prejudice

[philly]

As I proudly ride my new trike around I'm surprised at the reaction from some bikers - I'm new to the hobby - I'm not older - I'm not injured - and I'm a strong man - It seems that without gender or health excuses a trike is unacceptable to some - My story is simple - I've colected old cars for years - I have no more room in the garage for more cars but a bike/ trike fits well - and more importantly I'm afraid of the consequences of laying a bike down - I feel safer on a big three wheeler - maybe I'm a sissy to some for this - but as a successful businessman and father of five I just want to minimize the chances of serious injury - and as a collector I gravitate toward things that are unique - To me, trikes look cool - are really fun to drive - are relatively safe and seldom seen - that checks alot of boxes! And also, I'm pretty sure my Valkyrie Trike will dust most non-sport bikes out there - not that being king of the hill matters to a mature man like me Comments?

 

[Nana]

LOL! You are right!!!! Trikes have a very real place for older/physically limited folks, but for many of us they are just the most fun way to get out on the road and enjoy the ride. There are still some who think you have to have a "reason" for a trike, but more and more I am finding that people just think they are cool! As more of them get on the road, I believe the prejudice will lessen and finally disappear.
And if not....... that's their problem!

 

[ThirdWheel]

Philly, I think you would find it wouldn't matter what you rode you would still catch crap about what you were on. I actually think most that do say stuff are just talking and are not serious. Don't let it bother you. If like what you have that is all that counts. Keep on triking! :wtg:

 

[katfish16]

Philly, people will be people, some are very nice and some aren't. I have receives all sorts of comments about our trike some nice and some not so nice. But it is like anything if U drive a Ford, someone is going to think Dodge or Chevy is better. So ride what U want to ride and enjoy. U and ur wife are the only ones U have to please (mostly the wife) .

Ride safe and enjoy

 

[Jimsjinx]

Don't give it another thought, buddy! I was back into riding from a 27 year break. Basically, I was starting over, AND now with a third wheel. I would feel so happy when others waved, or come over to talk and ask questions. Then, as is inevitable, a dude did'nt wave back. I thought,"what the heck?" I know that sounds so juvinile of me, but I'm bearing all! Anyway, one day, we were stopped at a gas station/Subway place, and this big assed hardened biker with REAL colors on his vest, and a 1% patch, came towards us. I thought "Uhh-Oh." Well, he was looking hard at my trike, which isn't new, but I keep it immaculate. Another guy, riding a Suzuki, came over and asked' How can you ride that thing?" I started to explain, and the burly old biker spoke in a deep growl, " Who cares? He's ridin aint' he? The Hyabusa dude couldn't get outa there faster! Then the 1%'er guy looked at me and smiled." Ya know Man, I F@#$ing HATE Jap bikes! But yours, just looks right. If I was gonna need a trike, I think this would be the way to go." I agreed with him and he nodded politely to Barb, and said "M'am" and fired up his ol' obnoxious Hog, and off he went! Don't worry bout how people are judging you. Just smile, which is easy for a guy with a beautiful a trike as you have! And most those fools have only rode a mower anyway!!! God bless your new bike and you with thousands of miles of happy times. And Now... that I have spoke my piece, I must hate you now for having the EXACT trike I always wanted!!!LOL just kidding! MAN I love your trike!!!! jimsjinx

 

[Greydog]

Philly.....you state good reasons for preferring to ride a trike. Many (and possibly most) of us here are still perfectly capable of handling a big touring two wheeler but recognize the somewhat inevitable consequences of doing so. I dropped my old 1100 Interstate with my girlfriend aboard several years ago....bruised her hip pretty bad...... and in 2002 had a terrific crash on a '98 1100 Shadow. I rode dirt bikes for years and have crashed every one I owned at least once!! That said, I ride my trike because I want to. The fact that it's a very stable platform in stop and go traffic and at speed makes it much more enjoyable and I find myself riding more than ever!! I LOVE my Rolling Recliner..... and to play on an old Honda tag line.......You meet the nicest people on a trike!!!!

 

[Big_Steve]

Don't sweat it Philly. I'm 53, and in decent shape for my age. I ride a trike for two reasons.

First, I occasionally get equilibrium problems.

Second, I had an experience on 2 wheels many years ago that scared the living begeezus out of me.

Even though I went back on 2 wheels after that, I was never loose and relaxed again. And THAT is no way to ride a two wheeler.

Once in awhile I wonder why I'm on 3, when I feel like I could handle 2. But then I forget about it and enjoy my trike. Besides, mamma isn't in to biking. And my only chance of getting her to come along on rides would be on 3. Although she still hasn't consented......

 

[Juju]

Forget 'em if they have a problem with your trike. You've got your knees in the breeze same as any other rider.

Like Nana said, it's their problem, not yours.

 

[shiney b.]

i guarantee that if that suzuki guy ever has a back tire go out from under him at 75m.p.h. with a passenger on board, and meeting oncoming traffic(God forbid it happens to ANYONE), he will understand why anyone rides 3 wheels. been riding one form of bike or another for over 40 years, wrecked a few, been scared LOTS OF TIMES. but it was always while riding solo. when you are in charge of someone else's safety, it's a different matter entirely. only when it's you, you don't completely understand. that was my reason for looking at 3-wheelers. after riding one, it just seemed a more enjoyable form of a hobby i'd always loved. i often think about the days of fast dirt bikes, cool customs, scraping the pegs on twisties, wheel stands, etc. fond memories, for sure. so are the ones we make on our trikes. comfort, enjoying the scenery more, never having to put your feet down, reverse, to name just a few. all a matter of perspective, i guess. my .02
dave

 

[John Luciano]

Well time for me to chime in. Hey Phil congrats on the bike and the choice. One word is Jealousy, another is Envy, and third is Stupid.. I told this story a while back but time for it again. I was riding with a bunch of Harley guys . It was the Sunday ride group. We always started out one guy would always lead and I always took up the rear. Safety was part of it because they have really small brake lights, anyway. We got out ridin and we take the roads less traveled. WElllllll they ended up getting lost ( Hey did we go by that barn 3 times already , one U turn after another ) John u have the GPS can you get us home? I said you want me to lead? YEA.!! Ok I took off well after about 20 min. and the first traffic light the leader says slow down dude we can't keep up. I said yea aint it great I don't have to stand on my brakes so I don't running up your a$##!% all the time. they never said another word and i was never allowed to lead again

 

[meredog]

Are you happy with what you have ? I would guess you paid for it with money you have worked hard for or YOU are making the payments on it, what others think are their thoughts not yours, apparently THEY have too much time on their hands. (maybe you could talk them into waxing your baby in their spare time).:yes:

 

[Charlie D]

As I proudly ride my new trike around I'm surprised at the reaction from some bikers - I'm new to the hobby - I'm not older - I'm not injured - and I'm a strong man - It seems that without gender or health excuses a trike is unacceptable to some - My story is simple - I've colected old cars for years - I have no more room in the garage for more cars but a bike/ trike fits well - and more importantly I'm afraid of the consequences of laying a bike down - I feel safer on a big three wheeler - maybe I'm a sissy to some for this - but as a successful businessman and father of five I just want to minimize the chances of serious injury - and as a collector I gravitate toward things that are unique - To me, trikes look cool - are really fun to drive - are relatively safe and seldom seen - that checks alot of boxes! And also, I'm pretty sure my Valkyrie Trike will dust most non-sport bikes out there - not that being king of the hill matters to a mature man like me Comments?

Philly: Some people are jerks! That said " It matters not what you ride but that you ride. Enjoy your trike be safe have fun.. I gave up riding 2wheels after 55plus years riding Harleys and now ride a Stallion ., my answer to them If tomorrow you couldn't ride a 2 wheeler would you ride a stallion or another trike or would you just quit? Answer Yea I want to ride! enjoy yours and don't fret about them.. Charlie D.

 

[skuuter]

You're ridin' and enjoyin' it...."NUFF SAID".........and, like others have stated, You'll get some flack from Someone no matter what You ride...I've lived through the "A little too old for that crotch rocket aren'tcha' Pops", "I may get a Cruiser when I'm Your age", "I hate Choppers, how Ya'll ride those things", "You'll quit ridin' motorcycles when You get old enough to have a brain".................still doin' it 40+ years later.....Lovin' my Trike....ENJOY THE RIDE, and You're at the right place...TRIKE TALK..........:wtg: