John Lehman

John Lehman: Pioneering the Trike Revolution with Heart and Soul

John Lehman’s journey with motorcycles began at the tender age of 13, igniting a lifelong passion that would shape his life and the lives of countless others. His first cross-country ride in 1974, from Canada to Mexico with friends, marked the beginning of a thrilling adventure. However, it was a near-fatal trucking accident that truly tested his spirit. With a critically injured back and the prognosis of never walking again, John defied the odds, not only learning to walk but also reclaiming his passion for riding.

Building a Legacy

In 1984, while living in Westlock, Alberta, John’s passion for family and motorcycling collided in a unique way. His wife, Linda, was apprehensive about riding a traditional two-wheeled motorcycle with their child as a passenger. Determined to find a solution, John proposed building a three-wheeled motorcycle. With Linda’s encouragement—“Build me something and we’ll go from there”—John and a few friends embarked on creating “Number One” using a 1981 Honda CB900, a 7.5-inch Chevrolet Vega differential, and a custom-fabricated metal body.

Upon completion, Linda took the trike for a test ride and loved it. This successful creation not only provided stability and safety but opened the door for families to enjoy motorcycling together. As they rode through British Columbia and into Washington, the positive reactions from onlookers were overwhelming. John’s innovative design sparked a new era in motorcycling, making the joys of riding accessible to those who had previously felt too uneasy to ride two wheels.

A Heart for Giving

John’s impact on the motorcycling community extends far beyond just building trikes. His compassion was exemplified when a woman named Rose Marie reached out to him, desperate for a solution for her husband Bob, who could no longer ride due to an amputated leg and serious health issues. Touched by her heartfelt letter, John and his partner, Larry Strilchuk, decided to convert Bob’s Sportster into a specially equipped Lehman trike at no charge. This marked the inception of the “Good Turn” Trike program, emphasizing the belief that “one good turn deserves another.” The program would continue for years, providing trike conversions for those facing life’s toughest challenges.

In 2000, John further demonstrated his commitment to giving back by organizing the first “Pride Ride,” raising funds for terminally ill children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This event fostered a sense of community among Lehman Trikes owners and employees, inspiring annual rides that promoted charitable causes.

Inspiring Change and Hope

John’s philanthropic endeavors did not stop there. He has been instrumental in raising funds for organizations like Kids n’ Chrome, supporting the Black Hills Children’s Home, which provides care for children from abusive situations, as well as the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

Throughout his journey, John Lehman has not only revolutionized the trike industry but also inspired a culture of kindness and hope within the motorcycling community. His commitment to helping others experience the freedom of the open road has created opportunities for many riders to once again “feel the wind on their face.”

In an industry often defined by machines, John stands out as a true human spirit—one who has combined his passion for motorcycles with an unwavering dedication to family, community, and charity, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations to come.