Trilogy is powered by a 1971 Triumph Trident engine.  The 750cc stock motor has a big bore kit, resulting in 836cc.  The heads were ported and polished and a racing cam was added.  Ron extended the fins on the heads and rocker box covers for added dimension.

The three gas tanks, of graduated sizes, were formed from sheet metal in cone shapes.  Finch used a Chinese cooking wok for the back of each tank to make the concave shape that features murals of Finch, the crew building the bike, and the trike making its debut at Daytona Beach in 1979. Ivan of Windsor, Ontario airbrushed the murals.

The three rear fenders are also of graduated sizes, a 5” fender, a 4” fender, and a 3” bicycle fender. These fenders were welded together to form a large enough fender for the wide Goodyear Rally GT Tire (G60-14).  The front wheel is a 21 incher with a custom engineered hub and a 2.75×21 tire.

The exhaust pipes are also made in graduated sizes and were made using a trumpet (brass musical instrument), and two truck air horns.  Finch added some custom fins for extra flair. The pipes were beautifully formed to rise above the motor and flow in parallel lines toward the back of the bike.

The shift mechanism and clutch are on the same right hand lever.  To operate, the rider must pull in the clutch lever and then push down for first gear, and then up for second, third, fourth, and fifth. The gas is controlled by the right foot and the brake is operated from a foot pedal on the left, much like driving a car.

The wooden trailer was designed by Ron and built to his specifications by Nappa, who was a college student at the time in woodworking and needed a class project.  It shows beautiful workmanship in oak with rounded corners, all done in tongue and groove.  The bed has a Finch Logo carved in the center.  The trailer rolls along smoothly on two 17” spoke wheels.

Virtually every aspect of this motorcycle incorporates Ron Finch’s unique construction and artistic design. It was completed with his gift of creativity in custom paint, which has become world renowned for its ingenuity and excellence. The paint is pearl blue with multi-color scallops and pinstriping.

Finch says that people of all ages love this trike!   When they see it, they tend to drive closer and closer to get a better look, sometimes forcing him off the road!

Builder

Ron Finch has been referred to as the “Legend” in the building of custom motorcycles.  He started Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles in 1965 in a small building on University Drive in Pontiac, MI.  Three years later he met Ruth and together they built the business.  In 1972 they moved to a new facility in Auburn Hills, which Ron helped design and build.  He used his unlimited imagination to create a unique space where he could meet with and serve his customers.  It was from this location that Ron and his crew worked for almost thirty years building, painting, repairing, and selling parts and accessories.  He designed and manufactured seats, frames, front ends, electrical boxes, mirrors, and taillights for distribution.  The custom motorcycles of Ron Finch have been featured in hundreds of magazines, several art museums and in shows throughout this country and in Germany, France, Sweden, and The Netherlands.  In the spring of 2001, the Home Depot made the Finch family an offer they couldn’t refuse.  They sold their property and moved into semi-retirement.  Once again, Ron’s imagination wouldn’t let him rest.  He built a unique studio where he could continue to do his specialty work.  Now, without the pressure of retail sales, he can focus on custom painting and building bikes at his own pace.

SPECIFICATIONS
Bike Name:	Trilogy
Builder:	Ron Finch, Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles, Inc., 248-373-3143, www.finchscustoms.com
Engine:	1971 Triumph Trident, 836cc
Exhaust:	Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles, Inc.
Transmission:	Triumph five speed, hand shift
Clutch:	foot operated
Gas Tanks/Woks:	Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles, Inc.
Back Tires:	Goodyear G60-14
Front Tire:	2.75 x 21″
Fenders:	Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles, Inc.
Forks:	Custom springer, shaped like a “3”
Trailer:	Oak, rounded corners
Paint:	Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles, Inc.