Japanese three-wheeled motorcycle

[David DeWeese]

Thanks everyone for the great information and photos! My friend will be thrilled!
He is a lifetime collector of Harleys, with around 100 or so vintage motorcycles, some dating back to the early 1900's. Not being on the internet, though, it is almost impossible for him to get the information he needs for this one.
He is trying to rebuild the valve train on it now to get it running. He knew about the Rikuo Harley clones the Japanese built, but says real Harley parts are not even close. Totally different design of the engine. Also interesting is that this trike has a rear differential, axle and leaf springs just like a small truck would have.
Luckily all the parts are there for it except the front fender, headlight and those splash shields on the front. Now he has some photos to work with to find or reproduce some of these parts.
If he gets it running, we'll pull it out to take some decent photos.
Any other information is still greatly appreciated.
Thanks again!
David

[Stuart Kirkham]

Another pic.

For a larger version, click here....http://images.google.com/hosted/life...b99983e2f252a4

[David DeWeese]

Sorry for late reply. Thank you very much, Stuart!

To let you guys know, I posted the need for information and photos on this motorcycle on several sites, even the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, and to date have received more information from the MLU crowd than all the rest combined!
Thanks again!
David

[B. Ryley]

Hello,

What is the status of your restoration? I know the location of another thjree-wheeled motorcycle that needs restoration.

Thanks, Bryan

[David DeWeese]

Hi Bryan,
Progress on the restoration is very slow as my friend has many projects going at once. Last time I asked him, he had finally reproduced the needed parts for the engine and had assembled it. Beyond that, probably not much else has been done.

Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated! Have any photos?

As a side note, he was visited a few months ago by the guys from the show "American Pickers" on The History Channel.
Here's a link to an interview with him after the filming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwTjJ9-J144
Thanks, David

[Mike Cecil]

Gents,

The AWM has an un-restored Kurogane motorcycle and side car combination, ex-New Guinea, in storage at Mitchell Annex. There are also a number of spare parts (most of an engine and gearbox). I understand the mechanicals are the same as the tricycle subject of this thread, ie, based on early Harley Davidson.

Might be useful to contact the AWM and request either an access visit or for images.

Mike C

[David DeWeese]

Thanks Mike,
I will try and contact the AWM with some photos of this trike and see what happens...
Talked to him last night and he still says this motorcycle shares no similar mechanical components with a Harley, so isn't one of the Harley clones.
What he wants most is a data plate photo or some manufacturer's information.
Thanks, David