. It has most of it parts but there is some things missing. If anybody has any information that would be great. My e-mail longhorn_38@hotmail.com
Earl says
To each their own is my thought and for those to be so critical must remember 3 of a kind always beats a pair