Japanese three-wheeled motorcycle

[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

[Mike Cecil]

That's interesting David: I've learnt something!

When we (ie curatorial staff at AWM) were investigating the Kurogane Combination (M/cycle and side car) prior to purchase, all indications were that it shared engine and gearbox components (V twin engine) with the tricycle. The components were, in turn, derived from an early Harley design according to a well-known Harley restorer friend of mine in Sydney.

But 'derived from' does not necessarily mean 'compatible with', of course: the engine might look similar, but that doesn't mean the components were interchangeable. We frankly didn't look that far into it: out main focus was the Kurogane combination on offer to the National Collection, and that part of its history that was significant to Australia.

The AWM has a general email address for inquiries (see the website). They will log your inquiry on 'REFTRACKER', and forward it to the relevant section to provide an answer within the prescribed period (I think within 10 days).

Regards

Mike C

[David DeWeese]

Mike,
Thank you very much for your information and help.

I wish I could get him in on this conversation, as I will admit I don't know a Harley from a Honda, and all the finer points are lost with me as a middle man..

Unfortunately, he is without a computer, and probably will never get one.

He's an old school biker to the core, as you can see from the video, but those are the kind of interesting folks you can learn the most from.
Thanks again, David

[B. Ryley]

David,

Do you think your friend would be interested is selling the trike to someone who would also be interested in its restoration? It may be easier to restore one from two.

Thanks, Bryan

[David DeWeese]

Hi Bryan,
Well, I can't speak for him, but he is an avid motorcycle collector/nut and this IS a motorcycle, so.....

I have bought several military trucks from him, but they were things he wasn't interested in personally. I've approached him about selling other non-military items, and it was like I was trying to buy his children or something.

I will put it past him and let you know.
Thanks, David

[Mike Cecil]

David,

Was perusing my library and found US tech manual TM-E 30-480 Handbook of Japanese Military Forces of October 1944, which has a brief section on the Tricycles that may be of interest:

"Motor Tricycles (Sanrinsha):

The Motor Tricycle has been developed as a commercial freight carrier in Japan since 1930. Many commercial versions exist, with engines ranging from 350cc to 1,000cc in displacement. Lighter types have single chain drive without differentials, whereas heavier types may have shaft or double train drive, with differentials. Load capacities vary from 300 to 1,000 pounds. A standard three-speed transmission and reverse is used. It is believed that the Army adopted whatever types were available and that no standard Army model exists. Lighter tricycles may have 2-cycle engines, and some 2-cylinder types have been encountered. The usual design, however, is chain driven, with a slow-speed, single cylinder, 4-cycle engine of about 750cc displacement. L=9 foot 6 inches; W = 4 feet 1 inch, Wheelbase = 6 feet 2 inches."

Such was the state of US military knowledge about Japanese tricycles in October 1944!!

Regards

Mike C

[David DeWeese]

Thank you Mike for that information!
So, this was probably not a purpose-built model for the Japanese army, but was most likely a civilian/commercial trike impressed into military service? That might explain the hand painted lettering on it that reads " Nippon Oil and Machine Company"?
Thanks, David