Economical high mileage reverse trike

[@dlthompsonii]

Just found this in my recommendations. Thank you for sharing. It's not always easy letting go of projects, but as you said, lessons learned will be used on later projects. May your next project go more smoothly and give you even greater satisfaction.

[@briansmobile1]

Well told story Paul. Projects like this take all kinds or twists and have all kinds of lessons and victories.

[@MrMyvids4you]

Hello Paul Elkins, what you said at the very end of the video, is the key to living a truly fulfilling life. Thanks for being a source of inspiration.

[@TheodoreWoodford]

I love these narrative design process style videos! It's always heart-wrenching to see an old project move on but perhaps this will be the catalyst for another trike!

[@penguinbadgerturkeybear4343]

Had a tear in my eye when you said you'd sold it. You can really hear the passion in your voice!

[@artisticbrit]

Brilliant Paul, you never cease to bring a smile. I too have designed similar vehicles in my past. Another reason Elio for me has been so inspirational. Another classic video you put together.

[@charlesbennett4147]

Andrew Jones ‘

[@scotthornhill8762]

Elio had me inspired until they took all of our money and squander it. They are a sham of a company. That is 1500 bucks i will never see again. The only way to get a three wheeled commuter trike to is build it ourselves!

[@TheBugbugboy]

washington state? about 30 years ago, think i met you, you made me realize it was ok to dream and build, thank you, sir.

[@sdejesus13]

I really enjoyed your video. You are a good story teller and kind of a natural at documentary film making. Really nice job!

[@alangluff5535]

Always enjoy Paul's projects. I will be posting my version of the electric plywood boat in the spring! Thanks for the entertainment Paul!

[@77ARATH]

You had a great dream... Law will never stop people from doing what they want without hurting others

[@user-oc1jn3hj6y]

I had no Idea that was an almost 30 year project. I have also dreamed of something like that, but using a newer Goldwing with reverse. I could see myself slipping in reverse and breaking the reverse drive unit. AKA my leg! I was an awesome ride. You've proven my concept, so thank you for doing all that first draft prototyping work! You're awesome sir

[@dysfunctionalhero]

Inspirational to hear how you never gave up on your dream! Congratulations!

[@iancrowther1665]

great work Paul. I too have dreamed of making a high efficient vehichle. after watching this, I realise you just have to start and perhaps, not be in a hurry. thanks for the inspiration

[@broganhogan3469]

Love your creations, Paul. I wish I had the mechanical knowledge and engineering skills you had to create things like this.

[@alwaystinkering7710]

Flintstone reverse LOL! Seriously, you are my hero. I've wanted to do a reverse trike since I saw the Tri-Magnum in 1984.

[@rickhibdon11]

I STILL have the magazine that was written up in!

[@ssplintergirl]

I've been watching your videos for years now and I love your design process. The things you develop seem brilliant to me.

[@ZyronMelancon]

Truly, very inspiring. I'm looking to build my own 3 wheeler with a very similar style, similar drivetrain, and the same reason (high gas mileage). It's nice to know what obstacles you've overcome to make it a reality. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@mhussainkhan776]

I really appreciat your prompt reply . I pray for your good health and long life . Thank you

[@kokopelli314]

I know just how you felt Paul. Still, sounds like she went to a good home. Thanks for sharing this .

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Hey Ken. How's your rig holding up? Still using it? Lately I've been thinking of creating something along the same lines as your electric trike.

[@kokopelli314]

Paul Elkins Very well thank you Paul. I got some aluminum cased lifepo4 cells from ElectricCarPartsCompany in Utah and put together another 48v pack. Spend a day a couple weeks ago tightening up and aligning the front end. That was a bit of a chore, but worth the time. Definitely a better ride and much less scrubbing. I imagine you've had similar experiences with front end alignment on your machines. Been using a catalytic propane heater on the cold and damp days. Really helps eliminate fogging and makes the interior comfortable. I keep sufficient airflow. Always a pleasure to see your ideas and projects. You inspire many.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

I just looked at your photos of the trike build. It looks like you've gone thru many a trial and error. I'm not too familiar with electric vehicles but I do see the potential, especially seeing your mileage and if used on a regular basis. Yes, steering can be a pain, but I like your trike front suspension. Damn near auto complexity. but still frugal. Not familiar with this trike. Where did you find the acrylic dome?

[@kokopelli314]

Paul Elkins the lexan canopy was blown for an RV 8 sports aircraft by Todd's Canopies in Florida. It was a little off size for his customer, so I got it at cost.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Lucky you! I've been looking around for lexan canopies but some day may just try to blow my own. Not an easy task but lately I've been taking a composites class and am fortunate to have a very skilled teacher in all facets fabrication.

[@wamplertube]

well ..... I think I was a bit sad to see it go. pretty neat though having someone wanting to buy your creations. looking forward to the next one! :) have a great day!

[@whatwedoin6784]

I remember the trimagnum. I had a 78 Honda hawk 400 I wanted to turn into a trimagnum in 1985. I first went to the CA dmv with the popular mechanics mag and told them what I wanted make this and asked what was needed. They told me I would never be issued a license plate or be able to register that thing in this state. I stopped dreaming and I stopped being disappointed.

[@guyduke9821]

Well, I have studied the Tri-Magnum for many hours. I even located one and was able to go sit in it. At 6 foot tall, I was unable to close the top, and the fit of the steering and my legs was terrible. Then I had a tough time getting out of it. The builder had done 2 of these and stated that the other one was taller and that they split the VW axle to widen it 6 inches. I really wanted to do one but the glass work scares me to death. I am at a point today that I have the VW front end, and two different bikes in the garage that could be donated to the cause. Still the though of glassing and climbing back out of the TM keeps me from diving in. Your setup shown her gives me a bit of hope. Now you have me thinking again...............

[@learrus]

Inspiring as always. Tomorrow if the guy shows up, I am trading two of my paintings and a custom paint job for an arc welder and a jigsaw; I thought waiting ten years for this to build my buggy was long; but you waited twice as long. I am going all electric, ultra light weight, peddle powered when juice is off.

[@Jeus-h3o]

Paul Elkins. I to have a dream about building a car/motorbike...thanks for the awesome work and video. I love the words at the end of the video.

[@mariobarcelon7226]

The trimagnum on popular science was also an inspiration of mine. I was right in subscribing to your channel. I also hope that I put to life my designs before I get too old. I'm no 54.

[@adrievankempen2054]

What a nice story, in my plan i was also thinking too use the VW front end and the motorcycle at the back, with you,re experience I know now what to do directly what to do with the shocks!

[@stevelinbergbaby135]

Merry Christmas Paul- you are one of the good guys!

[@melissasilverman5786]

I think you are amazing and inspirational! The love of my life and I watch your videos and gather ideas for minimizing, love, and adventure! Thank you! 😍😍

[@miguel360kmc]

I enjoyed this video. Great story cant wait till your new trike is done

[@stevenspears44]

I love his narrative voice. always a great video from this channel!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Pretty good almost done vehicle. I like the guys idea of an online three cylinder from a metro. A 1 liter engine should get pretty good mileage. One of my son's had a metro a few years back and did the math at 42 MPG and it desperately needed a tune up. I recently bought an 82 Metro convertible and am working to get it back on the road as soon as possible. My current vehicle is left over from having a lot of kids. Now that we're empty-nesters, a full size van with a V-8 5.8 liter is overkill and takes too much gas.

[@aalove2010]

Thanks for sharing Paul, very nice drawings too.

[@KiranDigavalli]

Beautiful trike and video! I'm still building mine, and your endeavors have provided inspiration and hope for my efforts. Happy holidays.

[@allenwilson2395]

You Paul Elkins are a inspiration ,,,

[@stevelinbergbaby135]

good old American innovation - love your work my brother! I do motorized bikes gas, & electric

[@isetta4083]

Steve Linbergbaby ...

[@GatorLife57]

Great job Paul ! You are one of my entrepreneur heroes ! ... Thumbs up .... ENJOY.... THE SIMPLE LIFE

[@TheTranscendental1]

Use polyester wool stretch over the frame then fiberglass that. Then you can put fiberglass over that. The wool stretches great over a frame.

[@19stoney64]

This was the greatest video! Thanks for sharing! It seemed like it was about me not you. The closest I've come to my own desires is the crosley cars. It's a 50 mph tiny car that sits on sheet of plywood with 40x80 wheelbase. I still dream of building something from scratch but health is preventing me from that at the moment. I had in mind to do exactly what you did and use motorcycle donor. Tag and insure it as that motorcycle. Nobody needs to see it where I live. We don't have inspections. I wouldn't be worried because it would be mechanically sound if we did have inspections. I'm not laying down my dreams regardless of what doctors are telling me. Thanks again!

[@planb2222]

Have a Merry Christmas, Paul!

[@jackmehoff2961]

Awesome video ! I always had a dream of building a car based on VW drive train. Great to see your dream come true. Then its time to move one. Thank You for sharing your video.

[@SSIS69]

Paul you are a great man and a genius!

[@ATrustInThrust]

I love your videos and your messages you convey in them.

[@jeep2003]

Its not the shocks making the front end stiff its the springs. On my buggy I took out half the torsion springs.

[@thornortheastregionaltruck2392]

I once made similar plans.. but use an aftermarket aluminum front vw front suspension. a Honda 750cc and make it a 2 seater. the seats set back just a bit towards the sides of the motor, with a cooling duct from the front grill to the motor..

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

I wish I'd installed a bigger motor and duct work. I too thought of getting an aluminum beam but went the cheap route.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Good call with the metro motor better yet the Chevy sprint motor which is the same other than the carburetor and mechanical fuel pump head.

[@choppersrule1]

a sad moment mate when you sell off one of your babies, i felt the same way when i sold my first trike. i hope your next one will be just as awesome. have a great day mark

[@ScottWConvid19]

"Okay Paul, enough with the camera!" That was funny. :)

[@watahyahknow]

lot of the motorcycle engine conversions use a startermotor and a flexplate from a car mounted straight to the solid rearaxle to reverse the car i thing the vw bug front end uses two torsion bars per side but they couldve been a stack of twisting springleaves too , maibe deleting one of the two per side or have them machined a lot thinner or replace a few of the leaves with a plastic spacer will make it a lot softer

[@patrickmckowen2999]

I hope we dont have to wait for another 7 yrs! 😃 and go electric next build. Cheers, Patrick

[@lukepm4814]

PATRICK MCKOWEN bro the point of the whole thing is gas mileage

[@cskalle1213]

Then you need to do a miles per kilowatt xD hehe

[@Grizzydan]

Gas is history. The sun isn't going to run out anytime soon. We just need to get better at using it. We have the ability to harness the natural cycles of the earth. The waves in the ocean, wind, rainfall, sun, and geothermal. It's all there happening every day, yet we'd rather pump toxins out of the ground and belch it into the sky.. =[

[@Grizzydan]

What are synthetic fuels moron? Don't quit your dayschool kiddo.

[@SapioiT]

If synthetic fuels (like ethanol alcohol that's also good for drinking although might not taste particularly good) don't work (because it takes space and time to grow the plants, and space and time to convert them into alcohol ethanol), then compressed air is the way to go, since it can be easily (and rather cheaply) be made with the mechanical energy given by wind turbines and solar heaters + stirling engine.

[@ronarmstrong835]

There seems to be a lot of interest in this kind of vehicle now. I think you would like the Sceadu SD-1. Similar vehicle with side by side seating.

[@allanegleston13]

nice machine. in ca , i just learned that three wheel cars are no longer listed as motor cycles , but fall under the regular auto laws here .

[@joedirt8285]

i feel u bro!! i have dreams to... so far im still working on it and hopefully i get to reach it(riding my own crf africa twin in 5 years... no kidding, thanks for the motivation man!! love it!!

[@buildingfilming]

The models that you make are so cool

[@ericheydenreich2846]

Epic journey, thanks for sharing this with us.

[@yetersizbakiye8164]

yellow super color ...project super woooovv....ooffff offff offff ...thanks paul...

[@mhussainkhan776]

Its a really very interesting and easy to understand video, Thanks for sharing.

[@richardalfaro8824]

Great story thanks for sharing , God bless you

[@harrysmith1185]

Love it. Good on you for realising a dream

[@brandonsmisek]

great story. thanks for posting this.

[@williamthomasmi10]

Liked before I even watched it. After the video, still glad I did.

[@MrCruz_TEDM]

very cool paul congratz time to start again!

[@theaustraliatimes3286]

At least I know i am not alone on my fascination with economy

[@tomboardman5694]

so sad Bro! I have a fully restored 76 Toyota celica ST trunk model burnt orange! it's on the block this very moment on Craigslist I'm in Gig Harbor, near you sort of, it's a nice car! wished I could keep it, but I'll find another project the next step up!

[@Geogeorgefrommelbourne]

another great video. thanks and keep up the good work.

[@tuubydude]

Elio is pursuing your dream now.

[@27dcx]

Elio is a scam

[@Josef_R]

27dcx You have no proof of that. To the contrary, they've done lots of work toward their goal.

[@27dcx]

They also push their release date back another year, every year.

[@Josef_R]

27dcx The last time you built a brand brand new production automobile from scratch, how quick did you get it done?

[@death299]

27 would've called tesla a scam it seems their first "real" production car that wasn't recalled en masse was in 2008, 5 years after the company was founded and even then they were a media darling and got funding out the ass even when they couldn't make a dime in returns ello has no such backing, it has to work with what it can..and securing funding and a place to actually produce the things hasn't been easy Racer eventually gave them the funds needed to use an old GM factory, but yeah...not all that useful, hell even Racer knows damn well the chances of them being able to repay on time (or get production on time) is unlikely due to sheer funding problems most cars take 3+ years to start producing, even when absolute power houses are designing and producing the machines cars..if not absolute garbage take a long..long time to produce if you run into any issues along the way it bogs down to such an extent that it feels like forever

[@scottielambert9312]

Fabulous stuff. Renaissance man.

[@sheller94]

Fantastic..... Really interesting video....Thanks Paul

[@AlaskanCharlie]

You can go with up to a 12 inch rim on those from the factory. Just in case you didn't know as far as I have read the rims from a Honda will also fit onto the Yamaha hubs. Just for future reference :) Also try registering it as a motorcycle and not a car, it is only 3 wheels :D Thats how Polaris is getting away with that new 3 wheeled "Car" looking vehicle they are selling called the Slingshot.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

The washington state three wheeled vehicles law keeps changing. Now if you have a steering wheel and roll cage you don't need a helmet and no need for a motorcycle endorsement . (I think)

[@AlaskanCharlie]

Oo ok. I know things can be quite different from state to state. I do know though that the new Polaris Slingshot is very similar to what you had built but is considered a "motorcycle" even though its more like a car, lol.

[@maximilianboost8498]

Nice postscript and a great project

[@pcgamersam2750]

a trike like that that can pull one of your mini caravans

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Sorry to see it end this way...so far.Guy was a bit testy..for being the customer,when he's taking your dream away.

[@allatv82]

Awesome great job on that project!

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

Pretty cool. I’d like to build a reverse trike but I don’t have the guts lol.

[@Thoracius]

I look forward to your next car. Have you seen the Zoleco? He's got construction videos on KZbin. It looks like he did similar to your chickenwire and paper mache technique but used tape and spray foam which he then shaped and glassed.

[@tybrady64]

You beat Elio to the market!

[@alanwilliams9693]

Ty Brady it is beginning to look like there are vehicles that are not yet in the design phase that are going to beat the Elio to the market.

[@mhussainkhan776]

Its a wonderful job you did Mr. Paul. Now, I've got a similar assignment and that is only for two months, Therefor, can you guide me how I can do it. Thanks

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Sorry but I'm very busy lately getting my home ready to sell and fixing up my new home. Maybe some other time.

[@Lumencraft-]

Cool build man.

[@paulbennell3313]

Your drawings are beautiful. Good effort with the trike too but it seems you just ran out of enthusiasm for it. Happens to the best of 'em mate! Good luck with the next build.

[@floyd6502]

Love it Paul. I'm on the list for an Elio. What's your next project? Years ago I had the full plans for the Tri-Magnum. Never went anywhere with them but had fun dreaming. Happy New Year.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

When engaging reverse, if your foot slips you’re gonna take a huge chunk out of your shins.

[@noahcroy1908]

I'm never getting married thanks to you

[@Wannabedually03]

Do you have any ideas for a coroplast camper for a golf cart?

[@prime-eight]

Basically a velorex Oscar with one seat

[@vaioskaliakoudas6388]

Great build, but, why did you not use an atv motor with the motorcycle rear end?

[@dougiequick1]

One way to do a fairly cheap and easy REAL reverse? Simply use an electric motor dedicated only for very short spurts in reverse ...actually a car starter motor would be plenty!

[@maretranquillity]

For what it's worth trikes come in 2 styles: Delta trikes have a single wheel in the front and Tadpole trikes have a single wheel in the back.

[@rubyshmurda6140]

nice build !!

[@TC_Connection]

Very good job! I want to make something similar... But smaller and simple... using a Suzuki Burgman 125 engine. (It's Variomatic Belt drive)

[@tom_olofsson]

Wow, you have really beefed it up. I watched your designs when it was more of a bicycle.

[@burtreynolds3143]

So I was watching your mower video and when you started bending a pipe I lost interest immediately in the mower and in my head I said "Forget the pipe, what the Hell is that cool looking thing in the back of your garage !" So, I had to search this out and find out. Great job following through, even if it took a lot of years. I hope you do your next one in aluminum. I've been following some company called Elio for a while but they seem to have dropped off the radar of late. I shouldn't say much more since I don't know but maybe they ran out of money or something.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Thanks Burt. That was an old project that will (some day) be remade.

[@davidroman4781]

make sure to set a weight build limit next time the suspention on the front really put it down alot thinner front wheels like some off of a smart car

[@garywagner9942]

This i cool.. i wanted to build a Verolex simular concept... i dont know if they would road worthy it in South Africa regulations

[@jhnblkbrn8259]

good show sir!

[@mauriciopacheco12]

ABSOLUTAMENTE INCREÍBLE LO FELICITO DIOS LO BENDIGA

[@diddymuck]

how did you acquire the panels? what was the material used? did you cut them yourself or did they come prepared for installation?

[@larrythelobster.476]

Love ur videos

[@jussayinmipeece1069]

I have been thinking about a Metro/Swift powered reverse trike for a very long time. Is there anyway to get an update on buddy there who bought your trike given that he was planning to use a Metro motor?

[@jaxxbrat2634]

Gotta admire your persistence Sports D racers use bike engines and have a hand lever reverse

[@GerritSmouter1958]

Mijn huidige Flevo Trike uit 1996 , had in 2016-08 al 90.000 km gereden...

[@MartyJames23]

What a great video.