wet road handling

[motor256]

Hello all, new guy here. Been riding 2 wheelers for close to 40 years was disabled in bad mc wreck in 1990 but with some adaptation, was able to ride again several years later. 2004 got an Ultra Classic and now have 50,000 on it but legs are getting worse and I think the time to convert is here. I'm going Lehman as I have a couple of buddies in the biz that will do the work and are good, but of course there are many questions, many of which you guys have already answered through all the posts that I have read but, I've seen nothing said about how a trike handles wet roads. Is there good traction on the front wheel? Have any of you ever experienced hydro planning? Sorry so long, my first post and like I said I have lots of questions.<br />
Thank you

 

[Nana]

Hi motor256. Welcome to TrikeTalk! I've ridden my Fat Boy/Champion in the rain many times and never once had a hydroplane issue. This summer, in the first rain after weeks of dry, I goosed it in a sharp right turn coming out of a parking lot and the combination of oil and water gave me a little thrill as the rear end skidded a bit. But it was such a small bit, that it was way more fun than scary...... I wanted to do it on purpose after that! <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[motor256]

Thank you Nana, glad I found this forum there seems to be lots of good info. When your bike slid out a little was it a matter of counter steering to get it back?

 

[Nana]

I didn't even have to--I just let off the gas. I suspect if I had been at speed instead of just coming out of the parking lot it might have been different.

 

[skuuter]

Yes, I have hydroplaned mine, but it was with about 4" of water consistantly across the road. Another "plus" to a Trike (...because there were dozens of 2-wheelers sittin' everywhere along the shoulders in pounding rain, unable to go)...I simply hit the throttle, and spun me two dry places to grab hold of on the road. Had to keep "bliping" the front brake also, but continued on.

You can over power the front tire and pick up a push if You enter corners too fast. Trick is to roll out of the Throttle, get in slower, then pick it back up. Most of it is just simply gettin' used to the Trike's differences and makin' ride technique adjustments as You accumulate Your "veteran mileage".....This Forum is always here to help..... :wtg:

 

[Comanche]

When I had the OEM rear tires on the trike I hydoplaned a couple of times. Naturally, I slowed and got total control of the trike. Those rear tires were worn pretty badly so I asked George Patrick for advice. He told me to put Michellin Hydroedge on them. Paid $217.00 for both including tax and installation.<br />
<br />
Have not ridden too much in water since, but when I did the trike did not skirt at all. These tires may be a bit pricey, but they last so you get your money's worth and the best thing is they hold the road nicely.<br />
<br />
I have the Michelin MPA reversed on the front wheel with the Centramatic wheel balancers and I have never enjoyed a more comfortable - stable ride.

 

[Gorilla]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>motor256</strong>
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<div class="message">Thank you Nana, glad I found this forum there seems to be lots of good info. When your bike slid out a little was it a matter of counter steering to get it back?</div>

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</div>Not much to add to whats all ready been said. BUT Welcome aboard glad you joined us.

 

[John Luciano]

I was on my way to a bike show and it started to pour.( show was in the Conn. Expo Center under the roof, inside ) as I was about 4 miles from the auditorium I was doing about 55 mph . trying to get there before I got soaked . I was on a high-way ( speed limit 65+) I hit a puddle about 3" deep and 2 lanes wide and maybe 50" long . (like a mini lake it was ) The front tire stayed straight the back end was all over the place . As Nana said it was more freeky than scary. In my mind I said YEEEEHA <img src="images/smilies/tongue2.gif" border="0" alt="" title="blowing a raspberry" class="inlineimg" /> BTW they opened the main door on the Auditorium and a crowd cheered as i drove in