To Brake or Not to Brake?

BELCHER · Feb 15, 2011

Need some input...

Building a custom trike, pretty bare bones; not a VW trike either. Trying to keep it as clean as possible. So here is the question;

Do I really need a front brake on it?

I got dual disc brakes and wide rubber on the back. Do you think I can safely get away with not having one? Not going to be racing it or anything like that.

Input is greatly appreciated...

jim peacock · Feb 15, 2011

I would put front brakes on it.
Another thing you may want to check your states motor vehicel laws,they may be required.
:wave4::wave4::wave4::wave4:

rwhgme · Feb 15, 2011

Gorilla · Feb 15, 2011

BELCHER said:
Need some input...

Building a custom trike, pretty bare bones; not a VW trike either. Trying to keep it as clean as possible. So here is the question;

Do I really need a front brake on it?

I got dual disc brakes and wide rubber on the back. Do you think I can safely get away with not having one? Not going to be racing it or anything like that.

Input is greatly appreciated...

My daughter has a VW trike that came without a front brake. The rear braking is quite good and a front is not necessary for good safe stoppping. I still added the front brake just for the more braking power and when backing the front brake makes control somewhat better. Can you have a safe vehicle without the front brake yes, but more is better for brakes.

tfdeputydawg · Feb 16, 2011

Check your local laws!

John Luciano · Feb 16, 2011

That front brake has a lot of stopping power. The early choppers (see Easy Rider the movie) Didn not have them. Now that the disk is so much cleaner looking than the DRUM most use a front brake

skuuter · Feb 16, 2011

YES.....Front Brakes add lots of stopping power.....more than the Rear Brakes on most Trikes because, unless it is rear-engined, there is more weight carried on the Front..."usually".....ThumbUp

BELCHER · Feb 16, 2011

Thanks for the input everyone...

I'm still on the fence. Like everything else, it will decide for itself as I go along in the build process. Never too late to add it.

As long as the state law doesn't require it...

Gorilla · Feb 17, 2011

BELCHER said:
Thanks for the input everyone...

I'm still on the fence. Like everything else, it will decide for itself as I go along in the build process. Never too late to add it.

As long as the state law doesn't require it...

Your state does not require a front brake per 8-1807. as long as it can meet the stopping requirements.

Bikerbozo · Feb 17, 2011

I've unofficially field tested my Tri-Glides front & rear dual brakes individually and I was suprised how much more stopping power the front had over the back. Except for on snow and ice. Then I only use rear to slow down to keep steering (front too strong on those conditions and locks up). I have a 2-wheel chopper with just rear and have considered adding front many times.

skuuter · Aug 14, 2013

Bikerbozo said:
I've unofficially field tested my Tri-Glides front & rear dual brakes individually and I was suprised how much more stopping power the front had over the back. Except for on snow and ice. Then I only use rear to slow down to keep steering (front too strong on those conditions and locks up). I have a 2-wheel chopper with just rear and have considered adding front many times.

Yep....I did the same tests when I first got my Gold Wing Trike....would have rather had the rears go out than the front.....ThumbUp