The Negatives Of Two Front Wheels?

[AdvenJack]

I am ONLY considering the Honda Gold Wing. No Can-Am nor any other. Instead of two

rear wheels, as we see most of the time, we can choose two front wheels. I request that

you well informed folks enlighten me about the negatives of choosing the two front wheel

option. I know some positives, better braking, and I believe the turning ability is better with

two front wheels. Thank you for your answers!

http://sturgistrike.com/

http://www.hannigantrikes.com/products/hannigan-honda-roadster/

https://endeavortrikes.com/

 

[paws]

Well… I am basing my answer on personal experience with both styles.

My Gold Wing trike was a conventional 2-wheels-in-the-rear trike. I had it for 9 years. It was extremely comfortable and easy to handle with the rake kit and proper tires.

I now ride a 2021 Spyder RT Ltd. 2-wheels-in-the-front. It is very comfortable.

I have only had it 1 year. I can say that it seems to take more effort to pay attention as to how the grooves in the road tend to make the front tires follow in the grooves rather than where you want the Spyder to go…as compared to the Gold Wing conventional trike. I don’t know if this trait would be common in relation to a Gold Wing 2-wheels-in-the-front trike or not.

I realize you are not considering a Spyder but I am merely expressing my experience with both styles of tire placement. I don’t know that either style is particularly negative.

Having said that… I have been advised frequently by other Spyder riders that the OEM tires are absolutely terrible quality tires and should be replaced with car tires for much better handling. I am waiting until these original tires get enough wear to replace them..which I will do…won’t be long…

I know you have been doing a lot of research before purchasing a vehicle…I wish you good luck and miles of smiles on the vehicle you choose.

 

[rhino 2]

My experience with trike's with two front wheels [Reverse Trikes]...I had two of them And 3 standard Trikes' Is that till you get used to it...The Tail Wagging the Dog feeling/sensation with one rear wheel can get a little un-nerving . Other than that its what appeals to you Style wise...:Shrug:...

 

[AdvenJack]

I thank both of you for your thoughtful answers to my question!

 

[cScjhb]

My experience comes from many years on 2 wheels, 3+ years on a Spyder, and almost 2 years on a conventional 3 wheel Goldwing trike. Also, I did a lot of research into Goldwing "reverse" trikes. I liked the configuration of my Spyder and had convinced myself that I needed to convert my Goldwing to a reverse trike. My 1st choice was a Sturgis trike. That is until I found out they had significant overheating problems in spite of adding a 3rd radiator. The local Sturgis authorized dealer told me they could no longer obtain their kits because of that issue.

Another thing I found is a Goldwing reverse trike has a very LARGE turning radius, meaning maneuvering in tight quarters is difficult. I believe the "tail wagging the dog" senecio is also a reality. The reverse trike, at least my Spyder, requires more rider "participation" in corners. Body leaning and pulling the handle bars are more critical for comfortable cruising than is needed on a conventional trike.

I think the biggest debate is about stability of the two configurations. Each camp touts their own preferences. I have logged thousands of miles on both and can only express my personal experience. Both traditional and reverse trikes will preform very well when properly set up and equipped. The reverse trike is more sensitive in handling and to being properly set up. Regardless of what you choose, the kit installer is one of the most important decisions. A poor installation cannot be overcome by the quality of the kit. Good luck..... Jim

 

[AdvenJack]

Thank you Jim, for adding those details to this thread.

The three answers that I've received thus far, are truly valuable in my pursuit for information.

 

[Glen773]

I have a Endeavor Trike and I like it. Rides good and goes anywhere I want to go. Once you get used to the way they handle it is really no different that any other trike. It will follow the groves in the road , but just go with it and don't fight it. The two in the back trike does the same thing but you don't feel it as much as the back wheels don't steer.

Everybody has a wheels in the back trike, I wanted to be different.

 

[AdvenJack]

Glenn773,

Thanks for contributing sir! Does your Endeavor have storage

space in the front end? (Can a pair of full face helmets fit in there?

 

[Pooch]

Glenn773,

Thanks for contributing sir! Does your Endeavor have storage

space in the front end? (Can a pair of full face helmets fit in there?

I don't think the storage will hold 2 full face helmets but it will hold a rolled up Aerostitch Roadcrafter 1 piece riding suit. to your other questions, the Endeavor reverse trike kit on my 2010 Goldwing is very stable IMHO. I have over 40,000 miles on mine since Feburary of 2018. the Can-Am Spyders do have power steering but it's not needed on the Endeavor, IMHO.

 

[Motogordo]

Reverse Trikes

Jan. 29, 2022

I have the 2004 Goldwing with the Prowler RT reverse kit. I really enjoy riding it. The only problem is that you can't make a tight U-turn because the turning radius is very small. Other than that, I feel as though I am driving a tank. For me that's good. No, I can't lean but I sacrifice the leaning for feeling safer when I ride. I have been riding trikes since 2011 when I decided that the two wheelers were getting too heavy for me to push around. I have had 4 Canam Spyders and 1 2005 Goldwing Trike with the Lehman Monarch II kit. That was a great bike. I sold it because I couldn't find anyone who could eliminate the rubbing sound coming from the braking system.

Motogordo Then

Now

 

[Motogordo]

Reverse Trikes

I have a Endeavor Trike and I like it. Rides good and goes anywhere I want to go. Once you get used to the way they handle it is really no different that any other trike. It will follow the groves in the road , but just go with it and don't fight it. The two in the back trike does the same thing but you don't feel it as much as the back wheels don't steer.

Everybody has a wheels in the back trike, I wanted to be different.

Jan. 29, 2022

As you can see, I have a 2004 GL1800 with the Motor Trike Prowler RT kit. I have had it a couple of months so far and enjoy riding it. As you pointed out, you can't make a tight U-turn. Other than that I have no problems. I do feel like I am driving a TANK. Very safe however. I like to be different also. There are very few on the road. I have had 4 Canam Spyder's and they were great also.Love the power steering.

 

[tbird71]

I guess I'm old fashioned but I LOVE your old 2005 that thing is beautiful and very tasty

Something like that will be my next one

 

[Motogordo]

I guess I'm old fashioned but I LOVE your old 2005 that thing is beautiful and very tasty

Something like that will be my next one

Thank you, it was a great trike. I like variety so I purchased the Prowler RT. I don't think there are any withing 3,000 miles of my house. LOL.

I haven't seen any and don't expect to.

:clapping: