New to everything

[dartref]

Wife and I have been discussing bikes off and on for years but never did anything about it. We both grew up with dirt bikes and have ridden ATV's many times in recent years. Was at the Daytona 500 last month and happened to stay next door to the HD dealership there. Found some we liked but didn't talk to anyone there about them. Next morning the local club was gathering for a ride as we were leaving the hotel. My wife spots one she really likes so we have to go look and talk. 3 weeks later we've taken the class, got our licenses, doing a test ride this weekend, renting one next weekend, and assuming all goes well we'll be ready to buy in the next few weeks. Looking forward to learning as much here as we can.

 

[rhino 2]

Ok i give up.... Whats you looking to buy.....:Shrug: Trike or Bike??

 

[Rev Ray]

Welcome to trike talk Steve from Keeter Texas. Suggest you research and ride different trikes before purchase, ride safe and have a lot of fun.ThumbUp

 

[Ozarkryder]

Ok i give up.... Whats you looking to buy.....:Shrug: Trike or Bike??

Umm...seeing that this is a trike board, (The title TrikeTalk is a good hint.) I would guess that they are looking at some sort of 3 wheeler. epper:

dartref - Welcome to Trike Talk! More details would be nice. What are you looking at?
We are visual folks around here, when you get your ride pictures are appreciated.
In the meantime, here is a great reference for new trike riders: http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/242-Making-The-Switch-Bike-to-Trike-Great-Info!
Lots of good info there from experienced riders.

 

[rhino 2]

Umm...seeing that this is a trike board, (The title TrikeTalk is a good hint.) I would guess that they are looking at some sort of 3 wheeler. epper:

I would Assume your right But you know whats happen's when you Assume.....:laugh:

 

[1dn5up]

Tuff crowd!

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I am among those that strongly suggest you shop around some before committing!
Try some w/IRS, especially with longer wheel base. Such as a GoldWing/Hannigan

 

[Ed Hobgood]

Welcome from SE Missouri, glad you found us. Test ride as many as you can so you can find the one that's right for you.

 

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard.

If you decide on going the Harley Davidson route may I suggest that you check out Space Coast HD in Palm Bay Fl. Ask to speak with Tony the sales manager. Tell him Ted from Key Largo Fl (and the Trike Talk Forum) recommended that you talk to him. You won't get a better deal anywhere else.

Now if you are looking for a conversion I would suggest that you contact "Bazooka" the owner of this forum he will give you great information and has his own shop for conversions of several companies. Great guy and superior work.

 

[Keystone]

Welcome to TT!

Try and ride as many different trikes as you can. There are two basic types. Solid rear and independent rear. Pro's and Con's to both.
There is also the CanAm Spyder. Try that out too.

 

[Retired Army]

Sounds like you need to decide weather you are going to ride one or two up. After making that decision factor in comfort, fit and finance. Personally money carries a lot of influence in the decision making process.

 

[dartref]

Sorry for any confusion, yes we're looking at trikes. A friend recommended this site so here I am. At this time we're leaning toward the Harley Tri Glide. Test ride scheduled for this weekend, renting one next weekend. We have also looked at the Can Am Spyder, Polaris, and done a little homework on the Goldwing. For a variety of reasons, Harley is our preference at this time but we haven't bought anything yet.

 

[Recall]

Welcome to TT from WV. Good luck on your search. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Zammy]

Welcome to the forums from the Tampa Bay area of Florida Steve. One thing for sure that I would advise on would be to check tire pressures when you test ride and rent, the book calls for 36# in front and 26# in the rear. I have found that most dealerships we have rented from put WAY too much air in the tires and it will make for a very uncomfortable ride, pretty much like a rock. If you have the time, consider going to 36 front and 22-24 in the rear, it will make a world of difference. Also have them set the air shocks to around 35 or so, we ride 2 up all the time and we're caring around 320 # in the saddle. Good luck!

Edit: Another example of dealers putting too much air in the tires: http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threa...sorry-for-them

 

[Sully]

Welcome from North Ga. :wave4:

 

[dartref]

...we ride 2 up all the time

Thanks for the tips. Please explain to the rookie here what you mean by 2 up? Does that mean 2 people?

 

[Gorilla]

Thanks for the tips. Please explain to the rookie here what you mean by 2 up? Does that mean 2 people?

Yes but the bottom line when you a talking ride is total weight added including riders and stuff you put in and on the trike

 

[dartref]

Yes but the bottom line when you a talking ride is total weight added including riders and stuff you put in and on the trike

Thank you.

 

[TouringOn2]

WELCOME to Trike Talk from Florida. Be safe and enjoy the ride. Larry

 

[bustedwing]

Hello Dartref and welcome to the website from the U.P. of Michigan. The reason everyone would like you to try other trikes is not only the expense, but when you add the trike kit onto a bike it changes the dynamics and handling of the bike. Also you need more snort to power the added tire, along with riding 2 up with jackets, helmets, etc. You would be surprised how fast it adds up. So if your bike is low on power before you start, then you spend a lot of money to convert it and not be happy with it a short time later.It has happened a lot. I do know of people that converted a Sportster into a trike and within a year were complaining about lack of power.Take your time so you can be confidant you will be happy with the trike you end up with. THEN you can ride safe, and stop in often to let us know how it went.!!

 

[dartref]

Hello Dartref and welcome to the website from the U.P. of Michigan. The reason everyone would like you to try other trikes is not only the expense, but when you add the trike kit onto a bike it changes the dynamics and handling of the bike. Also you need more snort to power the added tire, along with riding 2 up with jackets, helmets, etc. You would be surprised how fast it adds up. So if your bike is low on power before you start, then you spend a lot of money to convert it and not be happy with it a short time later.It has happened a lot. I do know of people that converted a Sportster into a trike and within a year were complaining about lack of power.Take your time so you can be confidant you will be happy with the trike you end up with. THEN you can ride safe, and stop in often to let us know how it went.!!

Thanks for the thoughts. Any concerns with power from a factory built Tri Glide? And where in the U.P. are you from? My son did 5 1/2 years in Traverse City while in the Coast Guard.

 

[dartref]

Her first trike test ride was a huge success! We'll be renting this coming weekend, then probably starting the buying process next week.