Motorcycles

Scorpion kit converts a Harley V-Rod into a reverse trike

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Scorpion Trikes want to let you turn your Harley-Davidson V-rod into a three-wheeler
Scorpion says kits will be available for other models depending on demand
The first Scorpion version will be for the Harley-Davidson V-Rod
The Scorpion kit gives a bare bones, old-school look
The manufacturer expects that their kits will market somewhere in the US$5,000 range
Scorpion Trikes want to let you turn your Harley-Davidson V-rod into a three-wheeler
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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.

The short video below shows a V-Rod with a Scorpion Trike installation in action on the road.

Source: Scorpion Trikes

View gallery - 6 images
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11 comments
Mzungu_Mkubwa
If it doesn't tilt, then you're not gaining much in terms of safety, and you're certainly losing 90% of the fun of riding a motorcycle! I'd recommend one of the kits that tilt:
http://thekneeslider.com/trt-the-tilting-reverse-trike-harley-conversion-from-too-kool-cycles/
or
http://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/
or maybe some others out there, too...?
(Of course the best, IMHO, was the tilting 4-wheeler from Wesl Suspensionl: http://vimeo.com/2892307 - that never made it to production, I guess...)
Norm Kokes
Somewhat raw bare naked look to it - not bad
Reverse trike are the current and future trend as displayed by the release of the slingshot, spyder, Elio automobile and the new Endeavor trikes which is also a universal reverse trike conversion.
Jim Bowman
Another reverse trike that doesn't tilt? defeats the purpose of a motorcycle to begin with.
VoiceofReason
Mzungu...in the United States, anything with four wheels that drives on the road must pass CAR standards. Something no motorcycle can do. I like the kit, although $5,000 for a kit you still have to source unknown parts for strikes me as odd.
I'd like to see one come out for the Honda Goldwing. Or just buy a Can-Am Spyder.
MarkF
Haha love it...training wheels for Harley riders.
Gregg Eshelman
Looks like plenty of room to insert some body panels aft of the relocated radiator, covering a storage compartment.
Mzungu_Mkubwa
@Voice... yep, the Wesll folks appeared to have ambitions of road-going quads, but I can see where the red tape might get thick. Just the off-road version shown was enough to make me drool, tho! ☺
My ideal trike would be a recumbent tilting chassis (think similar to the Tripendo - http://youtu.be/NKW9umqbI4k ) hooked up to a Zero SR rear end (power-train). Combine this kind of performance with a stylish canopy (all-weather) option, and you've landed on the ultimate commuter machine!
Daishi
This is actually a different company than Scorpion Motorsports who makes the P6: http://i.imgur.com/VRL86ui.jpg
The P6 looks like a bit more fun.
Bruce H. Anderson
It doesnt' tilt? TILT!! beep beep game over. Something like a Piaggio MP3 or a Quaddro on steroids may be worth the effort.
Jay Finke
Snowmobiles don't tilt, if you want tilt Ride a bike. these I think are for the older generation that like comfort with speed.