What the heck is this!!!

[y2kane]

I was surfin ebay and came accross this has anyone had one of these? might be fun???

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1960s-tricub-three-wheeler-for-parts_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43981QQihZ017QQit emZ270244867789QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[elcamino12sec]

looks like a jc penneys atc

[Tecate250]

Hahaha that looks so funny looking. I want one:)

[tmecars]

That's a Sperry Rand TriCub. Sperry Rand was a big technical manufacturer in the 50's,60's, and 70's. They made everything from aircraft instruments to the UNIVAC computer. The also made (make) farm equipment in their New Holland division. They got into atvs in the 70's with 3 and 6 wheelers. I have 2 6x6's and 3 trikes. My SPD 3 wheelers are "Tri-Carts"...much more "serious" machines than the one on ebay now. The tricarts had a 230cc JLO 2 stroke engine which was often used in snow mobiles of the era. They're actually pretty quick! They also came with the FATTEST tires I've ever seen on ANY atv...if Lamborghini made atv's in the 70's, they probably would have looked like Tricarts.

Sorry for the history lesson.

T

[Tri-Z 250]

I showed MoM the pic and she said "Too dangerous you'd jump the thing and kill yourself." Might make a cool mini chopper trike.

[tmecars]

I think MoMs is right. No suspension, and the thickest, heaviest fiberglass body since...since...well since a long time.

T

[Custom200]

That's a Sperry Rand TriCub. Sperry Rand was a big technical manufacturer in the 50's,60's, and 70's. They made everything from aircraft instruments to the UNIVAC computer. The also made (make) farm equipment in their New Holland division. They got into atvs in the 70's with 3 and 6 wheelers. I have 2 6x6's and 3 trikes. My SPD 3 wheelers are "Tri-Carts"...much more "serious" machines than the one on ebay now. The tricarts had a 230cc JLO 2 stroke engine which was often used in snow mobiles of the era. They're actually pretty quick! They also came with the FATTEST tires I've ever seen on ANY atv...if Lamborghini made atv's in the 70's, they probably would have looked like Tricarts.

Sorry for the history lesson.

T

Post some pics of those 230's. they sound sweet

[y2kane]

tmecars you got any pics of those tri carts? I would like to see them. I don't think I would trial ride on anything like that LOL.

[tmecars]

Here ya go.
This one is pretty clean but needs some minor work. I've got a REALLY clean one that's a runner that I dont have a good pic of right now.

T

[tanks350x]

wow tmecars, that thing is pretty wild! I can honestly say that I've never seen one of those before. Looks like a blast

[bearclawchris]

That is a wild looking machine. Trying to decide how it would feel with your feet on those pads up front under power. What kind of speed do they put out? And the width of those tires looks like it would keep it from tipping as easy. Neat photo's. Thanks.

[runaway]

hello

it looks like a wheelie machine look at the rear sprocket, wats the tooth count on it?

[McDerry]

What brand of tires and what size???

[trikes4life]

my buddys got a mud bug, looks just like that

[Custom200]

Those tires are huge. looks like alot of fun a handful to ride.

[Nick_R_23]

That thing has got to have the freakin BIGGEST sprocket ive ever seen!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Id imagine that would be an absolute blast to hydroplane....:drool:

-Nick :TrikesOwn

[y2kane]

Wow!! How fast can that go? You were not lying about those tires!!

[tmecars]

LOL. I'm surprised there was any interest in these old things on this board! Well, all the articles from the day said that the 2 stroke version (there was also a 4 stroke available) would top out at about 40 mph. I have never clocked mine, but it feels pretty fast because youre so low to the ground. The ride is very "springy" because of the tires. When they're running crisp, they will wheelie (most of the weight is in the back). I have a couple of pics of a guy pulling a wheelie and another guy even jumping one! Here is one pic from an original brochure that I have with the specs. The biggest shortcoming is the brakes. There is only one disc brake in the rear and it's operated by pushing the handlebar forward! I got it (not the one in the photo) running pretty good last weekend but now I have to dial in the brakes so I didnt run it too hard.

[Nick_R_23]

Id bet that landing was painful...:eek:

-Nick :TrikesOwn

[HondaHarry]

woot!! that guy is launching that thing! right on. 670 rotax in that would bring a whole new meaning to death trap. lol HH

[Brockey]

See the look on the poor guys face. He is uncertain of what the landing will bring. Looks fun but dangerous too. I want one, lol.

[Tri-Z 250]

I've heard the expression "don't hold your breath". That guy looks like he possible could be holding his last!

[tanks350x]

I might be totally wrong but, that photo looks like it's a photo shop deal. probabaly not being from the early 70's

[tmecars]

Honestly,
I dont think it is. The guy that I got this picture from got an original manufacturers press kit with ALOT of old photos. I saw the original picture and it is OLD. If you think about it, what in the photograph is impossible? The guy is not pulling a Travis Pastrana or anything and he's only about 2 feet off the ground! Also, like we all figure, he probably crashed his a55 off when he landed. I'm not one to get into a Photoshop debate so I'll drop it right here. I simply thought people might get a kick out of the picture.

[i58829]

Great pics i think they are real, and the guy jumping one is insane. But hey a couple beers, a dirt mound on the trail, and a very very rear heavy rigid missile, why not. You can always have back surgery in 10 years...

[bearclawchris]

The pretty lady looks like she commutes back and forth to the office on it. Not a bad idea for today with the gas prices. Might get her some riding boots though.

[y2kane]

tmecars thanks for all the info... We are always looking for interesting things to do with trikes...LOL

[tmecars]

What do you mean thanks??? I love putting and getting info on and off of this site!
Im glad you like it!

[brapp]

dude you gusy just answered my qyestion i have that exact identical down to the tires and motor trike sitting out in the barn!!!!!!

[tmecars]

Brapp, are you serious??? Lets see some pics!!! Does it run?