There are a lot of Harley-based trike conversions on the market, but most of them put two wheels out back. Scorpion Trikes in Wisconsin, however, plans to release a DIY kit with dual wheels out front to turn your Harley-Davidson V-rod into a reverse three-wheeler. Said to require no frame modifications and very few extra parts other than those in the kit, the Scorpion trike conversion offers two wheel independent suspension and an integrated look, all in an afternoon’s work.
According to the manufacturer, each Scorpion kit is built for a specific model. The first version will be for the Harley-Davidson V-Rod, with a subsequent version planned for Harley-Davidson touring bikes with an FL frame. A decision has yet to be made on whether Scorpion kits will be available for other models or marques, with the creators saying this will depend on demand.
Scorpion says that their trike is for all riders, but may be especially valued by riders with physical difficulties that prevent them from using a standard bike. As for installation, the manufacturer says that a DIY enthusiast could complete it in an afternoon, but has yet to decide whether this will be a dealer-install-only item or if they will ship direct to customers for self-installation.
Three-wheelers in all shapes and forms are a growing market, with vehicles such as the Elio or the Polaris Slingshot blurring the lines between cars and bikes, but the Scorpion kit gives more of a bare bones, old-school look. It’s obviously a motorcycle and should appeal to those who want the look and sound of a Harley, but may not want – or be able – to hold up a heavy machine out on the road.
Scorpion hopes to have the initial kits shipping in the early US Spring of 2015, with optional accessories, frame covers, bodywork add-ons, and lighting kits currently being designed and produced for availability at a later date. No announcement on an expected release for the subsequent FL version has been made.
The manufacturer expects that their kits will hit the market somewhere in the US$5,000 range (not including shipping and installation), with the added proviso that a few parts not supplied with the kit will need to be purchased separately from a local Harley-Davidson dealership to complete the installation.
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