Why a Trike

[2blackbelts]

I was at the Harley shop the other day looking at a Tri Glide even though I just bought the orange RoadHawk.

Several guys-bikers-wannabes came over, and before long the conversation turned to who would want a trike, why would anyone ride a trike, blah, blah, blah. One guy said "people with physical problems like them", and I agreed to an extent. Another guy laughed and said "just old fat men ride a trike". The last comment was "just a ***** would ride a trike".

Well, the conversation took a turn. Two of the HD employees know I ride a trike and love them. They looked at each other and smiled, and then at me.

Even though I;m 58, I stand 6'4", weigh 260, and still bench 400 lbs, with 21 inch biceps. Plus, I have 2 blackbelts in the martial arts, and just stopped MMA 5 years ago.

So, I asked the guy, "do I look fat to you", and he said no. I asked him, "do I look handicapped", and he said no. Finally, I asked him, "do you think I am a *****", and then he started to get the jist of the conversation. The HD guys were eating it up. I told the guy, I ride a trike, love a trike, and if you're directing your comments at me, we have a problem.

He and his posse shut up, turned around, and left the building.

It sure is fun riding on three wheels.

2blackbelts

 

[Gorilla]

Nice that you can backup your enjoyment of trikes. I am not as well maintained as you but I am still on the job and also love trikes. I still ride 2 wheels when I want, but my ride that I own has 3.

 

[JohnC]

I myself am still gainfully employed and healthy at 50 years old. Since getting my TriGlide last year, I have never felt safer and more comfortable on a "motorcycle." Nor have I ever enjoyed the ride more, especially with my wife on the back.

I don't give a rat's a$$ what people say about trikes and the people who ride them. I'm not riding to impress or for the approval of others. I'm riding for me.

 

[Gold Rush]

I converted my '06 GL1800 a year ago due to worsening medical problems that were not going away. I've always pushed the envelope just a bit and several in my group were caught with their jaws on the ground. My main riding crew enjoyed the increased gas mileage until I got comfortable with the trike handling. Now we are all having too much fun again.... So much for trikes being for old has-beens..... Soon as this hernia surgery heals I'll be thrashing the twisties again. Sure do miss that.

 

[skuuter]

I'm just 5'7", 165 lbs, but can and do still ride everything from Harley Dressers, Gold Wing 2-Wheelers, Cruisers, Choppers, 200+ HP Sport Bikes, or "itty-bitty" 50cc Scooters.....I love my Trike...I've never needed anything to bolster my "MANcho Image"...I just do my own thing, my way, all my Life...the Trike is another "New Territory".....ThumbUp

 

[Trent]

Hey 2BB's..Like you, I am 58 yrs old..6' even and 240..And I am told I am built like a Rhino. One of my nicknames a few years back was Love Rhino...Ha Ha!!!! No one has ever called me a ***** for ridin' a Trike and I don't think they will. I have done the 2 wheeled route and loved it too, but not like I love my TG..Not to mention how happy my Bob ( Babe on Back ) is with it also. Good for you for lettin' 'em know where the Bear does his thing and what he rides also. Good story.

 

[Memnoch451]

I was at the Harley shop the other day looking at a Tri Glide even though I just bought the orange RoadHawk.

Several guys-bikers-wannabes came over, and before long the conversation turned to who would want a trike, why would anyone ride a trike, blah, blah, blah. One guy said "people with physical problems like them", and I agreed to an extent. Another guy laughed and said "just old fat men ride a trike". The last comment was "just a ***** would ride a trike".

Well, the conversation took a turn. Two of the HD employees know I ride a trike and love them. They looked at each other and smiled, and then at me.

Even though I;m 58, I stand 6'4", weigh 260, and still bench 400 lbs, with 21 inch biceps. Plus, I have 2 blackbelts in the martial arts, and just stopped MMA 5 years ago.

So, I asked the guy, "do I look fat to you", and he said no. I asked him, "do I look handicapped", and he said no. Finally, I asked him, "do you think I am a *****", and then he started to get the jist of the conversation. The HD guys were eating it up. I told the guy, I ride a trike, love a trike, and if you're directing your comments at me, we have a problem.

He and his posse shut up, turned around, and left the building.

It sure is fun riding on three wheels.

2blackbelts

I was laughing my ass off... After reading your post!!!

I'm 6'2 254 lbs 49 years of age no ailments what so ever and rides trikes 80 percent of the time. Being a former bodybuilder and now training for an over 50 contest I'm not the type of guy who has his lunch money taken at recess.

I get the same thing about riding trikes... My "friends" say.. oh you got a RASCAL or are you going to Walmart? I just smile and then give their kids soda, cookies and something that makes a lot of noise for Christmas...

As for the non friends... Most people won't say a thing other than in jest and I'm ok with that. As for the biker wanna be's

The Wanna be says it all! ThumbUp

 

[Memnoch451]

I myself am still gainfully employed and healthy at 50 years old. Since getting my TriGlide last year, I have never felt safer and more comfortable on a "motorcycle." Nor have I ever enjoyed the ride more, especially with my wife on the back.

I don't give a rat's a$$ what people say about trikes and the people who ride them. I'm not riding to impress or for the approval of others. I'm riding for me.

You got darn right!!! ThumbUp

 

[Cougar]

I love my trike and never looking back at 2 wheels. loved your post.

 

[Blondie Gal]

Scalp Hunter and I are older than most of y'all. Even after Big John's quadruple bypass, we were perfectly happy ridin' on two wheels (several trips into Mexico on the bike before it got too dangerous - they "confiscate" bikes over there!) when we got the trike.

We wanted to be able to travel without the risk of needing a helping hand - and we've put over 20K miles on the trike in a little over two years. We load the tow-behind trailer, ask son to feed the critters, and we're off. Trikes are the greatest thing since sliced bread, regardless of age, physicality, or those silly ol' wannabees . . .

 

[skuuter]

I'm so Small, Quiet, Laid Back and Timid, I usually just crawl under my Trike, Cower and Sniffle until the Bully goes away that made fun of me and the Trike...:AGGHH:....:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

 

[krazybob]

I'm 73 and been riding two wheels since 1956. My hips have been bothering me for sometime now, so last summer I bought a trike. Took a little ribbing from some biker friends and riding relatives, but all good natured. Good a kick outa your post, 5'11 and 210, but no black belts, heh heh

 

[10rhrk]

LMAO, I know the guy's you are talking about. I meet them on the road at times. They are usually riding blacked out Street Glides, slammed with 4 inch dark windshields, $200.00 dollar HD sunglasses with black Pee Wee Herman beanie skid lids on. Got that I'm badass look on their face and don't wave! I just laugh and wave anyway...lol.

You see some hot women on trikes these day's. I know, I've got one!!!!

 

[2blackbelts]

Some very good comments by everyone.

I think I am the nicest, kindest person you will find. However, I cannot stand people making fun of, ridiculing, or abusing, the elderly, gays, the disabled, the less fortunate, women, or animals. It is a respect and common decency thing that everyone should practice.

10rhrk really hit it on the head regarding the Harley guys. I just get sick and tired of the image the HD guys try to portray.

I honestly feel safer, as does my wife, on the trike. Plus, it is easier to ride, and you can carry more stuff.

I still have 2 HD's, and very loyal to the brand. In fact I used to travel with Team Scott Parker in the 90's and do training work with them. I even pitched a few ideas to the factory when they asked me to come up there for a confidential design meeting.

Here are my thoughts: I LOVE ALL MOTORCYCLE, IT'S JUST THE RIDERS I CAN'T STAND !!

2 bb

 

[Chumbly]

When you have insecurity problems of your own, you go out, buy a Harley and think down of everybody who doesn't need to look badass. What a joke... life's too short for that. Ya, I'm getting old, and ya because I have two diseases, (Type 1 diabetes, and acute arthritis in almost every joint, along with both shoulders wrecked, and foot problems). This has basically destroyed my health, and ability to walk, (never mind exercise extensively). Yes, I am overweight because of this and genetics. Would I rather be on too wheels? Yes... but not because of any "looking down on trikes", but simply because I liked the ride on two wheels better. I now ride with three because it's either that or not ride. If you chose three wheels, and don't have to, that's great. Everybody should have that choice without being thought of as some "not really a biker" by some ignorant loser goons. Power to ya, and ride on,...ride safe.

 

[msocko3]

I was at the Harley shop the other day looking at a Tri Glide even though I just bought the orange RoadHawk.

Several guys-bikers-wannabes came over, and before long the conversation turned to who would want a trike, why would anyone ride a trike, blah, blah, blah. One guy said "people with physical problems like them", and I agreed to an extent. Another guy laughed and said "just old fat men ride a trike". The last comment was "just a ***** would ride a trike".

Well, the conversation took a turn. Two of the HD employees know I ride a trike and love them. They looked at each other and smiled, and then at me.

Even though I;m 58, I stand 6'4", weigh 260, and still bench 400 lbs, with 21 inch biceps. Plus, I have 2 blackbelts in the martial arts, and just stopped MMA 5 years ago.

So, I asked the guy, "do I look fat to you", and he said no. I asked him, "do I look handicapped", and he said no. Finally, I asked him, "do you think I am a *****", and then he started to get the jist of the conversation. The HD guys were eating it up. I told the guy, I ride a trike, love a trike, and if you're directing your comments at me, we have a problem.

He and his posse shut up, turned around, and left the building.

It sure is fun riding on three wheels.

2blackbelts

That is classThumbUp I love how you waited while they dug their hole then tossed the dirt on them. The Billy badass biker want to be does get old, I've seen them and even had one of the goof balls buzz me and the wife while out on the Trike.

I ride both 2 and 3 wheels, I have found 3 wheels to be quite comfortable on long trips. I have no physical handy caps and will be 48 years old in May. One thing I have found about the general public is they will approach some people more easily than others.

I've been out on road trips with my dad with both of us riding Trkes, we will make a food or gas stop and he gets folks coming up to him and chatting him up. They seem to steer away from me for some reason, could be the Tats. Or maybe they can't come to grips with a younger person riding a trike.

 

[msocko3]

I'm so Small, Quiet, Laid Back and Timid, I usually just crawl under my Trike, Cower and Sniffle until the Bully goes away that made fun of me and the Trike...:AGGHH:....:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Someone who bust out a big old pile of miles on a bright yellow trike doesn't strike me as timid.

 

[kwakasix3]

I've been into 3 wheels for over 30 years, mostly sidecar outfits. Firstly so I could take my family on rides. Son on the back of the bike, wife & daughter in the sidecar. we went everywhere like that.
In recent years the kids have grown up and my wife has developed health issues. The sidecar was good for us still.
We decided to get another outfit and a friend was selling her trike. " Lets see if a trike will work for us ". Checked it out and with a few modifications it ticked all our boxes. We are now very happy as a riding couple and I am keen to ride the trike anytime solo. So relaxing and comfortable.

 

[classycustoms]

I have had several “badass” bikers say things about trikes are for old folks or “sissies”. I have also had several say that my big blue beasty is a “show queen”. 500 hp of big block V8 on 2000lbs. 0-120 in 6.2 sec. I have shown many a 2 wheeler & several sports cars what a trike can do! And as far as “old” or “sissy”, I'm 37, 228 lbs, 6' 1". Very healthy. No handicaps. I just prefer 3 wheels!

 

[skuuter]

Someone who bust out a big old pile of miles on a bright yellow trike doesn't strike me as timid.

..."sounded good though".....:laugh:

 

[seahawkfan1765]

I laughed out loud when I read this thread.
Try being a woman and going into most any Harley dealership, golf course/shop, gun shop and sometimes (though not often) any Veteran's function. It gets old when the wannabes/so called experts/been there, done that guys try to tell you what's what. I spent 20 years in the Navy, own guns, play golf, and grew up living above a motorcycle shop which my parents owned. I always do my homework and have put people in their place when it was needed. I have called out employees of one local motorcycle business for making RUDE and CRUDE comments about female customers. My Dad would never have tolerated such behavior. In fact he would have kicked some a** and then run the guy off.
I am only 5'2" and shrinking, and I have some physical issues related to my military service. I bought a trike because it was safer for everyone on the road...in the parking lot....pretty much everywhere! It is in the process of being upgraded with better lighting and painted with colors more suited to me.

I don't care what kind of bike you ride...I do care about what kind of person you are and how you treat others. I always wave....I pull over when I see a bike stopped along the highway....I belong to and support the Patriot Guard Riders.
I am proud to be a part of a great group of people...bikers. I thank each and everyone of you for your humor, wisdom, and willingness to pass along your knowledge.
Ride Safe!
Denise
YN1(SW/AW) USN(Ret)
1984-2004

 

[Cougar]

VERY WELL SAID Denise ThumbUp
Jeff

 

[TNTriker]

I don't know if I have just been lucky or if it's the part of the country that I live in, but have never had anyone talk down to me, or make un-necessary remarks about riding three or being a female rider. I've even had young kids come over an strike up conversations at gas stations or other areas where we are taking pics, or just getting hydrated. The comments are always positive and very friendly chatter. Cars pass and give me thumbs up and kids roll down the window and smile the biggest smile. I always give them a large smile and wave. We rode to a restaurant a few weeks ago and these two men pulled into the parking lot behind us, I thought they were coming in to park, but pulled up behind us and started talking about the trike. Asking me questions and the such. They both left with some positive info and really admiring the ride. This happens to me all the time, Ron just says, nobody ever says anything about my RK. I really think that the people in the south have a more laid back attitude and don't usually come down on bikers with all this negative stuff, but I will say that if you get back in the hills, and PO some redneck, they will make you pay. LOL

 

[TexasGuy]

I'm 68, retired and still in reasonably good health. I have two scooters, one for me and one for the wife, when I get the urge to do the two-wheel thing, but they are neither comfortable enough nor strong enough for long trips. I got the trike so the wife and I can do the longer trips together but still have the "motorcycle experience" when we go.

99.9% of the comments I get are either, "Hey mister, nice ride!" or "Tell me about that."

I only have one black belt. I use it to hold the holster in place.

 

[skuuter]

Yep, the South (USA) is definetly/generally a lot more Laid Back along the lines of Bike Type Acceptance...even by the "Clubs".....ThumbUp:Trike1:

 

[Motor Trike]

I just had to comment on this thread ...

The original post totally cracked me up and I found myself smiling bigger and bigger with each post!

The trike community/family is just too cool! ThumbUp

 

[skuuter]

I just had to comment on this thread ...

The original post totally cracked me up and I found myself smiling bigger and bigger with each post!

The trike community/family is just too cool! ThumbUp

Yep, definetly ALWAYS entertaining.....

 

[Trent]

We have a coupla "1%" clubs with active chapters around here. "Brother Speed" being the one with the most noticable presence. I have pulled up on my Cool Blue TG and parked right next to a row of bug splattered, black and dirty "hogs" with a dozen colored patches standing around watching me. Not once has any of them ever said a bad word to me, and in fact, have been told several times "nice trike" which actually surprised me. They pretty much always wave first when met on the road too. We are starting to see more and more Tripods around here, so maybe they are becoming more accepting of them. The president of the local three patch club "Iron Warriors", which are active and retired Cops and Firemen, 80 members, rides a Trike, as do several other of their members.
None of the 1%r's ever mess with them. They are all packin' heat!

I always enjoy it when passing a large group of riders and there is a Trike or three with them,,Here, we give each other on Trikes the 3 finger wave (not one !!) Whenever I am ridin' with my 2 wheeled Buds and we park somewhere, my TG is the one that gets all the attention from people, with a lot of head shaking from my Buds. Course, I have more than twice the $ in my TG than they have into theirs, so there is a big difference in the way they look and shine. Seems like there is a lot less shallow judgment about Trikes than there used to be, maybe partly because of the cost to buy one. I believe a lot more riders than others might think would like to have one but don't want { or are not able } to pay the higher $, so it is easier and more face saving to talk smack about 'em. Whenever I go into my dealer, there are always 3 or 4 people looking at the Trikes, smiling, and nodding their heads. The sales guys are smiling too. Just my musings.

 

[2blackbelts]

I agree, I really don't have much problem on the road, and most give a big thumbs up. It is usually at a ralley or the Harley shop, or a bunch of black shirted riders standing around with their thumbs up their derrier putting down the trike and any other bike and rider, as long as the triker is not standing around.

I get great comments when I'm with the trike, and 90% of the onlookers have good things to say about the trike whether I'm standing by it or not. However, you still get that select few who have to be "Bad Biker Billy" and put everything down that isn't theirs or what they ride, as long as the owner isn't there, or he is much larger than they are. Most of these guys are just wannabes and posers. Another funny example !!

Last year at the Lake of the Ozarks we have a yearly event called the Lake of the Ozarks Bike Fest that draws thousands of bikes in September. It is spread all over the Lake, with alot of stuff at the HD shop. The guys at Harley are great and admire the bikes I build. I rode my very radical 750 Honda chopper to the shop (which they have seen and oohed and aahed over many times). This bike is a 1976 750, 4 cylinder, show polished Honda engine in an aftermarket HD frame. This ride has a springer, museum quality paint, dual nitrous, 300 rear tire, and won every national show. I came back from getting a diet pepsi, and saw some guy acting like he was pxxxsing on my bike since it wasn't a Harley. Of course, his chums laughed with him. I walked up and said, why don't you really take your crank out, and actually try pxxxsing on that bike, and lets see what happens, because I own it. He mumbled something about not riding a HD to the Harley shop, even though the event draws all bikes. I simply said, "do you want to dance right now or not?" There was a fairly good crowd now who were watching this unfold. He backed down, along with his five friends and left. Of course he threw the bird as he roared out of the parking lot, and I didn't see him again for the course of the ralley.

What can I say, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I LOVE ALL MOTORCYCLES, IT'S JUST THE RIDERS I CAN'T STAND.

2blackbelts

 

[kwakasix3]

I also had a Honda 750/4 chopper for a few years. Any bit that could be adapted was used. I pulled up out the front of a bike shop that was run by the local 1% club to look for bits. A young pimple faced boy ( 17 maybe ) in a HD T shirt walked out, looked at my bike, snorted, turned and walked back in. When I walked in he was making less than complimentary remarks about my bike.

I fired up and said " Alright, where's your bike ? You've got the T shirt and I'd like to see your bike that goes with it." With this a more senior fellow came out of an office and asked what was going on. I said " This toe rag came out and snorted at me & my bike when I pulled up and when I came in. Here he is insulting my bike to these guys. Is this how you treat potential customers ?"

The senior bloke went over to the boy, gave him a slap on the back of the head and told him to "P!$$ off out the back".
He apologised for his workers and gave me all the help I could ask for.
I bought bits & pieces from their second hand bins for a few years,always with good service.