Tonker's Trike

After building my GS1000 trike and subsequently selling it on to a guy (Chris) from the Isle of Wight, he contacted me as a mate of his (Al) wanted me to build him one. He didn't know what he wanted other than a “basic” trike. It was decided that a hardtail was going to be the way to go with a “bolt in swing arm” which was to be fitted with “solid mounts” as opposed to “shockers” also a reliant axle and propshaft .I found him an XJ900 donor bike and started to strip the rearend away. Making up a whole new rearend that fixed to the original swing arm and shock mounts plus additional strengthening points under the seat. This was crafted from 2 paralell 34mm x 3mm wall tubes secured at each end with 6mm mild steel plates for locating at axle and swing arm pivot points. Keeping the original riders footrests/pedals/rear brake master cylinder linked into the reliant brakes (these would lock up the rear wheels ok) to keep cost down. A pair of steel trailer guards covered the rear wheels and were mounted to the axle by 20mm tubes through which the wiring from the “trailer type” lights/indicators passed and connected to the original main wiring loom. The handbrake mechanism was also reliant with the original mount reworked to fit. A pair of stainless tailpipes with small “mutes” fitted inside were mated up to the original downpipes and hung out the back to send the exhaust gases on their merry way. Using part of the reliant propshaft mated up to the original bike driveshaft we know had 3 wheels that would move and stop. After stripping it all down again and preparing for paint I decided to match it into the original colour scheme of the bike, so after getting a few cans of white/blue/red spray paint I set about applying the colour to it. Having found some cheap transfers at a local bike shop to stick on, the job was done. After sorting out the DVLA and getting a “Tricycle Logbook” I rang Al to come and take it away. It was then I found out that Al had not ridden a trike before, not sure he even rode a bike! So over he came with Chris, who was nominated “test pilot” to see his new trike. I'm pleased to say he liked it, and wouldn't stop grinning. Chris promptly fired it up and spun the wheels down the road as he changed into second gear, after his quick blast around the block he made a little comment about its speed and handling (both mostly unprintable) but he did say it was “very good”, heheheheee. With Al mounted on the passenger seat they made of towards the ferry, both grinning like looneys. I'm pleased to say that Al rang me a week later to thank me for his new trike and that he was getting used to it. Later In the year when I saw it again it was purple, no fairing and wearing the King & Queen seat from my old GS1000 trike, I wasn't happy about that, BUT just like kids, you have to let them go sometime, heheheheee.

Triker Pete.