Do you think Trikes are Safer than Bikes?

[RTwing]

Well I am absolutely shocked with the overall response to this thread.

I polled that the 2 wheels are safer and am not even 2% of the result.

I have been riding 2 wheels all my life and after only a short time on the trike I came to the conclusion that the 2 wheels are safer.
Granted all the stupid stuff like laying it down when you don't put your feet on the ground, but I honestly feel safer on 2 wheels on the open road.
I have NEVER had the front wheel of my 2 wheelers skip out on me.

The way these big girls turn is very different and when on cruise speed some corners are quite hairy.
I would never take a trike around a corner at the same speed you would a bike. Even sticking to the speed limit on some corners concern me.
If you got unstuck on a trike I find it hard to believe you could pull yourself out of a situation like a bike could.

These are a green horn's view, and over time I may even change my mind.

Trikes would be safer I suppose with a pillion, at very slow speeds, more visual etc but at normal highway speeds my vote stays with the bikes.

I can understand the presumption that 2 wheels are safer than a 3 wheel wheels back trike has the standard 3 wheeler does not handle well and does steer quite hard.
However when compared to a correctly designed wheels forward trike this all goes out the window. A wheels forward trike is totally designed around handling and steering where a conventional trike the steering is just something you must deal with the best you can.
The wheels forward design is much more stable in corners and during stopping, has a positive predictable feedback responds and in general is as safe as any well built sports car as the steering dynamics are the same.
CanAm has paved the way to the improved and much safer/sportier trike design and in time this will probably be the standard setup. And along with it a much safer alternative to the 2 wheel layout.

[cavie]

Well I am absolutely shocked with the overall response to this thread.

I polled that the 2 wheels are safer and am not even 2% of the result.

I have been riding 2 wheels all my life and after only a short time on the trike I came to the conclusion that the 2 wheels are safer.
Granted all the stupid stuff like laying it down when you don't put your feet on the ground, but I honestly feel safer on 2 wheels on the open road.
I have NEVER had the front wheel of my 2 wheelers skip out on me.

The way these big girls turn is very different and when on cruise speed some corners are quite hairy.
I would never take a trike around a corner at the same speed you would a bike. Even sticking to the speed limit on some corners concern me.
If you got unstuck on a trike I find it hard to believe you could pull yourself out of a situation like a bike could.

These are a green horn's view, and over time I may even change my mind.

Trikes would be safer I suppose with a pillion, at very slow speeds, more visual etc but at normal highway speeds my vote stays with the bikes.

Now give us you opinion of in traffic and in town driving. That's 85% of my driving and where most of the motorcycle deaths occur. I do ride curves under power and very aggressive without of "front end skipping out." Slow down before the curve and power thru it is how to ride a trike. Don't be stupid and think it is a crouch rocket or road racer and you will be loving life..

[consitter]

I voted for trikes being safer. But I've found that cagers can still be imbeciles. I've been pulled directly out in front of several times, even with my super bright LED headlights and fog lights blaring. I even have the brights on during the day. How they manage to not pay attention is beyond me.

[rhino 2]

[QUOTE=consitter;337113]I voted for trikes being safer. But I've found that cagers can still be imbeciles. I've been pulled directly out in front of several times, even with my super bright LED headlights and fog lights blaring. I even have the brights on during the day. How they manage to not pay attention is beyond me.
/QUOTE]

Sometimes when you blind other drivers especially when the other driver doesn't give a rap about motorcycles.. They will say to themselves go ahead hit me you'll lose!!
Then theres at thing called ''Target Fixation'' Yahoos will stare at the lights and steer towards them.... Also people will cut you off even if your driving a school bus/fire rescue truck . I know when you are on a Trike/Bike it becomes up close and personal, But you can't take it personal...

[=Stangas=]

Now give us you opinion of in traffic and in town driving. That's 85% of my driving and where most of the motorcycle deaths occur. I do ride curves under power and very aggressive without of "front end skipping out." Slow down before the curve and power thru it is how to ride a trike. Don't be stupid and think it is a crouch rocket or road racer and you will be loving life..

I think you may be right.. I live in country Australia and about 200km from a big city.

So I reckon 10% city/town riding, 10% freeway riding, and 80% country roads.

This therefore changes dramatically the type of traffic that I encounter, and the expectations of the bike I suppose.
The only time I come across dual lane roads is when I come up to an overtaking zone, or as mentioned, head to the city.

My biggest problem is kangaroos, potholes and undulating roads.

Again.. I wasn't having a go, just trying to understand.

[goldwingagain]

I think you may be right.. I live in country Australia and about 200km from a big city.

So I reckon 10% city/town riding, 10% freeway riding, and 80% country roads.

This therefore changes dramatically the type of traffic that I encounter, and the expectations of the bike I suppose.
The only time I come across dual lane roads is when I come up to an overtaking zone, or as mentioned, head to the city.

My biggest problem is kangaroos, potholes and undulating roads.

Again.. I wasn't having a go, just trying to understand.

I'd watch the roos, but the potholes and bad roads you will just have to live with. Wish I could be there with you just to say I was there. Love ya, take care and enjoy the ride. Bob goldwingagain.

[Dieselbikin]

Can be with proper design, but not necessarily.

[TexasGuy]

OK, here's my :2cents:
For the reasons already stated here, I agree that the trike is safer. And no John, I have not been able to get up on 2 yet either. I can normally stay with or "push" 2 wheelers on the twisties without much problem. The other way of looking at this question is if you are involved in an accident, and IMHO no matter which one you're riding, the outcome is not going to be good..

There is a saying in motorcycling which applies whether you're on two wheels or three: if you're at fault, you lose; if the other guy is at fault, you lose.

[3dobies]

As a prospective first time trike owner I have found some very interesting reading. Thank you for sharing your opinions.

[Oldmsocko]

I voted for trikes being safer. But I've found that cagers can still be imbeciles. I've been pulled directly out in front of several times, even with my super bright LED headlights and fog lights blaring. I even have the brights on during the day. How they manage to not pay attention is beyond me.

I have been riding MC for many years and it pisses me off when a bike rider has his bright lights on during the day.

[Catfish]

The only safety on either is respect, awareness, ability, experience, and maintenance. Risk is an inherent part of living as is passion and unfortunately/fortunately, enthusiasts only have control over themselves. That being said, don't allow two, three, four, or any number of wheels give you a false sense of safety or it becomes your first enemy. When I become hesitant/uncomfortable), that'll be the time I stop being the Captain of a ship rather than placing others and myself into an unnecessary danger zone. No machine exists without pro/cons attached so exercise your freedom of choice and enjoy your passion with the safest attitude at all times. Just a refresher for myself, I'm aware all of you employ the proper tools for the utmost safety possible, because 100% safety is unrealistic.

[jeffjeney]

Absolutely safer. My wife hated going out on the 2-wheeeler. Now with the trike, she is the one that suggest we go for rides.

[IllinoisCheesehead]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>jeffjeney</strong>
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<div class="message">Absolutely safer. My wife hated going out on the 2-wheeeler. Now with the trike, she is the one that suggest we go for rides.</div>

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</div>Yup, same here. Mine never rode with me once last year on the two-wheeler. Now she's asking every other day when we're going out on the trike again and is picking out a bunch of summer riding destinations. Now if only the weather would cooperate here in NE Illinois. Was snowing again this morning.<br />
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I always think the more rubber you have on the road the safer you are, so given the same rider under the same conditions, I think the trike has the edge in safety. But a trike in the hands of an idiot is just as dangerous as a 2-wheeler.

[RTwing]

I recently had two independent testers from Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly stop in and spend several hours testing, riding, thrashing my builds to see how far they could push them.
Both tried intensely to lift a wheel both were unsuccessful however they did get to slide sideways on gravel. Both testers appreciated the absence of the "nanny" as they could go all out. Even without ABS they both felt braking was superior to a standard motorcycle and both agreed the overall safety was immensely better.
When you think about it the process of testing really is a leap of faith. These guy don't really know if the trikes they are now testing are safe, they don't know if the wheels will fall off or steering shaft suddenly snap. I guess they grit their teeth and just take the chance.
The overall theme of the article they came up with was, fun, comfortable, quick and safe.

Yes a properly designed trike is much safer than a two wheeler and more versatile.

[jimfreeman]

Am contemplating my first trike purchase. Are "reverse" trikes (i.e. 2 wheels in front) more or less stable/safer than a traditional trike?

[rhino 2]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>jimfreeman</strong>
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<div class="message">Am contemplating my first trike purchase. Are "reverse" trikes (i.e. 2 wheels in front) more or less stable/safer than a traditional trike?</div>

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</div>I had a reverse trike [Spyder] and now i have traditional trike [Tri-Glide] Both are just as stable/safe as each other.. Just different driving techniques are needed... But none harder than the other...<br />
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One thing i did notice is that the Spyder is a great Squirrel catcher' What with the two tires up front Squirrels tend to run out in front and straddle them.... And then Squash the rear tire turns them into road pizza....<img src="images/smilies/laugh.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Laugh" class="inlineimg" />

[RTwing]

From a engineer/designers view the RT is much more stable especially during panic situations or braking. The wheel base width on RT's will be in the 60" range also which is about 6" wider than the wheels back trikes. Most importantly you have two large braking surfaces up front where it's needed the most.
Then take into account steering geometry which on a wheel back trike consists of a bunch of caster and lot's of trail but no other geometric inclusions. The RT on the other hand takes full advantage of over 10 tuning adjustments to facilitate a light handling predictable vehicle. On an RT you have 3 automotive tires which will offer solid footprint and traction opposed to the MC tire up front on a conventional trike which does not offer much footprint or braking traction in comparison.

[wingit]

We know all biking is more dangerous, but its fun.<br /><br /><br />
Animals, Gravel, Ice, Snow, Hail, Rain,Bad X-Wind, 23 degrees and 13% grade for 10 miles with loose salt and snow,Drunks, Drugs,Texting, Nuts Humans, Trees on road,Spilled Corn on curves, "deliberately" We were told by locals in Texas Hills 3 sisters ride. Some locals hate loud bikes. Thanks Loud asses. Oil spills, Things flying off trailers, and yesterday a mattress flew off in front of us the interstate,and the nuts girl didn't or care.<br /><br /><br />
We have been hit by a huge rubber raft that totaled my BMW 1200 and wrecked parts on me even though I kept it up, the big rope was wrapped around us so we couldn't get off the bike if it was on fire. Fl last winter a drunk old lady came onto a 4 lane , Night, No lights on and pushing us into the guard rail, and another like it 2 days later..Wing Trike 1800's have power and lots of brakes, and we need every option and skill to defend our self. <br /><br /><br />
We live on a muddy loose gravel washboard road. <br /><br /><br />
We have experienced ALL these things in the last 3 years on 2 wheels,then Fl drunks last winter when triking.. We have allot of deer around here, thats the big thing after evening. I got the trike cause I wanted to try it and friends said I'm now an old fart. Yes but we can ride what we want.<br /><br />
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If I rode trike disabled I would be offended by these rude stupid people.<br />
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Disabilities don't make the man..58000+ Dead Nam vets would be happy riding along today.<br /><br /><br />
I don't know of a perfect bike for all conditions, but if I try to identify the risk of that moment I try to slow down for it.

We like having allot of gear,water,food,tools along, so the early 1800 Wing Trike does everything cheap for this quality.<br /><br /><br />
Never having a Forn car, I feel strange saying that, but I had a couple Jap bikes.<br /><br /><br />
Happy Day friends, even you loud guys annoying most of us.

[DJFaninTN]

more stable. imagine hitting a deer going at speed. you have two wheels to stabilize the bike verses one. try going off the road with just one wheel up front. two wheels are always going to give you more stability and the ride IMO is much smoother. my wife agrees with it being smoother as well for the passenger. <br /><br /><br />
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my first venture on the Spyder the guy took me for a ride. he took me off the side of the road past the shoulder and into the grass on the side of hill with very steep grade. he stopped the bike and we sat there and talked. it was amazing feat that I sure as heck wouldn't dare try with just one wheel up front.<br /><br />
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knowing that if I ever have to go off road I know my spyder will be able to take it.<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>jimfreeman</strong><br /><br />
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<div class="message">Am contemplating my first trike purchase.

Are "reverse" trikes (i.e. 2 wheels in front) more or less stable/safer than a traditional trike?</div><br /><br />
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[CrystalPistol]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>jeffjeney</strong>
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<div class="message">Absolutely safer. My wife hated going out on the 2-wheeeler. Now with the trike, she is the one that suggest we go for rides.</div>

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</div>And that's what counts! My wife says she feels fine on the bike, but when I ask what she wants me to take .... it's the trike. <br />
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Personally, I enjoy the bike more if just considering the ride part of the ride from a rider's POV .... but when a longer trip and weather is iffy, roads unpredictable, etc .... I will take the trike first. <br />
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Trike is especially nice on Photo-Trips with a Nikon DSLR hung around my neck .... pull over and don't even have to put me feets down! Easy also to just pick up and snap.