Do you think Trikes are Safer than Bikes?

[Mattel]

One of the reasons I purchased my Trike was because I thought it was safer than a two wheeled bike. What do you think? Do you think the Stallion is safer than a regular trike? What do you think is the safest trike and why?<img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" />

 

[John Luciano]

I don't think the Stallion is much safer than a Motorcycle trike. Trikes are safer. , Better brakes because of the rear tire surface area and most have 2 rear brakes some disk. slow moving and bad road surfaces ( SAND, Steel bridges , Groved highways to name a few) makes it more stable. MHO of course.

 

[Mattel]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>John Luciano</strong>
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<div class="message">I don't think the Stallion is much safer than a Motorcycle trike. Trikes are safer. , Better brakes because of the rear tire surface area and most have 2 rear brakes some disk. slow moving and bad road surfaces ( SAND, Steel bridges , Groved highways to name a few) makes it more stable. MHO of course.</div>

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John,<br />
Have you ever rode a stallion? Lower center of gravity, wider tires, able to take sharp turns at high speeds witout tipping?

 

[Big Dog]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Mattel</strong>
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<div class="message">John,<br />
Have you ever rode a stallion? Lower center of gravity, wider tires, able to take sharp turns at high speeds witout tipping?</div>

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</div>I agree with Mattel, even the people who teach the trike course in Florida agree.:yes:

 

[Ozarkryder]

I ride both a trike and a 2 wheeler about equal miles a year. Trikes are, IMNSHO safer, mostly for the reasons John noted. Also things like not tipping over if you forget to put your feet down at a stop, (seen even graybeards do this) nore stable on the "gravel" roads, (around here there are a few with rocks as big as your fist) and I've never seen anyone get off a trike and have it fall over due to forgetting the kickstand was up, or taking off while it is down. I have seen both many times, even done one of them.:blush: (I'm not telling which one)

 

[Okie]

I agree that the trike is safer for all the above reasons. I've only gone almost 2,000 miles on mine but I feel they are a lot safer. We still have sand on our streets here from the winter weather and the rains have washed it back on the roads and now I don't have to worry about it as much as on a bike.
Now I even feel they are safer on the curves because of rough surfaces and sand and gravel. 1500 miles ago I don't know if I felt that way but I do now.
I have yet to ride a stallion but I understand they are very stable.
Okie
Tulsa, Ok.

 

[Chuck]

I agree with the reasons mentioned above that trikes are safer, but another couple reasons that I think trikes are safer:

1) visibility and presence on the road. People see trikes sooner than they see motorcycles.

2) speed and agility on the road. This may be more personal than general, but I've noticed my behavior when driving a motorcycle is a bit riskier than when I'm on the trike. I pass more often and at greater speeds, move through traffic more quickly, find and take open spaces more quickly, etc.

 

[John Luciano]

I have tried to raise a wheel off the ground and have yet to succeed. I have actually squealed my rear tires on a corner. If it tips over anything would.<br />
I know someone that tipped over a T bird. <br />
The Stallion is maybe a little more safe as you legs are protected and you are more in a seated position .<br />
Honey sleeps on the back of mine on long trips.<br />
HAS anyone made there trike go up on 2 wheels? I would be interested in knowing this.

 

[Trikerjim]

OK, here's my :2cents:
For the reasons already stated here, I agree that the trike is safer. And no John, I have not been able to get up on 2 yet either. I can normally stay with or "push" 2 wheelers on the twisties without much problem. The other way of looking at this question is if you are involved in an accident, and IMHO no matter which one you're riding, the outcome is not going to be good..

 

[Mr.Wizard]

+1 for a trike being more safe if you can categorize and define safe. Also think the Stallion has it's advantages over a standard trike and visa verse.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Before my conversion I was able to get my Ultra on the back wheel pretty easy and even when hitting a hard second gear it would come up a bit or burn the back tire doing so. Don't get the wrong impression. I'm not a hot rod by any means but I do want to know what I can expect if I need to get out of the way so to speak.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Although more difficult to do, my trike will raise the front wheel off the ground a little and will fully extend the forks when hitting a hard second gear shift. Wheel spinning is not my cup-o-tea. Being familiar with the trike's abilities is. Now for those who are thinking of trying this please remember that my motor and drive train is not stock. Even my drive belt is beefed up so please be careful.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
In a big empty parking lot I have tried to corner as fast as I can for practice and confidence. Not once did a rear wheel lift that I could tell but the stock front tire would start to push through a corner and straighten out my ability to turn the trike. While practicing panic stops I did notice that a trike is about as agile as a sports car when locking up the back tires and counterstearing out of a slide.<br />
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It was very impressive.

Will get my front tire changed to a bias soon.

 

[Juju]

I don't yet have enough experience to judge about absolute safety of a trike over a bike, but I know that I FEEL safer on my trike than I did on my bike. In the month I've owned my trike, I've put almost 1500 miles on it, whereas in the 2 1/2 years I had my two-wheeled bike, I only put a total of about 2500 miles on it in all that time. I KNOW the difference is a consequence of my feeling safer on my trike.

 

[Gorilla]

Light the front up and because it is broader it is more visible, there for safer. Ted

 

[adventurer]

I agree with all of you for the reasons already stated. That is also the reason I went to a trike. I also believe the safest thing that you can have going for you on a trike is a sensable and safe rider. If you are in a group and feel uncomfortable with the speed you are going don't try to keep up, ride your own ride. I was in a group of trikes last week, I was on my Stallion and all the other trikes were conversion trikes. The trike in front of me lifted a wheel and came to a stop on its side. My Stallion didn't, was it safer, I don't think so. The gentleman that went down was very inexperenced and he and his wife both went to the hospital. Thank goodness they were released that night just very sore and with a few stitches.<br />
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I guess what I am saying is all trikes can be safe and all trikes can be dangerous.

 

[Gorilla]

Additional comment. You still have to drive like they do not see ya.

 

[adventurer]

I agree with all of you for the reasons already stated. That is also the reason I went to a trike. I also believe the safest thing that you can have going for you on a trike is a sensable and safe rider. If you are in a group and feel uncomfortable with the speed you are going don't try to keep up, ride your own ride. I was in a group of trikes last week, I was on my Stallion and all the other trikes were conversion trikes. The trike in front of me lifted a wheel and came to a stop on its side. My Stallion didn't, was it safer, I don't think so. The gentleman that went down was very inexperenced and he and his wife both went to the hospital. Thank goodness they were released that night just very sore and with a few stitches.<br />
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I guess what I am saying is all trikes can be safe and all trikes can be dangerous.<br />
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Please, make your trike one of the safe ones.

 

[Nana]

Well said, adventurer! Knowing your own, and your vehicle's, limits is first! Works for any vehicle from bicycle on up to a truck, I think! I've got to think that the inherent stability of a trike has to be safer than two wheels in so many circumstances, though.

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

I don't know what the statistics are for trike safety, but I will say that I feel a lot safer on my trike then I did 2 wheels . I think if the rider has more confidence then that would make it safer IMHO. A fearful rider is never a safe one.

 

[saybel]

When riding the trike, Pat is usually riding with me, so I ride conservatively. Although, I have cornered at 70 MPH, with the tires squealing and never raised a tire. I also know my insurance company thinks trikes are safer. They told me that even though the trike is worth more, and statistics show trikes will be rode more miles than two wheelers, they are safer, and therefore my insurance premiums went down. :yes:

 

[ben721364]

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<div class="message">I don't think the Stallion is much safer than a Motorcycle trike. Trikes are safer. , Better brakes because of the rear tire surface area and most have 2 rear brakes some disk. slow moving and bad road surfaces ( SAND, Steel bridges , Groved highways to name a few) makes it more stable. MHO of course.</div>

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</div>Weight transfer requires the front brake(s) to provide 70% to 80% of braking on a bike, a conventional trike, a reverse trike, a car or a 2 axle truck. Theoretically at least, a reverse trike will have greater stopping power than a conventional 1f/2r trike, all things equal, because of more front tire surface and larger, more powerful front brakes.

 

[Angelbymyside]

I must add my :2cents: to this question!! Last June, had I been riding 2 wheels, I can guarantee you that I would not be alive today!! When the pickup truck and my trike collided, (I was going about 55-60 mph), had there only been two wheels, I would have laid the bike down, slid it under the truck and it would have buried me in the concrete barrier. This truck had been rear-ended by a car, lost control, spun around twice and slammed into me. My beautiful purple 1800 Goldwing rode up the truck's drivers-side door, did a flip, turned me loose and gave herself up for me, (she hit the barrier). I ended up with a broke left arm, bruises and road rash. My purple baby was totaled, but I believe with all my heart that the Lord, his Angel, and three wheels saved my life. <b>Three Wheels?</b> -- <b>It's the only way to ride</b>!!

 

[The Wolf]

I am with you Angel. When my brakes failed 2 years ago, I was only saved due to having 3 wheels.:yes:

 

[Mattel]

Are Stallions Safe? (copy of my tech artical for your comment)

<i><font color="SeaGreen">(This is a copy of my tech article for your comment. I placed this copy here on this thread in addition to the tech article section because we started this dialog and I wanted your comments.)</font></i><br /><br />
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Are Stallions Safe?<br /><br />
<br /><br />
I wanted to give my opinion on the safety of a Stallion. I would invite other Stallion owners to chime in with their experiences. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
I believe most if not all trikes are safer than motorcycles due to the additional wheel. Without motion, or a third load bearing device (i.e. kickstand or leg) all two wheel motorcycles will fall and subject themselves to damage. Even with motion, loss of traction of one wheel usually results in a fall and the amount of damage to motorcycle and driver depends on the velocity, density / abrasive qualities of the surface they come into contact with, along with a host of other mathematical calculations, and fortuitous luck or bad luck.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
I have ridden motorcycles, and in my opinion it is not a question of if you will drop your bike, it is a question of when. You must constantly be on guard, and it is a stress that is not present when riding a trike. I am sure you can test this for yourself, just ask all your friends that own motorcycles how many times they dropped, or laid down their motorcycle. Than compare it to the amount of times a triker rolls their rig.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
This is not to say that motorcycles do not have an advantage in other areas, such as an ability to lean into turns, and some sport bikes can even take turns faster, or transverse uneven rugged terrain.

There are pros and cons to everything. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
When it comes to Trikes, I believe Stallions are one of the safer trikes <br /><br />
I am not aware of any safety data that compares trikes to motorcycles. If you are able to find any I would appreciate it. I believe all trikes are safer, and the insurance companies are able to charge us the same premium as our two wheeled brethren claiming they have no data to use to provide a discount. The arguments I have heard from some insurance companies allude to a common theme that crash data just lists the vehicle as a motorcycle, whether it is two or three wheels. I believe this is a weak argument, considering over 70% of all motorcycle crashes are one vehicle, they involve only the motorcycle. The insurance companies will have to face this issue in an honest manner during the next few years with the manufacture of whole trikes like the Stallion, T-Rex, V-13R, and the new Harley Davidson trike. These vehicles can be tracked and used as a comparison for claims against other two wheeled motorcycles.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Although I do not believe we have any T-Rex or V-13R members, I do believe they are comparable or they may even excel above the Stallion in safety as well as price point. The T-Rex has a full roll bar cage, and I have seen videos of insane driving in an attempt to prove its safety.<br />
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The V-13R is just being introduced, and I do not believe there is enough information to form an opinion at this time.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Let’s compare Stallion’s to other traditional trikes:<br /><br />
By traditional trikes I am talking about two wheeled motorcycles that are converted to trikes. Similar to the discussion above, I am just listing the pros and cons of safety, traditional trikes have pros over the Stallion's cons in safety or other areas, and I invite your comments in response.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Stallions Safety Pros:<br /><br />
1.

Low center of gravity: <br /><br />
Stallions sit low to the ground. Take a look at the race car design when you lift the body off and you will see most of the steel frame just inches above the pavement. Wheelies are out of the question with the Stallion. With 155 h.p. the distribution of the weight makes wheelies impossible. When driving, you have to work hard to get one rear wheel to come off the ground, most of my attempts only resulted in chirps when taking banked sharp turns at high speeds. I was impressed when I hit patches of gravel in turns with little or no loss of traction.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
2. Super wide car tires:<br /><br />
There is no way around not seeing the amount of square inches of rubber sit on the ground.<br />
<br />
The Stallion comes stock with supper wide car tires in the rear, and a front tire that is just as wide as any dark sider’s rear car tire I have ever seen on a Gold Wing.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
3. Good Daytime Visibility: <br /><br />
The Stallion’s size exceeds most traditional trikes, and comes standard with driving lights. Stallions are larger than a Smart Car, and are easy to see.

They may not have as much chrome as a traditional trike, but I would argue the unique large profile of the Stallion makes it easier to see during the day. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
4. Wedge like form / Wedge Metal frame:<br /><br />
The wedge design of the Stallion may allow it to be deflected off objects instead of crashing into them. This grazing will dissipate energy in a crash, reducing the amount of impact force. The Wedge design is not just in the exterior fiberglass, it extends into the sturdy metal tube frame. The wedge form is not a guarantee that a frontal crash like a tee bone will be avoided, but it means a higher percentage of crashes can be reduced due to the higher probability of deflecting he direction of the Stallion due to it’s shape, and the fact that the front wheel is not the first thing to come into contact in a crash.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
The heavy duty wedge metal frame also provide a substantial amount of protection from objects that extend into the ground like polls, trees, guard rails. In these situations it will be more likely that an off center hit will cause the Stallion to glance off the object instead of immediately stopping it.<br />
<br />
In a crash the key is to dissipate energy as slowly as possible.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
5. Heavy fiberglass body:<br /><br />
As stated in the last section, the key to reduce injury is to dissipate energy. The 2008 and some 2009 Stallions have a heavy hand laid fiberglass body. This body can provide a substantial amount of protection during a crash, or from road debris or other road hazards.

The newer 2009 Stallions have a lighter plastic body that will also provide protection to the rider.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
6. Larger Body:<br /><br />
The large overall size of the Stallion provides a greater visibility than a motorcycle, and some smaller trikes, but it may be comparable to larger trikes that are in the same class. During the daytime, this large size leads to greater visibility, and at night the large car tail lights also work well. The large rear trunk, and all the metal under the body provide good protection from a rear end collision. A seat back is standard on the Stallion, and it will provide more protection by keeping the drive in control of the trike after impact. Side impact protection may vary depending on the height of the object or vehicle that is impacted.<br />
<br />
The lower the better on the side of the Stallion, with object that are at ground level being the best.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
7. Lights:<br /><br />
The lights on the Stallion will offer protection in the form of visibility. The driving lights work in concert with the headlight to allow oncoming motorists to quickly identify you as a vehicle, day or night. The large car tail lights are bright and easily seen. The front headlights may be comparable to other trikes, and some custom trikes that are chock full of lights and LED’s may even surpass the stock Stallion in this area.

<br /><br />
<br /><br />
8. Breaking:<br /><br />
Although the Stallion does not have anti-lock breaks, it does have four oversized disk breaks. The Stallion can stop on a dime. The large oversized tires provide a lot of traction during breaking, and if you lock up the breaks it does not drift to one side, it keeps a straight line. Abrupt emergency breaking on a two wheeled motorcycle is challenging, and can be disastrous for the novices.<br />
<br />
I cannot compare breaking on other trikes, but most motorcycles that have been converted to trikes are utilizing the front breaking system that was designed for a lighter motorcycle.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Traditional Trike Pros:<br /><br />
I cannot write this article without acknowledging traditional trikes have a higher seating position that allows them to see further ahead or over smaller vehicles. I also cannot leave out the fact that most traditional trikes have chrome, some of them have lots of chrome. Chrome has sparkle on sunny days, and that sparkle gets you noticed. There are too many different styles of traditional trikes to be able to make a definitive list of other good safety features they may have. Honda recently came out with an air bag for the Gold Wings, and many manufactures have anti-lock breaks. Finally, traditional trikes are often decked out with aftermarket lighting which increases visibility at night time.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Conclusion:<br /><br />
I have listed out some of the reasons I believe the Stallions are safer than motorcycles and even some traditional trikes, but the largest factor of safety resides in the rider and the drivers of the vehicles that surround you every day.

No matter how safe you drive, you are at the mercy of the other drivers on the road. Please don’t confuse my intention of illustrating the safety aspects that I see on the Stallion with a belief that it is better than a traditional trike or motorcycle. Each and every vehicle has pros and cons, and some are a better fit than others. The key is to understand the pros and cons to decide which one is right for you.<br />
<br />
No matter what you drive, drive safe and enjoy the ride!

 

[John Luciano]

Good one Mattel :good job: u can tel you have time on your hands <LOL> As far as rear tires : The conventional Trike , mine for instance has 225 X50 X16 Not sure what you call wide. Most trikes have 4 Disk brakes . all you other points are well noted .

 

[Yellow Trike]

I'm going to go out on a limb and sort of disagree.<br />
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I don't believe a trike is any safer than a 2-wheeler.<br />
<br />
I don't believe a 2 wheels are any more dangerous than 3 wheels.<br />
<br />
What I do believe is ANY vehicle driven on the edge of the DRIVER or RIDER's capabilities is unsafe.<br />
<br />
Too many times, be it 2 or 3 wheels the OPERATOR is the cause of the vehicle being unsafe.<br />
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Yes, I love my trike. Yes, for me, the trike is safer.

 

[John Luciano]

Wow yes that is true. If u drive safely any bike, trike, CAR , BUS or even Unicycle is safe. Being a defensive driver and cautious etc.makes it safe. A 2 wheeler driven correctly can be as safe of safer than a trike. Example You are driving down a 2 lane back road you see 2 cars approaching you one passing the other . With the motorcycle you may have enough room to squeeze by on the shoulder with a car you are DEAD. With a trike you will most likely get sideswiped or hit.

 

[Mattel]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>John Luciano</strong>
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<div class="message">Good one Mattel :good job: u can tel you have time on your hands <LOL> As far as rear tires : The conventional Trike , mine for instance has 225 X50 X16 Not sure what you call wide. Most trikes have 4 Disk brakes . all you other points are well noted .</div>

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</div>John,<br />
Thanks for the info. But, my tires are bigger than your tires!<img src="images/smilies/tongue2.gif" border="0" alt="" title="blowing a raspberry" class="inlineimg" /> Just kidding, it's not the size that matters, its what you do with them!!!!:yes:

 

[ben721364]

Wide tires on a short wheelbase, narrow track, light weight vehicle present more negatives than positives in my opinion, hydroplaning being a major one, along with greater drag, etc.

 

[Mattel]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>ben721364</strong>
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<div class="message">Wide tires on a short wheelbase, narrow track, light weight vehicle present more negatives than positives in my opinion, hydroplaning being a major one, along with greater drag, etc.</div>

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</div>Ben,<br />
That is an interesting perspective. The Stallion has over 5 feet width, and it measures about 10 feet long. That is larger than a smart car and almost as long as some compact cars. I have rode in the rain at all different speeds and I don't think I ever had the sensation of hydroplaning. I have seen similar vehicles running at insane speeds in the rain without that happening. Check out this video on a similar vehicle similar to what you laid out above, with the exception that the single tire is on the rear:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHe5m1t_WTg" target="_blank">YouTube - T-Rex Tribike</a><br />
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I would also have to respectfully disagree with a greater drag, as even if you had greater drag from the tires, the pros of better traction would offset that 10-1.<br />
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I hope you all enjoyed that video, it was the one I mentioned in the article below.

 

[ben721364]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Mattel</strong><br />
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<div class="message">Ben,<br /><br />
That is an interesting perspective. The Stallion has over 5 feet width, and it measures about 10 feet long. That is larger than a smart car and almost as long as some compact cars. I have rode in the rain at all different speeds and I don't think I ever had the sensation of hydroplaning. I have seen similar vehicles running at insane speeds in the rain without that happening. Check out this video on a similar vehicle similar to what you laid out above, with the exception that the single tire is on the rear:<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHe5m1t_WTg" target="_blank">YouTube - T-Rex Tribike</a><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I would also have to respectfully disagree with a greater drag, as even if you had greater drag from the tires, the pros of better traction would offset that 10-1.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
I hope you all enjoyed that video, it was the one I mentioned in the article below.</div><br />
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</div>I am on my third trike, including a Grinnall Scorpion 111, a K LT/Hannigan and my present GL18/Roadsmith. The range in weight from 850# to about 1150#. All but the Hannigan are equipped with wider tires than a Mazda Miata which weighs at least twice as much as the heaviest of the three. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
I was primarily speaking of aerodynamic drag, as you surmised. While I would agree that a wide sticky tire could provide greater traction than a similar but narrower tire on a drag race vehicle, I don't think that most trikes produce sufficient torque to take advantage of the wider stickier tread, especially on standing water.<br />
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<br /><br />
<br /><br />
I am glad that you haven't experienced hydroplaning.

It isn't much fun! <g><br /><br />
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I do recommend open tread designs for replacement trike tires. The more open, the better for channeling water out from under the tread.

 

[John Luciano]

Very Kool video. Only real difference he is doing 100+ MPH in a downpour. I have experienced Hydroplaning. I hit a pond in the middle of a highway doing 55 MPH . The front wheel had no problem as it is only 4" wide the rear 8" tires did quite a little dance.