Newbie looking for info.

[m246563]

Hello, I am new to the motorcycle world (almost 60 and starting to ride!). I bought a 2011 Harley Davidson Trike for my better half because he was having some balance issues. Short story, I lost him to cancer almost two years ago, so I thought I would learn to ride the trike. I am enjoying it VERY MUCH. Next year I'm planning a move to GA where there are a lot of dirt (sandy) roads and I'm wondering if this will be too harmful to the trike. It has always been on city streets and I'm not sure if I should even take it down to GA because of the roads. Any advice from someone who has ridden their bike(s) on dirt roads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Terry

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Welcome to the Gang ... Sorry for your loss.

As for dirt and sand ... good news, the trike is really stable so that won't be an issue. The bad news, the sand can cause pits in the paint, specifically on the rear fenders. On mine I had 3m clear bra installed on them, really helps. Harley makes a kit that does the same. Also the are lots of other products. Might look into clear braz (a sponsor here)

Another potential issue is rocks poking through the drive belt (happened to me), but my dealer told me mine was the first they've ever seen, so it's rare. Just know that the more you ride in sand or gravel the more likely it is to happen.

The bottom line ... the sand and gravel is probably no more of an issue for the trike than for your car/truck.

Ride it like you stole it ...

[rhino 2]

Welcome...To Trike Talk''''
Sorry to hear about for your loss....

I ride on some dirt roads, And the only problem is that the trike gets dirty... If you are having fun ridding why stop because of a little dirt or sand... And i know you won't have it down there in Georgia, But i also ride in snow 'rain and slush in the winter and the Trike never complains... So what if the trike gets a little dirt and a few scratches on it .
Life is too short to worry about the small stuff.. Just ride it and enjoy...

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard we love to have our members share their knowledge and thoughts with the group. and they said it all abut the roads. Come on down and enjoy

[stinger608]

First and foremost, very sorry for you loss!!!!!!!!

Welcome aboard the best trike forum in the world.

I wouldn't think that dirt roads would cause issues other than changing air filters more often. Of course, handling will be much different but other than that you should be okay.

I live in Wyoming where the wind never seems to stop and there is more mile of dirt roads than paved. So, oil changes and air filters are changed more often that in larger cities.

[desertclassic]

Welcome from New Mexico where we do have dirt roads and lots of sand. I don't see any real issues wit dirt, rain could be a little tricky when mixed with the dirt/sandy roads. Ride safe. Jim

[Keystone]

Welcome to TT!

I think the rest of them covered your question. Keep on having fun!

[Ed Hobgood]

Just keep on riding and enjoying your trike. Just get use to riding it off the paved roads and you should be OK.

[bustedwing]

Hello Terry, and from the U.P. of Michigan welcome to the website. I am very sorry at your loss. As far as Georgia dirt, I have been there a few times and seen red clay, which Georgia is rather famous for in many songs. If you are riding on Georgia clay after a rain it is very slippery. But a trike is a lot more steady on three wheels than two wheels.

[m246563]

I want to thank everyone who responded to my request for advice. I am no longer worried about taking the trike to GA. I couldn't ask for more helpful folks!

[BillyGA]

Hi Terry,
First off I am sorry for your loss. I to am from GA. and I ride on the dirt roads as well as the paved here in Ga. The bike will be fine riding here.

Have fun and enjoy the ride.