Best Trike Suitable for Street Use

[slashfan7964]

Before you even jump on me, I know this idea has been beaten to death. Yes I've search, yes I've read everything, yes I've checked local laws and yes, I've been searching for a few years while lurking.


Ok here we go. What trike would be the best canidate to daily ride on the road. I want the trike to be able to do near 60mph to be on the safe side. Before we start, I'm ruling out 2 strokes simple for the fact that they are not emissions legal (as far as I know).

I'm doing this for several reasons.

~ It's cheap on gas and is very fuel efficient
~ Motorcycles are overrated and everyone has one
~ It's not your typical big bad Harley ridden by some jackwagon in leather with a girl who has a tramp stamp
~ Trikes are badass and stylish
~ It's relatively quiet in comparison to a lot of motorcylces
~ I want to look cool
~ You simply don't see trikes everyday and to see one on the street is absolutely unheard of
~ It has a manual transmission (unless I get an SX)
~ They provide a comfortable ride
~ Bolt on a set of tires and your on your way to the trails
~ It's legal in New York according to the DMV
~ Turns heads
~ Reliable


There's probably more I could think of but simply don't want to. At least I'm not BSing you on my reasons.

I was thinking 350X but I'm not sure how well an air cooled engine is going to do constantly topped out. I want to maintain reliability they are known for.



Now onto the legality of said vehcile. I've heard you may be able to get away with it if you register the trike as a custom vehicle. That means I'd have to put a larger engine on it etc. I'm not worried about the live rear axle situtaion...99% of cars have them too. I'm willing to put in the work to make this happen.

New York's DMV states:


You may not operate an ATV on the highway unless it has been designated and posted for ATV use by state or local authority. Usually, the only part of a highway between two off-highway trails will be posted for ATV use. Check with local police to make sure. DMV recommends that you turn your headlight and taillight on and waer bright, reflective clothing whenever you ride on the highway. Always enter the highway with care and yeild to other traffic


Basically, you can't ride on the road unless it's designated for it. However, as a state vehicle inspector, due to it's age and registering it as a motorcylce with each requirement, it's emissions exmpt. These are the motorcycle requirements it must meet for inspection.

1. Frame - Visual check for damage and/or objects that would interfere with safe vehicle operation.
2. Horn - Present, operational (loud, audible)
3. Mirrors (2) - One mounted on the left and right sides of the handlebars or on the sides of the windsheild?
4. Windshield (optional) - Optional, if present, must be a minimum of 15 inches in height
5. Headlights - A. Headlight (multi-beam) present/operational B. Taillight - minimum of one fully operational taillight and brake light C. Turn signals, required after 1/1/1980 unless they werent factory installed. D. Reflectors, minimum of one red reflector, may be part of or seperate from taillight assembly
6. Handlebars - Flexiable height (minimum 15 inches above seat to no higher than shoulder height when operator is mounted (not sure on this one)
7. Brakes - Present, both fron and rear
8. Wheels - Check rims for cracks, dents, or rust and proper fittings
9. Tires - Proper tire fpressure, check for dryrot, tire damage and excessive/uneven tread wear. Tire must have at least 2/32 of tread depth with no cord exposed
10. Passenger seating - Not required
11. Fenders - Minium of one rear end required






Doesn't look tough to meet. I also have a connection which I believe may be able to get me insurance on it, hopefully cheap.My uncle and other family are also cops so I can get out of anything fairly easy.

Other than that, just carry documentation with me and get DOT approved tires + plates. So what trike would be best suited?

[Ghostv2]

What about finding the old (tricky dicks?) motor cycle to trike conversions. Since I've been a member on here I have seen a few go up for sale and they are nice. Now they will turn heads and after all were a motorcycle to begin with, so it may be what you are looking for.

[muthey]

first off why are you omitting 2 strokes, as far as I know they cant be emission tested as that is the way they are made and are exempt. Check in to that as s 2 stroke is your best option if you are wanting those speeds and to maintain them. I see from the requirements you posted new york has the same initial standards as montana, I'm sure there are more there, but that is all we have here and I have a tri-Z 250 licensed for the street. Back on the 2 stroke subject there are 2 stroke street bikes and enduros, and most of your older mopeds are 2 stroke, just make sure you have an appropriate silencer on it to reduce noise pollution. Also how long and far are you going to be on the highway for as no atv is designed for long periods of high speed 60mph for a couple of hours you will melt the motor . Driving around town is one thing, but traveling 60 miles one of two things will happen you will run out of fuel, or the motor will have a melt down from too high of rpms. Street bike are designed for those speeds, with gear ratios and motor sizes. I'm not trying to shut you down, just want to make you understand running around town is one thing but going from town to town on the highway is a whole other ball game. You are dealing with 25 yr old motors and frames yes they can be gusseted to improve them but even if you went with a different motor you have to consider that you are running a much larger rear end that a street bike motor most likely cant handle. Best of luck with your endeavors though and let us know what happens

[just ben]

One thing you didn't consider is, in NY you CANNOT register any offroad vehicle for street use. Even with all the required equipment if the certificate of origin was branded off road use, That is all it can be registered for in NY.

[tblumer]

Yeah it's all about the VIN # in NY unless you're going to try registering it as a homebuilt special

[atc300r]

There is a member on here from NY that converted a Honda 650 in to a trike and legaly registured,insured and had it inspected for the streets.I will try and find the thread.Search xl650 street legal trike.

[6speedthumper]

Well... If you really wanted to use a 3 wheeler for the street. Then I would leave the engine mostly stock, widen it, and gear it tall so it can cruise at suitable rpm ranges. So, chain drive would be best. Also, making it for the street only is what I would do.

[slashfan7964]

First off before I get started on my response, I thank everyone for posting so far and I look forward to hearing more after this post.





What about finding the old (tricky dicks?) motor cycle to trike conversions. Since I've been a member on here I have seen a few go up for sale and they are nice. Now they will turn heads and after all were a motorcycle to begin with, so it may be what you are looking for.

I'm not going to rule that out. It would definitely be something I'd be interested in doing. However, bike depending, parts can and will likely be much more expensive than trike parts which are also very readily available. Maybe in the future, but a goal of mine is to make a trike street legal and still look like what it would have when it rolled off the showroom floor (or at least very nice). I'm not working right now and any job I get soon isn't going to be paying what I deserve to be paid with my qualifications so I'm on a budget. That said, I'm more than willing to make this happen over an extended period of time.




first off why are you omitting 2 strokes, as far as I know they cant be emission tested as that is the way they are made and are exempt.

The last time I checked they did not meet federal emissions regulations and therefore cannot be used on the street. As far as I know, no company can legal sell a 2 stroke in the states anymore. I may be very wrong about this though.




Check in to that as s 2 stroke is your best option if you are wanting those speeds and to maintain them. I see from the requirements you posted new york has the same initial standards as montana, I'm sure there are more there, but that is all we have here and I have a tri-Z 250 licensed for the street. Back on the 2 stroke subject there are 2 stroke street bikes and enduros, and most of your older mopeds are 2 stroke, just make sure you have an appropriate silencer on it to reduce noise pollution.

That's interesting. I'll definitely check into that. Provided what I wrote above doesn't hold true, I will consider a 2 stroke trike.




Also how long and far are you going to be on the highway for as no atv is designed for long periods of high speed 60mph for a couple of hours you will melt the motor . Driving around town is one thing, but traveling 60 miles one of two things will happen you will run out of fuel, or the motor will have a melt down from too high of rpms. Street bike are designed for those speeds, with gear ratios and motor sizes. I'm not trying to shut you down, just want to make you understand running around town is one thing but going from town to town on the highway is a whole other ball game. You are dealing with 25 yr old motors and frames yes they can be gusseted to improve them but even if you went with a different motor you have to consider that you are running a much larger rear end that a street bike motor most likely cant handle. Best of luck with your endeavors though and let us know what happens

Thank you for your support. This I am aware of. Most of the roads I will be traveling are backroads with speed limits nowhere exceeding 55mph. It will not see highways, thruways or large interstate routes. It will not be run at a time any farther than 6-16 miles in one direction. Right now it's looking like it's going to be roughly 15-16 miles one way and the same back, but with periodic stops. I'm aware these trikes were not designed for this and that is why I'm willing to do anything in my power to make them street ready.

I shall definitely keep you informed on this. Right now, it's more of a research and thought process. Nothing is concrete at this point.








One thing you didn't consider is, in NY you CANNOT register any offroad vehicle for street use. Even with all the required equipment if the certificate of origin was branded off road use, That is all it can be registered for in NY.

Ah, but isn't the beauty of modifications. Once modifications come in, anything's fair game. It's being altered and no longer being used for what it was intended/designed for. Registering it and titling it as a custom vehicle is where this comes in. I intend to modify it enough to the point where it would not be suitable for offroad use.




Yeah it's all about the VIN # in NY unless you're going to try registering it as a homebuilt special

The nice thing about New York is you can pay a $25 fee and have a brand spankin' new VIN number assigned to your vehicle if you title it as custom which is my intention right now.



There is a member on here from NY that converted a Honda 650 in to a trike and legaly registured,insured and had it inspected for the streets.I will try and find the thread.Search xl650 street legal trike.

I believe with enough work it can be done and I intend to press them until it gets done.


Well... If you really wanted to use a 3 wheeler for the street. Then I would leave the engine mostly stock, widen it, and gear it tall so it can cruise at suitable rpm ranges. So, chain drive would be best. Also, making it for the street only is what I would do.


This was an intention of mine as well. I'm going to be gearing it so the RPMs drop down to something suitable, otherwise it's pointless. If I can get it high enough to bring the engine around 2k rpms, we should be gold. Custom parts might be in order but I have hookups and can fabricate things myself.

I'm seriously considering making it street only and getting something else to hit the trails with.

[rg97]

If you're planning on running that long, either go water-cooled or find a way to get and air cooled engine below a certain RPM so it doesnt overheat. now, the only water cooled trikes (stock) are the 2-strokes, and personally I would stray away from them for reliability issues and other hangups. If you're looking at a 55 mph cruise speed, i say go 350X with super tall gears. A 200 or 185 wont get the job done with gearing that high. normally, my 200x is at its peak RPM to hit the 55-60 mph range, so it would need crazy gearing to reach that speed at a low RPM, thus I say 350X. More torque means that you can still accelerate at a slow-but-quick (compared to anything else) acceleration. The 350X's had oil coolers too, which is definitely something good for the road. You'll have to get some street tires too, not sure what to do there, maybe if you have a bald set of 21-23" tires...
just my 2¢

[slashfan7964]

If you're planning on running that long, either go water-cooled or find a way to get and air cooled engine below a certain RPM so it doesnt overheat. now, the only water cooled trikes (stock) are the 2-strokes, and personally I would stray away from them for reliability issues and other hangups. If you're looking at a 55 mph cruise speed, i say go 350X with super tall gears. A 200 or 185 wont get the job done with gearing that high. normally, my 200x is at its peak RPM to hit the 55-60 mph range, so it would need crazy gearing to reach that speed at a low RPM, thus I say 350X. More torque means that you can still accelerate at a slow-but-quick (compared to anything else) acceleration. The 350X's had oil coolers too, which is definitely something good for the road. You'll have to get some street tires too, not sure what to do there, maybe if you have a bald set of 21-23" tires...
just my 2¢

Street tires I'm not worried about. I can get DOT approved tires like nothing here. I'll use Hoosier cheater slicks if I have to. Someone told me you can get away with golf cart tires as well. They aren't cheap though. They do make my size and I can change the front if I need to.

So your saying 350X also? I was thinking about this as well. I'm considering that trike seriously.

[tanks350x]

here's the thread that you might be talking http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/87599-Xr-650-Street-Legal-Trikeabout?

[briano]

You think 99 percent of the cars on the road have a solid axle? Guess again. I drive a 97 s10 2 wheel drive everyday that has a spool in the rear end, which would make it the same as a trike. In 2 years I went through 56 tires on the back. Yes that is correct, 56 tires, there is always one skidding when you turn. I love it in the winter, and beat the crap out of it all summer. It will spin right around in it's own tracks if I want it to.


Good luck with your endevours, but please know what you are talking about before you post. 99 percent of cars on the road are open differential, which means one wheel drive.

[slashfan7964]

You think 99 percent of the cars on the road have a solid axle? Guess again. I drive a 97 s10 2 wheel drive everyday that has a spool in the rear end, which would make it the same as a trike. In 2 years I went through 56 tires on the back. Yes that is correct, 56 tires, there is always one skidding when you turn. I love it in the winter, and beat the crap out of it all summer. It will spin right around in it's own tracks if I want it to.


Good luck with your endevours, but please know what you are talking about before you post. 99 percent of cars on the road are open differential, which means one wheel drive.

I'm well aware of what I said. I will agree a lot of vehicle have an open rear end, having seen a lot come into the shop. The combination of the 2 and ones with posi style rear ends make up most of the roads. I also didn't say solid axle, I said live rear axle which covers almost everything, although newer cars are slowly getting IRS with LSD. No need to have an attitude, but I thank you for the good luck wishes :)

[loizl]

http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/600/0gjh.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/600/0gjh.jpg/)
I ride my 350x on the street and there are no problems with the solid axle as long as you know how to ride a trike. It's widened and geared a little higher. I even rode my 86 tecate on and offroad for the Last 3 years and never had any problems with it

[slashfan7964]

http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/600/0gjh.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/600/0gjh.jpg/)
I ride my 350x on the street and there are no problems with the solid axle as long as you know how to ride a trike. It's widened and geared a little higher. I even rode my 86 tecate on and offroad for the Last 3 years and never had any problems with it


I have heard stories from those who have also an they said its not bad.

[emmie357]

I want to do something similar myself... but I think in NY you would need to get a custom motorcycle shop to issue you a new VIN, or maybe there is a way to apply for one yourself, but you would need to re-title it as a custom motorcycle.

The fact that you can take a motorcycle and throw a trike kit on it is where I think you can do something. Take a properly titled, street legal enduro/dual-sport, and use that frame for a trike conversion. I've been thinking about a 600-650 enduro bike trike conversion, just to ride around town and get to the trails on the other side of town without cutting across everyone's property.

I've seen some builds of CR500's to trikes, and crf450's to trikes, just start with an enduro. From what I've read a 350x swinger will bolt right onto an xr600 (someone chime in if I'm wrong...)

[El Camexican]

Here you go, problem solved;)
180199

[slashfan7964]

I want to do something similar myself... but I think in NY you would need to get a custom motorcycle shop to issue you a new VIN, or maybe there is a way to apply for one yourself, but you would need to re-title it as a custom motorcycle.

The fact that you can take a motorcycle and throw a trike kit on it is where I think you can do something. Take a properly titled, street legal enduro/dual-sport, and use that frame for a trike conversion. I've been thinking about a 600-650 enduro bike trike conversion, just to ride around town and get to the trails on the other side of town without cutting across everyone's property.

I've seen some builds of CR500's to trikes, and crf450's to trikes, just start with an enduro. From what I've read a 350x swinger will bolt right onto an xr600 (someone chime in if I'm wrong...)


Like I said, taking an existing bike and making it a trike is not what I want to do. I want to take a 200X, 350X, 250SX or 250R and make it street legal.

I know it's going to be a bit of a hassle against the DMV but I'd be willing to be I can make it happen.

[tblumer]

I'm highly skeptical of the whole "plunking down $25 to get a vin" thing. I've registered several classic street legal Honda Mini Trails and always get the run-around from the people at the DMV. I'd recommend going to some out of the way DMV office. At the big one here in Syracuse they can't be bothered with taking a few extra minutes to do any research.

[Mosh]

~ It's cheap on gas and is very fuel efficient
~ Motorcycles are overrated and everyone has one
~ It's not your typical big bad Harley ridden by some jackwagon in leather with a girl who has a tramp stamp
~ Trikes are badass and stylish

~ I want to look cool
~ You simply don't see trikes everyday and to see one on the street is absolutely unheard of
~ It has a manual transmission (unless I get an SX)
~ They provide a comfortable ride
~ Bolt on a set of tires and your on your way to the trails
~ It's legal in New York according to the DMV
~ Turns heads
~ Reliable



1~ It's cheap on gas and is very fuel efficient =True
2 ~ Motorcycles are overrated and everyone has one...= False....If overrated why does "everyone" have one?
3~ "It's not your typical big bad Harley ridden by some jackwagon in leather with a girl who has a tramp stamp..."= Ridiculous assessment... This is no different than an anti ATV person saying everyone with a 3 wheeler is a hick, sister marrying,hillbilly, moron...Asinine statement made by you that is completely hypocritical, that I take offense to, and I don't own a Harley or a chick with a tramp stamp..
4~ Trikes are badass and stylish...=TRUE...On dirt
5~ It's relatively quiet in comparison to a lot of motorcylces..=FALSE..Some motorcycles are more quite than cars or ATV's
6~ I want to look cool...= OK..I highly suggest you check out the "EDOG sunglasses thread" then....
7~ You simply don't see trikes everyday and to see one on the street is absolutely unheard of.. = False. I see trikes everyday..And on the street? at 79.95 each for tires that will wear out so quick your head will spin, maybe there is a reason for not seeing them on the street?
8~ It has a manual transmission (unless I get an SX) =FALSE...Any machine you have to mechanically shift makes it a manual, or Semi auto..
9~ They provide a comfortable ride.. = True.... As with a car, truck, or motorcycle I suppose..especially with passengers.
10~ Bolt on a set of tires and your on your way to the trails.. WTF? And where will these extra dirt tires be kept while road riding? A trailer perhaps?
11~ It's legal in New York according to the DMV.. = Maybe? Uhm..Coming from a state that generally has some of the strictest laws in the nation, I would have to see more research on that.
12~ Turns heads, =TRUE towards a cell phone to call the cops.
13~ Reliable= Plausible...anything 25-30 years old can be kept reliable if proper maintenance and operation practices are in effect..


Did I miss anything else? Oh yeah actually there is.

If you get resistance from your local DMV for the idea..You can thank "Real Trike enthusiasts" like this guy for that resistance.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bve2noPREV0

[slashfan7964]

I'm highly skeptical of the whole "plunking down $25 to get a vin" thing. I've registered several classic street legal Honda Mini Trails and always get the run-around from the people at the DMV. I'd recommend going to some out of the way DMV office. At the big one here in Syracuse they can't be bothered with taking a few extra minutes to do any research.

They have no problem issuing a VIN for that price if it passes initial inspection.


@ Mosh

You make some fair points but it isn't going to deter me from attempting to make it happen. Especially as I've seen similar things on the street before. Like I said I'm going to push it.

[just ben]

They have no problem issuing a VIN for that price if it passes initial inspection.



It's 250.00 bucks for the inspection and it's non refundable. It's the same inspection they put salvage vehicles through. But you seem to have all your ducks in a row so good luck! Let us know how it works out!! Once again,in NY a vehicle that has been designated as an off road vehicle CANNOT be registed for on road use,no matter what mods have been made to it. You are correct that you can pay to apply for a vin. However, for a home built machine. Not for a modded machine that already has a vin .If you think you are smarter than the DMV and can pull one over on them I would suggest trying The Warsaw office.They are not as busy as the Batavia office and will have the time to explain why you can't fulfill your dream.

[slashfan7964]

It's 250.00 bucks for the inspection and it's non refundable. It's the same inspection they put salvage vehicles through. But you seem to have all your ducks in a row so good luck! Let us know how it works out!! Once again,in NY a vehicle that has been designated as an off road vehicle CANNOT be registed for on road use,no matter what mods have been made to it. You are correct that you can pay to apply for a vin. However, for a home built machine. Not for a modded machine that already has a vin .If you think you are smarter than the DMV and can pull one over on them I would suggest trying The Warsaw office.They are not as busy as the Batavia office and will have the time to explain why you can't fulfill your dream.

They can't do anything if I build a un-VIN'd frame myself now can they :) Because technically it's not a Honda anymore, even though it's a carbon copy and therefore has no assigned VIN number. It would be Honda powered and would look like one (using Maier plastics and decals), but it wouldn't actually be a genuine Honda. At that point I'd show them the trike without the paint so they know it's custom. As far as I know, there is no law against that, and the trike was built with intention of being road legal. I appreciate the good luck wishes though.

I'm well aware of what would/can happen, and simply put, if I didn't think it was possible, I wouldn't be pressing the issue here :)

As far as Batavia over Warsaw, Batavia is much closer and I've street legal go-carts around so it can't be that hard.

[just ben]

I've street legal go-carts around so it can't be that hard.Almost anything is considered legal on the rez. It doesn't mean it's ny legal. so what I gather is you plan to take a Honda built frame,grind the numbers off and pass it off as a custom street machine? again ,even a custom machine has to go through the salvage inspection. They are very finicky. anything that has a number on it you better have proof of ownership for. It's not like the dnv just passes out vin #'s and you take it to your buddies shop for an inspection.

[El Camexican]

As someone who fantasized about having a street legal trike when I was 15 here are a couple more points you may want to consider before you start spending time and money. They were enough to deter me. Well, them and a lack of electrical skills needed to wire signal and brake lights to a 250R. I also seem to recall believing that if I could have gotten said trike on the road that Farrah Fawcett would have been unable to resist me.

- Backing out of parking spots will be a pita
- There is nowhere for passenger pegs on a trike
- I doubt anyone would sell you insurance
- It would take no more than two guys with a lack of morals to make your ride disappear from where ever you leave it parked.
- Your tires will likely toss a lot of stones, so you’ll never be certain if the guy asking you to pull over wants to check out your ride or exchange insurance information (or worse).

If that isn’t enough, try envisioning yourself approaching an intersection at a comfortable speed between a couple of cars, the light is green and all three of you are planning to turn left. As you enter the turn at 20mph suddenly the car in front stops for a jay walker that decided to run across the street. Do I need to explain what happens to the guy hanging off the left side of the solid axle trike trying to keep all three tires on the ground while stopping hard for the car in front of him?

[slashfan7964]

As someone who fantasized about having a street legal trike when I was 15 here are a couple more points you may want to consider before you start spending time and money. They were enough to deter me. Well, them and a lack of electrical skills needed to wire signal and brake lights to a 250R. I also seem to recall believing that if I could have gotten said trike on the road that Farrah Fawcett would have been unable to resist me.

My father is a master electrician. I'm sure he will have no problem helping me wire in that stuff and I'll add a battery if needed. Turn signals aren't necessarily required...we have hand signals for a reason. The taillight already has a brake light function anyways. My X does anyways. Not to mention all my friends and colleagues who do this stuff daily. Not a problem.






- Backing out of parking spots will be a pita Not worried about it
- There is nowhere for passenger pegs on a trike I don't plan on taking anyone with me
- I doubt anyone would sell you insurance I have a friend who is a State Farm agent. Not a problem.
- It would take no more than two guys with a lack of morals to make your ride disappear from where ever you leave it parked. True. This is a big one that's for sure. At work, it will be put away (not left outside). Anywhere else I either won't leave it or won't be going to any place I can't keep an eye on it.
- Your tires will likely toss a lot of stones, so you’ll never be certain if the guy asking you to pull over wants to check out your ride or exchange insurance information (or worse). I plan on carrying said information with me, possible in a container of some sorts. I am also armed 24/7 so if they try to pull a fast one they will be regretting it.

My response to this is the text in bold.



If that isn’t enough, try envisioning yourself approaching an intersection at a comfortable speed between a couple of cars, the light is green and all three of you are planning to turn left. As you enter the turn at 20mph suddenly the car in front stops for a jay walker that decided to run across the street. Do I need to explain what happens to the guy hanging off the left side of the solid axle trike trying to keep all three tires on the ground while stopping hard for the car in front of him?

I don't plan on running around the city with it, but I do see your point. It's still not enough to make me not want to do this though. If something happens to me, so be it. I'm only going to live once and I'd rather die doing something I love than living life without having done something I've always wanted to.

[ColtonGG33]

Turn signals aren't necessarily required...

Thats weird. Around here if you dont have working turn signals you will get pulled over and get a warning or fine

[slashfan7964]

Thats weird. Around here if you dont have working turn signals you will get pulled over and get a warning or fine

Being an inspector myself the law says after 1980 they have to be there unless it wasn't built with them. Ill likely out them on to be safe though.

[atc300r]

Thats weird. Around here if you dont have working turn signals you will get pulled over and get a warning or fine What I was told if the signal lights where on the bike they had to work . If they didnt work you had to remove them to use hand signals. I know people that took the serial # tag from one vehicle and installed it on another vehicle . They used vehicles of the the same body styl and close in years. Example 94-02 chevy s10.One of my friends bought a motorcycle from someone that lost the title it was a yamaha he got the title from a junked bike and registured it. This bike had several owners after that . The only thing is if the police ever checked the serial # of the paper work it wouldnt have matched the bike. But they risked it.I told them to apply for a lost title.Like Ben said you have to have proof of ownership of every part on you trike.Even if you build the frame yourself.

[slashfan7964]

What I was told if the signal lights where on the bike they had to work . If they didnt work you had to remove them to use hand signals. I know people that took the serial # tag from one vehicle and installed it on another vehicle . They used vehicles of the the same body styl and close in years. Example 94-02 chevy s10.One of my friends bought a motorcycle from someone that lost the title it was a yamaha he got the title from a junked bike and registured it. This bike had several owners after that . The only thing is if the police ever checked the serial # of the paper work it wouldnt have matched the bike. But they risked it.I told them to apply for a lost title.Like Ben said you have to have proof of ownership of every part on you trike.Even if you build the frame yourself.

It wouldn't be all that hard. All I'd have to do was save/print off online receipts for each part.

[atc300r]

I know your set on doing a trike frame .But read this thread this guy is in NY. http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/142296-xr-650-trike-for-the-street?highlight=650

[slashfan7964]

Thanks for the link. It's something I will definitely look into doing :)

[WIkid500]

Riding on the street with a trike isn't bad. Where we ride up north the roads are legal to ride down, everything from in town riding to back road two lane black top. Even with my bent axle on the 200x it isn't what the naysayers make it out to be. A little tire noise and that's about it. Sure you ride a little different on asphalt but it sure doesn't slow you down at all. If I could ride my X to work I would..

[poohbee1]

quote Willy Wonka: “I wouldn't do that. I really wouldn't. No… Stop… Don't.”

[slashfan7964]

Riding on the street with a trike isn't bad. Where we ride up north the roads are legal to ride down, everything from in town riding to back road two lane black top. Even with my bent axle on the 200x it isn't what the naysayers make it out to be. A little tire noise and that's about it. Sure you ride a little different on asphalt but it sure doesn't slow you down at all. If I could ride my X to work I would..

I didn't think it would be.

[fabiodriven]

You're wrong about the live axle. A live axle, or a straight axle, is solid two wheel drive all the time like our trikes.

Also, a lot of you are over thinking the whole air cooled thing. I'd say there very well could be more air cooled motorcycles on the road than liquid cooled. Did you all forget that?

[slashfan7964]

You're wrong about the live axle. A live axle, or a straight axle, is solid two wheel drive all the time like our trikes.
You would be amazed at the number of cars have differentials that allow that. Also, massive wheel hope when cornering.


Also, a lot of you are over thinking the whole air cooled thing. I'd say there very well could be more air cooled motorcycles on the road than liquid cooled. Did you all forget that?

That's true, but it makes me wonder how well an air cooled trike would do over long periods of being topped out, provided the new gearing doesn't lower the top end RPMS enough.

[fabiodriven]

I would be amazed at what? If you're trying to tell me there are a lot of cars out there with live axles you're wrong again. I can't think of one car that left the factory with a live axle.

[dougspcs]

This whole thread is becoming rather pointless..back and forth between point and counterpoint regarding the plausibility of putting a trike safely and practically on the road.

Since none of our classic trikes have the right characteristics for road application and no one has, to most of our knowledge, ever taken the time to make a street ride trike and not just a ATC they ride on the road..then I guess the original question has no real answer.

Therefore Slash, it may just be time to pick a trike you think best qualifies and have at it!

I hope it goes where you expect it too..

[loizl]

like i said before. it's no problem to ride a atc on the street. even in stock form it's not worse than a solid axle atv. i don't know about the laws in the us but here in germany there are thousands of raptors, banshees, warriors, mojaves and other different quads with solid axles on the streets. and most accidents happen with unexperienced riders or people who just don't know how to ride their vehicle. i ride a 350x, a 86 tecate 3 and a 88 tecate 4 on the street. i wouldn't want it as a daily ride but it's great for riding to the trails. at last sorry for my bad english i hope you understood everything.


http://youtu.be/ZUBDvnhjVBk

[slashfan7964]

Thanks for the support everyone!!! I really appreciate it. Gives me more motivation.

[hawaiirider]

i havent posted pics of my street legal 200x yet because i cant, i blew the motor! its all apart getting rebuilt.
but YES i have a dmv certified street legal 200x in oregon
How?
you cannot i mean CANNOT use the frame of any offroad only atc period thats a done deal, im sure in some states you can, not oregon.
I used a honda xl 200 r frame which is nearly identical, less the bottom cradle and chain adjustment (which sucks on the x anyways)
i welded it up to fit all stock hardware off my x, built a trx 450r swinger to work for chain adjustment and took it to the dmv
they inspected the headlight, tail/brake light, turnsignals and horn i installed off the xl 200 and then check my vin # and title to it.
that was it, they gave me a 2012 custom made title and i ride the streets on a stock looking 200x
BUT, the thing sucks on the street, even with dot tires it handles poor above 35mph and tops out at 60 so its only good around town
OH and ive gotten pulled over by police every single time ive ridden it, no ticket, they just call dmv and say wow ive never seen this done.
So dont even consider a stock framed atc it just isnt going to happen, pick up a honda xl frame and start welding mounts!

[muthey]

I know of 2 fully street legal non hwy use trikes in montana my 85 tri-z 250 and Ol Deuce's 250 sx, the laws vary from state to state. So never say it cant happen here is a pic of my license plate on my z as proof, there is also an off road sticker I had to pay for.182477 the off road sticker is on the rear fender on top and it is also permanent as well paid about 90$ for all of it including a lost title as I never received one when I purchased it. But once again as the inspecting officer told me Montana will let you street legal almost anything. Nuff Said let us know what happens for you please.

[El Camexican]

I know of 2 fully street legal non hwy use trikes in montana my 85 tri-z 250 and Ol Deuce's 250 sx, the laws vary from state to state. So never say it cant happen here is a pic of my license plate on my z as proof, there is also an off road sticker I had to pay for.182477 the off road sticker is on the rear fender on top and it is also permanent as well paid about 90$ for all of it including a lost title as I never received one when I purchased it. But once again as the inspecting officer told me Montana will let you street legal almost anything. Nuff Said let us know what happens for you please.

How do you not do wheelies everywhere you go? A street legal Tri-Z, dang you must have fun getting from point A to point B.

[muthey]

I geared it a little taller so I have lower rpm's at higher speeds plus I am running 22" tires on back as well and a set of carlisle turf tamers on back are really holding up well to the pavement. I was a little worried about them, but with my work only a mile away and this being a fairly small town I don't put a lot of hours of pavement riding on them. I know Ol Deuce doesn't ride his 250sx very much on the street as where he lives there is too much unsafe traffic for a lot of street riding.

[BleedRed]

I think the 'ol saying "Don't tell me what you're going to do, just tell me what you did" is perfect scenario for this thread. All the fishing for reasons to bloat of why one can/can't/should/shouldn't/will/won't is rather childish, carry on.

[TJ BIG DAWG]

The riding of atc's on the street happens every day in one state or another, its common place here in AZ. I say STFU and git r done!