Restoration-Mini

General Discussion => The Lounge => Topic started by: MPlayle on August 11, 2025, 09:08:31 AM

Title: My next new toy
Post by: MPlayle on August 11, 2025, 09:08:31 AM
I am in Durham, NC picking up my next new toy.  It is getting a last couple of grelins sorted, then I will get some pictures of it on the trailer for the trip home.

Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: ve9aa on August 11, 2025, 11:59:34 AM
Morgan?
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: MPlayle on August 11, 2025, 02:25:30 PM
Triking.  A replica inspired by the 1930s era Morgans.

Trikings use Moto Guzzi power plants and transmissions, so they don't have the complexity and maintenance issues of the Morgans.  I ordered mine with the optional reverse-box which goes between the Guzzi engine/transmission and the Guzzi final drive, midway through the extended drive shaft.

It is now loaded and ready for the trip home.

Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: BruceK on August 11, 2025, 03:12:26 PM
Congratulations Michael on your new toy! Love the color. You're gonna have a lot of fun with that. Can't wait to see it in person. Have a safe trip home.


Edit: a Mini connection: just noticed your rear indicators are the same as late model Mini front turn signals!
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: Dan Moffet on August 11, 2025, 03:23:43 PM
Very Nice.  The 3-ramp trailer is trick!
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: BruceK on August 11, 2025, 03:29:07 PM
Quote from: Dan Moffet on August 11, 2025, 03:23:43 PMVery Nice.  The 3-ramp trailer is trick!

I've seen it in person and it's very nice. Also can be used to haul Minis!  Michael had it customized to his specifications.
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: Willie_B on August 11, 2025, 06:49:18 PM
I toyed with the Morgan three wheeler before I went the moke route. That should be a whole lotta fun.
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: Dan Moffet on August 12, 2025, 03:03:42 AM
Quote from: BruceK on August 11, 2025, 03:29:07 PM
Quote from: Dan Moffet on August 11, 2025, 03:23:43 PMVery Nice.  The 3-ramp trailer is trick!

I've seen it in person and it's very nice. Also can be used to haul Minis!  Michael had it customized to his specifications.

Even prettier with that Mini on it! Bonus points for it being a wagon version - my first car was a 1968 Countryman smooth side (no wood.) I also like the high-mounted middle brake light on it.
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: ve9aa on August 12, 2025, 10:08:59 AM
Never heard of that make/model but I like it!...maybe almost as much as the LWB Mini.

Nice !
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: MPlayle on August 12, 2025, 08:33:24 PM
My Mini is actually a panel Van that had the side window conversion done by a previous owner.

The trailer is by Stinger trailers (https://stingertrailer.com).  I ordered a custom version of their trailer for the Can-Am Spyder, but longer to accommodate the Mini.  The Triking is a kit from a UK company and is about the same length as a Mini Saloon.

Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: Dan Moffet on August 13, 2025, 04:44:40 AM
Quote from: ve9aa on August 12, 2025, 10:08:59 AMNever heard of that make/model but I like it!...maybe almost as much as the LWB Mini.

Nice !

Austin Mini Countryman was the Austin version of the LWB Mini station wagon. The name of the Morris version escapes me at the moment. It was very much like MPlayle's, except it came with sliding side windows in the back and a rear bench seat that could be folded down for a longer load space. 
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: MiniDave on August 13, 2025, 07:32:41 AM
I had a Clubman version of the wagon, with the 4" longer front end, coupled with the longer wheelbase - called a "Clubman Estate"

I've been thinking about getting another one, I really liked the extra space inside. Maybe even getting my old one back.....
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: Scargo on August 13, 2025, 01:18:41 PM
The Morris version was the Traveller.
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: MPlayle on August 18, 2025, 01:56:35 PM
The next step required for getting it "on the road" has been done.  I am going to try to get it titled as a "replica" (1934 Morgan Aero Supersport replica) and that requires a special inspection by an ASE certified Master Mechanic.  I got the inspection done today.

Tomorrow, I will spend the time at the tax office to get the license plates and title process underway.

Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: drmini on September 04, 2025, 03:12:31 AM
Is it metal or fiberglass?  Looks pretty neat!
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: MPlayle on September 04, 2025, 06:47:18 AM
The frame and bellypan are steel, the body is fiberglass.

The drivetrain is from a Moto Guzzi 1100 EFI.
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: MPlayle on September 28, 2025, 10:47:16 AM
On the road to the Dripping Spring C&C in front of Bruce this morning.

(Picture courtesy of Bruce.)
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: MiniDave on September 28, 2025, 11:11:26 AM
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet with those?
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: MPlayle on September 28, 2025, 01:00:30 PM
Wearing a helmet with that kind of 3-wheeler varies from one state to another.  I have not bothered checking if Texas explicitly requires a helmet, I just prefer to wear one regarless.  The one I wear is an open-faced, 3/4 coverage style. 

The Triking's windshield means I don't have to wear a face shield on my helmet, though I have one I could put on it if desired.

Oh, I forgot to add: the Triking was a major people magnet at the cars & coffee meet.  Lots of folks stopped to look, take pictures, and ask questions.  Many were shocked to learn it was a brand new vehicle.  Several of the other "regulars" at the meet that recognize Bruce and me and knew I had ordered it were quite impressed with how it turned out.
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: BruceK on September 28, 2025, 01:54:45 PM
Here's some me photos I took of it at the show today.
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: BruceK on September 28, 2025, 02:02:46 PM
More
Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: BruceK on September 28, 2025, 02:04:09 PM
And a video taken as I followed behind in my Mini.

Title: Re: My next new toy
Post by: Brit_in_TX on October 08, 2025, 09:14:08 AM
Quote from: MPlayle on September 28, 2025, 01:00:30 PMWearing a helmet with that kind of 3-wheeler varies from one state to another.  I have not bothered checking if Texas explicitly requires a helmet, I just prefer to wear one regarless.  The one I wear is an open-faced, 3/4 coverage style.

Texas does not require you wear a helmet on a 3 wheeler at all.

Also you do not need to wear a helmet on a motorcycle, as long as you have current health insurance (and are over 21).