The Basics

Trike I - The Cool Cruiser

No one styles or engineers a trike better than we do at Grinnall Specialist Cars. That's why our BMW R1200C Trike has been a best seller for us for nearly a decade.

The Trike I (launched in 2000) was the first in a growing line of trikes manufactured by Grinnall. Based on the family of BMW R1200C cool cruisers, including the CL and Montauk, the Trike I was styled by Steve Harper (more info), formerly a Volvo senior designer, who also penned the Scorpion-III and Scorpion-IV. His work blends perfectly with the styling of the R1200C to produce an appealing and coherent whole. It looks like a Bavarian original.

Mechanically, the machine is well up to the high standards set by the Scorpion-III, with a light but torsionally rigid space frame sub-chassis, which replaces the standard rear end. The new chassis uses the same mounting points as the original bike chassis directly, mounting onto the engine. Sophisticated, 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 R1200C in 2005. The Trike I 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 R1200 C/CL/Montauk. The conversion can also be purchased in component form for the export market or if you opt to do your own spanner work, also for the export market. Build time is around 60 hours, and the Trike I can be converted back into a two-wheeler, as and when required, in about the same time.

Technical stuff

Our CNC aluminium billet top yoke 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 305mm twin front discs are complimented by our rear braking system; The Grinnall trademark oval double wishbone suspension is attached with spherical joints to our new Grinnall-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.

Most standard BMW R1200C's have non assisted braking. However, ABS is fitted on random models of the 1200C along with linked servo assisted braking. The CL version has a 6-speed gearbox, Cruise Control, ABS and Linked Braking as standard. For the CL there is also an optional CD/Tuner available, plus we can fit GARMIN satellite navigation.

Wheels
There are three choices of wheels:
1. Rimstock light alloy one piece wheels.
2. Bespoke Image 3-piece, 3-spoke billet rear wheels to match the style of the front 'Independent' wheel.
3. Bespoke Image 5-spoke, 3-peice billet rear wheels to match the style of the front cast CL/Montauk wheel.
Note: We can supply a new BMW front wheel of any type.

Tyres
Front: Standard BMW fitment.
Rear (all models): 195/70/15 Toyo.
These tyres were chosen to match the style and profile of the original bike rear tyre, 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.

The Trike I boasts a relaxed, comfortable ride, safe, precise handling, and with its 61bhp is more than enough performance to keep most people happy. BMW's optional Pillion Comfort Seat is fitted standard, providing luxury comfort to make long distances a breeze. There are three choices of handlebars, as well as foot boards for maximum comfort.

As well as the range of Grinnall options, BMW created around 20 additional 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 I an ideal tourer, so there is proper provision for your luggage.  A small key operated boot hides 20 litres of space in the 'boot'. For passenger safety we offer a chrome grab rail, together with a back rest for additional security. An integral chromed luggage rack can be added to the grab rail to create a base for a Grinnall CNC billet alloy platform which is designed to accept the Givi range of touring boxes. For the rider, there is also an optional fixed back rest. A tow bar kit can also be fitted which can accept a second 52 litre Givi case which is mounted vertically at the rear.

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 1200C. Alternatively, you may wish to convert your own bike 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.

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.

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 R1200C based, Trike I – you will not be disappointed!