Making The Switch - Bike to Trike - Great Info!

[pcombe]

Patent US6213237 - Motorcycle stop support wheels - Google[/h]<cite>www.google.com/patents/US6213237</cite>
The inventor of the subject invention created “retractable motorcycle stop-support wheels ... retractable motorcycle wheel stabilizer ... Google Patents - Send ...

• Authors: Santa Clara · Auburn Hills
  
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[cavie]

Hi I'm SZQ.
Instead of searching through hundreds of posts maybe you can guide me in the right direction.

I'm a multi cancer survivor 14 yrs., who has recently developed lymphedema on my right side, toes to hip, which throws my balance off enough that when turning/slowing I have tipped over in traffic.
Luckily good ppl have been nearby to help pick it up.

I receive SSDI benefits but not enough to invest in support wheels or trike kit. I even thought of seeing if there are any machine shops near me to make support bars for support wheels.

I just don't have much $ to work with. I NEED to be riding for peace of mind, serenity, contact with my h.p. for continued clean time of 25 yrs.
I have tried contacting the American Cancer Society to find disabled ppl who have adapted bikes to help them ride to vets sites to ptsd groups to news stations.
My brain is tired.

Any suggestions??? Tnx for reading.

- - - Updated - - -

Hi I'm SZQ.
Instead of searching through hundreds of posts maybe you can guide me in the right direction.

I'm a multi cancer survivor 14 yrs., who has recently developed lymphedema on my right side, toes to hip, which throws my balance off enough that when turning/slowing I have tipped over in traffic.
Luckily good ppl have been nearby to help pick it up.

I receive SSDI benefits but not enough to invest in support wheels or trike kit. I even thought of seeing if there are any machine shops near me to make support bars for support wheels.

I just don't have much $ to work with. I NEED to be riding for peace of mind, serenity, contact with my h.p. for continued clean time of 25 yrs.
I have tried contacting the American Cancer Society to find disabled ppl who have adapted bikes to help them ride to vets sites to ptsd groups to news stations.
My brain is tired.

Any suggestions??? Tnx for reading.

- - - Updated - - -

Hi I'm SZQ.
Instead of searching through hundreds of posts maybe you can guide me in the right direction.

I'm a multi cancer survivor 14 yrs., who has recently developed lymphedema on my right side, toes to hip, which throws my balance off enough that when turning/slowing I have tipped over in traffic.
Luckily good ppl have been nearby to help pick it up.

I receive SSDI benefits but not enough to invest in support wheels or trike kit. I even thought of seeing if there are any machine shops near me to make support bars for support wheels.

I just don't have much $ to work with. I NEED to be riding for peace of mind, serenity, contact with my h.p. for continued clean time of 25 yrs.
I have tried contacting the American Cancer Society to find disabled ppl who have adapted bikes to help them ride to vets sites to ptsd groups to news stations.
My brain is tired.

Any suggestions??? Tnx for reading.

Have a look at the outrigger style of trike. (Add on training wheels)

 

[RTwing]

I have to admit I am surprised when someone takes one of my trikes for a test ride then returns and says things like "I keep wanting to put my feet down" or "I can't help but lean"
I started my trike quest after riding over 1.2 million miles on 2 wheels. Since then (last 7 years) I have just over 142k on trikes of all types and designs. Not once did I feel the need to put my feet down or lean.

As it turns out it it really a physiological problem not a vehicle problem. Those who are true adventure riders tend to have little problem with trikes especially front wheel conversions or CanAm style. These experienced riders have expertise riding all sorts of vehicle like ATV, snowmobiles and dune buggies. They naturally understand the physics and have little to no problems. Novice or new riders tend to also adapt quickly as they have no preconceptions and will listen to advice. It is the average rider who forgets 99% of all vehicle don't lean and assumes the mindset the it's a motorcycle so it must lean.

Now I am talking wheels forward type trikes here which have automotive type design however wheels back trikes are similar though more difficult to steer. I will admit I designed and rode wheels forward trikes for 5 years prior to riding a conventional trike so I had quite an edge. The first ride on a 1-2 type trike is more involved as the steering is somewhat erratic compared to the 2-1 designs however the basics still apply.

When someone wished to test ride I have three simple pieces of advice I offer.

First - don't steer Push. As in golf try to keep your arm straight. This forms a brace between the body and the handlebar. The pushing removed the illusion that one must lean and mostly eliminated the feeling of hanging on or flying off.

Second - don't put your feet down - be aware of what you are riding do you put your feet down when driving a car or all the other vehicles you know of?

Relax - you here people say the CanAm is dodgie or tends to jump back and forth. Well not true it's the rider over compensating for very subtle movements and in general the arm tension is causing all the problems. In most cases I tell then just ride one handed until you feel comfortable and the tension is gone.

 

[Hogman46]

Thanks to all for the help/tips over the past year. It helped us to transition from 2 to 3 wheels.

 

[dickdb]

Just spent a good part of Memorial Day afternoon reading this long post. I've got a Yamaha Vstar 1100 being converted by American Trike. Hoping to have it home by mid June. Great tips here, having never ridden a trike before. Can't wait to put them to use.

 

[bokobob]

Hello...(perhaps I should say "hello again" as I am 80 years old and forget if I posted previously on this thread or not.) I am on my 26th bike since 08. Two of them have been trikes...The first was a gorgeous true trike but I sold it within a month because it was so hard to steer...This spring I bought my current one, a 2009 Harley 1200 sportster converted to a Frankenstein brand trike..It had 1200 original miles on it when I bought it.


Now it has 3200 miles...It is a wonderful trike....The steering is easy as can be, seeing that it has a raked front end. It does not pull except the tiniest bit SOME of the time and then only to the right. I never feel the need to lock my arm or to push down on one foot while in a curve..On the highway it is a dream to ride...The front end never wobbles. I could ride all day...Around town it is a bit more tiring, so very often I ride my 09 Kawa Vulcan 500 cruiser two wheeler in town.


The trike is equipped with Vance and Hines Short Shots as the OEM mufflers are too long to clear the solid axle. I dislike the noise but wear earplugs...I am doing a low key search for a fabricator to equip it with stock pipes...no luck so far...(The exhaust system is solid front to back so can't fit it with slip ons without the help of a fabricator.

It also has a mustang seat which is really comfy.. I add a 5/8" gel pad plus a sheepskin to the seat for even more comfort.

I wish it was liquid cooled as it gets really hot when stopped at a red light or in a traffic jam.

I find that I ride slower than on a two wheeler as I usually take country roads....I also find that I am better off in 4th gear between 50 and 60 mph, and 3rd gear from 40 to 60 mph to avoid lugging..The bike seems to be more than amply powered and will go as fast as I want to on straight roads...I have had it to 90 for a quarter mile on a divided highway with no traffic. It tracks very straight.

I do lean into curves to greatly lessen any feeling of centrifugal force. I sometimes shift my bum as well.

My main observation is that the trike is a smooth dream of a ride..Well, I also enjoy the MANY comments and questions of folks at gas stations, plus the daily "thumbs up" received red light stops..

 

[clint44]

The trike is equipped with Vance and Hines Short Shots as the OEM mufflers are too long to clear the solid axle. I dislike the noise but wear earplugs...I am doing a low key search for a fabricator to equip it with stock pipes...no luck so far...(The exhaust system is solid front to back so can't fit it with slip ons without the help of a fabricator.

Bob,here are a few custom exhaust shops in your area.
https://www.google.com/?ion=1&espv=2#q=Gastonia,NC+custom+exhaust+system+builders

 

[bokobob]

Thank you for the list of exhaust-related firms..I'll check them out...

 

[RTwing]

sounds like you have a good setup. Try a bit if the stiff arm and less lean I think you may find you can ride easier and faster on the curves.

Good luck with the options ThumbUp

 

[Hogdoc]

Made the switch from 2 wheels to 3 wheels and do not want to go back. Love my Trike. Now, if someone give me a bike, I certainly will ride it!

 

[M2102]

the switch

when I went to pick mine up, 2001 with RS kit, i tried to lean to make turn out of dealership. and i test road one and had no trouble. my dealer came out laughing and new right off what i did wrong. did a quick practice in a big empty lot and i was off and running. i had an hour and a half ride home and 25 minutes in it started to rain. rained almost all the way home. dealer called about half hour after I got home and told about the ride home. he said if you can ride in rain like that, i would have no problems. i think he called to see if i made it home alive,lol. i would say i took to my trike like a duck to water.

 

[1dn5up]

How in the heck did I miss this thread :Shrug: Good bump Zook :clapping:

My riding bud bought a used 2011 Tri from our local dealer. He had a retail bike parts shop, and had it as a hobbie. I went to him to say hello and asked about the 3 wheeler in the lot. Gota talkin, Gota ride. Scared s** t, of tipping over. This thing is dangerous :gah: Rode it some more, harder and harder turns, getting better, and this thing has some power as a stocker, except for some obnoxious exhaust. Returned it with more conversation.

Told my housekeeper of the days experience, and she informed me the real reason she won't ride with me.
I guess my wobbling and weaving at stop and go had somthing to do with it:Shrug: "Your getting older, legs are shot, bad back, bla, bla , bla, a three wheeler would probably keep me upright". That's all I needed as a excuse.

Checked out Craig's List and BINGO ! Found a 2012 with 2k miles, in Rhode Island, private seller. Loaded up the trailer, "Road Trip". Note that this was in 2014.
To this day, don't know why he sold it or why the original owner sold it back to the dealer. ( When you buy a new hd bike , you get 1k in accessories of your choice, being I was the third owner, Bonus, 2k in goods.

After finding this site, did my mods, learned to ride it, and my poor FLH has been a dust collector.
Thanks to all mature folks here , as you probably saved me lots of Band Aid time. Plus ALL TRIKES RULE !,:scooter:

 

[Peacerider]

Great thread and a whole lot of great information, which I will be using once I get the new trike, we just bought!!

 

[LadyonaMission]

How in the heck did I miss this thread :Shrug: Good bump Zook :clapping:
Told my housekeeper of the days experience, and she informed me the real reason she won't ride with me.
I guess my wobbling and weaving at stop and go had somthing to do with it:Shrug: "Your getting older, legs are shot, bad back, bla, bla , bla, a three wheeler would probably keep me upright". That's all I needed as an excuse. ALL TRIKES RULE !,:scooter:

My riding buddy who died 2 years ago had a trike and a two wheel HD. When he stated having health issues he gravitated toward the trike so I decided to get my Freewheeler. I have never been sorry I made the switch.

 

[Ripplingh2o]

Trikin' in Minnesota

Been riding the 2-wheeled variety for 4 decades. Decided to add another tire beginning this year. Bought a 2014 TG and actually went for a 15 mile ride last week (in between snow squalls). My short voyage met with my expectations...that being it won't ride like a bike and the leaning is replaced by steering. As others have mentioned, ATVing experience certainly helped me understand & implement the steering aspect of operating my TG. Snowmobiling experience helped too. I look forward to this upcoming riding season more so than any previous. I suspect the TG won't disappoint. Terrific thread btw. Thanks to all.

 

[MikeyTX]

You will love it. Welcome to TT btw.

 

[cjmitch]

We rode hack's for over 2 years before going to a trike (TriCar). When group riding there is a reason that trikes should be at the back. They will outstop the 2 wheelers you are riding with. After you become more familiar with the trike and are riding with a group of 2 wheelers in the twisties take care that you do not run over them in the turns. Ride all you can and enjoy.

the paradox of the trike

 

[Tricycleman]

Cupped tire

Has anyone found a slight vibration in the front end at high speeds only if you have a passenger aboard with you. I notice that yesterday doing about 70 to 75mph with the wife on the bike for the first time. When I was coming up from Phoenix to Prescott at even 85mph there where no vibrations. I do have the original front tire on the trike because it only has 5000 miles on it being it is an 08. those anyone have an idea why. Thanks

Your tire is starting to cup. Common if you don't switch to a tire made for trike.

Recommend a Avon Tiger Trike Tire.

Used them and its unbelievable performance. They average 18ooo miles before a chance out

 

[Pastor Ron]

Thanks

I just wanted to thank everyone who chimed in on this thread....Even tho I have been riding for over 50 years, because of this and the newby thread it helped me immensely on my first trike ride today. May God watch over all of you

 

[harleymystique]

Making the Switch

I researched for over two years before I did a dealer test ride [5miles] early this year. HATED IT.. I told myself I would never buy one. A friend of mine and my wife talked me into renting one for a weekend. Rode it over 500 miles. Best thing I ever did. It was a blast once you get past that 100 miles on it. My first Harley was when I was 15, I am now 68. Never has there been a time I didn't have at least one Harley in the Garage. Now I have a Tri Glide in the garage. Best thing I ever did. If anyone has been thinking of going for that 3rd wheel, feel free to contact me. I will give you a up front and honest answer.

 

[Gorilla]

I researched for over two years before I did a dealer test ride [5miles] early this year. HATED IT.. I told myself I would never buy one. A friend of mine and my wife talked me into renting one for a weekend. Rode it over 500 miles. Best thing I ever did. It was a blast once you get past that 100 miles on it. My first Harley was when I was 15, I am now 68. Never has there been a time I didn't have at least one Harley in the Garage. Now I have a Tri Glide in the garage. Best thing I ever did. If anyone has been thinking of going for that 3rd wheel, feel free to contact me. I will give you a up front and honest answer.

CONGRATS ride safe and enjoy

 

[Jack Klarich]

This is why I know I'm going to heaven. My % belief in the Trinity. I even sin every now and then.

Amen, I am in bondage to sin and cannot FREE myself

Thanks be to GOD

 

[TTNW]

1 video is worth a 1,000,000 words

YouTube - Getting onto a TRIKE motorcycle

This makes perfect sense to me. Thank you!!!

 

[wlivin2]

triking

I triked my Harley sportster a few yrs ago due to hip problems and wife knew I would never stop riding. I used a paucgho rear conversion at first didn't add the 5 degree triple that's recommended and steering was hard added it and much better put 30000 miles on it till I bought a 2010 triglide mainly due to wife wanting a bigger seat. lol Just remember to steer to where you want to go was the best thing I could have done to keep myself safe.

 

[Handyandy65]

New Triglide owner

Hello triketalk readers. We bought a one owner 2015 Triglide this past Saturday, had it delivered Sunday and absolutely love it. I had converted my Kawasaki 900 Vulcan into a sidecar so that my wife could accompany me. She had shoulder replacement surgery and could no longer get up out of it. The Trike was a boatload of $ but is a mountain of smiles. She climbs into her seat, is comfortable and loves the ride. I feel like a king with my queen along for the fun. Driving the Triglide is a blast, it's so powerful. Miles of smiles, y'all! I'm 73.5 and hope to ride for many years.

 

[Doc Comer]

Trikes are different!

Found that you ride a bike but you drive a trike. There was somewhat of a learning curve there. Took a while to get the swing of things. Old habits die hard though, I still put my feet on the ground at a stop light.

 

[rhino 2]

Found that you ride a bike but you drive a trike. There was somewhat of a learning curve there. Took a while to get the swing of things. Old habits die hard though, I still put my feet on the ground at a stop light.

Welcome to Trike-Talk.......Doc.......:wave4:....

 

[ZooMan55]

A couple years on a Harley Freewheeler and loving riding again!!!

I was on two wheels all my life and have some real problems with my right leg. I was riding less and less and making excuses. My wife didn't like riding anymore. I laid my '99 Vulcan Classic over in June of 2019 in my yard while warming up one morning, and I couldn't get it picked up vertical without help. Disheartening and depressing. I tested both Can-Am Spyders and TriGlide and Freewheeler.

The Freewheeler was the most fun I'd had since the first time I rode a snowmobile when I was a kid. It is a hotrod and and bike rolled into one I bought a "used" 2017 with 492 miles on it (in Sept. of 2019). It was like new. Loved riding it but the learning curve kept me going very slowly through the curves for the first 500 miles or so. In July of 2020, I was riding through an intersection and the man waiting to turn left decided that doing so after I had started through the intersection would be a good idea. I almost missed him . . . but wound up totaling that trike. But I lived and went and bought a new old Freewheeler as soon as the insurance company came through with the settlement the end of September '20.

My new 2017 had 940 miles when I got it in Oct last year. I have been riding it every chance I get and love riding again. The wreck (and my wife and daughter) have made me re-think "how" I ride now and I get why they didn't want me to ever ride again. I never ride without a helmet (didn't have one on the day I totaled that last trike and I was DAMN lucky), and an armored mesh jacket, except when its over 85 outside.

I'll say that I'm glad I came to accept my limitations and have re-discovered the joys of riding again on my trike. I really do forget I'm trailing two wheels behind me, except when I come into a curve or pull up to a gas pump. The Freewheeler (mine is a 107ci M8 motor) is very responsive with the Vance & Hines exhaust, EBS and Open filtration I have on it. I highly recommend you go test drive one of the new 114 ci ones and get ready for more fun than you've had in about a while. Peace Yinz . . .

 

[Rack_Hunter]

First Trike ever and first bike in 30 years!

Hello all, I'm just getting back into riding and couldn't be more excited! I had ridden bikes long ago when I was in my early 20s and absolutely loved it. Then I had kids and priorities changed. Now, all of that is behind me but I've aged a bit, and found that a two wheeler was just not as comfortable anymore. I bought a new Harley Tri-glide in the cool "Snake Venom" paint a week ago and have almost 600 miles on it already.

With the above said, I have several observations and questions to put to the group.

1. I thought I had a big butt before, but with the trike, I really have to be conscious of where my rear tires/fenders are. I've not hit anything yet, but have been close a few times.

2. Left turns from a stop are still quite stressful. It just seems like pushing/pulling the bike through the turn, needing to shift, and not rolling my right wrist unintentionally is a lot to concentrate all at once. I'm sure that this will become a lot smother as I gain more experience, but for now it is difficult. Does anyone have any tips/techniques that could help with this?

3. Windshield choice. The standard windshield on a new Tri-glide is only 10 inches and I'm 6'3" tall, so my helmet is getting pushed around quite a bit on the freeway. I ordered a 12" touring model windshield from Freedom Shields (https://freedomshields.net/product/tri-glide-windshield/) and hope that will help resolve the buffeting that I'm dealing with. The touring model is also a couple of inches wider to help block the wind on the sides. Has anyone used a Freedom Windshield and what did you think?

4. Freeway pegs have been a life saver for my back. Being tall, and not so thin around the waist, I really feel like I'm almost sitting on top of the tank. The freeway pegs really help me to be able to stretch my legs out a little and alleviate a lot of the back strain.

5.Most of all, I'm having a great time with my new bike!

 

[Jack Klarich]

Hello all, I'm just getting back into riding and couldn't be more excited! I had ridden bikes long ago when I was in my early 20s and absolutely loved it. Then I had kids and priorities changed. Now, all of that is behind me but I've aged a bit, and found that a two wheeler was just not as comfortable anymore. I bought a new Harley Tri-glide in the cool "Snake Venom" paint a week ago and have almost 600 miles on it already.

With the above said, I have several observations and questions to put to the group.

1. I thought I had a big butt before, but with the trike, I really have to be conscious of where my rear tires/fenders are. I've not hit anything yet, but have been close a few times.

2. Left turns from a stop are still quite stressful. It just seems like pushing/pulling the bike through the turn, needing to shift, and not rolling my right wrist unintentionally is a lot to concentrate all at once. I'm sure that this will become a lot smother as I gain more experience, but for now it is difficult. Does anyone have any tips/techniques that could help with this?

3. Windshield choice. The standard windshield on a new Tri-glide is only 10 inches and I'm 6'3" tall, so my helmet is getting pushed around quite a bit on the freeway. I ordered a 12" touring model windshield from Freedom Shields (https://freedomshields.net/product/tri-glide-windshield/) and hope that will help resolve the buffeting that I'm dealing with. The touring model is also a couple of inches wider to help block the wind on the sides. Has anyone used a Freedom Windshield and what did you think?

4. Freeway pegs have been a life saver for my back. Being tall, and not so thin around the waist, I really feel like I'm almost sitting on top of the tank. The freeway pegs really help me to be able to stretch my legs out a little and alleviate a lot of the back strain.

5.Most of all, I'm having a great time with my new bike!

View attachment 101556

Hi Todd and welcome to Trike Talk

The left turns issues will soon become memory for you, that said if you still struggle I would chose an empty parking lot and practice. This will help to further develop your memory muscle and give you more confidence