New to Trikes--Converting now

[blackwidowHD]

Hey I live in GA and I have a 2006 HD Softtail Deuce that I am converting to with a 30" Frankenstein Trike kit minus the fenders. I have never ridden a trike but an looking forward to it. I am sure it will take some getting used to. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Got the bike torn down awaiting the arrival of the rear end and triple trees. Hopefully weeks end.

[Mr.Wizard]

Now that sounds like loads of fun.

Lots of trikers in Georgia. While riding 75 alt and 129 yesterday I bet I passed a few dozen trikes. Met a nice GW Trike couple out of Columbus/Phoenix City while in Helen.

Riding a trike is... well, just different. Different in a good way. Wifey calls it "point and shoot" riding. You push or pull the bars and it turns. Most new trike riders will find after about 500 miles they become experts. Takes a little while longer for the passengers to learn there is no lean so they must hold on while cornering.

Now in the mountains, just be sure your turns aren't too deep or fast or the front wheel will push through the corner, like the NASCAR term, and it will take you to the edge of the road. Always wave at the LEO's watching for speeders on the twisties. They need love too! I wave on my bike and get a look but when I wave on three wheels I always get a wave back. The world knows triking if fun.

[blackwidowHD]

Mr Wizard thanks for the advice. I appreciate it. I am a little nervous about getting used to the steering of the trike verus the handling of the motorcycle. I am sure I will try to put my feet down several times as well as put the kickstand down. LoL.

[Mr.Wizard]

You won't put your feet down but one time!

When I had my Ultra converted they left my kickstand on. I was like, DUH? Hello...

Have you ever ridden an ATV or maybe the old three wheel Honda units? Easy, want to go left, pull with your left and push with your right hand to point your front tire. Don't use a death grip and take it slow at first. Once you get used to staying on the saddle with no leaning you will leave home for a test ride and not be back for dinner.

EDIT: Oh yeah, you will learn to use three fingers on your clutch so you can use your thumb and index finger on your grips. Wait.. you will see what I am referring too.

[blackwidowHD]

Oh yeah now you got my curiosity up about the clutch.

[Mr.Wizard]

Oh yeah now you got my curiosity up about the clutch.

Well... it's really something simple. When going slow, over a driveway dip or when a bump and a corner are involved you should use two hands on the bars. A trike involves more wet clutch slippage due to the weight.

So, use your index finger and thumb to hold on the grip and the other three fingers to slip the clutch. It's not that different from riding two wheels, just takes more RPM's and a little more control of the bars because the front wheel is straight up and down. When you are more straight up and down the bars tent to rock left and right with the frame so you need the extra grip even if it is two fingers worth.

:yes:

[Southern Man]

My biggest leaning curve was learning to dodge potholes or stuff in the road.
With the trike you have 3 chances to hit it and with a 2 wheel bike you only have 1 since the wheels are in line.

You have to position the front wheel just beside whatever it is you want to miss and let to slide between the front and outside wheel.

[blackwidowHD]

Thank for the advice Southern Man. Another thing for me to think about when learning to ride. I am so glad I found this site. Everyone is very helpful with information.

[Southern Man]

Hey Blackwidow.

I am in Pearson Georgia just south of Douglas. We should hook up on day soon for a ride. 912-422-7493 is my number.

[BEAR]

I just bought a Venture Tri-Wing in March and the only advice I can give is KEEP YOU FEET ON THE PEGS. That is the hardest thing I have had to remember.
GOOD LUCK.

[skuuter]

WELCOME to TRIKE TALK.....Mr. Wizard 'bout covered all the "new to You" stuff...the rest will come with practice.......:wtg:

[blackwidowHD]

Thanks skuuter I appreciate the info.

[jlb]

Enjoy BlackWidow....i've ridden more in the past year since I got my trike than I did in the 3 or 4 years I spent on two. The hardest thing for me was learning to lean into a turn. Or is that only revelant to reverse trikes like mine? In any case....have fun!

janetb

[blackwidowHD]

Hey jlb. I know I will ride more by myself instead of just with my husband because I will not have to worry about dropping the bike and not being able to get it back up by myself. I also am only 5' 4" and sometimes if there is a dropoff on the shoulder I cannot touch the ground on that side of the bike. Bike weighs 638 lbs so it is difficult to hold up in certain situations. My husband and sons will feel better about be going off on a trip by myself if I have three wheels.

[lazor1]

i was going to give you some advice blackwidow, but i see about a dozen people beat me to it . all with good advice. so enjoy your trike. good luck

[Gorilla]

Hey I live in GA and I have a 2006 HD Softtail Deuce that I am converting to with a 30" Frankenstein Trike kit minus the fenders. I have never ridden a trike but an looking forward to it. I am sure it will take some getting used to. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Got the bike torn down awaiting the arrival of the rear end and triple trees. Hopefully weeks end.

welcome aboard.

[soloagn]

Blackwidow, another thing to get use to real quick is thart the rear end is wider, so be very careful when pulling into gas pumps. Don't ask how I know this, just take my word for it.

[blackwidowHD]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I have already learned alot about things I never thought about. It will be great fun to get started riding my trike soon. Can't wait to get it together.

[John Luciano]

There was a post on here that was just tips we have learned and are passing along . I can't find it . HELP Nana ....when u pull up along another trike like parking or to talk at a light leave room on the side . uUse the middle of the road like a car , don't hug the yellow line , especially on corners , your wheel will be on the wrong side of the road. I got a head ace from Honey smacking me every time I went over the line. You don't run staggered pattern when in a group ride and tend to stay in the rear ( not because you are slower, by all means just the opposite. You will brake faster and stop shorter than a 2 wheeler so this prevents you getting rear ended .

[Nana]

I already hooked her up with the experienced rider info yesterday on another thread, John.