3-Wheel Motorcycle: Riding Tips

On wheels! Just about room for a double bed in...

Image via Wikipedia

3-Wheel Motorcycle: Riding Tips

Three wheels on my wagon, and I’m still rolling along . . . Well, unlike a wagon, which is generally better off having at least four wheels to keep it “rolling along”, a three wheel motorcycle has one extra, it’s generally a motorcycle at the front, with the same controls etc, but with two wheels at the back offering that little extra stability – not to mention style! Some of them have two wheels at the front, with one at the back – it’s just a matter of taste and design. Some of them start out life as regular motorcycles, and then get the customizing treatment. Some even pull their very own, made to measure trailer (see piccy – isn’t it great)?

Riding a 3-Wheel Motorcycle

Riding a 3-wheel motorcycle is, therefore, very similar to riding a regular two wheeler. You need to wear the same personal protective gear as you would if you were riding a regular motorcycle, that means both you and the “red hot mama” sitting behind you, just in case you were wondering.  Never, ever, ever leave home without securely fastening your motorcycle helmet, you never know when you might need it. The rest of the gear is important too, just because a 3-wheel motorcycle is less likely to fall over, it doesn’t mean that you are immune to accidents. Go for something bright and colorful, high visibility to be on the safe side, even if your 3-wheel motorcycle does have more chrome than a Michelin star kitchen. You always wanted to stand out from the crowd – well here’s your big opportunity, go for it.

Licensed to Thrill on Your 3-Wheeler

Licensing requirements differ from state to state. You’d better make sure that you know exactly what’s required of you where you live, you don’t want to be out attracting all of that attention and then falling foul of the law do you? You might be able to operate your 3-wheeler with a motorcycle license – check it out before you have to pay more than you’d bargained for, and don’t forget to sort out adequate insurance before taking to the highway.

Be At One With Your 3-Wheeler

In order for you and your vehicle to really be at one, you need to really get to know each other intimately.  Read your manual – even though motorcycle controls are pretty standardized these days, you will need to know any little quirks which are particular to your model. Practice riding on a parking lot or other wide open space where you’re not going to be in danger from other road-users (or put them in any danger). Check the position and angle of levers and pedals, make sure that you know where the reserve fuel valve is, you don’t want to be fumbling about whilst your 3-wheeler is spluttering down the road do you – very uncool, not to even mention dangerous.

Riding Your Motorcycle Trike

  • Gears – Practice shifting the gears, first of all while you’re going in a straight line, and then (even though you shouldn’t do this ordinarily) while you are going around a turn. Always drop into first gear at an intersection, just in case you have to make a quick getaway from something in your rear.
  • Brakes – You really need to apply both brakes at the same time. Do it hard if you need to, but be careful not to give it so much “welly” that you lock them up and cause a skid. Practice this in the parking lot too, you should be able to find the limit of braking safely, so you automatically know the limits if you’re out on the road, even in an emergency situation. You should always try to apply the brakes in a straight line, before making a turn, but practice braking on the turns too, just in case you ever need to.
  • Turning – Motorcycle trikes don’t lean, you have to turn the handle bars into the direction you want to go. Slow down as much as is necessary before you get to the turn, either by closing the throttle or braking a little too. Keep a good look-out ahead in the direction you want to go, some people even find it easier to lean their body slightly in the direction of the turn, or to lean forwards which might make it a little more comfortable for you.

Motorcycle Trikes – Before Setting Off

A minute spent checking over your beloved trike before setting off on a journey, can save you loads of time, hassle and expense at a later date. Check through the owners manual for specific bits of info which are particular to your trike.

  • Tires – are probably the most important part of your motorcycle trike to keep an eye on. If you suffer a tire failure while you’re out on the road it can be potentially very dangerous indeed – ouch!  Check the surface of the tires for tread and signs of wear, anything you might have picked up on your last trip – nails etc, and check the tire pressures with a gauge (see manual for required pressures). If you get into the habit of checking your pressures, you’ll soon find out even if you have a very slow leak, and can fix it before it gets quicker!
  • Controls – cables are pretty strong and don’t often break and cause trouble, but check out for chaffing or cables being routed incorrectly and becoming chafed.
  • Lights – camera, action. Well, not the camera, but check the lights to make sure that they’re all clean, clear and working properly. Brake lights, turn lights, headlights. Check the mirrors and horn while you’re at it.
  • Fuel – and oil levels need to be checked. Did you switch to the reserve tank on your last trip and forget to call at the gas station – how embarrassing – you might want to be the center of attention, but there are limits. Three wheel motorcycles are pretty heavy to push you know.
  • Brakes – just give them an individual check before you leave.

Enjoy the Ride.

Alright, quit your drooling, put your tongue away and wipe your chin . . . that’s better!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Comments are closed.