SPIT-FIRE the Trike

An ST1100 mated with a VW front end

For Ebay folks interested in the trike, I understand that a purchase like this is even more difficult than purchasing a car or motorcycle online - the trike is pretty unique.  Most folks would need to see it and drive it before purchasing.  If you are interested enough in the trike, just do an ebay "ask the seller a question".  That way after the auction, I will contact you so you can come see it and negotiate a price and transport.

I have a link here so you can read the whole "SpiT-fire" Trike project story

Honda ST 1100 owners typically come up with names using the ST part of the name, like STriker, or STreak, or something with ST in it.  So I've called nicknamed the trike; 
"SpiT-Fire". 

   Cool concept 3 wheel Trike;   Originally seen as a DIY Kit Plan in Mechanics Illustrated.  It is a motorcycle with 3 wheels - This one drives like a car using a VW front axle w/2 wheels up front and a motorcycle behind for the rear wheel.  Much better stability and drivability than typical 1 wheel front-2wheels rear design.  Since the Kit showed up in Mechanics Illustrated many have been built by individuals around the country.  Each has it's own creative touch, body work design and enhancements.

Some of the reasons I wanted to experience a Trike:

  1. I guess the number one reason is that Trikes are just very cool and Fun
  2. Gets well over 44 MPG ! 
  3. Trikes are typically licensed as a motorcycle
  4. This one is Dual purpose; you can disconnect the motorcycle from the VW "accessory front end".
  5. I would always be able to use the Commuter lane !
  6. This Trike seats 2 people side by side (plus 2 on the motorcycle = 4) 
  7. 2 front drive wheels is a much better handling design than 1 wheel front trike
  8. My wife could drive it! 
  9. Man, I love trikes
  10. You can customize the look and ride in so many ways.   There are examples of many body designs, several are all enclosed, Lots of fancy paint jobs, wheels, seats, etc.
  11. You can add creature comforts limited only to your creative ideas.  Add CDPlayer, 2 way communications, Navigation, and more.


No permanent modification is done to the cycle. The throttle and clutch are simply moved to mount on the trike (the throttle and the clutch levers are not disconnected).  

Reverse Trikes

Others around the world have chosen an ST1100 for the motorcycle end of a Reverse Trike project. Here are a couple ST1100 Trike conversions I particularly enjoyed. 
You Gotta check out this outrageous ST1100 reverse trike video!!  You can do a search at UTUBE for reverse trikes to see lots of very interesting reverse trike projects. 

These Trike's are using the exact same 2 wheels front 1 wheel rear concept w/front end axle and same engineering concept to join the units together.  The bodys are obviously very unique - hand done with the red one using actual car panels and the other is a fiberglass rendition like the SpiT Fire.

   Whooooo Hoooo, is this puppy is fast and smooth!!  I keep thinking of other things I would add or change, but that is the nature of a project like this and it makes it perfect to pass on to someone else who will add their own personal touch.  There are plenty of Customizing ideas you will be able to do.  SpitFire is pretty basic in this first finish stage and it has been just is a BLAST to drive.   It gets attention anyplace it goes.

SpitFire will be at home at any motorcycle show, car show, fair, parade, advertising vehicle, - You name it and this puppy will get attention where ever it goes.

The bike section runs absolutely great! Solid, fast, and smooth, just like a dependable ST1100 should (only 27,000 miles on a honda that lasts well over 100,000 miles).  In fact if you look at the ST1100 web site you can find all the impressive aspects of Honda's best kept secret - the ST1100 Sport Touring Machine.  Currently lots of police are issued ST1100 and ST1300 motorcycles.

With a vehicle creation like a Trike or any custom vehicle; you will be able to find Lots of things you can personalize or customize.  Often a vehicle like this becomes a fun ongoing hobby getting updates, modifications and changes all it's life.

Although this Trike is Finished, licensed and operating, I know whoever owns it will be thinking of stuff to change, customize, improve, or just tinker with to really make it that much more into "Your Creation":  I guess we do that with motorcycles or any unique hobby item.  Anyhow, here are a few things I would consider doing: 

  • Re-fabricated belly pan in sheet metal using the existing belly pan as an easy instance template.  (I'd also close up the front cabin foot section.)

  • Dash of nice wood, bicycle speedo, a CD player, glove box, grab handles, and god knows what else you could come up with.

  • New "half round" racing steering wheel that pops on and off and set closer to the instrument panel. 

  • cooler tires & wheels, more/better lights

  • I'd like a more comfy seat too ;)

You could upgrade and improve and customize to your hearts content.

 NOTE: The saddlebags and tail trunk pictured are NOT for sale with the trike.  They belong to my commuter ST1100. 
You can purchase them separately. 

The SpiTfire Trike is worth much more than the asking price.  I have owned it for several years, I've enjoyed driving it very much - but I am ready to pass it on.  Priced to sell - before I change my mind ;)
It is currently in my garage and I need that garage space back for other projects.  I'm a motivated seller! 

The Reverse Trike design is just handles excellently.  It corners very well - it corners as fast as you will want it to.  It dives into corners like a car.  SpiTfire will corner much better than the 1 wheel front trike designs. You are not going to tip this trike over without really really forcing it and being bent on tipping it - like a car in many ways.  It handles very well - like a very low to the ground sports car - it does push into the corners.  Braking is wonderful.  The VW brakes up front are set slightly softer than the rear motorcycle brake.  If you do lock up the tires you want the rear to slide before the fronts.  If you do lock up the tires it will skid/drift just like your car - the back end will start to swing around, but like your car it is controllable and if you just ease off the brake it straightens right out - yes, just like your car.

Unlike a motorcycle, you don't have to worry about sliding out in gravel. SpiTfire is Not an off road vehicle and it drives very rough and bumpy off road.  It is designed for the asphalt roadway.

I have a link here so you can read the whole "The SpiT-Fire" project story

"SpiTfire TRIKE"