American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 215 June 2017 | Page 25

technology with custom double A-arms and
adjustable shocks, which make it corner like a race car.
Three or four-wheel disc brakes are used, depending
on which version the customer opts for.
“The steering is direct and easy to handle by using a
variable, non-linear lever principle that provides
perfect handling and road feedback. The parts are
manufactured of high grade, aeronautical aluminum
milled out of a single piece to comply with our highest
quality level requirements.
“The designer knew that these kits would go
worldwide and he didn’t want the wear and tear items
to be proprietary, he wanted them to be easy to
replace, so servicing is easy and replacement
components inexpensive and readily available.
“With that in mind, he designed the fully independent
suspension using 1991-1999 VW Golf III ball joints,
tie rod ends, brake calipers and pads, so if something
wears out, you can just run to your local auto parts
store to get a replacement and be back on the road
without having to wait for special orders or expensive
imports.
The A-arm bushings use H-D handlebar bushings,
making them easy to replace, and the drive belt is a
S&S part number, so should you ever damage it, you
can replace it quickly.
American Qtec received their first container of kits in
January, with American Bike and Trike building one of
each model.
“In February, we started our ‘Sunbelt Tour’, meeting
with Harley-Davidson dealers, trike and custom shops
all over Texas and Florida, so they could see the ease
of installation and the quality of the kits in person,”
says Hughes.
“While we were in Florida, we set up at Bruce
Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona Harley-Davidson
with our trailers and four different models of the
www.AMDchampionship.com
The star of the Qtec line-up? The Q3F is a genuine Reverse Trike Softail conversion, which takes a
stock Softail from two wheels to three with the addition of two wheels in the front. The handling
and safety of the two in the front design are a big improvement over a traditional trike, according
to Greg Hughes
The patented independent suspension is what sets Qtec trike conversions apart. Derived from
Formula 1 racing, it brings huge benefits compared to conventional rear-axis designs – the steering
is direct, without extreme force input, thanks to the variable transfer by lever-principle for “perfect
feedback on the handlebar. It provides spectacular driveability combined with an unknown level of
comfort. By using the Qtec differential, the bike’s behaviour is perfectly neutral, even in the tightest
curves, and the wheel geometry and vehicle height can be tuned to the desired riding style,” says
Greg Hughes
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - JUNE 2017
25