I'm still seeing about a 60 to 40 % of Trikes sans front brakes in all the pics I see everywhere on Teh Interwebz ... I'm still on fence about having them on my rig if it's not manditory in my state , so input would be greatly appreciated
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Front Brake or lack there of ( Revisited )
I'm still seeing about a 60 to 40 % of Trikes sans front brakes in all the pics I see everywhere on Teh Interwebz ... I'm still on fence about having them on my rig if it's not manditory in my state , so input would be greatly appreciated
Many trikes/bikes built for the show circuit are built without front brakes. Some feel that they look "cool" in a stripped down, minimal state.
As far as building something for regular road riding, I wouldn't own anything without the front brakes in a fully, 100%, functional condition. Too much riding on it, namely my safety!!!!
How's your trike build going?
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If nothing else, a front brake is a backup brake system of sorts. That said, with a light front end I would say, develop some braking skills, or don't use. But if you don't use, then why have?
Yes to Front Brake!
Without a doubt - yes to front brakes. I've put hundreds of trikes on the road and each went through a braking test, including panic stops with front brake only. Your trike is built to do two basic things - go and stop. Don't compromise on either.
When I was a teenager(Yes, they had cars back then.) and was buying beater cars that I could afford and wanting to go fast. My dad pulled my aside and told me that the most important part of a car was brakes. The second most important part was steering. He explained it this way. "When you get in a bind the brakes will stop you. If the brakes don't stop you, you can steer out of the way and, if need be, hit something that won't hurt anyone or sue you." Those words came home to roost in less than a year when the brakes (single circuit drums back then) went out on my "beater of the week" and I narrowly missed the rear end of the guy in front of me by swerving up on some guy's lawn.
Always had front brakes on my trikes. At minimum they come in handy when you're stopped on a hill.
Front brakes are a MUST IMO
Seeing most trikes are heavier than street bikes, I aint willin to rely on rear brakes
Nuff Said," Were Burnin Daylight, Lets Ride"(Sober 37 years)
Current ride : 2021 FREEWHEELER M8, oldest ride 1960 FL
As I understand it....it varies by state.
But.
Even though not required by my state I have front brakes, turn signals and both mirrors. I feel that they are all needed, plus I am 50 state legal.
Ok I'll confess, my trike has no front brake, no turn signals, no speedometer, no gauges, no fenders. I have a headlight, bright led tail/brake light, and a horn, that's it. I live/ride in the country, and don't speed much. My rear disk brakes work very well and the big soft Mickey Thompson tires grip like glue on them. Now if I would start driving it like I stole it then front brakes would probably come in handy, but I don't drive it fast. We go to benefits, poker runs, and car/bike shows. It does really well in the shows, lots of trophys. Also my front end is so light that I added 25lbs of #9 lead shot in the 2" down tube up front to help hold it down, but it's still light and front brakes probably wouldn't work very well.
When I want to go fast or go to the city I jump on my Harley and ride it like I stole it.
I am also a rural country guy. I don't ride in the big city. My lighting is minimalistic and no instruments.
But I really like fenders especially after having a bike without.
But you do have a cool looking trike and it suits you. That is what is so great about this hobby....you build to suit what you like.
Thanks Snu, I'll agree most trikes should have front brakes, especially yours. Haa, you might even need a parachute. Been watching your build as much as anyone else on here. Won't be long before you're back on the road and it'll all pay off. Good luck.
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