The Basics
The Trike I (launched in 2000) was the first in a growing line of trikes manufactured by Grinnall. Based on the BMWR1150R, the Trike 1150R is another Steve Harper design (more info) Steve, formerly a Volvo senior designer, also penned the Scorpion-III and Scorpion-IV. His work blends perfectly with the style of the bike but is much more overtly sporty than the original Trike 1200C. Lithe and aggressive-looking, it features dual Ducati-style carbon fibre exhausts which exit below the seat. Again, Steve's work blends perfectly with the styling of the R1150R to produce an appealing and coherent whole which still looks like the Bavarian original.
Mechanically - apart from its more powerful engine - the machine is similar to the Trike 1200C, with sophisticated double-wishbone rear suspension mounted on a light but very torsionally rigid space frame sub-chassis which attaches to the rear end of the original bike frame. Sophisticated, rose-jointed independent double wishbone rear suspension and high quality adjustable dampers guarantee a smooth ride, whilst maintaining high speed cornering capability. The inboard anti-roll bar acts within the body work to keep body-roll under control.
BMW ceased production on the R1150R in 2007. The Trike is therefore only available fully assembled onto a used low mileage donor bike sourced and supplied by us. Or, it can be factory assembled onto your own R1150R. The conversion can also be purchased in component form for the export market or if you opt to do your own spanner work. Build time is around 60 hours, and the Trike can be converted back into a two-wheeler, as and when required, in about the same time.
The Trike 1150R boasts a sporting but comfortable ride, safe, precise handling with minimum steering input, and a lot more performance than its laid-back sibling. Trikes registered in the UK can be ridden using a car licence; a motorcycle test is therefore not a legal requirement. The law also says that trikes can be ridden in the UK without wearing a crash helmet (although we do not recommend this practice), and the road tax is the same as that for the two-wheeler.
Technical stuff
Our CNC aluminium billet top yoke and (on the R1150R) replacement CNC billet fork brace, provides carefully revised steering geometry for BMW's front 'Tele-Lever' suspension. Trail is reduced, ensuring low cornering effort yet still guaranteeing fantastic high speed straight line stability. Maximised lock stops allow a tight turning circle. However, for difficult manoeuvres we have developed a unique electric reverse that drives a special hardened steel gearwheel mounted on the prop shaft. This also doubles up as the rear parking brake, and is fitted with a single inboard mechanical brake caliper which is cable operated from the parking brake lever. An additional battery can be fitted to ensure your day won’t be spoilt by having to push.
The original BMW large 320mm twin front discs are complimented by our own rear braking system; The Grinnall trademark oval double wishbone suspension is attached with spherical joints to our new in-house designed CNC billet alloy uprights. These are fitted with 254mm rear discs. Twin opposed-piston Hi-Spec calipers are fed by Goodridge stainless steel braided hoses that combine to guarantee a solid pedal, or hand operated lever, with superb feel and braking control.
Some standard BMW R1150R's have non assisted braking. However, ABS is fitted on some models along with linked servo assisted braking. The R also benefits from having a 6-speed gearbox. We also offer GARMIN satellite navigation.
Wheels
There are three choices of wheels:
1. Rimstock light alloy one piece wheels. 7 x 17in.
2. Bespoke Image 3-piece, Multi-spoke billet rear wheels to match the style of the original front wheel. 17in x 17in.
Note: We can supply a new BMW front wheel of any type.
Tyres
Front: Standard BMW fitment.
Rear (all models): 205/45/17 Toyo.
These tyres were chosen to match the style of the bike, with mudguards also made to match the Bavarian original.
A lightweight, alloy cased differential ensures even drive to the rear wheels. Our maintenance free drive-line uses the original, modified BMW prop shaft and two equal length GKN drive shafts.
We have created a few Grinnall optional accessories to allow owners to add their personal touch to their machines. The strikingly styled GRP body is spray-painted in the best materials available, and colour matched to the original BMW range. Alternatively, you can choose from a wide range of custom colours.
Whilst prioritising safety and rider and passenger comfort, considerable thought has been devoted to making the Trike an ideal tourer, so there is proper provision for your luggage. A Grinnall CNC billet luggage platform is fitted to the top of the seat tail piece that incorporates CNC billet grab handles. The platform is designed to accept the Givi range of touring boxes. A tow bar kit can also be fitted, which is designed to accept a second 52 litre Givi case which is mounted vertically at the rear, or to tow a trailer.
Most Grinnall Trikes are factory-built using used low mileage donor bikes supplied through the BMW network or bought privately by us, or you may wish us to convert your own 1150R. Alternatively, you may wish to convert your bike yourself, using our comprehensive kit of component parts (CKD). Body panels come fully painted and all parts are finished and ready for assembly. Build time for a CKD kit is about 80 hours. For the export market the CKD kit is carefully packed into a wooden crate and shipped either by air or sea freight direct to your door.
In the words of MCN: ‘Riding trikes is about being an individual. And that’s why we all ride’..... it’s a party on three wheels.’
So try all the alternatives, then come and try the Grinnall trikes – you will not be disappointed!