Motor Trike - Written by Keith Fudge

The popularity of three-wheeled motorcycles, better known as “trikes,” is growing at an astounding rate. Just look around and you’ll see far more of these custom rides than you did even just a few years ago. Well, if you think that this is the type of custom you may have always wanted, perhaps you should check out the outstanding trike conversions from Motor Trike.

Located in Troup, Texas, the folks at Motor Trike have a passion for what they build. When we first began talking to company President, Jeff Vey, we asked why people would want to turn a two-wheeler into a trike. Jeff responded that the reason is basically simple: “It’s neat to drive.” But believe us, trikes also command attention, so if you truly want to ride a “head-turner” then this three-wheeled beauty is the ride for you. Recently, Jeff told us about some of the newest innovations at Motor Trike, and perhaps the biggest thing that has hit the company is their new line of Harley-Davidson Trike conversions.

Jeff said that the Harley line was introduced in the fall of 2001 and by the spring of 2002 constituted approximately 3% of the company’s business. By December of that same year the sales figure had risen to 28%, and now Jeff anticipates that the Harley-Davidson conversions will eventually be 50% of the company’s business. Jeff said that the key to the success of the Harley Trike is that they have created “a smooth Harley,” and that folks simply love the quality of the ride. The “smoothness” that Jeff is referring to is due to Motor Trike’s patented Air Ride Suspension system. And speaking of overall quality and dependability, that’s what Motor Trike is all about. Every Motor Trike conversion comes with a 3 year—60,000-mile warranty at no additional charge! Diane Vey, Vice-President of the company also told us that pride and attitude are extremely important and that they have the attitude to do most anything to make and keep the customer happy. Speaking of good attitudes, that is another thing found at Motor Trike as there seems to be a family environment rather than a cold corporate approach. Jeff smiles when he says, “It never rains in Veyville,” meaning that every day is a good one at the plant—and it must be for they are rapidly expanding!

Concerning the new line of Harley-Davidson conversions, they offer modifications for the Electra Glide, Road King, Heritage Softail, Fatboy, and Softail Deuce. For Honda, they have conversions for the Gold Wing 1200, 1500, and 1800, the Valkyrie and Valkyrie Interstate, and now a new rad version for the new VTX 1800. And while each conversion has its own personality and standard features, there are also plenty of options to choose from such as custom wheels, color matched embroidered fender bras, different light bars, and a host of other accessories. And, speaking of wheels, you’ll also be interested to know that Motor Trike is the only manufacturer to make matching wheels for trikes. In fact, wheels are another line of business that the company has recently entered as they have created another business to keep up with customer demand. According to the website, “Cruise Concepts of Texas, Inc. is a small manufacturing company dedicated to the production of custom motorcycle wheels and accessories,” and while they offer custom wheels for a variety of motorcycles, they are currently the only manufacturer to produce custom wheels for the Honda VTX as well as a VTX 240 Conversion Kit that includes a custom swing arm allowing VTX owners to run an oversized tire on the rear wheel.

By the way, don’t worry if you’re not anywhere close to Troup, Texas, because if you want to check out a Motor Trike conversion, they have 130 dealers all across the country offering conversion kits and installation. By the way, they also just opened a brand new store located in Daytona Beach, Florida, in case you’re heading to Bike Week next year. So, if you are ready to be “three-wheelin’ and dealin’” or if you’re interested in some custom wheels for your bike, check out the folks at Motor Trike and Cruise Concepts. You can find them on the web at www.motortrike.com and www.cruiseconcepts.biz , or you give them a call at 1-800-90 TRIKE and 1-888-447-2869 for Cruise Concepts.

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