Lehman CrossBow powered by Victory Vision - Rode Test
Maverick - Sep 9, 2010

Intro and First Impressions:

Cycle Matters editors rode a Crossbow Trike made available by Lehman Trikes, the “Leader of the Three World,” of Spearfish, SD. Two of us arrived at 9:00 a.m on a beautiful South Dakota morning; the sky was blue and temperatures in the low 80s and promising to climb to 90 by mid-day.

We were greeted by Jaime Kreager, Creative Media & PR Coordinator, and Kevin Machalek, District Sales Manager, who introduced us to the trike we were about to discover.

In order to approximate the experience of a first time trike rider, we went through the video orientation provided for all trike customers, followed by verbal instruction by Kevin. The central focus of the orientation was on safe operation of the trike…any trike.

The Crossbow is sleek in appearance and gives the impression that a long day, and more in the saddle will be relaxing and enjoyable.

Our plan was to experience the Lehman Trikes CrossBow on a variety of roadway environments including city streets, canyon (twisties and all) and interstate, at a variety of speeds.

Building on a Victory Vision host bike, Lehman completes the CrossBow conversion at its Spearfish, SD manufacturing facility. All trikes are designed by Lehman engineers and assembled, under ISO process Control, by Lehman craftsmen.

Admittedly, when thinking about, evaluating, and discussing the CrossBow, the challenge is to separate the Lehman Trikes CrossBow elements from the Victory Vision motorcycle elements. Readers, of this rode test, should be aware that while our intent is to discuss the Lehman Trikes Crossbow, it is difficult to do without also talking about the Vision. After all, the operator and passenger riding experience is the result of the whole.

The CrossBow portrays a sculpted body design using premium finishes and rolled fender edges to match the progressive styling of the host motorcycle. Trunk hinges, latches, locks are seamless, so bodylines are clean. 

Lehman Trikes has created an excellent continuation of the design theme and lines established by Victory.  

Instrumentation features of the Victory Vision hostbike and CrossBow Trike

The Victory Vision instrumentation provides the operator with a wealth of information, from in an easy to read location in the central front of the trikes’ cockpit.

Digital and analog gauges provide information and feedback about speed, time, etc., and status of systems inside the trike. The dashboard includes an analog speedometer (may be set to MPH or KPH), odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, voltage meter, clock, gear position, and diagnostic readouts for service technicians.   The gauge face includes lights such as high-beam, neutral indicator, and oil warning light.

Sound & Communication System

The audio system integrated in the fairing has AM/FM radio. Satellite radio (available as accessory) and MP3/iPod can also be used as audio source. The Vision is wired to accommodate CB radio and helmet communication system.

Performance features of the Victory Vision hostbike and CrossBow Trike

Victory Vision Features

• Engine Type – Victory Freedom V-Twin, Stage one 106/6: 92 hp and 109 ft.-lb. of torque
• Cooling System – Air and Oil-Cooled
• Displacement – 106 ci/1,731 cc
• Bore and Stroke – 101 x 108 mm
• Maximum Torque – 109 ft. lbs.
• Compression Ratio – 9.4:1
• Fuel Injection – Closed Loop
• Transmission – 6 Speed with True Overdrive
• Final Drive – Carbon Reinforced Belt
• Rake/Trail – 29 Degrees/5.4 inches
• Front Tire Size – 130/70-18 radial
• Front Suspension/Wheel Travel – Conventional telescopic fork/5.1/130mm
• Front Brake Type – Dual 300 mm floating rotor with 3-piston calipers
• Fuel Tank Capacity – 6 Gallons
• Full fairing, with storage compartments, a passenger backrest, and audio speakers
• Electric windshield height control
• Cruise Control is standard
• 6.0-gallon/22.7-liter fuel capacity

Crossbow (conversion) features

• Rear Tire Size – 2 205/60-R 15 radials
• Rear Suspension/Wheel Travel – Standard Vision adjustable/4.7/120mm, air ride bike pump valve. The CrossBow add a second auxiliary shock in line to enhance ride and conversion weight
• Rear Brake Type – 11-1/4 floating rotor with Nissin caliper
• Mechanical Park Brake incorporated into the rear disc brake rotors
• Wheel Base – 65.7 inches
• Overall Length – 109 inches
• Overall width – 55 inches
• Curb weight – 1187 lbs.
• CVWR – 1,674 lbs
• Trunk Volume – 5.0 cu. Ft.

Performance of the CrossBow:

The Victory Vision’s horsepower (106/6: 92 hp and 109 ft.-lb. of torque), is more than sufficient to move this gentle giant (Curb Weight – 1,187 lbs.) from stops, into traffic, and up mountain grades while taking on curves and other roadway challenges when fully loaded with luggage and a passenger. There is power to spare, and clutch, transmission, and power band are integrated to easily find the correct combination of power and speed to go where you want to go, at the speed you want to go. 

Notably, a trike does everything: go, stop, turn right or left, parking, etc., without the issue of balancing or tipping.

Enter Lehman Trikes: Converting a two-wheel motorcycle to a three-wheel trike. Here is how they do it:

“Every rear differential assembly is specially built for Lehman Trikes applications with all new components (no core exchange or remanufactured parts).

Belt Drive Motorcycle = Belt Drive Trike, utilizing original OEM final drive belts. Lehman developed the first belt-driven differential rear ends by eliminating the pinion (on the drive shaft) and ring gear (that it mates with). A belt pulley takes the place of the large ring gear, allowing the differential gears internally to operate as intended. Final drive gear ratios are then simply a function of pulley sizes, same as on a motorcycle.

Within the rear end is an automotive style “open” differential. So in a straight line with both wheels having equal traction, power is transmitted through both. However, through a curve, the wheels can rotate at different speeds allowing the outside wheel to travel a greater distance. If this were not the case, traction would need to be broken every time the vehicle rounded a corner. Stock gearing is retained.”

Piloting a trike is a substantially different type of riding, and it takes a little getting used to. 

Specifically, there is much more required of the upper body and arms when turning the motorcycle, including 90 degree turns at intersections and turning the bike into curves at any speed. 

The impact of turns over the course of a long day or extended days of riding on interstate highway is probably non-existent because curves are typically a very small part of the total experience. If your ride takes you to the Tail of the Dragon, or mile-after-mile through canyons and mountain highways, at the end of the day the operator’s arms and shoulders will signal time for a rest.  

Unlike a motorcycle, a trike at roadway speeds, pushes toward the outer radius of turns and curves because both rear wheels apply forward pressure and opposing force to the front of the trike. In a straightaway, these pressures and forces are absorbed by the design of frame, forks, tires, and suspension, and are therefore, neutralized. 

In a curve these forces are increased by the pull of the trike’s weight toward the outer radius of the curve. The operator must compensate by applying sufficient push/pull of the handlebars to keep the trike going in the direction intended.

The preceding assessment is a fact of riding any trike and neither good nor bad. Like many activities, comfort comes with increased use and experience. 

Lehman Trikes has designed the CrossBow to maximize stability while cornering, and therefore minimizing the effects of body roll and sway.  

Lehman’s “No Lean” design makes cornering safe and confident.  According to Lehman Trikes:

“By minimizing body roll, the Center of Gravity doesn’t shift and the front wheel stays upright. This results in consistent handling and superb control.

The stability provided by No-Lean suspension gives the rider an added margin of safety when making quick maneuvers in an emergency situation. No-Lean requires fewer parts and less space than other designs, minimizing maintenance requirements and allowing increased trunk capacity. The Cross Bow retains the original Vision air shock, which allows quick and easy preload adjustment for optimal comfort whether riding solo or fully laden. The Cross Bow features 5.1 inches of travel up front and 4.7 inches in the rear. This provides exceptional comfort for relaxed touring and all day rides.” 

Once turns are made and the trike is headed in the direction required by the roadway, the operator’s work is basically done until the next curve. The remainder of the ride is quite simple, and the Crossbow easy to navigate from an operator’s vantage point.

The CrossBow’s braking is powerful, with excellent stopping capability. This is most apparent in corners, where the trike is easily brought to a controlled stop in a curve using both brakes. While doing so, the trike remains stable even if wheel lock-up occurs.

It should be noted that front and rear brakes are not linked on the CrossBow. ABS is not offered on the Crossbow for several reasons. One consideration is that a trike provides a stable platform even under wheel lockup. Also with unlinked braking it is easy for the rider to modulate front/rear braking to achieve maximum deceleration while avoiding lockup.

When you climb on a Crossbow, it takes just a few moments; i.e., a mile or two to settle back and realize this is going to be a pretty comfortable ride. Ample seat size, cushioning, backrest, and floorboards provide for the pilot to settle in and focus on the trike’s operation. 

The handle bar grips are easy to reach and all controls and switches are intuitive and convenient.   From self-cancelling turn signals to adjustable windshield, it is obvious the Victory Vision design team put much thought into design, location and operation of the controls.

The Victory Vision aptly manages wind conditions confronted while rolling down the highway. The fairing is sufficient to displace the wind and the adjustable windshield, adjustable by the touch of a button on driver’s left controls for up to 3 inches, adds to rider and passenger comfort when conditions are adverse.

Notably, the rearview mirrors are large by motorcycle standards and provide the operator with a broad spectrum of things going on behind the trike. 

For those who wish to consider the CrossBow from the passenger’s seat, we offer this perspective from our Backseat Editor:

Some motorcyclists are not interested in driving a bike and the backseat of the Lehman Crossbow is the perfect place to ride. The secure riding position, comfortable seat, and elimination of the need to balance the bike, would encourage even an anxious passenger to relax, sit back, loosen their grip on the driver, and enjoy the views. Passenger grab rails, if needed, are comfortably and conveniently located on each side of the passenger seat.

The design of the Crossbow allows the passenger to ride well protected from wind and weather. A foot ‘cubby,’ integrated into the rear bocy of the Crossbow, protects the passenger’s foot, allows for easy repositioning of the foot, and is more comfortable than a platform or peg.

The ride on the Crossbow through canyons and on the highway required little to no adjustment in seating position. The riding position supports the passenger’s back and bottom, with a large adequately padded seat and backrest, leaving no room for complaints.

Final Comment:

The Lehman Trikes CrossBow powered by Victory puts leisure into a motorcycling adventure. Appearance, styling, stop and go performance, and comfort come into play when riding or thinking of owning a CrossBow.  The CrossBow is an excellent choice for motorcyclists who seek to extend their motorcycling experience or who wish to eliminate balance as a dynamic while riding a motorcycle. 

Lehman Trikes has been building trikes for 25 years. Their “No-lean Suspension” and “specially manufactured rear differential” set a standard in the three-wheel industry. The company is recognized throughout the motorcycle community for innovation, leadership, and the advancement of three-wheel motorcycles.  

We wondered if there is a point where the CrossBow would tip over? Lehman Trikes spokesman responded by saying; “no,” and “if a wheel loses traction, power is cut to the remaining drive wheel resulting in stabilizing the trike.”  

All Victory Vision host bikes are thoroughly tested by Victory and supported by Victory’s standard 2 year warranty. Lehman Trikes features a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty on components and assembly.

• Trailer hitch available
• Reverse available
• Easy removable tour box for “street rod” look