3-Wheeler Crazy!

By John Pellan

I recently surfed my way into a Facebook profile that made me sit up in my chair. Harry Miller of Cedar City, Utah grew up riding three wheelers, his first a 1976 Honda ATC 90. Harry’s obsession of knowing everything there is to know about the roots of our sport is quite remarkable for several reasons. You see, Harry was just getting signed up for kindergarten when his pristine made-to-race Rotax powered Tiger 200 trike rolled off Tiger’s assembly line in Burnsville, Minnesota. Three-wheeled ATVs were banned by the time Harry took his first ride and discovered his life’s passion.

That’s right, the guy that respects our sport’s history more than anyone I’ve come up on and the guy with the coolest collection of the fastest three-wheeled ATVs ever made just turned thirty. He actually wishes he was born ten years ealier so he could have grown up in the three-wheeled ATV racing era. Despite the fact that three wheelers were no longer allowed to be sold or raced when Harry got started at age 10 in 1990, his choice ride ever since came with three wheels not four.

After talking with him and checking out some of the great photos on his Facebook page I was certain that I had just discovered one of the biggest three wheeler nuts on the planet! Not to mention one hell of a great guy. I was also saddened to learn that Harry was recently diognosed with what doctors think is cancer. As typical with extraordinary guys like Harry, his attitude is remarkable. He simply says he’s not going to let cancer get him down for long – he’s got trikes to ride and restore.

Check out our conversation regarding his collection of the sport’s fastest three wheelers, his obsession with old school ATV racing and his personal battle with cancer. He says he’s just a regular guy trying to keep a piece of ATV riding and racing history alive by sharing what he knows with whomever will take the time to listen. Regardless of whether you got your start on three or four wheelers, read what this “regular guy” has to say about the sport, his vintage ATV projects and life in general. I think you’ll dig him and his hobby as much as I do.

You do know they banned these things in 1987 right?
Yes I am aware they were banned in 1987. It’s very unfortunate. It’s such a sad period of events that happened. At the time, I was just seven years old and completely unaware of the devastating thing that was happening to three wheelers and the entire sport at that time, but in a way that is why I enjoy them so much. I’m the type that always cheers for the underdog!

When and how did you get hooked on three wheelers?
I got hooked on them in 1990 or so when a very close friend of mine introduced me to the sport/hobby. He liked them a lot, and made sure that safety was the number one priority. He always seemed to dragging one home. They were a dime a dozen back then, no one really wanted them after the ban. He had a Yamaha Tri-Z but I was not allowed to ride that one. I got stuck on an ATC 90 that would later become mine. I ended up loving that trike. I wish had it today. Anyway, his son and I were best friends. He had a trick little ATC 110 with chrome forks, flat track tires and a stars and stripes themed paint job. It looked awesome and it was fast, but geared very short. The 90 could out run it in the straights. We rode them every chance we got and had an absolute blast every time. During one of our conversations, I believe I asked him what the best three wheeler was. He replied that the 85/86 ATC 250Rs were hard to beat. It was right then and there at age 10 that I made up my mind that I would own one someday.

My first love was an ATC 90 as well. I would have slept with it if I could have got it into my bedroom. So how did his 90 become yours?
When my friends moved to a new home they gave it to me. I was ecstatic, but my parents, not so much. It took a while to convince them that I was responsible, and of course I said everything they wanted to hear. When I brought it home it was in peices. They had planned to rebuild the engine but it never got reassembled because they were too busy with the process of moving. Anyway, pieces or not, I worked on it all night long and had it running the next day!

Why do you think three wheelers got banned?
I, like all three wheeled enthusiasts, believe that a lack of safety knowledge and comon sense played a large role in the three wheeler’s demise.

I can’t wait to talk about your impressive collection. What’s it consist of?
I like anything with three wheels, but the main focus of my little collection is on fully suspended, liquid cooled, two-stroke three wheelers. So far they are works in progress, but I enjoy working on them as much or more than riding them, so it’s definetely a labor of love. I have a 1985 Tiger 200, a 1986 Tiger 200 project, a 1985 ATC 250R, (this is the one that set the hook!), a 1986 ATC 250R project, a 1985 Tecate 250 project, (which was owned by Steve Abbot), a 1986 Tecate duner, a 1985 Tri-Z 250 project, and a 1984 PK/Works Suspended 200S. Oh and I cant forget my ATC 70!

Any quads?
Absoluely! I have a 2005 TRX450R and a 1988 TRX250R that I bought for my best friend Tyler to ride, so we can ride quads together.

Let’s talk about each of your best three wheelers. First is the one that set the hook for you, your ’85 ATC 250R.
I got it in 2003. A friend and I were going out to the sand dunes. It was Super Bowl Sunday. There was a lot of people there, I guess we all figured riding was more fun than watching football. A large group of riders were drag racing in a flat area of the sand dunes. I saw a pretty nice looking 250R roll along side the group, and outrun everything in it’s path. I was impressed. Afterwards, I made my way to the guy’s truck to check out his R. I jokingly asked if it was for sale. He said yes! I shook his hand and told him to keep me in mind. Later I located him and purchased the machine. I literally hugged the trike when I got it! I had wanted a trike like this for a VERY long time. It has treated me well, and I have done a few things to it since I bought it. It’s still pretty quick to this day. It’s not perfect, but its my dream trike and I will never sell it.

Okay I think you know what I want to talk about. Give it up, let’s hear all about your incredible ’85 and your ’86 Tiger 200s. First the prestine looking ’85.
I found the Tiger 200 in 2008 while goofing off on the Internet with my new cell phone at the time. The ad was all of six minutes old. I had been saving money to buy a Tiger to restore for a long time. I figured if I had the cash reserved just for the day I discovered a Tiger, there wouldn’t be a problem in quickly snatching it up. Basically I put $100 per month away for almost three years before I found this one! Needless to say, I promptly sent the seller an email only to find that the machine was no longer for sale due to the extreme response he received.

I convinced him that I was the guy that could give it a good home. I got the money I had saved out of the bank, and proceeded to drive all night from Utah to Denver. I met the seller at his home and the Tiger was in his driveway when I pulled up. I had no idea that they were as small as they are. They’re about the same size as a 200X. I was actually disapointed. It was covered with a lot of dust and cat hair, among other things if you know what I mean. I didnt know if I wanted it, but I knew I would probably never get a chance at another one, so I gave the seller the cash, he filled out a bill of sale, we loaded it up, and I drove back home looking in the rear veiw mirror the entire way! I could not believe it, I had a Tiger! I didn’t even start it to see if it ran, I just wanted to get it home where it was safe and secure with my other trikes.

The next morning, I went and got some fresh gas, some Castor 927, and a new spark plug. I drug it into the shop, emptied the 20 year old gas that was in the tank out and put a new plug in it. Man that gas was foul! The only reason he never rode it was because he couldn’t get the clutch to release and the brakes bled. Anyway, I didn’t notice that he had the idle screw all the way in. I started kicking it, it fired up on the 3rd kick and revved out all the way wide open. I tried to kill it, but he had cut the wires to the tether switch, so I yanked the plug boot, and it threw a 3 inch spark out of the cap, zapping me like crazy and still running! Man, let me tell you, the ignition on this thing is stout!

I messed with the brakes for a few hours and finally got them to work. I got the clutch to release, but not all the way. I decided to ride it regardless of the clutch issue. It was smoking like a freight train and had a bad misfire at half throttle and above. I figured it had junk crank seals. I took it down the street but the clutch slipped so bad, I couldn’t get past 3rd gear.

I remembered when my friend’s Rotax-powered short sand rail had a misfire that sounded just like this thing did. We found a loose wire. So I pulled the CDI plug and found a corroded butt connector in the harness, and a loose connector at the plug. I replaced the connector, and soldered in a piece of new wire where the butt connector was. As soon as I started it, I knew I had fixed it! It fired on one kick and sounded wicked!

I rode it again, the clutch slipped even more now, but it started to smoke less and less, so I ruled out crank seals, what a happy moment that was. After that I let it sit for a few months while I waited on the status of some reproduction fenders that another Tiger owner was in the process of making. I wanted to spend the money I had left on those before anything else.

When I finally realized the fenders were a longer wait than I could stand, my best friend Tyler and I tore it down to the bare frame in about an hour and a half. I started to strip the paint off, but gave up and got it sand blasted instead. The original blue frame paint was under the white paint, and was not faded, so I was able to get a good match at the local powdercoater. The color was Aegean Blue. I knew I had a lot more to do before powder, but at least that was done. I found a few cracks in the frame that needed repair, and the upper shock mount was all messed up from being ridden with the wrong size bolt stuffed thru it. I got that all fixed later. After the frame was blasted I found the VIN as well. It’s #029.

I rebuilt the shock myself, powder coated the spring in white, and had a new bypass hose made locally. I got the decal from Vintage Factory, and sent the Rezie, to Pennsylvania to get re anodized in red. That took four months! I thought they lost it.

I made a list of all the parts the bike needed, and started gathering them. Every nut and bolt on this bike is SAE except the engine. And all the bearings were
in stock at the local NAPA, except the front wheel bearings. I got those the next day. The guy at the parts counter told me the wheel bearings came up as a part number for a Pontiac power steering pump part.

Most of the parts just needed a good cleaning, and the swingarm bushings were in great shape so I reused those. I had the seat recovered in Red, because under the white cover it had, I found traces of red vinyl. Because of this I assumed it was a 250 at that point, because during my research I found out the 250s came with a red seat, and the 200s with a blue seat. But I have also been told that the seat color was just an option, so I don’t know for sure. Later, I did confirm that it was indeed a 200, when I found “200” engraved on the side of the cylinder but painted over. I also spotted a date “10/85”.

While the engine was out, I pulled the side cover to inspect the clutch and fix the kicker return spring. The clutch showed no wear, but had some rust on the steels. The basket and hub looked brand new. I was really happy to see that. I cleaned the plates and steels, soaked them in oil, and reassembled. The kicker spring had come unwound sometime in its past life when someone removed the wrong bolt. I rewound it and had it working like new in about five minutes. I resealed the side case, and stuck it back on.

Get this, I looked in the cylinder and found a brand new piston, visible crosshatch in the cylinder, and no carbon buildup anywhere! I think it had a top end done with the porting, and was parked. I lucked out in a big way as the 200 piston is basically extinct. I may have found a source for these, but need to investigate it further on a rainy day.

I finally got to the point where I was running out of stuff to do, and got the frame powdercoated. After that it went back together pretty fast. I got the tank and radiator scoop mounted with new bushings, and was just going to leave them faded for now, but I got bored one day and grabbed a piece of 2000 grit wet or dry paper and sanded a spot on the tank. It worked awesome! So I went to town on it. After that, I fired it up, and rode it. The brakes work, clutch works, carb doesn’t leak, kicker kicks. It’s now at the point where you see it in the photos, and I’m just waiting for the fenders, and still need to order the correct 200 decal kit. The decals were made available by some collectors a few years back, and I am grateful since the only originals I have are on the tank, all the others had been peeled off.

I have just been playing with it every now and then, and have had a great time with it. I dont know if it will ever be 100% correct, but I am more than happy with it.

Excellent find and great work. You have a gem. How about your other Tiger, the 1986?
Now that I had acquired the “Big 4” two-stroke trikes (Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Tiger), I figured I needed to get a Suzuki into my collection, so I added the 1985 LT250 QuadRacer to my list. So I began doing research about them. In my quest for information I came across a Suzuki forum, and began reading different things about them. I came upon a member who mentioned a Tiger three wheeler in some of his threads, I was intrigued and decided to write a note saying hello to see if he felt like talking Tigers with me, after all I love a good story. He replied, and was happy to chat. I found out he still owned his Tiger three wheeler, and naturally I had to ask if he would be interested in selling it. He said he wanted to keep it, so we left it at that. I told him about mine, and offered my assistance with the restoration of it when the time came. We became very good friends, and spoke often. It turns out that he was sponsored by Tiger in 1986, at 16 years old. He had many great stories to share, and he raced his three wheeler all over the US and Canada. My stories were nowhere near as good as his. Later on, he contacted me, and asked if I would like to purchase his Tiger. I said yes, of course! It was in pieces and still is. I believe it’s an ’86 model as it was all white, but looks identical to my ’85. I have no way to confirm it, but in the purchase of this Tiger I received a copy of the original order to Tiger dated September 1985. So I’m not sure, it could be either. It needs lots of love, but I will finish it some day. The frame number is 111.

How did you get your ’86 Kawasaki Tecate.
This one is pretty funny. It was absolute dumb luck! It was 2004, my best friend Tyler and I were having lunch one day at a local burger joint. He was reading a three month old classified paper that happened to be on the table. He asked me if Kawasaki had ever made a racing three wheeler. I said, “hell yeah they did, why?” He slides the paper to me, and I read the very vague ad, “Kawasaki Racing 3 Wheeler. Green. Big-Bore” Other than a phone number this was all it said. I told him it was probably an ’84 and if it were an ’86 it was probably long gone by now. I dismissed it, but Tyler got on my case later that night, and told me to call the number so I did. Turns out the guy still had it. I asked him what year it was. He didn’t know. I figured it was probably an ’84 and that’s why it’s still available, but decided to drive the hour and check it out anyway. When I arrived I saw the radiator shrouds on the tank, and knew it was an 86/87 Tecate! I was so excited. I paid him a down payment, and got the rest later. Later, I come to find out, it was extremely modified for racing. It has a lot of cool stuff on it like a hard to find Jimmy White replica Bassani pipe and silencer! I believe the engine is Klemm, but not sure. It’s been in storage for many years. I have been playing with it some, but it seems to keep getting bumped to the back of my to do list. I hope to ride it and see what it can do very soon!

Let’s move on to Yamaha. Tell me more about your ’85 Tri-Z 250.
I got this from a local motorcycle dealership that was going to haul it off for scrap. Its pretty much just that right now, but I decided to save it because it has quite a few good parts for the future Tri-Z I plan on purchasing. It’s the black and red version also known as an “85-and-a-half”. I mainly kept it for the silver wheels. [Laughing] I’ll admit I’m somewhat of a hoarder, and I am not afraid to admit that, but after watching documentaries about this compulsive disorder I cant help but be a little self conscious.

How about your 1985 Kawasaki Tecate 250?
I found this one in 2009 through a friend who couldn’t get me to shut up about three wheelers. He said he remembered his friend had one in a barn, and thought I might like it. I went to see it and it had some pretty cool parts on it. His friend told me it used to belong to Steve Abbot, and was race
d in the Las Vegas area in the ’80s at a track called Apex and in the Mickey Thompson Series. He gave it to me! It had no engine, but he said he had a CR500 in it for a while, but then sold the motor, and never hauled the three wheeler away. I didnt know who Steve Abbot was at the time, and was told by a few people that he was a racer from back then. I tracked him down. And asked him about this bike. He said it was one of three or four he built back then, the swingarm is his own design, and it has a Roost Factory Pipe, Ohlins Rear Shock, and a Durablue +6 Axle. I was told that Steve “The Rabbit” Abbot was one of a small few to campaign a Tecate in Baja. I don’t know if it was this bike or not that he used. I’ll finish this one someday. I think it’s pretty neat and I love knowing of its past life.

I assume you purchase parts bikes when you can?
Yes, there’s not too many interesting stories behind my parts machines. Basically, if I come across a machine that has a couple cool parts on it I tend to buy if the price is right. They’re more or less like strays that I take in.

Do you ride them or is riding reserved for your TRX 450R?
I ride everything. I rode the wheels off of my Fourtrax 250R until I bought my 450R. I got that because I had just paid my truck off and needed to make sure my money was going to something instead of getting wasted. I told everyone I bought it to keep my 250R nice. But earlier this year I brought the 250R out of retirement and ride it every chance I get. The Tiger has been to Glamis and Little Sahara Sand Dunes here in Utah. The Tecate has yet to make a trip, but I hope to change that soon.

What’s next in your collection? Let me guess a Cagiva?
I would love to find a Cagiva, but in all reality any trike that fits the goal of my collection is fair game. I think a clean Tri-Z needs to come before a Cagiva, so I would say the Tri-Z 250 is my next achievable goal at this time.

Where do you find parts?
I try my best and remain diligent in my search for parts and machines. I check everywhere, it’s almost a full time job. Craigslist has treated me well, and so have the local ATV dealers and parts distributors. The three wheeler websites and other three wheeler friends help out a lot as well. So far it has been a winning formula. I usually buy parts or parts machines when I find them and have the cash handy. Its not as easy as it used to be that’s for sure. I just started an Ebay account this year. Before that it was almost everything BUT Ebay. Nothing wrong with Ebay, just the way I do things.

Do people in your life think you’re insane for all the time and effort you put in on this?
The encouragement I get from freinds and family goes a long way. I wish I could have them all perfect and lined up in a shiney row, but I take it a day at a time. I just do what I can when I can, and don’t spend money beyond my means. As long as I make consistent progress on anything I have to work on at the time, I get alot done.

What’s your family say about you being such an extreme vintage ATV nut?
My family has put up with my crazy ATV stuff better than I expected them to. I got a little resistance at first, but I think I have won them over. I think they now realize it’s not a phase I’m in. I consider this hobby as part of who I am.

Can we talk about your cancer for a minute?
Sure, not a problem. It’s amazing what talking about stuff like this can do for people. I know it makes me feel better.

What’s the latest on your condition?
I really dont exactly know where I stand yet with my diagnosis. They know I have it, they’re just not sure where it came from and exactly how advanced it is. I meet with a cancer specialist tomorrow. They think they want to start chemo immediately. Im ready, I want to beat this!

I take it you have a pretty supportive family helping you through this difficult time?
The support I’ve gotten from friends and family is outstanding. They’re making this alot easier than it could be. I really have an awesome bunch of friends and family around me. Im not the type to be the center of attention, so I struggle with all of it, but I know it’s because I am so fortunate to have so many that care about me. It’s nothing short of amazing.

You have a great possitive attatude.
I’ll tell you, I’m truly humbled by all of this. I’m determined to not let anybody down, endure through it the best I can, and emerge a better person in the end.

Are you married?
I am single. Never married. There is no way I could find anyone that would put up with me I think.

For someone that’s too young to have raced three wheelers, why do you care so much to learn about the hasbeens of ATV racing? Is there more here than just a collection of sweet three wheelers?
Absolutey, showing dedication and passion to a hobby or cause can become life changing for the better.

How much do you estimate you’ve spent on each?
I’m pretty stingy and try to get good deals when I can, but if I know the part is worth the asking price I am more than willing to pay it. I have never really sat down and done the math, but this is my one addiction so I probably spend more than I should. I almost don’t want to know to tell the truth. Also I should add that doing this stuff in a well equipped shop and knowing how, or be willing to learn how, to do something well and not cut corners will pay you back ten fold. I am all for doing it right and doing it once. It’s actually cheaper that way in the long run. I got this piece of advice from my good friend Charlie, he said this about Porsches, but in reality it applys to many things. He says, “The most expensive Porsche you buy will be the cheapest one you will own.”

Have any former ATV racing legends seen your collection?
Former factory Yamaha racer, Brett Driscoll got to see my Tiger earlier this year. I am sure, like others, it brought back some memories, hopefully good ones! I just makes me wish I was around during the heyday of three wheelers! I am extremely enthusiastic about these things and the racers that raced them just in case you could not tell by now. Better late then never right? I believe that a handful of others have seen my stuff in very much the same way you did. I appreciate all of the compliments more than you could know. I try to stay humble about all of this, and I am simply amazed that my efforts have been recognized by many such as yourself.

Did you get to check Legends 2000 in Ohio by any chance?
< /strong>I was aware of it, but didn’t really get to check it out as much as I would have liked.

Tell me more about the organized Glamis three wheeler trip you went on.
The Glamis trip was Great! It started as a getaway trip for a group of three wheeler guys from sites I frequent, and soonafter got a life of its own. A bunch of us west coast guys and others from all over the US didn’t want to be left out. I had never been to Glamis before and this was the perfect opportunity to get the 250R out and back on the sand, so I could not pass it up. It is now known as the Imperial Invasion. Its like a time warp back to 1987 with a bunch of friends and the opportunity to meet many new friends. Not to mention, you can show off your cool stuff should you decide to bring it out with you. I hope it gets bigger and better with every year that goes by. Three wheelers and Quads of all types were there in our camp. I think we turned a lot of heads when we went out as a group. The weather was gorgeous. Pretty hard to beat the stories and typical pranks that take place when a group gets together like we did.

As far as I know it’s open to the public, and the promotion is limited to the two major online 3 wheeler websites (www.3wheelerworld.com and www.3wheeler.org) and of course word of mouth. I can safely say I have made lifetime friends and hope to make more. Brett Driscoll came out for an evening, and everyone went on a ride. I got to speak with him and his father about the good times they had while he was racing. His parents were so supportive of his three wheeler racing career, which is usually pretty typical in this great sport. It’s a very family friendly sport for sure. It was an honor for us to have him take time out of his busy schedule to come see what we were all about. Maybe a couple other names in the three wheeler history books will take the time to enjoy this little event in the future. I sure hope so, because I know for a fact I did and will in the future.

When is the next Imperial Invasion?
March 1-6, 2011. Check out www.3wheelerworld.com and www.3wheeler.org for more info.

I’m not sure if I’m allowed to mention this, but I think enough time has past to go for it. Have you talked with Curtis Sparks? Rumor has it he has Steve “Too Tight” Wright’s ATC 200R in his shed. Honda wanted it crushed, but he snuck it out and saved it. He also has some of the incredible 200Xs that he won several AATVA Championships on in the 200 Four Stroke Pro Class.
I havent had the opportunity to speak with Curtis, but I know I would like to. I like that rumor! The 200R is an amazing peice of machinery that Honda created to compete in the 200 Pro class. Like many, I dont know all that much about it, but I think most of us three wheeler collecters would agree that the 200R could easily be the centerpiece of anyone’s collection. Glad to hear it still exists and is in good hands. C’mon Curtis, throw us a bone here. I want to see a current pic of that thing!

Where do you feed your hobby?
Mostly online, there is a plethora of information about three wheelers if you know where to look, and if you dont find it just ask on one of the major websites. Youtube also has its fair share of vintage three wheeler race footage as well. And for sure I talk the ears off of older riders that are willing to tolerate me long enough that I can learn something from them.

Are you interested in bikes at all, or are you a diehard ATVer?
Oh yes. I love anything vintage. Some of the old stuff will never be around again, and if you are aware of what it was capable of back then and in a few instances some of these machines are still impressive today. I find it sad that the only two-strokes you hear in your neighborhoods is a weed trimmer now days. If you have not heard a Kawsaki 750 triple or a piped Yamaha RD350 leaving a stoplight at eight grand you are missing out. I like the Big Maicos, and all open class bikes. And of course the factory Works Bikes of the ’80s were amazing. I am also a big fan of trials bikes as well, it’s such a fun and unique sport.

Do you ride bikes?
I have been seen on two wheels every now and then, but people have a hard time believing I actually know how to ride one since I am so obsessed with three wheelers.

What’s your day job?
I am a diesel mechanic for my father’s trucking company. I must do an okay job since I have been there since I was 17. I keep a few trikes within arm’s reach at work and they always bust me tinkering with them when I should be doing other things. The shop can be a complete disaster but my trikes are in the corner all nice and clean ready for their next ride. I know it drives them nuts, but I cant help myself. I have my head in the clouds with my three wheeler obsession, and I enjoy every minute of my time there!

Thanks for respecting and cherishing the roots of our sport like you do. I’m praying (and hope others will too) that you’ll beat the cancer and get going on that Tri Z project.
Well, three wheelers still kick ass and always will! Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. Its been pretty crazy lately, but I’m keeping my chin up. Thanks again!

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