Your best 3 wheeler find story..

[DAM shop]

So I thought it might be kinda fun to start a thread of your best trike finds.. a pic and the story behind say a good deal, a barn find or whatever it may be.. I'll start with my cool find..

I work at a church ( dont get worried folks I do the maintenance) I know a lot of farmers so one Sunday I was working I asked Lenord ( a farmer) if he had. Any three wheelers at his place and to my surprise he said " yeah I have a old three wheeler sitting in the corner of the barn" being very intrigued I said " do you want to sell it?" And he said he would have to check with his son.. well two Weeks later he said yes he would sell it. Later that very same day I picked up my brother in law and headed to the barn..
Lenord met us at the barn and said" I warn you it's not pretty" well Lenord opened the barn door and there sat this modified 90, race frame, suspended front end, aftermarket chain tensioner and exhaust, flat tires and all she was beautiful.. we tried to contain our excitement as we made small talk with Lenord.. we knew what we had here and was about to p our pants. This is the best part and why I love the Midwest and it's farmers or most of them.
We asked Lenord how much he wanted for it and these were his exact words.
" Well I don't even know what something like this is worth, is it worth 50 bucks?" Mind you guys this is a good old farmer I have known for years. We said " well Lenord to be honest it's worth a hell of a lot more than 50 bucks can we give you at least 150 for it?". as Lenord looked to the sky and said " ummmmmm, no I think I want 50 for it.. freaking priceless, I love this man. Well this is that bike as we loaded it up in the truck and what it looks like now.. We call this one the Bad,.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171230/c7bd0337a79ca7cbf76bcfe56d8a89af.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171230/1c63e199996899056927f1d29f5790c0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171230/e2610537fb52f7634bb181184517872e.jpg

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[Footy]

Great story. Just curious as to why you did not use the suspension forks?

[DAM shop]

I still have them and the front axel was messed up on it.. haven't looked for a new one, not sure what will fit as far as an axel.. I make out the forks on the grey bike in the last pic. Our latest build.

[BOB MARLIN]

I went to buy one of my 70's, it was in decent shape, complete, just needed a carb cleaning to get it running. He wanted $300 for it. It was a good deal so I didn't even try to talk him down on price. I just said I'll take it. Sitting next to it was a 110, complete and in the same shape as the 70. The guy turns to me and asks "how much will you give me for that one". I said I really just want the 70 and besides all I brought was the $300 for the 70. He says "just take it, i'm sick of looking at it." So in the truck it went with the 70.

[thornton]

well i was at the local gym years ago and a buddy came up to me and said he knows a guy selling a three wheeler.said it was a yamaha. he gave me the number and address. so i went there asap and this is what i found sitting on the side of the garage a 86 tri z in good shape. he said it was his sons and wanted it gone son was in college and needed some extra money. guy said to make him a offer i didnt know what to offer so he said how about 200$ so i loaded it up and took it home. put some new fluids in it and it fired right up second kick

[redsox]

well i was at the local gym years ago and a buddy came up to me and said he knows a guy selling a three wheeler.said it was a yamaha. he gave me the number and address. so i went there asap and this is what i found sitting on the side of the garage a 86 tri z in good shape. he said it was his sons and wanted it gone son was in college and needed some extra money. guy said to make him a offer i didnt know what to offer so he said how about 200$ so i loaded it up and took it home. put some new fluids in it and it fired right up second kick

WOW!

I responded to a c-list post for a "little 3 wheeler." Guy had it listed for $300. When i get there i see its a mint (not internet mint, actual mint) ALT50. He bought it for his daughter when she was 5 in 1983. She rode it and got her foot stuck between the fork and front wheel and never rode it again. It sat in this guys wood shop in Lexington Massachusetts for 30 years, covered in sawdust. He blew it all off with the compressor and its like new. 9 outta 10. When i walked in he was holding a crazy glue container and the teather switch. He said "i can't get it to fire because i think this switch isn't making contact." In my best hostage negotiator tone I told him to step away from the crazy glue, and i'd take it as is. It is currently hanging from my shop ceiling.

[fabiodriven]

Back in 2011-ish, might have been 2012, I was working in a vehicle inspection station. Sometimes I'd bring in my trikes to work on during the day. I had a customer pull in with his coach, a full bus size camper, and he was looking at my 85 Tecate. He said "I have three wheelers." I'm thinking in my head "Yeah sure you do buddy." He was in his 70's if I had to guess. I figured he'd follow up with a joke about his grandson's tricycle or his Scamp scooter or something. He didn't. I almost let that leg of the conversation end when I thought to myself "You'd better find out exactly what this guy has just to be certain." So I revived the conversation and asked "You mean like off road trikes, like Honda ATC's?

"Yes, that's what they are. Honda ATC's." He agreed so readily that I thought he was full of beans and just agreeing with what I had to say. Keep in mind, being a vehicle inspector everyone wants to be your best friend. I figured this was just another one of those occasions. "So what do you do with them?" "Nothing" he told me. "We used to take them out on the beach but it's been years since they've gone anywhere." "Are you looking to sell them?" I asked him. "Sure!" he said.

Somehow I still wasn't realizing the potential this deal had, I don't know how, and I started getting in touch with other people who might have been interested in contacting him. Finally I realized that I should just shut the hell up and take a ride over there.

He lives in Duxbury, which people call "Deluxebury" if that gives you any indication of the average income in that town. As I pulled in his driveway, it was clear that this person didn't have any money issues.

The first bike he took me to see was an 85 200S which was on the lower level of a barn. It was mostly protected from the elements but hadn't been touched in forever. All three tires were flat and I wasn't really impressed (but should have been). I asked him what he wanted for it and he said let's see all the bikes first. I still didn't know what he had so I was hoping for R's and X's.

We then went to his garage where the other two machines were. It was still a surprise at this point what machines he had, but there sat an 86 ATC250SX and an 84 Big Red. The SX immediately caught my eye. I had no interest in the Big Red, but all of his machines were mint and all three were completely unmolested and original. We looked them all over then it was time to talk money.

All I wanted was the SX. I asked him what he was thinking and he said $250 each for the SX and 200S and $500 for the Big Red. I nearly shite when he said that, really good prices obviously. I figured for that money I'd grab the SX and the S and then flip the S to pay for the pair. Obviously I should have just grabbed all three without question.

I called my buddy on the way home and was telling him the story. He wanted the S something fierce so I gave it to him for the $250, there goes my free trike, lol! I called my buddy Rory to tell him about the Big Red and he wanted it so I went back the next day for that one. I had to take a cash advance out of my credit card to pay for it (which I found out costs money) but only took $500 even from Rory so that one actually COST ME money, lol!

The bikes were all original and near mint. I began riding the SX immediately and ride it more than anything to this day. It's still completely stock with the stock tires on it but it's clearly seen some usage.

The 200S got cleaned up minty mint. It's barely been ridden and spends most of it's time shined up in a garage.

Rory's Big Red is cherry as well and sits in a shed only being run from time to time.

[3Razors]

Back in the early 90's you could drive through the streets of Tempe and Mesa AZ and you'd see all kinds of trikes sitting neglected on the sides of peoples homes, primo shape bikes also...just needed a carb clean, ect. We would just knock on the door and ask if they wanted to sell? Usually they were excited at the thought of getting rid of a "dangerous 3 wheeler" and getting a few bucks in their pocket at the same time. Prices anywhere from FREE to $500 were the norm for any model trike you wanted.

[lndy650]

fabio that was really nice of you to give your friends the same price you payed. my best find was when i traded an old vw bug with a cool body kit and a rly nice banshee for a complete really nice 87 tecate 3(guy had no clue) a complete average 86 t3 enough parts to build 2 and a half 84/85 t3's and a nice 350x with a TC racing engine. i stupidly sold the 87 t3 for 4 grand. it had all JP racing stuff with a big bore and hand built pipe

[HairyJR]

While lurking on Craigslist late on Friday night before the Memorial Holiday weekend 2014 saw a posting listing a '83 ATC70 Christmas Special for $100, couldn't believe it. Wasn't going to call the contact number as it was 11:00 pm but noticed it had only been posted for @ 20 minutes so I called. Picked it up the next morning, great up front guy as other callers offered him more money. Bonus was it started, ran and came with title papers.

as purchased 248906 after a few accessories 248907

"HJ" 248908 :beer

[Mosh]

Found this in the trash in 95.
Somebody wrecked it bad. Rear axle was bent 90 degrees and the same side footpeg looked like a crushed pop can. Key was in it, pull start fired it right up. The people moved out and the house was vacant. The trike was on the curb with unwanted furniture, washer, old console tv and bags of garbage. Took it home, cut the axle out, replaced it, new battery, and heated up the peg and fixed it like new. Trike was mint. Ran the snot out of it for quite a few years, then sold it.

[DAM shop]

Found this in the trash in 95.
Somebody wrecked it bad. Rear axle was bent 90 degrees and the same side footpeg looked like a crushed pop can. Key was in it, pull start fired it right up. The people moved out and the house was vacant. The trike was on the curb with unwanted furniture, washer, old console tv and bags of garbage. Took it home, cut the axle out, replaced it, new battery, and heated up the peg and fixed it like new. Trike was mint. Ran the snot out of it for quite a few years, then sold it.Wow Mosh great find there for sure.

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[knappyfeet]

Never owned an ATC in my life till 2015 when I purchased my first. My exposure was limited to a friends 110 back in the early 80s and my old odyssey.......loved that odyssey.

248927

this is me and my mom circa early 80s


I purchased these 3 trikes from a customer we've worked for for $850 in 2015.......which included classic Bell helmets, pro wedges and the original rear pro vectors that were taken off when near new. They all were registered and all were titled and all were in a "not running" condition.

248928

248929

248930

Before I joined 3WW I posted it up over here........ http://www.caferacer.net/forum/general/24677-honda-atc-200x-350x.html


My wife wanted the 86 X but that was so nice I purchased her this first year Big Red for $400 from a CL add in the OC. She hated it but I fell in love with it. The front toolbox had a hondalin ATC cover in it. I sold both the box and the cover for more than I paid for the BR.

248931


In the beginning of 2016 I got this 86 350X along with 3 other bikes for $200.

248932

It needed the most work but it ran no problem. I have threads here for the BR and the 86 but all the pics from photo bucket went bye bye.

I get lucky sometimes.........especially when I'm not looking

[sledcrazyinCT]

248939

Paid $150 and pulled it apart to drag it home. This was on Worcester, MA C list with one fuzzy picture and no info. Somehow I managed to get a hold of the seller via emails and was able to meet up with his wacky schedule.
248940 Runs decent scored a black fiberglass rear fender for it

[lndy650]

why wouldnt you use the original rear fenders?

[sledcrazyinCT]

why wouldnt you use the original rear fenders?

If that is to me the ones it came with was destroyed. That pic in the back of the wagon is deceiving. I bought the rear local for $40

[lndy650]

oh i thought that might be the case they looked like they might be ok in the pic

[thestud25]

wow!

I responded to a c-list post for a "little 3 wheeler." guy had it listed for $300. When i get there i see its a mint (not internet mint, actual mint) alt50. He bought it for his daughter when she was 5 in 1983. She rode it and got her foot stuck between the fork and front wheel and never rode it again. It sat in this guys wood shop in lexington massachusetts for 30 years, covered in sawdust. He blew it all off with the compressor and its like new. 9 outta 10. When i walked in he was holding a crazy glue container and the teather switch. He said "i can't get it to fire because i think this switch isn't making contact." in my best hostage negotiator tone i told him to step away from the crazy glue, and i'd take it as is. It is currently hanging from my shop ceiling.

pics pics pics!!!!!!!!!

[booblinker]

-1985 Tri-z complete
-1986 Tri-z complete but locked up
-Tri-z parts including new white rear plastics and a new OEM clutch lever and master
-US90 complete with front gallon tire that held air
-US90 parts (enough to make another trike)

Guy drove an hour to deliver it, $400 for all of it

Second best was complete running 350X for $350.

[Rob Canadian]

Ad went up for sale on a Thursday night. Contacted owner 20 minites after ad went up. 1983 Honda 200x. Runs good. 3 new tires. New brakes. Needs rear bearings for the axle. $800.00 obo. Contacted the owner and said a guy was coming from out of town the next day at 5PM.... Darn...

Next day at 6PM I contacted the owner and asked if he sold it. The other guy did not show up!!!! Asked his address and loaded up my trailer. It was local. 10 minuites from my house. 200X are rare to find in my area.as are 350X and 250R.

Fired it up. Had a quick look over things. It needed more work then the ad said but it is normal stuff. I am not a tire kicker nor a lowballer. Picked it up for $700.00. In southern Ontario. Canada. A very good deal. Oh. Tank was rust free. :)

[BarnBoy]

Got my 200M from my Grandfather, he bought brand new in '84 and used it for years on the farm. Got beat on pretty hard, and eventually ended up just sitting in a corner of a shed. Front tire was flat and it had a lawn mower muffler but EVERYTHING was there, including factory tool kit that had never been touched. None of the plastics were cracked either. Got some gas an it fired right up. Drove it around for a while, replaced a few tires, put a good muffler on it, it smoked like crazy and still does. Eventually put a clutch in it, and hoping to rebuild the engine soon.

Also had a '83 200E that was in the shed. That thing was MINT, like ridiculously clean. Low low low hours, hadnt been run in 5-6 years. Tires were all good, had to fiddle with the spark plug wire to get it going but it ran like a dream. Sadly I hit a piece of sharp angle iron and wrecked one tire, and the one thats on it needs a tube big time. It also has a hacked muffler job and the seat cover is all cracked but it still is a joy to rip around on.

[atc300r]

Bought my 83 250r for $150 with blown motor.Bought my 83 200x roller for $50 185s motor for it for free.Bought my 84 200x for $100 only had broken stator wire. Aquired my 81 250r in a trade for a Suzuki quad I traded a truck for.I only paid $50 for the truck.Bought my 86 200x for $150. Best deal I bought my 85 250r with 1or 2 tanks of gas threw it for $1600 in April 85.

[lndy650]

3 wheelers used to be so cheap in our area atc300r. kinda hard to find any these days unless you wanna pay a few grand for something nice

[taz]

Went to a guys house to loom at pilaria parts seen this black 3 wheeler sitting there.asked what the deal was with it said it needs a coil and starter cup....long story short got it for $25 took it home put a end on the coil wire cleaned the gas tank.....tryed the starter cup i had and it fit fired right up and run 1984 klt 110 factory black plastic traded it for $500 on tool box bougt it back 2 years later for $40 and had to pick up a coil of ebay to get it running again.i guess this one is ment to be going to keep.it this time