3-Wheelers Increasing in Value - Investments? Why are you into 3-Wheelers?

[NDS Custom]

I couldn't agree more, parts are where the $$$ are.

[atcandrewglover]

yea parts are where the money at. but then you lose a few more trike to parts out

[3bignugs]

I like it for the nostalgic reasons and their simplicity. Fun as hell to ride too! Just picked up a 87 big red 250es. In the midst of a full frame up restoration.

[CTPATRIOT]

I look at it as an investment in fun...Fun searching,fun fixing and fun riding them!Sure do miss the days when they were just old bikes that you could pick up cheap though

[mtslesse]

I have to say OldIron, like you said investment, not so much.

But maybe they are. Why? because everytime we jump on our BigRed or 350 they bring out the best in people. It doesn't matter where we go, people want to stop and check out our trikes, and share their story, or share their project that they are still working on or maybe even that project that seeing you just rekindled in their heart (korny i know). I see old guys, like in their 80's stop me to talk for hours, some even get teary. I see kids that may have never even seen one come running just to grab a seat on them so they can tell their parents about it. Or parents asking if they can sit on them while their kids check em out. They are kind of a piece of history made special by the fact that nobody but the media wanted them taken away, and yet they were, so when people see them, I dunno, I guess it's like that girlfriend or boyfriend you weren't ready to let go of. It's pretty cool though.

My whole life I road bikes, whether in the dirt or on the track, but never once did a bike do what these threewheelers do when I head down the road to do something as simple as grab some eggs, or dump a load of leaves in the burn pile. I mean I made friends, and had great and still have great relationships, but truly nothing, nothing like talking to people about the old days like a trike. I don't know what it is, but these trikes are pretty amazing!

Tito, get me some tissue...lol

[kyleb]

Do you think its worth breaking down a 86 in good condition just to sell it?

[codyb93]

Sometimes what something is "worth" in terms of money and sentimental value is totally different. It might be "worth" it to part it out but even if it is, you still may be pretty emotionally bothered that you have to do it. However if you can get your money, do it. You might think one less trike but it's going to maintain another one.

[freedog]

If you bought a 3 wheeler for an investment I would say the next several years are the best time to sell it. I had go-carts and mini-bikes as a tot but grew up seeing only 3 wheelers and dirt bikes in magazines. Christmas of '81 I got a Honda 200 ATC, true old school, no shocks just big balloon knobbies, I was 13. In '87 they outlawed them when I was 18 and at that time there may have been some 12yr olds wanting a 3 wheeler but after that they all wanted atv's (The 1st gen. of atv guys). Who could blame them its all they saw in mags and all that was available to them new. I rode dirt bikes from 17-40 yrs old before I finally had my first kid and decided I could no longer be broken from the dirt bikes but I still wanted to ride. I found a Honda 250sx in great shape and although I'm sure I paid to much for it, my kid and I love trail riding together, so it was worth every penny. My point is, as the last gen. of the 3 wheeler guys, nearly all of us in our 40's now, we are at a point in life where we are willing and able to spend a little extra money on a 3 wheeler in really nice shape rather than buy an atv. However when the 1st gen of atv guys reach this point of their lives they are probably not going to want a classic atv but instead just go buy the latest and greatest atv to replace the one they already have.

[kb0nly]

Trikes are getting hard to find around here, where i live they are few and far inbetween and those who have them don't want to sell them! Took me a while but i finally snagged another Big Red. I had one as a kid, i had a 85 250 BR about five years ago but i had to sell it for a few reasons and regretted it. Finally got an 84 200ES BR, just a few things to fix on it otherwise in great shape and it was a heck of a find. Took almost a half year of searching to find it, took months to find any for sale, and the ones i found at first were basket cases that are barely suitable for parting out and the sellers wanted a small fortune for them in their state.

Just trying to recapture a bit of my youth... Now i feel old... LOL

[matty]

I grew up riding trikes then got into quads about 5 years ago my brother in law got an 81 250r in a package deal with a quad. I took it for one ride and needed to get one for myself. I still ride quads but I love riding trikes because they take way more skill. The new quads out now are getting so big you don’t really need to be a good rider, just point it where you want to go and hit the gas. On a trike you have to pay attention and use your body. Also you get way more attention on a trike.
I don’t see trikes as an investment but it is something that will never go down in value and it’s something you can enjoy. You can defiantly make money buying and selling but that is just like anything else.

[Tri-Z 250]

Am I a purist? In a sence I guess I am...been on a 250-Z since 86' and would rather fixem than part em. I'm sometimes sad to see a relatively restorable machine with a few key parts go to peices. Old vintage racers in one peice are as rare to replicate as they can be to find. I can't blame the guy making a small turn on a part-out...Heck I buy the parts too, so not a purist...Riding, selling, building, collecting, competive racing to gathering and joining sites like 3WW. The true investment is what you get out from what you put in. The joy and thrill I get from racing may just equal the LOT score of 70's to someone else. Value in a collectable factors on a few common things. Number of units made and the length of time out of production, Survivior ratio of the unit based on crash/scrap/barnfind and presently running. You need to base all that on the market/economy and interest of the unit. The age of the collector my have an influence as well. A man in his forties, can afford to get that Tecate he's always wanted. You could always argue value entry level young riders help keep the solid axle market alive. So will there be a time when the value doubles in a few years if demand exceeds the supply, I guess it could(doubtful). I look at it like a breathing growing life of it's own...each aspect needing one another to keep itself alive. The interest to get a cheap ATV turns ATC and a new member is found. The love of trikes is born and grows to swap, ride and gather with others; who my one day say good bye. Leaving with the riches of fond memories of that big score, firiendly sale or ride. I'd say pretty much the whole 3wheeled thing got me years ago and it's kept me ever since...Increased value?...you bet! Thanks 3WW

[freedog]

Well said Tri-Z 250