Grinnall has long been a centre for innovation and radical sports car and motorcycle trike design. Home of the Scorpion-III, a highly-regarded BMW motorcycle powered 3-wheeler cycle car and of three wheeled motorcycle trikes currently based on the Triumph Rocket 3, the BMW R1200C and most recently the Indian Scout 1200. Please click the link to Grinnall Cars for further information on the Scorpion-III.
A Brief History
For over three decades, Mark Grinnall has headed a team of talented designers, engineers and craftsmen who have dedicated themselves to providing top quality performance on wheels.
The company’s reputation was first made by its extensively reworked and refined conversions of the Triumph TR7 and TR8. By the early 90’s, some 350 Grinnall TR8s had been constructed. In 2006 The Triumph Register acknowledged the Grinnall TR8 as a marque in its own right – and has compiled extensive history files on these very collectable vehicles.
A New Concept
In 1991, in search of a radical but affordable high-performance vehicle, Mark Grinnall combined his passion for motorcycling and his skills as an engineer to produce an innovative three-wheeler, which unlike any of its illustrious ancestors, would be high-tech, mid-engined and rear wheel driven. This was to be the first in a family of unique, niche-market sporting vehicles. The Scorpion-III made its debut in 1992 when it was featured prominently in CAR magazine. Interest in the S-III exploded in the mid 90’s, with the breathtaking featherweight being featured in dozens of magazines worldwide.
The S-III is still in production over 25 years after its launch. This is testimony of the design aesthetic and quality build. Evolved and refined over the years, the latest S-III features the state-of-the-art BMW 1300cc 4-cylinder motor from the K1300S motorbike. With 185bhp, wider track, billet uprights, stiffened rear suspension and many other new features, this machine is lots of fun and very rapid. With 460bhp per tonne this little cycle car is guaranteed to surprise Ferrari drivers, and can still return over 50 miles per gallon.
In 1999 work began on the first of our motorcycle derived moto-trikes – with a single front wheel. For us, the obvious starting point for a great trike was the BMW R1200C – a machine that had the twin advantages of BMW’s tele-lever front suspension and shaft drive. Launched in 2000, this has been a constant seller for us.
To the Grinnall Trike collection was added the BMW R1200CL, the Montauk, the sportier R1150R, and in 2005 our Triumph Rocket 3 based trike; the R3T. This has been a hugely successful machine and makes probably one of the best moto-trike's currently available. Development work on a Triumph Thunderbird based machine heralded the beginning of belt/chain driven trikes appearing in the Grinnall range.
A New Facility for Sales and Manufacturing
In 2013 we purchased a 2-acre former agricultural/light industrial buildings site on the outskirts of Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire (post code DY13 0TF).
This brand new state of the art facility opened in 2016, housing both our manufacturing centre and a brand-new motorcycle dealership with Indian Motorcycle as the flag ship brand. As well as motorcycles (including Fantic, Moto-Morini, Bullit, AJS, Mutt & Fantic e-bikes) we also sell a large range of motorcycle clothing, PPE and accessories. There is a cool cafe too for all to enjoy home cooked breakfasts, home made American burgers, freshly grounds coffee, home-made cakes, and general refreshments. Customers and members of the public are all welcome.
Research and Development. New Products
They say in the automotive industry if you are not innovating you are going backwards. We are constantly developing and improving the entire Grinnall range. All the company’s original designs are highly evolved, but we listen to our customers and constantly strive to improve what we do. We have built custom specials based on the Indian Scout; the MWM-115 (2016), and a beautiful Bobber conversion on the Indian Chief classic (2018).
Indian Trike
As a leading Indian dealer, it made sense to offer an Indian based trike. In Spring 2021 deliveries commence of our latest, and arguably the most exciting three-wheeled motor-tricycle trike – based on the 90 bhp Indian Scout 1200. Departure from the normal shaft drive has enabled us to develop a new and unique belt driven mechanical differential/reverse gearbox. Gone is the electric reverse now replaced with a normal mechanical clutch-controlled reverse, just like a car. This completely new machine has a billet alloy rear subframe, and the striking styling provides a large storage space of around 100 litres, without compromising the overall look. It shares the same tried and tested fully independent rear suspension geometry as our other trikes and a new set of billet yokes provides revised steering geometry to guarantee easy steering.
The new styling, designed by top UK stylist Steve Everitt, retains the original exhaust system with twin pipes exiting at low level, ensuring that the machine will comply with all EU and US CARB emissions for California.
Feedback
As ever, customer feedback is an important part of the development of all our vehicles and we welcome any constructive comments or suggestions that you have. Please email us with your ideas.
Careers
If you have experience in the field in which we operate and feel you could have a positive influence on our business, you are welcome to send in your CV for consideration. We are currently recruiting.