The interesting, the Odd and the Unusual

[MattDragontamer]

I have been looking around for a post that listed the lesser known trikes with no luck. A little info here... some there... but nothing with everything in one spot.

So here we go.

The point of this post is to help identify those lesser known trikes that pop up now and then.
Hopefully it will help some people now and then.
The technical info will be left out, other posts have already covered most of them.
The addition of any non listed trikes is welcomed.
*** The pictures used are for reference only and may differ a little from the actual product. ***
Some of these trikes listed can be found in the 3ww home page "Discover the unknown" pages.

* I am excluding the High Performance Products trikes because they are well explained in the 3ww page and were not really stand alones.
* I am excluding the cart style trikes which will probably be in their own page at some point.

Have Fun! :D

Adventure INC.

Avenger BigFoot

200223200395

Avenger 1/4t

200225200396200397


Agway - Related to the Cenex and Manco... still trying to find the history on who bought who & when...

Rustler 305

200408

Rustler 308

200412

Rustler 310

200409200410200411



Bird Engineering - Not quite sure, but this might be linked to Adventure INC.

Bird

200226


Cenex - Related to the Agway and Manco... still trying to find the history on who bought who & when...

Rustler 308

200416

Rustler 310

200228200417


Commuter Industries - Formally Pacesetter Inc.

Granger 340

200229

Sasquatch 340

200398200399200400200401200413200403

Commuter TE380

200433200429200430200431200432

Commuter TE390 - Early Model

200434200435200436200437

Commuter TE390

200231200404200405200406200407


Heald Haulers (http://www.powertecparts.com/)

Heald Hauler

200499200500200501

Heald Hauler Mark 416

200502


Husqvarna

Trivarna 125 & 240 - Can't find a decent pic of the 125. I am assuming they used the same frame.

200332

Trivarna 240 - With kit costing 8,300 Swiss Francs.

200331

Trivarna 250 CR - Conversion

200333

Husky One - Rick Mears' Custom Husky Trike - California (Be on the lookout!)

200334200335200336


Kelvin Franks (https://sites.google.com/site/franks3wheeler/) - http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/123210-KELVIN-FRANKS-3-Wheeler-Info-Thread?highlight=Kelvin+Franks

Franks 250

200337200338200339200340


Manco - Related to the Agway and Cenex... still trying to find the history on who bought who & when...

200414200415

Quester 305

200232

Quester 308

200233

Quester 310

200234

Motorcraft Quality Parts - Most likely bought Bird Engineering.

Motorcraft

200341


Pacesetter Enterprises - Bought by Commuter Industries.

Pacesetter WR-P III

200375

Pacesetter WR-SP III

200376200438200439200440


Polaris - It's in the running's

Polaris Scrambler

200237


SpeeCo

SpeeCo Trike

200239200240200241


Sperry Rand

Tricart Hustler

200243200419200418


Argo/Ontario Drive and Gear

Taurus 650

200244200245

Tiger (https://sites.google.com/site/tigerrotax/home)

Tiger 80

200342

Tiger 125

200343

Tiger 200

200344

Tiger 250

200345

Tiger 500

200346


Tricky Dick's Cagiva

Cagiva WMX 200

200227

Cagiva WMX 250

If it exists... post a pic. Because I spent 2 hours looking and only 200's show up.

[TatTooL23]

what year were the commuters made through?? mine has a different gas tank then that picture

[slashfan7964]

Don't forget the other Tiger models! I have heard there was also a Cagiva 250
Oh, and Franks machines!

[MattDragontamer]

what year were the commuters made through?? mine has a different gas tank then that picture

I am not sure... I will hopefully get all that info soon.

[bigred22]

this one was posted on c-list in my area a while back, not sure who the maker is, looked like a tecumseh 5 or 6 horse engine, this was the only pic i saved of it.................200326

[MattDragontamer]

Don't forget the other Tiger models! I have heard there was also a Cagiva 250
Oh, and Franks machines!

Thanks for the info. Going to update.

[MattDragontamer]

this one was posted on c-list in my area a while back, not sure who the maker is, looked like a tecumseh 5 or 6 horse engine, this was the only pic i saved of it.................200326

Looks to be a Motorcraft trike... now I am unsure of the details, but I think it is the same thing as a BIRD trike...
I am only guessing here... but my guess would be that Motorcraft bought Bird Engineering.

[bigred22]

yeah, it does look like the motorcraft but with the next larger frame 5 or 6 horse tecumseh engine, here's a classic powerwheels trike that showed up on c-list not long ago as well, thought you might like to see it...........200365

[slashfan7964]

Thanks for the info. Going to update.

No problem, I like looking at some of the rarities. If I can find more I'll let you know. I want to say there was a Tiger 85 but I'll have to get ahold of a buddy of mine that collects rarities.

[bigred22]

a few more classic offerings on c-list at the moment.............200366200367200368200369

[MattDragontamer]

a few more classic offerings on c-list at the moment.............200366200367200368200369

The cart style trikes are excluded from this particular list. I might make another post on them, but I really don't know enough about them as of yet.
That last pic looks to me like someone converted a motorcycle. I made an exception with the Husqvarna conversion, but it isn't an official model.
Given another year or so back in the day, it could have very well been the next generation.

[slashfan7964]

This should be a sticky.

There are a lot of Husky protos and Euro models but not a lot of pictures.

[danbur55]

post some pics of what you have and add description at this time it appears commuters were built from 1976 thru 1984200422this is a te380 with 8hp kohler
what year were the commuters made through?? mine has a different gas tank then that picture

[6speedthumper]

It's amazing how much 3 wheeler history there is. Nearly all people think it goes only as far as the Jap manufactures, since they were the widely produced and sold. Threads like this are a great education for those that know nothing of the "off brand" 3 wheelers that helped to make that era of off roading what it was.

[MattDragontamer]

post some pics of what you have and add description at this time it appears commuters were built from 1976 thru 1984200422this is a te380 with 8hp kohler

Thanks for the reminder of the TE380. Those are by far the hardest to find in the Commuter department. Its seem like they either weren't popular, short production or the 390 was the final product. The 380 you have might have been part of the development runs... I just don't have enough info at this time. But I will put up some of the pics from your post a while back.

[danbur55]

She's not photogenic at all YET bet was told they got away from kohler due to porous casting in the blocks that built up with dirt on fins causing overheat problems then went to kawasakis

[MattDragontamer]

She's not photogenic at all YET bet was told they got away from kohler due to porous casting in the blocks that built up with dirt on fins causing overheat problems then went to kawasakis

Sense I have two 390's I might make a 380. Might be hard to get the original style engine though... :/
There isn't much difference at all to them. I have a suspicion that the 380 was rebranded to the 390.

Funny thing is, I went to my storage unit and looked at the engine that was given to me when I picked up the pacesetter... Look familliar?

200459

[TatTooL23]

so heres my Commuter TE 390. its in pretty damn good shape. seems to be quite original. not sure if the mud flaps are and also did they just have the one brake lever? even the rims r in great shape of u look close at them. fenders r nearly perfect. starts right up and runs great. headlight and tail light work. no tears in seat. gas gauge works but lens is clouded over. really cool trike. would really love to know honestly what it could be worth in this shape. also don't know the year. ENJOY!

20044320044420044520044620044720044820044920045020 0451200452200453200454200455

[czac]

I would love to find the Husky 250 CR... nice looking trike!

[danbur55]

wow that causes drooling dont hold me to this but with your serial # beginning with 81 i'm guessing it as 81 mine starts with 78 so i'm guessing its a 78 model as i said do not take this as true just yet, my 380 also has mudflaps mounted like yours man is that a nice looking one and you wont have seat a resto like most thanks for sharing that
so heres my Commuter TE 390. its in pretty damn good shape. seems to be quite original. not sure if the mud flaps are and also did they just have the one brake lever? even the rims r in great shape of u look close at them. fenders r nearly perfect. starts right up and runs great. headlight and tail light work. no tears in seat. gas gauge works but lens is clouded over. really cool trike. would really love to know honestly what it could be worth in this shape. also don't know the year. ENJOY!

20044320044420044520044620044720044820044920045020 0451200452200453200454200455

[TatTooL23]

I haven't seen one with that smaller tank other then mine. Maybe they just changed at some point.

[MattDragontamer]

I would love to find the Husky 250 CR... nice looking trike!

Buy the bike and do the conversion. It wasn't an official trike. But seems to be an easy convert.

[MattDragontamer]

I haven't seen one with that smaller tank other then mine. Maybe they just changed at some point.

Yea, I updated the list earlier... The 390 with small tank was an early model.

[TatTooL23]

Hmmmm. An early model??? So maybe not an '81 via the serial#

[TatTooL23]

also mine has a twist throttle and one brake lever. is that all original? was there anything else that was on the bars front the factory?

[MattDragontamer]

also mine has a twist throttle and one brake lever. is that all original? was there anything else that was on the bars front the factory?

Correction: Yea, the originals had the twist grips and I have seen lever throttles. Not sure when they went thumb.
And they have only one brake lever.

[danbur55]

Yes that looks like it should be a model k181 confirmed as correct twist throttle is correct someone added a lever to mine left lever is brake going to a 1" x4" band like minibike or gokart brake hub is on side of transaxle. Tank change could have just been upgrade indesign dont know for sure

[TrickShot]

Just like the Avenger 1/4t, there is the Heald Hauler 3wheeler with dumpbox.

[MattDragontamer]

So apparently I have maxed out the main post.

So here are the Heald Haulers Again...

Heald Hauler (http://www.powertecparts.com/)

Heald Hauler

200505200506200514

Heald Hauler 416

200507200508200509200510200511200512200513

Heald Super Trike - Made an exception...

200515200516200517200518

[ps2fixer]

Very cool post, I knew a few of these models by reading on here, but WOW so many different ones!

As a kid my dad bought a 3 wheeler for $65 with a 5hp brigs on it, belt drive like a lot of these in this thread, but the rear fenders where small, and metal, kind of like a small trailer fender, but looked oem. Fender was white, with a line, dark blue or black. Frame was orange, engine was black. We chopped it up because it performed really poorly... probably a worn belt, and put a 370 Suzuki motorcycle front end on it with the engine, I wasn't allowed to ride it any more because it was too fast lol (I was like 8 at the time).

If i can find pics, I'll post them up, but it didn't look like any of the machines in this thread, any ideas what it was?

EDIT: Oh just to clearify, this was a typical 3 wheeler you sit on, not the cart style. Also the back of the seat had a seat back, like some old motor cycles. From memory, no suspension.

Closest thing I can find so far is the rear end of the link below, the bottom part of the rear of the frame is very close to what I remember, and the fenders, but no baskets, engine was between your legs, and you sat over top the engine. I think the front end was similar as well, don't remember it so well since it was cut off pretty quick. I know we still have the front tire around somewhere yet, maybe the rest of the front end too?!

The bolt pattern for the front tire was really tiny, like 4x90 or something. If I'm thinking right, something like a 22x11x8 knobby (if it is factory). Rears were the same type of tire too, not sure if the size was the same though. I *think* the rear end had a differential like an old chain driven lawn mower.

[danbur55]

ran across this in a cl ad not sure what it is but thought it could add to the discussion200549

[ps2fixer]

To me it looks a lot like the Motorcraft 3 wheeler, maybe a different color option/year?

@ my older posts about the 3 wheeler I had.... I found a pic of the frame someone else has! Made by Tri Rod in Ohio.

http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/mini-bike-parts/63663-tri-rod-frame-fork.html

[danbur55]

that ones interesting, too bad it's not more complete the one i had posted i was leaning towards being a bird but i haven't been around these long

[MattDragontamer]

ran across this in a cl ad not sure what it is but thought it could add to the discussion200549

Bird engineering trike

[ps2fixer]

I don't know much about them, I just looked at the shape of the machine, and the plastic shape, if the motorcraft one was painted black with the stripes, it would look just like it. Not sure if the word Motorcraft is embossed, or just stickers though.

Also.. I found an older 3ww post about the machine I had! It sounds like it was a 1960's 3 wheeler. Even have a video of it complete and running.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dec1mula0j8

Gah... the memories... too bad the one I had didn't move for crap, didn't know anything about engines back then, but I know I could floor it and it would bearly move.

[MattDragontamer]

I don't know much about them, I just looked at the shape of the machine, and the plastic shape, if the motorcraft one was painted black with the stripes, it would look just like it. Not sure if the word Motorcraft is embossed, or just stickers though.

Also.. I found an older 3ww post about the machine I had! It sounds like it was a 1960's 3 wheeler. Even have a video of it complete and running.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dec1mula0j8

Gah... the memories... too bad the one I had didn't move for crap, didn't know anything about engines back then, but I know I could floor it and it would bearly move.


Man that looks sketchy... Lol I would put that under the cart catagory.

[ps2fixer]

I figured since you sit on top of the engine area, it would classify as a atv/3 wheeler, instead of a cart (assuming cart = go kart style, where the engine is behind you).

Either way, the front end of the tri rod wasn't used much since my dad replaced the whole front end with the front end of the motorcycle, was a perfect project, the 3 wheeler didn't do much, and the motorcycle had pretty major problems with it's rear end... I think bearings and sprocket if i remember right.

[danbur55]

just heard about another oddball "pioneer blitz" someone near me has one to sell $300 out of my range at this time they havent sent me pics yet but stole this off OMB site might even be the same one as he shows to be in the area200936

[MattDragontamer]

just heard about another oddball "pioneer blitz" someone near me has one to sell $300 out of my range at this time they havent sent me pics yet but stole this off OMB site might even be the same one as he shows to be in the area200936

That there is quite the odd find there. Pretty rare I would say sense there is like no info anywhere about them other than a post on oldminbikes.com
and quite the unusual setup. I think if I got that cheap enough I would own it for shits and giggles... lol

[MattDragontamer]

So I bought a nice piece of Tricart Document on ebay two weeks ago. Here are some scans.


201192201191

[danbur55]

very cool find guess i was backwards on my searches i thought it was made by tricart so now will have to change things up a little by chance did you snag the te380 owners manual over the weekend off ebay????
So I bought a nice piece of Tricart Document on ebay two weeks ago. Here are some scans.


201192201191

[MattDragontamer]

very cool find guess i was backwards on my searches i thought it was made by tricart so now will have to change things up a little by chance did you snag the te380 owners manual over the weekend off ebay????

Nope, I didn't get the TE380 manual... I wonder who did, it would have been a nice piece to have.

[danbur55]

yea i was after it guy had it on website for 30 had to email to find out ship cost said he moved it all to ebay found it there at 40 free ship OBO as it worked out his counter offer did not include ship but did not quote a ship price then boom he declined offer and pulled it pretty bummed out but i'll get over it

[83ATC185]

I regret not buying that same Avenger you posted, but i had my mind made up on a 200x. And towards the end a steal of a price.

[robertc]

This little guy has been listed a few times, looks to be in pretty nice shape.

201432

http://columbus.craigslist.org/snw/4628301371.html

[danbur55]

just found this motorcraft201433http://omaha.craigslist.org/snw/4667022373.html

[MattDragontamer]

This little guy has been listed a few times, looks to be in pretty nice shape.

201432

http://columbus.craigslist.org/snw/4628301371.html

Oh nice! Christmas Edition?

[MattDragontamer]

just found this motorcraft201433http://omaha.craigslist.org/snw/4667022373.html

So Motorcraft had a had into that design too eh...

[tripledog]

This is just my speed.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/atq/4651614208.html

[ps2fixer]

This is just my speed.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/atq/4651614208.html

At least that model is so much faster than this one, but... this one has brakes!

http://brainerd.craigslist.org/hab/4624319681.html

[danbur55]

snowco?201467201468http://images.craigslist.org/00Q0Q_8o94G4JEMot_600x450.jpg

[ONEBAD350X]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/4657534643.html


this is different for sure :)


201486

[danbur55]

yes sir just could not find the "grate" shape lol
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/4657534643.html


this is different for sure :)


201486

[robertc]

Another one to add.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201180642450%20

202065 202066 202067

[Zach]

This is a Scat Tracker, it was made by JCPenny in the early 80s it was my first trike and is sitting at my parents house waiting for me to have money to restore it. Originally had a 5hp Briggs and Stratton engine and a band brake on each wheel

202089

[Eric250R]

There were no Cagiva 250s made, the bikes were designated WMX 250s and the 3 wheelers were designated WMX 200s though the 3 wheelers were made from the bikes, they both had the same 190cc engine. There were (65) 200s made, (4) 125s and (2) 500s made. All made by Tricky Dicks. Several people made husky trikes back in the day but the Husqvarna 250 CR pictured is the only one ever actually commissioned by husqvarna and the only one made. It too was made by Tricky Dicks. Hope this helps....

[MattDragontamer]

Another one to add.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201180642450%20

202065 202066 202067

That is quite the rare find there... We should see about trying to get some more info on it... Maybe an original pic if possible.

[Ryah]

202859202860202861

[HondaXRider]

I might have a little info on the SpeeCo Trike. I own one I bot it at a farm action for $100. It came with the original owners manual! The book says they are called Ruffriders and there was a couple different models I will have to look at the book tomorrow to see what they where. I will post what the different models are tomorrow.
Hope this is of some help to some one.

[MattDragontamer]

I might have a little info on the SpeeCo Trike. I own one I bot it at a farm action for $100. It came with the original owners manual! The book says they are called Ruffriders and there was a couple different models I will have to look at the book tomorrow to see what they where. I will post what the different models are tomorrow.
Hope this is of some help to some one.

I would love to get some scans of that book if possible! If not the book itself... :)

[HondaXRider]

Well don't want to get rid of the book since it is original to my trike. But here is some scans!202908
Well I can only get this one to upload right now.
Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know and I will see if I can find it in the book.

Woops I am not a computer person somehow the other two ended up as attachments. idk

[Darius1502]

Might as well throw this in there...the first protoype for the Suzuki Quadrunner. Check out the front wheel ...err...axel...err..whatever it is:

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202874&d=1332198231

[MattDragontamer]

Might as well throw this in there...the first protoype for the Suzuki Quadrunner. Check out the front wheel ...err...axel...err..whatever it is:

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202874&d=1332198231

Nope! Don't count... it's a quad. :P

It would be nice to find one... I personally never saw one before.

[Bren_downe]

Anybody remember this guy from Italy… with all the Italijet trikes.


http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/161718-three-wheels-from-Italy?highlight=Italy

[danbur55]

a larkin??? this just showed up on CL backwards but odd and 3 wheeled209069209070

[ntjones]

Just got this one the other day. It’s a Manco quester 310. Can anyone tell me the best way to restore the plastic? It’s really brittle. I thought about going over the top of it with fiberglass and then painting it but I’m scared I’ll make a mess. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200901/c2907f9d6acaff7534fd84294049e67e.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ATC King]

At least the tires are only flat on top...




I thought those fenders and tank cover are fiberglass. The old type of resin didn't hold up as well to UV light as the newer stuff. I've seen people take old fiberglass, sand the paint off, then add a new top coat of resin. Of course, if it is fiberglass.

[ntjones]

At least the tires are only flat on top...




I thought those fenders and tank cover are fiberglass. The old type of resin didn't hold up as well to UV light as the newer stuff. I've seen people take old fiberglass, sand the paint off, then add a new top coat of resin. Of course, if it is fiberglass.

Is there a way I can test to see if it’s fiberglass? I could be wrong about it being plastic. I actually took it apart when I get it home and didn’t pay much attention to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Greatwhitenorth]

I was looking at old threads on the commuter as I see you are from Cold Lake, Alberta.
I also own a 1978 Commuter Te-390 and am from Edmonton Alberta.
Do you know where I could get a carburetor for this trike?

[MattDragontamer]

I was looking at old threads on the commuter as I see you are from Cold Lake, Alberta.
I also own a 1978 Commuter Te-390 and am from Edmonton Alberta.
Do you know where I could get a carburetor for this trike?

Look up the engine type and model and you should be able to find the carb on ebay or elseware.

Check out my site Threewheelermanuals.com for more info.

Do you have any documents on the unit?

Thanks