Early motorized tricycles
Three-wheel layouts appeared early in the development of motor vehicles because the extra wheel could offer stability while engine, frame and tire technology were still evolving.
Three wheels through time
A Short History of Trike Motorcycles
The trike has evolved from early motorized experiments into touring machines, conversion motorcycles, work vehicles and modern performance three-wheelers.
Utility and commercial use
Motorized tricycles found roles in delivery, police, municipal and commercial work. The format’s carrying capacity made it useful beyond recreation.
Motorcycle conversions grow
Conversion systems gave riders a way to transform popular touring motorcycles—especially large cruisers and tourers—into traditional trikes with two rear wheels.
Purpose-built trikes
Manufacturers introduced factory three-wheel models designed as complete vehicles, while conversion builders continued to expand the choices available to riders.
The reverse trike arrives
Two-front-wheel designs such as the Can-Am Spyder and Ryker brought a different configuration, styling and riding experience to the three-wheel market.
A remarkably diverse category
Today’s three-wheel world includes touring trikes, reverse trikes, customs, conversions, autocycles and one-off builds—each with its own transport dimensions and loading needs.
The terms trike, three-wheel motorcycle, motorized tricycle and reverse trike can refer to different vehicle configurations and legal classifications. For shipping, exact dimensions and wheel layout matter more than the label.
Nationwide enclosed transport
Shipping a piece of motorcycle history?
We welcome classic, discontinued, converted and custom three-wheel machines.