Making The Switch - Bike to Trike - Great Info!

[BlueTrinity]

From what I see in the picture and what I read, the rider was not a motorcyclist but rather was a 'biker.' May he/she rest in peace while serving as a lesson to all.


Whoa, back there, Ben!

I’m not trying to pick a fight, and the Admins may choose to pull my post, but that's becoming a bit too condescending and judgmental for my tastes.
I don’t have any tattoos, I don’t have a beard, I have short hair, and I wear a coat and tie to work, but I've been a "Biker" for over 50 years, and I’ve been a "Motorcyclist" just as long. I'm now a "Triker," but I'm still proud to be a "Biker," and I don't consider any of those terms to be a status label, nor do I consider any to be derogatory.

When did "Biker" become a four-letter word? And when did the death of a "Biker" become more acceptable than that of a "Motorcyclist"?

Just because this guy may have done something stupid (I've sure done some myself, and I've got the scars to prove it!), it doesn't place him on any level lower than the rest of us, nor does it make him any more deserving of what happened.
And I certainly don’t need his death held up as a “lesson” of what happens to “Bikers.”

 

[ben721364]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Hopefully you and I can agree to disagree. To me 'biker' dredges up an image that I don't wish to be associated with. The image that I saw in the OP was of a 'chopper' that I associate with bad boys or bad boy wannabees as opposed to serious motorcyclists. I certainly did not intend to make light of the death of the person. If you took it that way, I apologize.

Whoa back there Ben!

I’m not trying to pick a fight, and the Admins may choose to pull my post, but that's getting a bit too condescending and judgmental for my tastes.

I don’t have any tattoos, I don’t have a beard, I have short hair and I wear a coat and tie to work, but I've been a "Biker" for over 50 years and I’ve been a "Motorcyclist" just as long. I'm now a "Triker", but I'm still proud to be a "Biker" and I don't consider any of those terms to be a status label nor do I consider any to be derogatory.

When did "Biker" become a four letter word? And when did the death of a "Biker" become more acceptable than that of a "Motorcyclist"?

Just because this guy may have done something stupid (I've sure done some myself and I've got the scars to prove it!), it doesn't place him on any level lower than the rest of us, nor does it make him any more deserving of what happened.

And I certainly don’t need his death held up as a “lesson” of what happens to “Bikers”.

 

[John Luciano]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

IMHO of course there are many people that after a hard day in the office ( doctors office , lawyers, professional, teacher, etc. ) They want to let there hair down and live the biker image and ride a bad machine does not make them bad people. I know may people that when they are not on their bike if they were in a line up of 20 people they would be the last you would pick as a BIKER. I hate to read accident on the corner of Main and 1st ave Biker hit in critical condition NO CHARGES were filed under investigation. Make it sound like they hit a DOG or CAT.

 

[Smoken'JOE]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

After reading through this thread I got so much info I'm on over-load. So much great info. When I get mine I'll have a running knowledge of what's going on. Thanks guys and gals. I'll read through again in a few days. Keep the info coming.

 

[ben721364]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

IMHO of course there are many people that after a hard day in the office ( doctors office , lawyers, professional, teacher, etc. ) They want to let there hair down and live the biker image and ride a bad machine does not make them bad people. I know may people that when they are not on their bike if they were in a line up of 20 people they would be the last you would pick as a BIKER. I hate to read accident on the corner of Main and 1st ave Biker hit in critical condition NO CHARGES were filed under investigation. Make it sound like they hit a DOG or CAT.

I hate to read of any accident.

That said, choppers aren't the safest motorcycles...

 

[BlueTrinity]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Why? Because you think they are only ridden by "bad boys or bad boy wannabees as opposed to serious motorcyclists" ? Because they have too much power and make too much noise?

Oh well...Why do I ride a Harley?...If I have to explain, you'll never understand !

But I'll still ride along side you - even behind you, if my exhaust annoys you - and enjoy every minute of it.
:Flag:

 

[ben721364]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

The bike that is the subject of this thread looked like a chopper which in my opinion are dangerous [steering] and not at all utilitarian. I cringe at the thought of riding one for more than a few blocks at a time. I was not making a statement [intentionally at least] about cruisers or horsepower, torque or noise. <br />
<br />
If my comments affronted you, I apologize.

 

[Nauga Mok]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Unless you've ridden a chopper, you don't know for a fact that they have "dangerous steering". Their steering IS different. I had one years ago & it handled great. The only drawbacks were: 1, The rigid rear suspension kicking my butt every time I hit a bump, but, hey, I was young back then & didn't mind it. 2. It took an acre to turn it around. Running down the road it was a dream. It felt "solid" on the road. Screw down the throttle lock & ride for miles with no hands -- not something I advocate doing because it's really not that safe -- just saying I've done it & felt comfortable doing it on the chopper.

I wouldn't care to even try on a stock bike other than to check alignment. With that long front end & tons of rake, choppers have a "trail" measured in feet instead of inches -- well not quite, but they DO have a lot of trail making it easy to go straight, but a bit of a handfull in tight twisties.

However all this doesn't have much to do with trikes. I also appreciate all the out pouring of experiences in hopes new trikers can have an idea of what to expect on their first ride & to make it easier for them to make the transition from 2 wheels to 3 more quickly. Uh -- new triker = me hopefully in about a week.

NM

 

[ben721364]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Unless you've ridden a chopper, you don't know for a fact that they have "dangerous steering". Their steering IS different. I had one years ago & it handled great. The only drawbacks were: 1, The rigid rear suspension kicking my butt every time I hit a bump, but, hey, I was young back then & didn't mind it. 2. It took an acre to turn it around. Running down the road it was a dream. It felt "solid" on the road. Screw down the throttle lock & ride for miles with no hands -- not something I advocate doing because it's really not that safe -- just saying I've done it & felt comfortable doing it on the chopper. I wouldn't care to even try on a stock bike other than to check alignment.

With that long front end & tons of rake, choppers have a "trail" measured in feet instead of inches -- well not quite, but they DO have a lot of trail making it easy to go straight, but a bit of a handfull in tight twisties. However all this doesn't have much to do with trikes. I also appreciate all the out pouring of experiences in hopes new trikers can have an idea of what to expect on their first ride & to make it easier for them to make the transition from 2 wheels to 3 more quickly. Uh -- new triker = me hopefully in about a week.

NM

I have ridden them but not often and not for long at a time. Handling is handling is handling. While my opinion may differ from yours, that doesn't make you (or me) wrong. To me handling in 'twisties' is very important. If you have ridden trikes built by different manufacturers, you know that handling "in the twisties" varies from brand and configuration to brand and configuration.

Speaking of your upcoming "transition", don't put your feet down when you stop and remember that you must steer rather than counter steer.

 

[Boscoporp]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I bought my first trike about 2-1/2 years ago. I sold it six months ago and bought another one.

 

[ben721364]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I bought my first trike about 2-1/2 years ago. I sold it six months ago and bought another one.

Similar story here. My first "trike" was a Grinnall Scorpion 111. Though I dearly loved it and couldn't get enough of driving it, I had a hard time getting in and especially out because it was so low to the ground. My second was a BMW K1200LT/Hannigan which I sold in a weak moment and quickly realized that was a mistake. A few months later I acquired a RoadSmith/GL1800 which I have now. My next trike will likely be a Can Am Spyder RT or a Stallion.

 

[Boscoporp]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I've been riding trikes for a little over three years. I love it! i ride about 12,000 miles every year!

 

[dbarnes180]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Great Posts.... Thanks for all the beginner info.

I am looking to get my first trike. I have been riding two wheels for 47 years.

 

[a3recon]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

After 37 years on 2 wheels mostly big twins I converted a HD ultra into a Trike 5 years ago. I was lucky in that I took to it almost from the outset. The two things that took me a while to get used to was, 1. looking ahead over the top of a Motorcycle and trying to remember that I was dragging a compact car. 2. Putting my foot down at a light and or looking for the kickstand.

 

[trikertroy]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I built my first trike in 1969 and have been trikeing ever since. Iv driven almost every style trike around (haven't had the chance to drive a Stallion yet) so my advise may be a bit different..

First choose the style trike that will suit YOU and the type of riding you will be doing most. Dont be "fooled" by shiny paint and fiberglass.. its what is underneath that counts.. Many expensive trikes arnt using advanced technology, just the same old suspension and no frame changes for many years.

Try to get a ride on as many trikes as possible. The BTW folks are friendly and mostly willing to help. It is easy to check for members near you. (Im not a member)

Once you have your new (to you) trike, get familiar with it around the neighborhood. Then fine a big flat area with soft ground. Do some burn outs...and hard braking..even some panic stops.. Try hanging the rear out a little.. then some donuts and other stuff you should never do on the street.. Have fun but be smart about it..

I know it sounds strange for a senior citizen to put his new $20,000+ shiny trike thru such "abuse". The idea is to learn what you and your trike will do in averse and emergency situations. You dont want to find out the hard way. do you?

What if my new trike breaks doing that stuff?.. What Im suggestion is NOT true abuse.. it is what any trike should be designed to do.. If something breaks or bends, the trike isnt built/designed properly in the first place and may even be unsafe in daily "normal" driving..

 

[Boscoporp]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I am riding my second Trike now! I have about 50,000 miles on Goldwings! i absolutely love Triking! I am retired and loving that too! It gives me plenty of time to ride!

 

[Alan Oakley]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I don't get my trike for another 10 days but I will admit that I am a little concerned about dealing with Road Kill especially here in the South (Texas). It is usually easy to maneuver around it on two wheels but with three and aqua shields, I expect I will need to drive even more defensively than before. Let me add my thanks for everyone that responds. I am really enjoying reading and learning from all of you that are veteran trikers. This forum has been a wealth of information.:yes:

 

[John Luciano]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

On a ride recently I watched the guy in front of me on a trike , I think he ran over every road kill with at least one of his tires. when i mentioned it to him at the 1st rest stop he couldn't believe it. I am talking squirrels and possums, and small rodents , not armadillos

 

[wingking51]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I don't get my trike for another 10 days but I will admit that I am a little concerned about dealing with Road Kill especially here in the South (Texas). It is usually easy to maneuver around it on two wheels but with three and aqua shields, I expect I will need to drive even more defensively than before. Let me add my thanks for everyone that responds. I am really enjoying reading and learning from all of you that are veteran trikers. This forum has been a wealth of information.:yes:

Remember, just because you miss it with the front wheel doesn't mean you will miss it with the back wheel, i.e. pot holes and road kill. I have hit some with the rear and so far it hasn't been messy or caused damage. It's easier to know about road debris when you're riding with a group and you have CB communications between bikes and you're not the lead bike. Eventually you will run over roadkill. Chock it up to being part of the ride and poop happens!:yes:

 

[Ozarkryder]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Organic matter on the pavement:

Why did the chicken cross the road?
To prove to the possum it could be done.

We have plenty of stuff on the road, and sometimes the highway department doesn't seem to eager to pick it up. If it is really ripe, large, a skunk or roadkill-on-the-halfshell, I do my best to try not to hit it. Ripe and skunks can ride with you for quite a time, large will disrupt your day and armadillos are like running over a rock. Soft and fresh, I still try not to hit it, but it isn't as big of a deal if I do.

Oh - for northerners newly traveling in the south - watch out for live armadillos no matter what your mode of travel. Thier natural reaction when threatened is to jump, and they can get pretty high. I have seen 4X4 grills and radiators badly messed up by an armadillo they thought they could roll over with plenty of clearance. Plays havoc with cars too, and can really mess up a nice trike or bike ride.

 

[Boscoporp]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I have been trikeing about four years. I am riding my second trike. My first was a 1996 GW with a Tri-King kit. My newer one is a 2003 GW with a Motor Trike kit. I ride between 12,000 and 15,000 miles a year. That is after parking it for two months in the winter. I absolutely love Triking!

I beleive that tikes are a lot safer and easier to ride. I have a lot of two wheel friends that I watch struggleing to maintain control all the time. I have a modulating headlight which I believe to be the ultimate saftey gear. Their ar mor accidents by boxes pulling out in front of bikes than from people falling off their trikes! Haha Many people think armour clothing is the answer??? I have NEVER had anyone pull out in front of me with a headlight flashing. I watch very carefully for the first one all the time!

Questions: feel free to email me any time!

 

[Calman]

From 3-Wheels to 3-Wheels.

I came from the sidecar world last year so I found the switch to a Trike not so hard once I got over leaning against the curve. Oh yeah; took awhile to remember I had not one projection hanging off the cycle but two projections.

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I have been trikeing about four years. I am riding my second trike. My first was a 1996 GW with a Tri-King kit. My newer one is a 2003 GW with a Motor Trike kit. I ride between 12,000 and 15,000 miles a year. That is after parking it for two months in the winter. I absolutely love Triking!

I beleive that tikes are a lot safer and easier to ride. I have a lot of two wheel friends that I watch struggleing to maintain control all the time. I have a modulating headlight which I believe to be the ultimate saftey gear. Their ar mor accidents by boxes pulling out in front of bikes than from people falling off their trikes! Haha Many people think armour clothing is the answer??? I have NEVER had anyone pull out in front of me with a headlight flashing. I watch very carefully for the first one all the time!

Questions: feel free to email me any time!

Can you turn off the modulating head lights at night? Looks like it would be very distracting.

 

[john]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

bought a new goldwing triked it out with a 09 champion kit. it had 30 miles on it when i trike it. been riding a atv for 10 years. rode my trike with no problems. my wife and i love it.

 

[Gorilla]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Congrats John

 

[Smoken'JOE]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Can you turn off the modulating head lights at night? Looks like it would be very distracting.

Yes, it has a eye, to turn off when it gets dark or in a tunnel. Saved my butt many times.
Here's the one I have had for at least 4 years.
Motorcycle Headlight Modulator - From $45.95 VisiPath - limited time.

 

[Big_Steve]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

Oh - for northerners newly traveling in the south - watch out for live armadillos no matter what your mode of travel. Thier natural reaction when threatened is to jump, and they can get pretty high. I have seen 4X4 grills and radiators badly messed up by an armadillo they thought they could roll over with plenty of clearance. Plays havoc with cars too, and can really mess up a nice trike or bike ride.

 

[skuuter]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

GREAT STUFF 3-Wheel Veterans....THANKS....I'm finding most of this stuff as very true. 40+ years on the Two Wheelers, I caught on better riding the Trike by simply sifting through my hundreds of thousands of miles of 2-wheel accumulated knowledge, drop anything that even remotely had to do with Lean/Countersteer, read these tips, then go out and put on 4200 miles in 5 weeks of ownership.....The Trike has become my All-Time Favorite now...Lookin' forward to the Day I'm classified as "experienced"......Thanks Again Folks....:wtg:

 

[triwinggirl]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I built JOY in early "06"

arty:

 

[Boscoporp]

re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.

I think that Trikes are a lot safter than two wheelers because of all the above reasons.