East Coast Cycle
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Lehman Trikes are designed to utilize factory
components from the original motorcycle. OEM suspension, finaldrive, lights, seating and
exhaust are incorporated wherever possible. This makes maintenance, service and accessory
installation simple and convenient.
All Lehman original body designs are crafted to complement and
enhance the style of the original motorcycle. The most current production methods are
utilized, like vacuum resin transfer molding (RTM) and urethane plastic injection molding.
Lehman Trike conversion kits are engineered and manufactured to
provide superior handling, performance, and reliability. This commitment to original
thinking and leading edge design has resulted in such developments as the famous Lehman
"No Lean" suspension, which offers exceptional high-speed handling and
confidence inspiring maneuverability. Lehman Trikes also offer the most effective Trike
braking systems that have been tested to date.
Lehman Trikes offer an exceptionally stable ride and nimble handling
characteristics, ideal for touring at highway speeds. You will enjoy unmatched versatility
and convenience. Add to that, supreme comfort and the exhilaration of the open road and
you have a genuine Lehman Trike.
SUSPENSION
The Lehman “No Lean” philosophy begins with a solid,
one-piece swingarm that is designed to be the most sturdy and inflexible in the industry.
What this does is completely minimize the Trike’s ability to sway or roll to the
outside of a corner. The noticeable benefits are increased stability and easier steering,
especially at highway speeds. This is the simple “No Lean” philosophy that is
responsible for the best handling Trikes for over 20 years!
- What is “No-Lean” suspension?
The single greatest factor that determines how a Trike performs is swing-arm design. No
other single component has such an impact on handling and ride quality.
“No-Lean” refers to the Lehman proprietary design, which minimizes flex in the
swing-arm and rear-end system. This design features a differential rear-end with internal
solid axles. The Lehman swing-arm is a one piece reinforced design, specially constructed
to reduce all torsion effects.
- Why should the swingarm be so rigid?
Performance. The way to maximize stability and improve handling is to use the most rigid
one-piece swing-arm possible. Using a rigid swing-arm ensures that while cornering, all
three wheels remain firmly planted on the ground, while the center of gravity stays where
it belongs – centered over the rear end. Flex within the swing-arm would cause the
Trike to lean resulting in decreased stability and heavier steering.
How does “No-Lean” suspension
compare to independent suspension systems?
“No-Lean” is the exact opposite of independent suspension. Independent platforms
are designed to allow shock compression on one side of the Trike while allowing extension
on the opposite side. For this reason, body roll or “sway” must be expected.
Body roll shifts the center of gravity to the outside wheel in curves and creates a less
stable condition. To compensate for this, the rider must slow down or the Trike may tip
over. In effect, a Trike with independent suspension will tip easier and faster, due to
the center of gravity shifting towards the outside of the Trike. The addition of anti-sway
devices simply limits this tendency by restricting the independent movement, which also
limits the smooth ride benefits.
No other motorcycle-Trike conversion is as stable or handles as well
as the Lehman “No-Lean” Trike.
STEERING
Installation of a Lehman Trikes Triple Tree kit improves the Trike
riding experience by reducing the steering effort required to turn the Trike, while making
the steering more responsive. The triple tree kit modifies the fork tube angle moving the
front wheel further out in front of the Trike, reducing the trail.
Lehman Trikes has experimented with a variety of different triple
tree angles and has determined the optimum angle the Honda Gold Wing. The angle chosen
reduces the steering effort and improves steering response while maintaining the stability
required at higher speeds.
