On mt recent trip to Taos, NM., while staying in the hotel, we happened to be sharing our hotel with a group of Triumph riders. One of the Triumph guy's wife had gorgeous trike. It was a 2009 Ridley with a road smith conversion. To look at it it kind of was plain at first glance. But after closer inspection, it was a very unique trike. Ridley apparently started making bicycles much like Harley and Indian, maybe others. They moved into motorcycles and finally succumbed to the poor economy in 2009.
What makes the trike so gorgeous is the power plant. it is an 800cc twin cylinder. Nothing special there right? Take a look at the pics and pay particular attention to the engine. If you like nostalgia, you'll love this.
While talking to the lady that owns it, I invited her to join our little group (Trike Talk) and gave her my card I had made up for just this type of occasion.
She believes her trike might be a one of, but she's not sure. Apparently it's not a hot rod. She claims on a flat road, no head wind, she can get up to 65 mph. She rode it to the Triumph rally, but, left it chained to the hand rail of the hotel the rest of her stay and rode co pilot with her hubby. She claimed, "Even though it has the maximum insurance allowed by law it can't be replaced for what I would get."
I asked about part availability and apparently there is one dealer of parts left. She has to email him and get parts that way. Wouldn't be for me, but, it was way Kewl to see.
I saw several Ridley 2 wheelers at local rallies a few years back. They were very cool looking bikes and very well designed and built. They sounded really good too. If I recall what I read about them they were a 3/4 scale motorcycle. They performed fairly well as 2 wheels but not enough power for a trike. I wonder if Road Smith made the kit specifically for the Ridley or if it was actually made for another motorcycle and was adapted by someone to the Ridley? It is a good looking trike.
Sunman
I stayed at that motel last year. We held a Kawasaki Vulcan Rally there in June 2016. It looks like they have done a bit of work on the exterior of the motel.
Ray
2017 Harley Triglide
Tijuana Border
Our group used to go there every year, but haven't been for five years. I was told they had't done anything since they were there last. The lack of up keep is why the group quit going. They thought they would try it again.
Interested in a Ridley Trike anyone ????
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-Other-M...xZsV1v&vxp=mtr
Jim Murphy
EX-Lehman & Champion Dealer Owner Operator
Iron Butt Rider 2001
WHEN HELP IS OFFERED, A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" IS APPRECIATED.
That engine looks familiar
A Wisconsin Twin?
Nuff Said," Were Burnin Daylight, Lets Ride"(Sober 37 years)
Current ride : 2021 FREEWHEELER M8, oldest ride 1960 FL
Look at a naked Ridley head
Nuff Said," Were Burnin Daylight, Lets Ride"(Sober 37 years)
Current ride : 2021 FREEWHEELER M8, oldest ride 1960 FL