A Beginner’s Guide to Riding a Trike
Riding a three-wheel motorcycle, also known as a trike, is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors. With their improved handling and enhanced stability, trikes have become a popular choice among beginners and experienced riders. However, mastering the art of riding a trike requires a different approach compared to traditional two-wheel motorcycles. To help you make the most of your trike riding experience, we have provided some tips to keep in mind. Read on to learn more!
Direct Steering
One of the differences between riding a trike versus riding a motorcycle is the notion of direct steering as opposed to counter steering. On motorcycles, you rely on counter steering, which refers to the practice of leaning your body weight in the direction you wish to turn. With a third wheel in the mix, you have to use what’s known as direct steering. Direct steering requires the rider to use the handlebars to turn. With a motorcycle, you can start accelerating almost as soon as you get into your full lean. On the other hand, when you’re riding a trike, you have to wait until you come out of the corner before you can increase the speed, or you’ll risk lifting the inner wheel off the ground.
Braking
Braking is another essential function that changes substantially with a trike. The biggest difference between a motorcycle and a trike on this front is that trikes are much heavier than motorcycles. You’ll have to start braking much earlier and need more space to slow down. It’s also worth considering how the braking force is spread out among the three wheels. In a traditional motorcycle, the front wheel accounts for the majority of the stopping power, but you won’t necessarily be able to count on the front brakes in the same way with a trike. You’ll need to get accustomed to using the rear brakes as the main braking force.
Don’t Put Your Feet Down
If your motorcycle isn’t in motion, you’ll need to put your feet down to keep it stable. This isn’t the case with trikes and it’s something you’ll want to watch out for. Never put your feet down when riding a trike, as this could lead to a foot or leg getting caught under the back axle or tire. Unless you’re mounting or dismounting, keep your feet up on the pegs!
Adjust Your Riding
Transitioning from a traditional motorcycle to a trike presents a unique challenge – the need to unlearn ingrained habits. Surprisingly, this process is often more critical than acquiring the specific skills required for riding a trike. As you navigate through unexpected situations or encounter sudden obstacles, your instinct might lead you to revert to the behavior that feels most comfortable. It can be dangerous if you try to make a bike-specific maneuver on a trike. If you’ve been riding motorcycles for a long time, you might consider completely switching to trikes so your brain doesn’t get confused switching between vehicles.
We hope that these tips have been helpful! If you’re looking to buy a trike, stop by Bert's Barracuda Harley-Davidson® in Clearwater, FL, to see what we have in stock. We proudly serve all those in Tampa and St. Petersburg.