Common Questions About Our TRiO Conversion

What is a TRiO?

Our TRiO™ is a breakthrough leaning, three-wheel conversion kit that offers the improved stability and safety benefits of three wheels while maintaining the handling, and ride and feel of a motorcycle. Both wheels tilt in parallel. This means a TRiO-equipped bike handles exactly like a conventional two-wheeler—only better.

Why put two wheels in the front?

It’s the most efficient design for a 3-wheeler that leans. And a vehicle has to lean if it’s going to feel like a motorcycle. Under heavy breaking, 70-80% of the weight transfers to the front-end.  A TRiO conversion puts another wheel up front where it belongs, improving traction, cornering and braking. 

Who should and should not get a TRiO-conversion?

Who should get a TRiO-conversion?

A leaning TRiO is ideal for an experienced rider who appreciates greater stability, safety and cornering performance. The advent of a bike that can stand on its own, extends the riding years for people who have difficulty supporting a big bike at a stop.

Who should not get a TMW conversion?

The conversion is not for newer riders or anyone who is not comfortable with the size and weight of a large machine. Riders with balance issues should consider other options.

What motorcycles can be converted?

We currently manufacture TRiO conversion kits for Harley-Davidson, Indian and Honda motorcycles with more on the way soon. The mounting bracket and steering linkage won’t fit other bikes, like BMW, Suzuki, Kawasaki, or Yamaha, but in the future, we plan to produce more conversion kits.

Please explore our TRiO kits for complete details for available conversion kits.

Are the components built by Tilting Motor Works?

Yes, with the help of some local machine shops. Our staff and vendors all have deep experience producing parts for the aircraft industry.  All our components are CAD rendered for automated CNC manufacture and the units are assembled for shipping at our facility in Snohomish, Washington, USA.

Let’s Talk About the TRiO Ride

How does TRiO handle when compared to a motorcycle?

A TRiO-equipped machine, counter-steers, leans and handles just like your original two-wheeled bike.

Do TRiO’s ride like ordinary trikes?

Not at all–they lean. A TRiO is perfect for riders who are unsatisfied with the handling or image of rear-wheel trikes and Spyder’s.

How does the TRiO conversion impact top speed?

It doesn’t. There is a negligible increase in weight, but the two-wheel front end improves cornering speeds. The CEO of TMW set successive world land speed records for three-wheelers at Bonneville Salt Flats using TRiO-enabled front ends.

How does TRiO affect the lean angle of the bike?

It doesn’t.  The converted bike will lean as far as the stock motorcycle, until the pegs or floorboards scrape the pavement.

How does TRiO affect riding comfort?

Comfort is improved. The TiltLock system means you can keep your feet up and do not need any effort to keep your bike vertical when stopped.  And the custom-designed front shocks, manufactured by Progressive Suspension, Inc., provide a smooth ride.

Can I still carry a passenger?

Yes, the rear of the bike, including passenger seating, is not affected by the installation. You and your passenger may feel even more secure on 3 wheels.  And because the center of gravity is lower, fork-dive and helmet banging are reduced.

Are there safety benefits?

Common road conditions that pose risks to conventional motorcycles can be non-events aboard a TMW-equipped vehicle. For example, if hitting a bump, loose gravel, or an oil slick with one front tire, the other tire can maintain traction even while cornering.

And the TiltLock™ Leveling System

How does the TiltLock mechanism work?

As you slow to a stop, the front-end locks and levels to the horizon and the bike becomes self-supporting. You can relax and keep your feet up at lights or in stop-and-go traffic.  TiltLock releases automatically as the bike gets under way.

Can a TiltLock equipped motorcycle fall over?

Not when you are stopped.  Because your converted bike leans, you can still low-side your bike at higher speeds.  With TiltLock the bike can right itself to vertical when a floorboard or a crash bar is touching the ground.

Can I get a TRiO without TiltLock?

Yes, and you can add TiltLock later if you change your mind.

The TRiO Installation

How long does it take to install?

A Tilting Motor Works-certified dealer can install the kit in about 12 to 15 hours of shop time. It may take longer if it involves removing and re-mounting additional aftermarket components.

Can my regular dealer complete my installation?

If your dealer is interested in becoming a Tilting Motor Works-certified dealer, ask them to review our Dealer Inquires page.

Can I install it myself?

Only Tilting Motor Works-certified dealers are authorized to install the conversion kit.   

The TRiO Conversion and Your Bike

How is the TRiO kit installed?

The conversion simply involves removing the front fork and wheel and replacing them with a new front-end that bolts to the front of the motorcycle. There is no drilling, welding, cutting or other alterations to the frame.

Can the body be painted to match my bike?

The fairing and fenders are supplied in gloss black gelcoat.  Your installation dealer can color-match to your existing paint.

What happens to my ABS?

If your Harley-Davidson, Indian or 2018 and newer Honda is equipped with ABS, it will be maintained as part of the TiltLock system.  ABS will no longer work for 2017 and earlier Honda’s. However, with 4-piston calipers and perimeter rotors on both front wheels, you will be impressed with the impeccable stopping power.

Are the airbags on my Gold Wing still functional after conversion?

Goldwing airbags are disconnected and not functional after the conversion.

How wide is the bike after the conversion?

The two front wheels are 36 inches on center.  The overall width is 43 inches, basically the same width between mirrors as the stock motorcycle. 

How much weight does it add to the bike?

The net weight gain after conversion is only about 100 lbs. without TiltLock and 120 lbs. with TiltLock.

Does the wheelbase change?

The wheelbase remains essentially the same.

Can I still have highway pegs?

On Harley-Davidson Touring and Softail models, the engine guard is removed to provide clearance for the front wheels and aftermarket highway peg options are available.  On Honda models the stock engine guards and highway pegs are retained.

Can I keep my lower fairings?

On Harley-Davidson Touring models, the lower fairings are removed to provide clearance for the front wheels.

What happens to my Harley-Davidson Twin-Cooled system?

On Harley-Davidson Touring models, the twin-cooling radiators are relocated because the lower fairings are removed to provide clearance for the front wheels.  A relocation kit is required and adds $100 or $411 depending on the year.

What are my wheel choices?

You can choose between black anodized, silver anodized or chrome wheels.  The chrome wheel option adds $485 to the cost.

Tilting Motor Works Wheel Choices

What size front tires are used?

We use Dunlop American Elite tires that are 130/80/17.

How does the kit affect my fuel efficiency?

We estimate that the extra weight and wind resistance could result in a loss of 1-4 mpg.

Do you return the original parts?

Any parts that are removed, including the front fork and front wheel, will be returned. As part of the installation we will re-mount any stock equipment that needs to be moved. Any non-stock modifications that interfere with installation may need to be relocated at additional expense or removed and returned.

Can my bike be converted back to two wheels?

Yes.  The TRiO front-end can be removed and the original parts reinstalled to restore your bike.

 

Manufacturer Approvals, DMV Inspections and More

Do motorcycle manufacturers endorse the product?

Tilting Motor Works, Inc is not endorsed by any motorcycle manufacturers.

Do I need a special license to ride one?

In most states, you will need a motorcycle license. In addition, some states require a separate endorsement to ride 3-wheeled motor vehicles. Contact your DMV to confirm.

Does the vehicle need to pass a DMV inspection?

Because the TMW conversion does not alter the frame, it is usually treated like any aftermarket accessory with no inspection required. However, we encourage you to check your state’s requirements.