Tips for Riding a Trike Motorcycle
A trike motorcycle is a unique blend between a motorcycle and hot rod. It's unlike anything you've ever driven before! It makes for a thrilling ride, but it does take some getting used to. We created a beginner's guide to riding a trike motorcycle below. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Southern Devil Harley-Davidson®. We proudly serve those in Rome, Acworth, and Dallas, Georgia.
How to Turn
One of the biggest differences between a two-wheel motorcycle and a trike is how they turn. A two-wheel motorcycle utilizes a method called counter steering. A rider needs to lean to turn in order to counteract the centrifugal force (and in order to avoid falling over!) This, not surprisingly, gets pretty tiring after awhile.
A trike uses a different method known as direct steering. It's very similar to how steering on a car works. There's no leaning involved here, which makes it less physically draining to drive. Just like with a car, you'll need to brake in advance. The tighter the turn, the more you'll need to brake. Then when you get halfway through the turn, you'll accelerate to push through it. You'll need to practice to get used to the different angles between the front tire and the back tire. Practice will help this become second nature.
How to Use Manual Transmission
Both two-wheel and three-wheel motorcycles use manual transmission. Start by engaging the clutch to disengage power from the engine. You'll need to make sure your trike is in neutral. Pull the throttle slightly to boost the RPM. Keep the throttle steady while you release the clutch and roll forward. When you do this correctly, you'll avoid jerking forward or stalling. Repeat this process with every gear shift. If you are not used to manual transmissions, you'll need to spend plenty of time practicing to get used to this new driving style.
How to Brake
Braking on a trike is also different than braking on a two-wheel motorcycle. This is due to the fact that a trike is significantly larger (and, in turn, heavier) than a two-wheel motorcycle. You'll need to stop braking much sooner to compensate since your trike needs more space to slow down.
On the other hand, you get an extra wheel to give you more braking power on a trike. With a two-wheel motorcycle, the front wheel takes the brunt of the braking responsibility. With a trike, your back brakes work in tandem to bring your motorcycle to a stop. When you are riding at high speeds, you'll want to use both brakes.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Riding a trike motorcycle is a unique experience. It's different than a car, it's different than a bicycle, and it's different than a two-wheel motorcycle. You can't expect to pass your certification class and be a perfect driver right away. You'll want to dedicate plenty of time to practice driving this unique vehicle. Find an empty parking lot or a low-traffic neighborhood. Practice accelerating, braking, and turning. You can slowly build up your skills until you're confident about tearing up the streets. Before you know it, you'll be a trike pro!
If you're looking to buy a trike, come on down to Southern Devil Harley-Davidson. We offer a range of new and used trike motorcycles. If you already own a trike, keep in mind our parts replacement and service department. Our expert staff can help fix up your trike to get it running like new. Whatever you need, you can find it with us! We proudly serve those Rome, Acworth, and Dallas, Georgia. Stop by today!