Rear-engine vs. mid-engine...pro's/con's?

[Gruuve]

Hey folks...noob here. I've had a couple of two-wheelers in the past (no motorcycle at the moment). I've always found trikes appealing (except the price tag!), but have yet to ride one and see if I like it. I think I would like it quite a lot actually...I believe I'd be able to enjoy the ride more without concentration so much on the mechanics of riding.

I really like the look of chopper-style trikes with a lot of rake and the forks way out front. I really only need seating for one passenger, not 2 or 3 (unless, one is going to sit behind me, and another in front of me facing backwards with her legs around me. )

Anyway, the question I have is around "which type of trike?". Trikes seem to fall into two categories:

1) Mid-engine (like a normal 2-wheeler) like the Harley-Davidson TriGlide, converted Honda Goldwings, etc. You sit essentially on top/slightly behind the engine, and are seated a little higher and more upright. These usually seem to have motorcycle-style controls.

2) Rear-engine (more like a dune buggy with only three wheels) like VW-based Trikes, the Rewaco Trikes, etc. You typically sit lower and in front of the engine, typically a little more leaned back. These usually seem to have automobile-style controls, although some do have a twist throttle on the right handgrip.

Are there any consistent differences in how these two types tend to ride and handle? Difference in comfort level (sitting higher vs. sitting lower)? Is one type more stable than the other? Any other big differences that I don't know enough to even ask about?

I'm interested in any of your thoughts, so please post away!

Thanks,
Gruuve

[tfdeputydawg]

There is a very definite difference in the ride of the VW types and conventional trikes. Big difference in the steering of those that have that chopper look front end.
You need to test ride several to pick the type for yourself.
Make sure you ride a trike with IRS suspension and a rake kit.

[Keystone]

Welcome to TT!

As already stated, you need to ride some of each type. They handle and ride very differently.

[Gruuve]

Thanks guys! What's the difference in the steering for trikes (conventional mid-engine or rear-engine) with a large rake-angle? Harder to turn with more rake?

Also, the rear-engine types often seem to have a shifter under the left side of the seat...shifting with your left hand. Is that hard to get used to, or does it become 2nd nature quickly?

Cheers,
Gruuve

[stinger608]

Actually Gruuve, the VW trike that I have the shifter is in the center between my legs in front of the seat. It really wasn't that hard to get used to. Many VW trikes have it, as you said, on the left side but it is usually turned 90 degrees so that the shifter sticks out rather than up. I personally haven't ran a trike with that configuration yet.

However, as stated, you should try to ride each type to see what is most comfortable to you personally. And of course your own budget is a biggie.


And a huge WELCOME TO TRIKETALK!!!!!!

[Gruuve]

Thanks a lot for all the warm welcomes, guys. This seems like a really good group...glad I found it. Yeah, trikes sure do seem to come at a premium...kinda like putting the word "wedding" in front of "cake", the price goes up exponentially! I have seen a few used VW-based trikes for < $10K though...I have to wonder if they are home-made junk or reasonably good. I haven't ridden ANY trikes yet, so I'm not sure I'd know the difference yet! I'm very much a student of everything in life, so seems like asking a few questions here is an awefully good way to start learning. And yeah, I do need to just go ride some. Plan to do that some in the spring and summer. Cheers, Gruuve - - - Updated - - -

So, I know Harley-Davidson makes the production Triglide trike (conventional mid-engine) here in the US. I *think* I'd really dig the rear-engine type though. (Excepting the Polaris Slingshot...I don't think I'd like side-by-side seating.) There seem to be a few production makers of the rear-engine type in Europe (Boom/Wolf and Rewaco). Are there any production makers of rear-engine trikes in the US?

Cheers,
Gruuve

[Gruuve]

Hmmm...here's a rear-engine VW-style trike within about 1.25 hours of me:

http://fayetteville.craigslist.org/mcy/5480598110.html

This may be worth going to take a look and possible ride. It's old, but looks to be pretty good cosmetic shape in the pics (from what I can tell...it's always hard to tell from pics). Low price...I assume that reflects the age.

No fenders over the rear wheels...I'd assume it would throw some dirt/debris at the rider.

Update: Spoke with the seller, he built it from mostly a kit. Might be worth a drive to take it for a spin...

Gruuve

[poordom]

[QUOTE=Gruuve;351432]Hey folks...noob here. I've had a couple of two-wheelers in the past (no motorcycle at the moment). I've always found trikes appealing (except the price tag!), but have yet to ride one and see if I like it. I think I would like it quite a lot actually...I believe I'd be able to enjoy the ride more without concentration so much on the mechanics of riding.

Good afternoon Noob,

You cover a lot of ground with your question, I will try and guide, through these issues.

There are pros and cons with each one. First if you are looking at an extended fork version, Brazil and Mexico have a great number of this type ( Triciclos ) trike, check this video for ideas, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Pj5BZfWhI

I personally love the mid-engine configuration, where the engine sits either on top or in front of the rear wheels, this platform provides more stability, and reduces the front wheel hop or even worse the complete lift of the front wheel.

Now if you are looking for comfort, the Honda trike is the one to go with.

Dom