Making The Switch - Bike to Trike - Great Info!
I would like to solicit the help of you veteran trike owners who don't mind sharing your experiences and knowledge with novice trikers. Please share your stories and advice with those making the switch from bike to trike. Adjusting your riding style, handling, safety, group riding protocol, touring are a few suggested topics.
Thanks!
re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.
Has anyone found a slight vibration in the front end at high speeds only if you have a passenger aboard with you. I notice that yesterday doing about 70 to 75mph with the wife on the bike for the first time. When I was coming up from Phoenix to Prescott at even 85mph there where no vibrations. I do have the original front tire on the trike because it only has 5000 miles on it being it is an 08. those anyone have an idea why. Thanks
re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.
Mike, check your rear tire pressure (I run about 22 lbs. in mine) and look at that front tire REAL close to see how much "cupping" you've got. With a passenger, you've got more weight (don't tell her I said that either), so any spots on your tires will make themselves known. If you get that vibration all the time, you might want to get the balance rechecked on the tires.
I know if mine sits for a while in the garage, when I get it back on the road it will "bump" for a little while. My rear tires are steel belted radials and just like your car, the steel belts take a "set" while cold. Hope this helps you...:)
re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.
:confused:I have been triking since Oct. of 08, and my 1500 MotorTrike has that vibration at higher speeds,too. I have noticed that ladder bar and such adjustments affect this vibration alot. I have gotten the installation manual from this site, and I am "in process" of hunting down the "sweet spot". I know the wings ride is the best as a two wheeler, but it takes some work to get your particular ride set up for how you ride.I had that left hand lean as well,I set it up to be dead level, and HATED it that way! So, back to a slight lean,as I didn't like the 2 or 3 degree lean in the road crown. If it leans to the LEFT on level ground around 2 degrees, then you are straight up and down on a crowned road (slow lane). Less strain on my back and neck.
Keep your brakes in top notch shape.I had to lock em up once due to a "cager", and if I hadn't adjusted the slack the night before, Barb and I would most likely be pushin' daisies! Pay attention to the steering head bearings, there are different stresses on the head than when it was a two wheeler, and if a little sloppy, bearings and races suffer. I also replaced my front brake pads with some higher quality pads. Alot more wear with the Ford rear end and extra wheel/tire!Best thing I ever did was join this forum, and ask questions.You may go a while with no replies, then all of a sudden someone comes along and solves your problem!
Good luck to ALL new trikers!!!! Jim:)
re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.
I love my trike. I adjusted from two wheel to "threedom" in no time at all. The only thing I've not seen in this string is to be mindful of where you park. If you only have Polish reverse, like me, heading into slight downhill parking could test your ability to make lots of friends fast that can help to push you out.
re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.
likintriken : Here is the trick. If you see a down hill spot pull past it up hill and roll back into it . When you park, think of yourself pulling a trailer. Pull thru multi parking spots so you face out. Back into curbs :)
Re: How are trikes different from bikes?
[QUOTE=administrator;1402]I would like to solicit the help of all of you veteran trike owners who dont mind sharing your experiences and knowledge with novice trikers. Please share your stories and advice with those making the switch from bike to trike. Safety, group riding protocol, touring are a few suggested threads.
Thanks![/QUOTE]
Hi, Just a word to say Thanks for starting this thread. I have recntly purchased a old honda cx trike that needs a bit of work to pull together.hopefully I will get it on the road later in the year.As i have only ridden solo bikes for the last 36 years I have no idea what it is like to ride a Trike so the tips given on this thread are a great help. Thanks Maggot.
re: Experienced Trike Riders - Please post here.
Most noticable for me, was the tire wear.You gotta pay attention to your tire pressures,mostly the front.The tire is expected to lean up on the sidewalls,with a two wheeler, and a trike changes all that.You are now running on a bit less than 3 inches of the center of the tire every mile.When we turn, the trike doesn't lean anymore,it stays almost upright.I have about 3,000 miles on a Dunlop E3, and the little nibs are still on the side walls.The center of the tire though, has worn significantly, for only 3,000 miles. Just remember, that all those vibrations, and tracking issues can be adjusted endlessly with the setups being built today.Pretty much the same system as a Nascar suspension.
The absolute most popular comment you'll hear from Trikers is "I wish I'd have done this trike thing sooner!".
Good luck, jimsjinx