- In the simplest of terms, a trike is a motorcycle that has had the rear wheel removed and had an automobile rear end and two wheels added. A fiberglass body is added to the rear with fenders and a trunk (on most models). It won't fall over like a two-wheeled motorcycle can.
Q. Why should I buy a trike?
- There are several different reasons to buy a trike. The primary reason - they are a lot of fun! You get all the experience of riding a motorcycle with more stability. Other good reasons are if you have poor balance, weak knees or weak legs. You may be too short, too big or too small. Maybe you don't want to ride behind anybody, and are tired of looking at the back of a helmet, or just want to be independent. And a trike eliminates the inevitability of going down.
Q. Why should I buy a Lehman Trike rather than some other brand?
- Lehman has a patented "no-lean" suspension featuring a rigid differential (limited slip with internal axles) mounted to a box channel swing arm, which minimizes flex and vibration on the swing arm and rear end.
Leading edge technologies produce the strongest bodies in the industry today while still having large trunk doors, hidden hinges and latches, and modern styling. All designs are uniquely Lehman Trike International.
Lehman Trikes are not only DOT approved but far exceed DOT requirements. If legislation becomes involved with resale standards, no alterations will have to be made. Others may be required to install emergency braking systems and more.
Q. Why should I buy a Lehman Trike from the Las Vegas Trike Center?
- The Las Vegas Trike Center specializes in Lehman Trike conversions, and all our mechanics are Lehman certified. We have one of the few trike showrooms in the country. We offer demo rides on Saturdays so you can try before you buy, and we have financing available. And we are known for our friendly staff! We also carry a full line of accessories for your trike. The Trike Center can service your two-wheeled motorcycle as well.
Q. Can I have my motorcycle converted? What motorcycles can be triked?
- The Las Vegas Trike Center can convert all Honda GoldWing 1500s and 1800s. Late model Harley-Davidsons can be converted as well.
Q. Can I buy a complete trike?
- We strive to have new and used Honda, Harley and Suzuki trikes for sale on our showroom floor. Or we can make a new one for you.
Q. What is the Lehman warranty?
- Standard warranty is two years, unlimited mileage on parts and labor. Extended warranties may be purchased from the Las Vegas Trike Center.
Q. What is the resale value on trikes?
- The resale on trikes varies from model to model; however, on the whole they maintain excellent resale value and market appeal. It may take a little longer to sell due to the smaller three-wheeled market. This also accounts for their ability to retain their value. The Las Vegas Trike Center will sell your good condition Lehman trike for you.
Q. Do I have to wear a helmet?
- In Nevada, a trike is registered as a tri-mobile. No helmet is required, though we recommend wearing one. If you are not registering your trike in Nevada, you must check with the laws in your state.
Q. Do I need a motorcycle endorsement on my driver's license?
- In Nevada, you do not need a motorcycle endorsement to drive a trike.
Q. How do trikes ride?
- With two wheels on the rear of the motorcycle, you will notice an increase in the amount of road feel. At low speeds there is some side to side movement, but once higher speeds (over 25 mph) are reached, the trike rides very similar to the two-wheeled equivalent.
Q. How does a trike conversion affect the motorcycle performance?
- A trike conversion will cause a marginal decrease in both fuel economy and top speed. This is due in part to the added weight and the increased drag created by the rear fenders.
Q. How does the conversion affect gas mileage?
- Fuel economy will decrease 10 - 20% on average depending on trike and motorcycle model.
Q. Are trikes better for pulling a trailer?
- Yes, trikes are more stable than a two-wheel motorcycle because of the two wheels in the rear. Trikes are more adept at pulling trailers because the fenders buffer the wind away from the trailer creating less draft. Trikes are also affected less by trailer movement.
Q. Are they difficult to learn how to ride?
- Trikes handle much differently from regular two-wheeled motorcycles; however they are relatively easy to learn to ride. With proper instruction you will become quite comfortable in a short period of time. Las Vegas Trike Center can help familiarize you with trike riding and assist you in becoming more comfortable on three-wheels.
Q. Will it tip over?
- Under normal operating conditions, the trike will not tip. However, all vehicles have the ability to tip if operated in an unsafe manner.
Q. How does it corner? Do you have to slow down?
- Lehman trikes corner much like small sports cars in the way they hug the turns. An experienced rider should actually be able to out-corner most cruiser or touring motorcycles. However, Las Vegas Trike Center does not recommend exceeding the posted speed limits.
Q. How do they steer?
- The steering is noticeably different than that of a two-wheeler. There is no counter-steering on a trike so greater effort is required at slower speeds. This effect decreases as higher speeds are reached. Las Vegas Trike Center can install a 3-degree triple tree to make steering easier on many trike models.
Q. What are raked triple trees and do Lehman trikes require them?
- Raked triple trees are a front-end modification that slightly stretches out the front wheel of the motorcycle. This results in easier turning and a "power steering" effect. Although not required on Lehman trikes, many customers find them advantageous. Here at the Las Vegas Trike Center we find that Honda GoldWing 1800s normally don't need one. We strongly encourage a 3-degree triple tree be installed on a Honda GoldWing 1500. For Harley-Davidson motorcycle conversions, it is up to the customer's wishes.
Q. What causes handlebar shake on a trike? Can it be fixed?
- Handlebar shake is the result of some fundamental differences between a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler. A two-wheeler is designed to turn at higher speeds by leaning into the corners. In actual fact, at speeds above 10 mph the handlebars are steered left to make the two-wheeler go right. On a three-wheeler there is no leaning, so you have to steer the trike where you want it to go. Some minor shake in the handlebars is characteristic of certain models of trikes at very low speeds. As you increase your speed, the shake will go away. This is not dangerous and should not cause any alarm. If you are uncomfortable with this, Las Vegas Trike Center has various accessories available that can help reduce this.
Q. How do I back up my trike?
- Trikes are fairly easy to push backward or forward manually. Honda GoldWings have a built in reverse that works very well with the trike. The Las Vegas Trike Center can also install a reverse on most Harley-Davidson models.
Q. Do Lehman trikes use independent suspension?
- No, Lehman trikes utilize the patented "No Lean" suspension. Independent suspension has been proved to be less stable during cornering on a trike application.
Q. Didn't the government ban three-wheeled motorcycles?
- The United States government did not ban three-wheeled vehicles; however, Honda voluntarily withdrew the sale of off-highway vehicles following a number of accidents. These machines differed greatly from current highway trikes because they had a single axle powering both wheels while current trikes use an automotive design with two separate axles.
Q. Are Lehman trikes DOT approved?
