Morgan 3 wheeler replicas come in several flavors but the Triking was a really nice one. It was designed by Tony Divey of Marlingford, Norwich, England who owned 8 original Morgans and was also a friend of Peter Morgan, so he knew what he was about. There are very few around and this one is currently on eBay, offered at $20,000.
The Triking looks like a true to the original modern Morgan. The choice of Moto Guzzi power seems like a natural since the engines are already designed with a transmission set up for this orientation. The Triking has 5 speeds but no reverse, something the owner would need to be aware of but pushing this out of a parking spot is probably no more of an issue than it would be with any large touring bike not equipped with reverse.
There is a renewed interest in the Morgan 3 wheelers and other modern interpretations like the Ace Cycle Car give you reliable transportation with vintage looks. The Triking looks very close to the original plus you’ll have a sweet sounding Guzzi twin to keep you company on the road. Nice.
Link: auction has ended
Scotduke says
They look nice close up too. My local Guzzi dealer had one in for a service recently. It’d not been put together too well, a not uncommon problem with home assembled amchines, and the engine mounts needed attention though. The mechanic also told me that these things can be scary in the wet. He drove the three wheeler on a test run after he’d worked on it and said that when the rain came down, having a bike tyre at the back did not inspire confidence. His suggestion was that a wider section car tyre would help. He also said the space inside is very restricted, so if you’re big, you might not fit in. Definitely a case of ‘try before buying’. It’d also be advised to have someone who knows Guzzis pretty well to give the mechanicals a look over.
Scotduke says
Oh, and they are pretty zippy too. The mechanic also said that the 1100 – powered version he tested was probably good for 120mph.
hoyt says
The Guzzi engine looks right at home in this application, more so than 45-degree twins. The 90 degree angle & proximity between the headlights & valve covers visually goes better than other engines I’ve seen used this way.
todd says
I agree with hoyt; the guzzi engine would be my #1 choice for this application. Of course, my dad has been suggesting we build a trike like this but with a CBX (or Kawasaki 6) mounted longitudinally under the hood. A very long hood…
-todd
Scotduke says
Now I remember, the one I saw had an early 90s 1000-cc Guzzi motor (actually a 950) with the squared off barrels and rocker covers and 40mm Dellorto carbs. The more recent 1100 motor with fuel injection would give a little more power though it’s debatable how much more you would need. Like I said, the quality of the parts is very good but the quality of the home assembly can vary widely.
JR says
I think to truly do justice to a ride like this, one would need a large waxed mustache and probably aviator goggles mounted atop the head….maybe even a flowing scarf.
hoyt says
hearing the Guzzi rumble emanating from this “large-waxed-mustache” type of vehicle would make any gearhead smile.
Benjamin says
You can get a small V-located supercharger for Guzzi twins can’t you?
todd says
Benjamin, the Kneeslider already covered Guzzi supercharges here:
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2005/08/21/moto-guzzi-superchargers/
-todd
Scotduke says
Benjamin – you sure you’d want to go the blower route? How much power do you think you’d need? The power to weight ratio of these trikes is already pretty good and I was told they’re very lively as they are already, especially in the wet. A cheaper and less complex option would be to go for the 1100, fuel injected motor from a Guzzi Sport. It’d also mean you wouldn’t need additional cooling for the blower.
Duncan says
A bit late chiming in here, but I was intrigued by Hoyt’s comment about the 90 degree looking better than the 45 degree engines sometimes seen on replicas. I won’t argue with his assessment that the combination works on the Triking, but I find that comment ironic in light of the configuration of the great majority of engines used on Morgans. Our 1936 Morgan has a 50 degree Matchless MX2 engine, and I believe wider-angle engines (JAP LTOWZ, at 60 degrees) were only found on 1931 through 1934-ish 3-speeder Morgans.
Riccardo Gale says
I own an ’85 Triking, #34 produced out of +/-170 total production run since 1978. A few comments: it is a BLAST in the wet, but yes, you wouldn’t want to get cute with it just as you would not want to get carried away on a motorcycle in the wet. In terms of interior space, it has tons of length but is a bit narrow- having said that I squeezed my +/-270 lb buddy into it and whizzed him around. I am 6′ tall and the pedals are right where I’d want them. The passenger side has even more leg room since there’s no pedal box. Power from my ’84 1000cc (yes, 950cc actually) G5 Guzzi powerplant is adequate, though i woudnn’t mind a bit more power. It’s geared a bit tall so getting away from a start requires smooth actuation of clutch and throttle, and the 0-20 times won’t blow anyone away but once up in the revs a bit it goes like hell. Good for 100+ mph (it feels like 200), a bit more on the later cars with the smaller hub-mounted front fenders.
Trikings were (and still are) avaialble as either a kit or factory assembled. Mine was built by the factory and the build quality is perfectly adequate. For the most part the Triking has been reliable, though it always needs little things fixed/replaced etc., as one might expect of such a limited production, entirely hand-built machine!
I’ve had the opportunity to drive and ride a lot of great cars and bikes, but can tell you that nothing is more fun and exhilerating than the Triking. It is such a quick and competent machine, it just blows people away.
I live in Larkspur California and can be reached at 415-445-5119 if anyone is interested in a ride, I am always looking for an excuse!