The world of motorized vehicles contains many models, from the four-wheeled pickup trucks that are so commonplace they can be found everywhere to the specialized freight vehicles used by some cities. But the most fun and exciting is the trike, a vehicle with three wheels that can be steered like a motorcycle while also being able to carry cargo.
In most cases, a VW trike is created by taking the rear section of a classic car and then mounting it to two automotive wheels on a unique differential. A rotary engine can be mounted to the back, or a simple belt drive can drive it. It can be a purely recreational vehicle for driving around the neighborhood or built as a racer to compete in motocross competitions. It can even be used to haul a small camper or trailer, although this would require some tinkering and modification to the chassis and suspension of the vehicle.
If you’ve ever ridden a trike with an independent rear suspension, you know that it rides better than a solid axle system.
It starts with a Volkswagen Beetle and transforms into a trike offering a new comfort level.
Paint
A great paint job is the first step in making your VW trike look spectacular. Choosing the right color, finish, and textures is essential to create the best look for your vehicle. Having your VW professionally painted is the best way to get a high-quality, custom look without the stress of doing it yourself.
If you’re looking for a custom color, getting the color code for your VW trike before starting the painting process is essential. This will ensure that you order the correct paint and it can be appropriately applied to your vehicle.
A paint code guide like this will help ensure your VW trike looks its best.
Interior
Most people passionate about these vehicles will create their trike from parts purchased at a hobby shop. A kit can be purchased to build a unique-looking trike relatively cheaply. There are even a few places that will build a turn key VW trike for you if you need more time or inclination to do it yourself.
Compared to two-wheeled vehicles, trikes are less prevalent in the number of units sold. This is mainly because learning how to ride them properly takes more practice and effort since you can’t lean into the turns like a bike. But learning is possible; once you do, the vehicle can be a lot of fun.
VW trikes for sale have amenities and a ton of storage for long tours. It also comes with premium LED headlights and 4-6 speaker audio to keep you in your happy place while on the road.
Wheels
The wheels of a trike are much more critical than those of a two-wheeler. The trike could be more fun and easy to ride if you don’t have good tires or a solid braking system.
Some people can’t handle the balancing act of a two-wheeler, so they convert their bike into a trike. But even a motorcycle can be challenging to handle on three wheels.
If you want a smoother riding trike, consider upgrading to an independent rear suspension. It’s the same type of system that car manufacturers use. Ask any cynic, and they’ll admit that the independent rear suspension rides better than a traditional solid axle system.
There has been a lot of discussion on this list about toe-in adjustment for the front wheels of tadpole (2 front, one rear) trikes. Most agree that the toe-in on a new trike should be adjusted appropriately and periodically readjusted as the components wear. Too little toe-in doesn’t make a trike handle better, but it makes it harder to steer and will cause the tires to scrub and wear out much faster.
Seat
VW is no stranger to making crazy cars, but this trike may take the cake. It’s a three-seat, inline VW bus-powered bike.
The seller doesn’t say much about the history of this one, but a little bit of internet sleuthing revealed that it’s the only VW-powered trike ever made with a three-in-line seating configuration. Many buses are repurposed as trikes but typically have a two-across rear seat.
Accessories
The last thing you’ll want to remember when customizing your VW trike is accessories. The correct set of wheels, a windshield, and other accessories can make all the difference in the look of your ride. And remember to add some chrome accents. They’ll instantly elevate any vehicle.
The most popular accessory to install on a VW trike is the windshield. This accessory protects drivers from road debris and lets them see clearly. You can also find various accessories for your VW, such as headlights and taillights.
Building a Volkswagen trike can be an exciting and rewarding project. However, it’s essential to understand the process and know what to expect. This way, you can avoid any problems during the build. It’s also helpful to have a few tips and tricks to help you along the way. With these tips, you can create a Volkswagen trike that’s both beautiful and functional.