Getting use to GW Trike

[paid4c4]

Yesterday I got another 100 mile day on the trike. I'm just getting use to driving the trike and so far I really like it. It's take a little time getting familiar with the feeling of leaning in turns. It appears when I feel it leaning in curves I get a more stable feeling when I give it a little throttle. Over all very stable and I like the linked brakes and the power the GW has. Seems like the engine does better if I keep it at or above 2000 RPM's. Gas milage seems to be between 35-37 mpg. Kathy behind me isn't even noticed in the handling or acceleration. Haven't ridden in the rain yet but I have no reason to think it won't handle great. If I'm missing anything please comment.
Bill

[schiel1]

It takes a while to fully appreciate a trike over 2 wheels. You will like it in the rain, just don't get over confident with it. Oh and be careful not to cut corners to tight. I wacked my fender. Very expensive fix
Good luck..

[Ozarkryder]

Do you have a rider's backrest? Leaning against the backrest helps in the turns as yo have something to push against. That takes a lot of work away from the back and shoulder muscles and can extend your day by many miles.

[lgjhn]

Keep up the good work.
It took me about 1000 miles before I really got the hang of it.
FYI...We just completed 10 days out West and half of it was in the rain coming back home.
Trike does fine in the rain, but like a 2-wheeler, it has to be respected and not over-done.
There were a couple of times of slight hydro-plane on the front that got my attention QUICK!
The trike will corner different than a 2-wheeler, but corner it will. One of our destinations was Mesa Verde. The road up to the site is verrry crooked and up the side of a mountain. The trike handled it both up and back with no sweat. In fact, the 2-wheelers with us could not believe how well it took the curves....however, it's hard on the upper body and shoulders as you have to hold it in the turns. At 65 years old, my upper body strength isn't what it used to be and I was some kind of stiff the next morning...LOL...but I had fun and that's what counts.

[DblTrbl]

I have found that it handles much better in corners if you "drive" thru them....in other words...accelerate some going thru the curves and you will see the difference.

[paid4c4]

At 66 I've noticed the upper body strength so I've been going to the gym three days a week which has really helped. I'll watch for the hydro-planning. I hope we get in a least a 3 or 4 day trip this fall in the Smoky Mountains. I've got 300 miles on it so I'm still learning but having fun.
Bill

Keep up the good work.
It took me about 1000 miles before I really got the hang of it.
FYI...We just completed 10 days out West and half of it was in the rain coming back home.
Trike does fine in the rain, but like a 2-wheeler, it has to be respected and not over-done.
There were a couple of times of slight hydro-plane on the front that got my attention QUICK!
The trike will corner different than a 2-wheeler, but corner it will. One of our destinations was Mesa Verde. The road up to the site is verrry crooked and up the side of a mountain. The trike handled it both up and back with no sweat. In fact, the 2-wheelers with us could not believe how well it took the curves....however, it's hard on the upper body and shoulders as you have to hold it in the turns. At 65 years old, my upper body strength isn't what it used to be and I was some kind of stiff the next morning...LOL...but I had fun and that's what counts.

[Gold Rush]

Yesterday I got another 100 mile day on the trike. I'm just getting use to driving the trike and so far I really like it. It's take a little time getting familiar with the feeling of leaning in turns. It appears when I feel it leaning in curves I get a more stable feeling when I give it a little throttle. Over all very stable and I like the linked brakes and the power the GW has. Seems like the engine does better if I keep it at or above 2000 RPM's. Gas milage seems to be between 35-37 mpg. Kathy behind me isn't even noticed in the handling or acceleration. Haven't ridden in the rain yet but I have no reason to think it won't handle great. If I'm missing anything please comment.
Bill

Howdy Bill. I see from your profile that you have an 1800 Motor Trike. Hopefully it is independent rear suspension but even if it's a solid axle setting up the suspension correctly and a few simple tricks will make cornering easier. First thing to do is take a look at your coil over shock spring preload position. Some installers set it all the way down to it's lowest position and that is TOO SOFT. When I had my '06 MT Adventure the second position felt best then I varied the air bag setting to compensate for riding condition. I carried a lot of stuff in my trunk so I basically was set up like a normal person would for two up riding. Set the air to between 28 and 32 (you'll know when that is right) pounds for normal riding. When you get into twisty roads bump that up to 40 (or so). When it gets really twisty (DRAGON) I'd go to the upper 40s. The object is to prevent body roll in the corners.

Once your suspension is set then some basic riding habits will soon become second nature. Use you legs to keep you body centered on the bike. Centrifugal force will try to push you to the outside of a curve so push on that outside leg and if you feel the urge hug the inside with the other leg. At the same time you should be stiff arming the outside handlebar to steer the trike so the leg/arm combination will keep your body upright and centered. Road position during cornering is also something you can do to help. Some cut the corner, some cut the apex. Either way works. I use a combination depending on the particular situation. By reducing the amount of time you are subjected to the centrifugal force and severity of that force; the curve becomes less aggressive.

I know that was a bit long but hope it helps. Of all the factors I firmly believe keeping your body mid-ship and upright is the most important. To properly control trike steering you must be centered behind the controls.

[bikerbillone]

I think about that 'upper body' strength thing, with both shoulders replaced, I need to do some serious strength building before Maggie Valley. Road Smith is an easy drive, but still takes some effort to horse it around those twisties.

[paid4c4]

I think about that 'upper body' strength thing, with both shoulders replaced, I need to do some serious strength building before Maggie Valley. Road Smith is an easy drive, but still takes some effort to horse it around those twisties.

I know the feeling as I've had both shoulder done and don't have a cuff on the right side. So I really have to work on strength not only for the trike but for the Harley. Have a great trip to Maggie Valley.
Bill

- - - Updated - - -

Howdy Bill. I see from your profile that you have an 1800 Motor Trike. Hopefully it is independent rear suspension but even if it's a solid axle setting up the suspension correctly and a few simple tricks will make cornering easier. First thing to do is take a look at your coil over shock spring preload position. Some installers set it all the way down to it's lowest position and that is TOO SOFT. When I had my '06 MT Adventure the second position felt best then I varied the air bag setting to compensate for riding condition. I carried a lot of stuff in my trunk so I basically was set up like a normal person would for two up riding. Set the air to between 28 and 32 (you'll know when that is right) pounds for normal riding. When you get into twisty roads bump that up to 40 (or so). When it gets really twisty (DRAGON) I'd go to the upper 40s. The object is to prevent body roll in the corners.

Once your suspension is set then some basic riding habits will soon become second nature. Use you legs to keep you body centered on the bike. Centrifugal force will try to push you to the outside of a curve so push on that outside leg and if you feel the urge hug the inside with the other leg. At the same time you should be stiff arming the outside handlebar to steer the trike so the leg/arm combination will keep your body upright and centered. Road position during cornering is also something you can do to help. Some cut the corner, some cut the apex. Either way works. I use a combination depending on the particular situation. By reducing the amount of time you are subjected to the centrifugal force and severity of that force; the curve becomes less aggressive.

I know that was a bit long but hope it helps. Of all the factors I firmly believe keeping your body mid-ship and upright is the most important. To properly control trike steering you must be centered behind the controls.

Thanks for the comments. I'll check the shocks as I'm getting ready to replace the air bags as they're leaking down and rapidly. I hope to drive the dragon this fall and I'll keep your thoughts in mind.
Bill

[bikerbillone]

I know the feeling as I've had both shoulder done and don't have a cuff on the right side. So I really have to work on strength not only for the trike but for the Harley. Have a great trip to Maggie Valley.
Bill

Response, thanks much, Bill, maybe I'll see you there?

Wm

[The Captain]

One thing that has helped me in corners is to lock your elbow and push with your entire arm and upper body instead of keeping your elbow bent and pushing with just your arm. Try it, you might find it easier.

[cjmitch]

At 66 I've noticed the upper body strength so I've been going to the gym three days a week which has really helped. I'll watch for the hydro-planning. I hope we get in a least a 3 or 4 day trip this fall in the Smoky Mountains. I've got 300 miles on it so I'm still learning but having fun.

If you are finding that you are using too much upper body, then try changing your turn stance.
By this i mean in stead of using you arms to turn the trike use your body.
RIGHT turn, LOCK your left arm then lean into the left handlebar with your BODY mass.
Left turn LOCK your right arm, and lean into the right handlebar with your body mass

If you are pushing and pulling then you are going to be whipped

Secondly check you tires.... if you have anything that is 235/rxx or higher....
GET RID OF THEM...!!!!

Go with a narrower rain shedding tire.....
I could give you a reason if you want one, but the best thing i can say is My wife is ok, my friends wife has metal in her hip

[bikerbillone]

Tell us what your riding, that helps too.

[paid4c4]

Tell us what your riding, that helps too.

I am riding a 2006 GW 1800 Raked Motor Trike with 21K miles.
Bill

[consitter]

Do you have a rider's backrest? Leaning against the backrest helps in the turns as yo have something to push against. That takes a lot of work away from the back and shoulder muscles and can extend your day by many miles.

One thing that has helped me in corners is to lock your elbow and push with your entire arm and upper body instead of keeping your elbow bent and pushing with just your arm. Try it, you might find it easier.

Where you set your backrest helps greatly. For some reason or other, I moved mine up from full recline up about an inch just this past week, and it has made a world of difference in they way I can take curves now. My neck and shoulder pain has all but stopped. And this is in combination with what The Captain says about locking the elbow and using your upper body. Also when going into a curve, the centrifugal force will help you, as it will make you naturally lean toward the handlebar you are pushing.

The guy at the dealership told me it was all about 'push and pull'. Obviously, he's never rode a trike very much, because push and pull makes long rides soooo uncomfortable, especially in twisties.

[Ret1SG]

Handlebar risers will also help.

[kwputt]

Bill we rode out west last summer from southern Ohio, just shy of 6000 miles round trip. Bad Lands, Custer Park, Needles Highway, Road to the Sun, Bear Tooth Pass, Yellowstone, Cody Wy, Pikes Peak. The Kuryakyn floor boards with the heal toe shifter, good adjustable backrest, handle bar risers, Russel Day Long seat, and the Avon Radial front tire made it a an easy ride. I would agree with the previous post regarding locking your elbows and let your backrest and upper body take you through the curves. The handle bar riser kit will bring the bars up and back, makes a huge difference on those five to six hundred mile days.
Ride safe.

[Skeet7373]

I rode a HD Tri Glide for over 3 years. Now with that beast you need upper body strength. I would be so wore out after a day of riding on that machine. Sold it for other reasons and bought a GL1800 with the Motor Trike Razor kit. Motor Trike installers put a 4.5 degree rake. Mine has a 6 degree rake by the builder. I have to be careful with it due to its a little twitchy but wow feels so good and no issue with upper body strength. I cannot get used to where my feet are when the HD allows you to stretch out. I'm 5'4" and feel so cramped on my GW with the floorboards. My HD felt good being able to have the room. I had extended handlebars and a back rest on the HD. So I added risers to the GW and so afraid of cutting my seat to add the backrest. May see if I can trade the new through the seat backrest for the one with the bars that attaches at the seat bolts. The backrest will improve your riding by 100%.

Karen

[schiel1]

I am 58 and in average physical shape. Last week I just finished my first 3200 mile multi-week ride with my 2015 version CSC trike with the 6-1/2 degree rake, handlebar risers and heel-toe shift without the floorboards though.We rode through the Blue Ridge Parkway and many curvy mountain roads for 2 weeks. I had absolutely no issues with my shoulders arms or back. I did have some hand pain but that is due to arthritis. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least after reading how much pain you will be in after a days ride.
It was like riding a sports car around the curves, very happy with it.

[extreme10]

I have found that it handles much better in corners if you "drive" thru them....in other words...accelerate some going thru the curves and you will see the difference.

It's recommended that you should 'drive' out of a curve. The same as a solo. Driving into a curve can help you to drift out of the exit if not careful. Can be great fun if your into 'drifting'. into the wrong lane