It is the American Dream – building your livelihood around something that inspires you. And of course, being successful as a result. Lehman Trikes continues to follow this dream, although in the beginning the dream was not as evident. What began as a one-off project to share the riding experience has become an international and publicly-traded operation.
 
John Lehman, Founder of present-day Lehman Trikes, created the first Lehman trike in his garage. John’s wife Linda and their two small children were not able to share John’s enthusiasm for riding, for Linda was not comfortable riding a conventional motorcycle with one of her children behind. A trike was the answer. With a 1981 Honda CB900, John created “Number 1”, using a 7.5 inch Chevrolet Vega differential and a metal fabricated body.

John’s love for riding and family became a powerful combination that gave him the vision to think unconventionally. However, unlike many inventors, John’s creation was well-received rather quickly. The benefits and pure enjoyment of the trike were obvious. After Number 1 sold, John’s dreams began to swell.

Like all small businesses, Lehman started with a few employees and a small work space. As they attended more motorcycle events and the word spread, more orders poured in. In 1993 Larry Strilchuk, long-time buddy of John’s, became a partner in the business.

Today, Lehman Trikes is publicly-traded and has created a new industry of three-wheeled motorcycles in North America. There are over 130 dedicated staff working for the company in Spearfish, South Dakota.

The growing Lehman trike culture encouraged the development of additional services. In 2000, Lehman Pride was created. It is the only factory-sponsored trike owners group in the motorcycle industry. Financing and trike insurance are also available to Lehman owners.

Lehman Trikes was a back-yard business that has become a showroom floor necessity for franchised and independent dealers worldwide. Their confidence in the product and the people behind it have taken the company to a new level. Though still new to some folks, most readily recognize Lehman Trikes as part of the motorcycle culture - just ask John and Linda – you’ll see them at most major motorcycle events alongside the tractor-trailer full of Lehman trikes decked out with Lehman accessories.