Difference in touring between two wheels and three wheels?

[paid4c4]

This might be a strange question but I'm looking for other riders experience. I just made the change from being a biker to a full time triker. In the past I had a Harley Road Glide I rode solo and when Kathy wanted to go along I rode our 2012 GW CSC Trike. I decided at 70 it was time for me to move to being a full time triker. Every summer a group of us have several touring trips.

Last year we went from Northern Kentucky to Canada. This year we went from Kentucky to Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone and Sturgis, 4400 miles and 15 days. What differences will I notice touring on my trike versus my Harley? Anything I need to watch on the GW on long tours? I did notice a lot more trikes touring during our trip out west this July. Comments are appreciated.

Bill

[birdguy45]

paid4c4...As you have probably noticed from your prior trike riding, touring on a trike is better because you can actually look at what you are driving through. By that I mean that you can actually look to the side and follow the scenery as you ride. Unlike two-wheelers, when you turn your head to look at something and the bike follows your nose, the trike tends to remain moving straight ahead. This was the most enjoyable aspect of trike riding for me and, I must admit, a bit of a surprise.

[ol' school]

Bill, from our experience, my wife and I can ride more miles in a day on three wheels as opposed to riding on two wheels. It is more relaxing and wears on your body less throughout the day.

[rhino 2]

One of my reasons to get a Trike.....Is simple, Not if but when someone makes a left turn in front of you and you have to stand on the brakes to avoid ''T'' Boning them....

Its not a traumatic experience....The Trike isn't going to Low Side ...Or lock up the rear wheel and spit you off.........

And in the case of a reverse trike, Its fun when a Squirrel-- try's to stratle the front tires and you nail them with the big fat rear tire......

[paws]

Anything you need to watch out for touring on a Gold Wing trike?

YES!

Watch out you don’t go to sleep - you will be SOOOOO comfortable!

[radismukes]

Also, remember the little lady has more room to fill when shopping! JK When she's happy I'm happy!

[CrystalPistol]

Just my opinion, but trikes are better trailer pullers.

Don't forget fenders when getting gas.

I could make a smoother ride on two wheels as the rear typically follows the front, usually even in the same track … so dodging the pot holes and encountering off camber pavement is easier with no sudden dips to the side, more tilts on a trike where bike stays upright … and trikes are using 3 tracks so you ain't gonna miss all them pot holes.

You have more parking options when the group pulls into a gravel parking lot or grassy meadow on a trike.

In the rain, trikes generate less drama at stop bars.

When on a trike, I don't let no body share a lane with me, they either are in front of or behind me, even at lights .

When carving a two lane road's curves, remember you're wider than bikes so respect that shoulder and them center lines.

You'll use fuel at a higher rate, don't be bashful about needing a fuel stop.

[FRR]

Safety. Doesn't mean some fool won't hit you, but you don't have to worry about gravel, etc. Much more relaxing. Even if you suffer a flat tire you might even live! That is always good. More storage, at least in most models and certainly more than two wheels or a Triglide. Tires in the rear last so much longer. Less to worry about on the road. You will love it. I've never spoke with anyone who went to 3 wheels and regretted the decision.

[Grote55]

I just got back from a 2 week tour with a group of friends on both trikes and bikes.

I drive a Hannigan Trike. We went through a lot of areas with twisty roads (I mean ALOT).

I found that I'd be pretty tired at the end of the day from having to steer through all those turns.

I would also have to go a bit slower through the turns than the 2 wheelers (didn't want to throw the wife off the back).

Other than that, I had a great time.

[Trail Blazer]

what to look out for on a trike touring. 1s when you trike a 2 wheeler you lose 3 to 5 mpg. but you will very soon see how many miles you can go on a Tank. 2nd no concern of laying it down. (you have to do something drastic to drop a Trike) no putting you foot down at stops, more comfortable, you can keep up with the 2 wheeler (believe or not it take a good 2 wheeler to keep up with a trike in the ruff stuff) you can stop faster then a 2 wheeler and the # 1 plus, mama will love the trike and ready to go any time.

Ps in 2017 we took a 3 week ride up to Montana and made many good rides in SD,WY AZ & Co. road 5400 miles. of course I was a lot younger 76

[paid4c4]

I guess 76 make my 70 look like I'm a kid! Hope I can keep riding to 76!

Bill

[stubb02]

All great comments. After reading, I am more excited about getting a trike...

[Montana Lee]

I guess 76 make my 70 look like I'm a kid! Hope I can keep riding to 76!

Bill

Don't worry...you guys got a ways to go yet. I been riding since 1947. I'm 85 now and I still ride regularly.

[alwrmcusn]

I turned 75 two weeks ago, still triking with Hannah (my wife) and we ain't going back to two wheels! Luggage space is sufficient for a weekend and if we (she ) plan to do any shopping, and she does like buying bird houses, we have a Harbor Freight Tag-a-long trailer. We do local rides, not too many multi day trips and frequent Patriot Guard missions. For us our trike is the way we like to ride.

[CrystalPistol]

And I forgot to say it …

… KEEP YOU FEETS ON PEGS OR FLOORBOARDS.

[KYBubblehead]

This might be a strange question but I'm looking for other riders experience.

Bill

Bill-

Since I bought your '06 trike, I will chip in! My first trike ever.... riding since 1965. It still feels strange; but secure. I'm 72 and will prob'ly not get another 2 wheeler. You two will enjoy it - see you at the next meeting!

John

[Gideon]

I turned 75 two weeks ago, still triking with Hannah (my wife) and we ain't going back to two wheels! Luggage space is sufficient for a weekend and if we (she ) plan to do any shopping, and she does like buying bird houses, we have a Harbor Freight Tag-a-long trailer. We do local rides, not too many multi day trips and frequent Patriot Guard missions. For us our trike is the way we like to ride.

My sentiments also. However, I am a few years older than you.

[bikerbillone]

You're 70 and thinking about three wheels, then it's a good time to pull the trigger and see what's it's all about riding on three. You will enjoy the experience and not look back, especially with the copilot on the pillion. You will notice more 'bumps in the road' as one comment mentions, but that's OK, it's the nature of the beast and ya can't miss many holes with three wheels. Yes, more effort in the twisties, no question, but that's offset by the pure pleasure of the ride and able to enjoy the scenery more. You can get more 'stuff' on board, pull a trailer, or like some of us, get a receiver on the conversion, just do a slide in rack and and tie a water proof high viz bag on the rack. More stuff equals a happy wife at the end of the day.

[CrystalPistol]

You're 70 and thinking about three wheels, then it's a good time to pull the trigger and see what's it's all about riding on three. You will enjoy the experience … etc … You can get more 'stuff' on board, pull a trailer, or like some of us, get a receiver on the conversion, just do a slide in rack and and tie a water proof high viz bag on the rack. More stuff equals a happy wife at the end of the day.

Oh yeah, while I agree that trikes do handle trailers very well, IMHO better than bikes, I will just as soon use a hitch carrier in the receiver, depending on length of trip. I built my carrier to fit the "Action Packer" (treat it like a suit case), even has lights (use trailer plug) and moving the tag is easy, plus it stores in a room very easy. No chaining or securing a trailer while touring in the day, just pull the rack, put in room, put tag on trike, GO.

[Trail Blazer]

I guess 76 make my 70 look like I'm a kid! Hope I can keep riding to 76!

Bill

well Bill that was a few years ago I am older now and can't ride like I use to, after 400 miles or so I have to stop for hamburger ( not bad for 79)

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