Making The Switch - Bike to Trike - Great Info!

[bustedwing]

Note to the people using reverse for parking;there is an electric brake lock that does two things. First of course it stops the trike from rolling, but second it also is a theft deterrent. The one I use is made by Mico, and it is a single channel fluid locking valve that is electriclly activated . easily insalled inline , locks both rear wheels and uses a toggle switch with no current draw during lockup . I have used this same valve on electric line trucks, school busess, and emergengy vehicles. I highly recommend it . It is not cheap,different valves run in the $300.or higher bracket. But I know I don't have to worry about my scoot rolling down a hill or breaking any starters.Plus, when it is locked it takes that much longer for someone else to figure out how to be able to move the trike when they don't know where the switch is placed.

[heliv8r]

Been riding trikes since 2000, have had four of them incluiding a Stallion. The best advice I can give anyone starting into trikes is Steer, steer, steer. Don't even think of leaning. I have approx. 500,000 miles on bikes and trikes and fortunately never a scratch on me or the machine. Keep a constant look out for those fools on the road who think they own it. Keep on Triking.

[heliv8r]

I have been riding Trikes since 2000. I have owned four includiong a stallion. The best advice I can give a new triker is Steer, steer steer. Don't even think about leaning into the curve. Sit up straight turn those handle bars. If you think you are going to fast, just turn the bars more and you will track thru those curves. that is providing you are indeed not going to fast. Most new riders will find out after about 300 miles that you are not going as fast as you may think. I have about 500,000 mile on bikes and trikes with trikes about 150,000. Keep on triking and looking out for those fools that think they own the highways. I have been fortunate enough to not have a scratch on me or my machines.

[bustedwing]

Why don't people use Mico locks for their "parking" brake? It will take the fluid pressure in the rear system and lock it in place until you flip a switch to unlock it. You don't have to worry about parking level, against a curb, using reverse, wedges, velcro, plus if you put the switch in a spot only you know where it is at it also is a theft deterrent.I am not a dealer, but I have used these valves on all kinds of vehicles from my own trike on up to electric line trucks, school busses,utility trucks, anything with hydraulic brakes. And tho are a little pricey, are a lot cheaper then a starter.

[Jax]

Been riding trikes sense '70. lots of good advice here. "RIDE ON"

[mcridernj]

Thanks all especially about using reverse as a parking brake. Also great advise on tire pressure - use 22 in rear tires & makes is a much more pleasant ride (40 in the front). Trike is a 1999 GW w/Motortrike coversion.

[Dunfallin']

As a newbie we just took our first trike ride Memorial day weekend. What a great time, on a Fat Bagger conversion I built over the last 5 months. The advice here confirmed what worried me. Rattles, shaky, turns...it's all right in the 'advice' column. This thread is the best of 'em all. Will post our first pics with Root Beer color and graphics soon.

[Rob683AD]

John... We have a lot of sweeping wide radius left turns through intersections here in Florida.. is there a speed that can be safely carried through the turn entry and into the middle of the turn...and then powering into the straight away after completeing the turn.. I carried about 20MPH through one the other day..and it felt as if the bike was heading for the Boonies off to the right..on my fatboy 20-30MPH was easily handled in any left turn..Obviously less in a right turn...
My right turns since most require a Right turn on red stop are a no brainer... but the lefts got me buggered at first..

[patriot]

I don't look at my speed-o-meter through turns. So I really don't know what speed I carry. What I do know about turns is different trikes have different dynamics and requires its rider to get "the feel". This means, go to a parking lot and practice turns. I know I was more confidant on mt GL1800 CSC than my Tri Glide. However, I have figured out what speed to enter turn, not by looking at the speedometer, but base on how it feels.

[thomocon]

At what point do you think your trike can out gun a bike , cornering ? top end? stopping? At some point does high speed turns becomes a workout? love to here your thoughts

Thom vtx trike rider

[John Luciano]

The bike is a work out on twisties. YES. But on the nice slow curving it is a pleasure.. I find I can do a corner usually about 10 over posted. As with a bike ( 2 wheel kind ) you have to keep power on in the turn . The locked. Elbow helps. The more rake the easier it is, but the more rake the less stable / more sensitive it will be at high speed. Some say the ID is better (I have that DFT)
Some claim the solid .

[rhino 2]

At what point do you think your trike can out gun a bike , cornering ? top end? stopping? At some point does high speed turns becomes a workout? love to here your thoughts

Thom vtx trike rider

You can out gun any 2 wheeler, As long as you don't tell the 2 wheeler your trying to out gun them. A Trike isn't a sport bike, Trying to [as you say] out gun someone on a 2 wheeler with a Trike will get you in trouble real fast.

[Barnaclebill]

John L and Ozarkryder! That is excellent advice. I have always used the Rev lever as a stationary brake, but your reasoning makes a lot of sense. From now on, it's 1st gear and handbrake velco tag!<br />
<br />
Goldwingerx2, I concur with your advice for Trikes to sit at the back of a group. I have found that I will always outbreak the solos and have had some very near misses have climbing up the back of them in twisting roads!

[wingriderse2000]

One thing I notice the most is the where on the center of the front motor cycle tire.This is due to the no lean of a trike. So would give serious thought of a front car tire or one made for trikes. Only thought would be does this require a new front wheel? This would increase the life of the front tire ware for more milelage I would thing.

[Nana]

One thing I notice the most is the where on the center of the front motor cycle tire.This is due to the no lean of a trike. So would give serious thought of a front car tire or one made for trikes. Only thought would be does this require a new front wheel? This would increase the life of the front tire ware for more milelage I would thing.

There are multiple threads on this topic. But to summarize.... A car tire is not recommended usually. Instead select a good quality, bias ply rear motorcycle tire in the same size as your stock front tire. The flatter profile and thicker tread makes a world of difference for the trike front wheel. Most GW riders prefer the Michelin Pilot Activ. Harley riders generally pick a Dunlop or other quality brand that makes a bias ply rear tire in their size.

The MPA does not fit the Harleys.

[Ozarkryder]

On top of what Nana said, I haven't come across a car tire that will fit between the front fork legs and still have clearance for the brakes, fender supports and such. A while back Avon was asking about the feasibility of a specialized front trike tire with a more square profile. Be interesting to see if anything comes of that.

[tinman]

i run 32lb in rear tires and 42 in front seems to handle great no tire wear at all rides great

[Southpaw]

Ozarkryder, I like your idea of putting the trike in first gear and wrapping the front brake w/velcro. I'm going to keep that one in mind.

[Salty]

Lots fo great info here to read and remember! My conversion is on order and I know I wont be riding it until spring. So lots of reading to do, dont't lean, steer, push down with the feet, practice lots first etc etc...Curious about the front tire and possibly changing it to a bias mc rear tire, do you also run it backwards? Tire pressure ssems to be a recommended 22 in the rear and my normal 40 in the front. The Ventura kit from CSC has a 8 degree rake. Hope she's not light in the front end LOL

[RKTMN]

All great advise! My husband designed and built our trike and I have now been riding for about 6 years. Because our trike is so light (1200 lbs) I usually push it in and out of the garage when getting out the lawn mower. Watch your feet! I pushed from the front side but forgot to watch for the wider back track and ran right over my foot! He did inform me that this did initiate me as a true trikie and that I would only do it once! He was right, I have never done it since!

I can't say much about the rest as our trike is very different from the others and is thus ridden differently. My suggestion... go to an empty parking lot and do all kinds of things with it. It's also great if the parking lot has water on some of the area.

Getting to know your bike before hitting the road will give you more confidence and teach exactly how to react for the results you want and allowing you to find the limits of the bike and yourself.

Drive Friendly and have fun! Lisa