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Trick Trike: 1970s Alsport Tri-Sport Trike

052316 Barn Finds - 1970s Allsport Tri-Sport - 1

This odd, “Rigidite Fiberglass” shell of a machine is a 1970s Alsport Tri-Sport Trike. It’s found in Winnebago, Illinois and is listed on eBay for $450; potentially a good deal. This would be a heck of a fun project! These trikes can easily go for $1,000-$2,000 or more in nice shape, and the market for these will never go down. Small, easy-to-store, relatively-inexpensive, and unusual vintage vehicles like this are about the most fun vehicles to collect, in my opinion. And, parts are still available; maybe not every, single part like a Mustang, but lots of parts. And, a “minutes-quick addition of a front ski makes Tri-Sport a snow bunny.”

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Lookin’ good so far! Well, other than obviously needing a full restoration; but come on, this Tri-Sport project will only take a month and then you’ll be the envy of your fellow vintage motorcycle groupies at every show you attend this summer and beyond. Alsport, Inc., out of Norwalk, Ohio, made five models of the Tri-Sport with four-cycle Tecumseh engines, and sometimes with other engines: the MTS-30 (Mini-Tri-Sport, for kids) with 3 hp, a TS-50 and a TS-100 with 5 hp, a TS-125 with 7 hp. They also made a TS-150 with a two-cycle 12 hp CCW engine that would have been the one to have, blue smoke trail not withstanding. The TS-150 was capable of “0 to 40 in a flash”. Of course, it doesn’t look like they have the world’s strongest underpinnings, and that’s where I’d be worried about putting too much power on this frame. Here’s one that a gentleman is restoring, you can see the frame painted in primer. Some Tri-Sports came with JLO 230cc and other engines, so I don’t know what model this particular one is or what engine it would have had.

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And, this one is good for either 0 mph or maybe 15-20 if you’re going downhill, coasting. Of course, there is no engine here. People have put all sorts of little engines on these things and as you can imagine, they’re super light so the bigger the engine, the faster you go, and the more you’ll need to wear a full, protective body suit and full-face helmet! I have an 11 hp Honda engine that I’m not using for anything.. hmm.. As always, I’d like to restore one back to original bone-stock spec, and there is no mention of anything else on the top four models of the Tri-Sport being different other than the engine, so I’d want to look for an OEM-type of engine if possible. This would be a fun project, how would you restore this one and what would you use for power?

Comments

  1. Avatar Paul

    How funny is this, I’ve been a barn finds reader for years now and finally something shows up in my little town of Winnebago Illinois population 1900. If anyone needs me to look at this, I’m sure the owner is right down the road from me.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar George

    Helmet? Body suit? NAH! My scoutmaster had one of these back in the early 70s. He brought it along on a couple of our winter campouts. It was a blast in the woods. We were young, 11 or 12 up to 18. Did we need helmets and safety gear? Of course not! We were indestructible! So was this with 20 kids riding it in the woods.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Scotty G Staff

      It’s good to hear from someone who has ridden one of these, George, thanks! I was thinking of the helmet and “body suit” if a person were to put a ridiculously-powerful engine on it.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Mike h.

        Goin for a 700cc watercool snowmobile engine on one.125h.p.

        Like 1
  3. Avatar Jack

    I remember riding something like this in Westport, Mass. In the 1970’s, I wore a helmet, had too. It was on an outdoor track, I think the wheels were bigger too. It was a lot of fun!!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Tony B.

    I’m in Illinois, and saw an _identical_ one, if not this one a few months ago on CL for $75. Of course, it was gone by the time I responded… :(

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Tom O

    Having grown up not too far from where these were made they were a common site,,especially at the county fair for sale. Fast forward 40 years to now and I own 4 of these trikes! I have a TS 125 8hp , 2-TS 130 2-stroke JLo and the coolest one ever made…RTS 290-SL SL for street legal,full suspension,292 Kohler 2-stroke. Mine is titled and 100% street legal top speed 65mph. If anyone ever wants to ride one….just let me know : )
    Tom

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Trevor

    I have one that I restored in 2011 and I kept it all original and it has the JLO 2 stroke motor.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Ralf Morgan

    Don’t forget about the Street legal version with the 340 and 440 Kohler 2 stroke engine

    Like 1
    • Avatar Moto Mike

      I just Picked up a 1974 alsport tri-sport For $350 it is the street legal version with the 340 Kohler motor on it .

      Like 2
      • Avatar Tim Parsons

        I just purchased the street legal version like this also. Where is the vin located?

        Like 0
      • Avatar Gary Sloan

        I will give you double of what you paid.

        Like 2
    • Avatar Tim Parsons

      Finally got mine running. Weather here is not letting me go for a ride. I had to install new ignition switch and rewire unit for lights and turn signals. Getting anxious to see what it will run. Mine has a 4 stroke motor and all it says on it is Solid State Electronics. Not sure of brand. Pics maybe later today.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Tim Parsons

        The motor is a Tecumseh 16 horse 4 stroke. Is this an implant? Runs OK but after a little hard running smokes horrible. My Alsport was last run in 1984

        Like 1
  8. Avatar Geena

    I have a 1972 tri sport. Really bumpy ride, where can i find new tires and a seat?

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Tony

    I had a ts-150 when I was 12 or 13 years old it was great fun all year long, we fashioned a front ski out of an old water ski and attached to the tire some how and had a blast enjoying what use to be a good old Canadian winters. I once took the front tires of and old covair We had behind the barn and with a little help from a rat tail file I was able to bolt then right on. That was a scary ride I bet I could go 60mph. Well it felt like it then.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Scott Scheerhorn

    This is a TS 130 I restored mine with 6.5 B&S series 30 clutch and driven.
    Restored the glass body and fender. Used an auto seat pad for the tub.
    Works great and can go anywhere I need to go. Plus with the 6.5 hp the kids can enjoy it too. Good luck with your project.

    Like 7
    • Avatar LANNY YEAKLE

      ing a TS 130 LIKE IT ALOT. DOING A RESTORE NOW THEIR FUN TO DO. THEIR IS NO ONE WAY TO DO THEM REALLY FOR THE MOTOR. JUST HAVE FUN DOING IT FROM MICHIGAN RARE TO FIND.

      Like 0
  11. Avatar Charlie N

    I’m about to restore mine. I got it for Christmas when I was a Kid. Got a parts list off of Ebay and will be stripping it down soon.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Michael Cole

    I have a Alsport Tri-sport 290cc Kohler RTS and a 340cc Kohler SL that I am looking to sell. Both engines run although the carbs will need to be rebuilt. The RTS’ differential is broken and the bodies have some damage. Both are complete and are from the early 1970s although I don’t know the exact year of either. I’m not looking to get greedy with the sale price but want to make sure they go to someone who appreciates them. I’ve had them for over 35 years and they have been stored inside. Thanks. Mike

    Like 2
    • Avatar John Richardson

      Mike are your two still available, if so how much are you looking to get for them?

      Like 1
    • Avatar Dale Milatz

      I’m interested in the trikes how much n where’s you location ??? My dad used to sell them brand new back in the 70s please let me know ??? Thanks

      Like 0
    • Avatar Ruel Townsend

      Hey how are u Doing my name is Mike I have one of the street legal tri-rod trikes it’s a 1974 made by bgw it has the twin cylinder Kohler motor 340cc I’d like to ask you a couple questions about the ones that you had I’m sure they’re sold by now if you don’t mind hit me back thank you

      Like 1
      • Avatar Larry Stone

        Just finished up the mts 30 my kids had in the mid 70’s.
        Used the Honda gs 6hp motor.
        Still loads of fun!!!
        Larry

        Like 0
  13. Avatar Clinton Becker

    I had a tri sport sometime in the late 70’s early 80’s, not that was a fun toy! My grandfather got tired of being in trouble with grandma about all the junk laying around the property, so he told my dad to get all his junk out (as well as all my uncles), so the tri sport went bye bye…. now i wish i still had it. Albuquerque/peralta New Mexico.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Gabriel Trinidad

    Just got a hold of this one. I don’t know the year or model. Had to remove about six layers of junk and dirt off of it. I’ve got a fun project ahead of me .After seeing all these comments can’t wait till I get it done.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Tom O

      That’s a MTS-30 little kids one

      Like 0
  15. Avatar Gabriel Trinidad

    Thanks .I’m already looking for parts

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Laura Berry

    How do I find out what year etc my Tri-Sport is?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Tom O

      There really is no model year stamped anywhere. They did place serial #’s and models on the rear frame section but those were stickers that didn’t last long. Best way is post a picture on the TriSport FB page and we’ll be able to narrow it down. They made several fender/body/engine changes that will be a dead giveaway

      Like 0
      • Avatar Mike h.

        Good indicator is if it has spoke fron wheel.it would be a RTS-SL or a big cowling over the engine attached to the front seat.again SLINDICATING STREET LEGAL.

        Like 0
  17. Avatar Clint

    Also, the serial number of the engine, the company that made it cab give you model year info, however that is only a guideline as some of the tri sports were made with engines that were already 2-3 years old on the shelf.

    Like 0
  18. Avatar Ben Epp

    I have a frame from a 1974 CS918A model ,has front axle and wheel also rear independent axles……. 200 dollars.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Brian Cannon

      Hi Ben, I don’t see any responses to your add and I’m unfamiliar with the CS918A designation.Still available? Any pics? Are you in the PNW?

      Like 0

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