Japanese three-wheeled motorcycle

[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

[David DeWeese]

Hi,
Stopped by John's place while on my vacation last week, and found his Japanese three-wheeled motorcycle in a lesser state of completion than last year....

Took a few more photos of the drivetrain with hopes that someone could identify what brand of manufacture it is.

Am trying to pry this trike from his fingers as he will never get it restored at this rate.....
Thanks, David

[David DeWeese]

Hi,

I have recently been contacted by a gentleman in Italy who is trying to gather more information on Japanese three-wheeled motorcycles. His museum has two, and would greatly appreciate any help to aid in their restoration.

If you know of other surviving examples, or have any source of technical information you could share, please contact Constantino through his museum website: http://www.sidecar.it/home.html

Thanks, David

[David Hardway]

if its of any assistance Southwards Car Museum (Paraparaumu NZ) also has one of these and sold another incomplete machine as surplus a few years ago

Dave Hardway