Trikes, Why?

[p.dath]

I was on the motorway the other day and this guy went past on a beautifull blue trike that looked like a touring bike. It was certainly a beautifull looking machine, but it left me wondering why.

Two wheels would be so much better for cornering, so you would loose that, and a cage would surely offer better stability. So it seems to me that it gives you the worst of all worlds.


So what's so great about a trike?

[Big Dave]

Fun.
You can ride them with a disability.
Different.
Some folks don't have the balance or strength for 2 wheels.
or
They just like them.

[Virago]

Yep, you assume that everyone who wants to ride a bike can physically do so.

Some people ride them as a matter of choice, but others don't have such luxury.

[sinned]

If or when I get to the stage I can't ride two wheels any longer I will go back to an open sports car.

[Taz]

Also a trike-a-fied bike allows those shorties to "ride" a bike they may otherwise have been unable to. Try to remeber that there are all sorts of different people out there and they aren't all exactly like you. That's what makes this place great. Imagine a world full of .... well..... you? Or me for that matter? Would be a boring place without variety.

Be careful though.... Once in another life I once got an infraction for daring to post a reply in a thread about trikes.... Apparently back then trikes weren't welcome on KB. Maybe the mods have matured by now.

[toebug]

When I see some trikes I think why? Because some are just butt ugly. Others are very well built and look stunning.

I'd imagine they would be a hoot to ride as well, but personally they are not on my to own list, unless I end up with a disability of course then a trike would be perfect to get that freedom feeling you get from bikes.

[NighthawkNZ]

So what's so great about a trike?

I know one guy that use to ride two wheels however after an accident his arm and leg, he no longer has the strength nor does he have the movement to ride a bike so he got a trike.

He can still ride with the boys and go to the rallies and have fun... it is a completely different style of riding but he still can get out there and have fun.

[YellowDog]

I could never see the point in trikes. Billy Connelly did that show where he was travelling around naked on a trike. I just couldn't see the point. It just looks so unnatural (and dangerous) cornering on 3 wheels and wouldn't an open top sports car be better in that you wouldn't need to wear a helmet.

I am sure that some would dissagree and I guess that as has already been stated; if you used to ride bikes and now can't - a three wheel wheeler has to be the next best thing.

Three wheeler : An even more stable cruiser.

[Blackbird]

If or when I get to the stage I can't ride two wheels any longer I will go back to an open sports car.

My wife has a dodgy hip that's put paid to riding pillion on the 'bird because of the high rear pegs. She loves riding pillion and says that a trike or cruiser would suit her down to the ground. This, despite her owning a tricked-up MX5:clap: I don't dislike cruisers or trikes but even at 60+ years of age, I don't feel ready for one yet:niceone:

[driftn]

Why do you ride the bike you ride?

Different strokes for different folks and the end of the day.

also trikes made from VW's are wheelie monsters which ='s mucho funio.

[nigel]

If I ever became partially disabled I'd get a trike instead of a car.. at least then I'd still be riding! :ride:

Oh, and I have no car license so that would make it a no-brainer.

[Virago]

If I ever became partially disabled I'd get a trike instead of a car.. at least then I'd still be riding! :ride:

Oh, and I have no car license so that would make it a no-brainer.

Bad news for you then - trikes are actually classified as cars - you don't even need to wear a helmet. :doh:

[driftn]

Bad news for you then - trikes are actually classified as cars - you don't even need to wear a helmet. :doh:

Actually you have the choice to register as a car or a bike. If its a bike it does not need seat belts but you must were a skid lid and if its a car then must have seat belts but dont have to were said skid lid.

[Owl]

Bad news for you then - trikes are actually classified as cars - you don't even need to wear a helmet. :doh:

You sure about that Virago???:msn-wink:

[nigel]

Whew, saved! :)

So do you 'drive' a trike if it's registered as a car? ;)

[Virago]

Actually you have the choice to register as a car or a bike. If its a bike it does not need seat belts but you must were a skid lid and if its a car then must have seat belts but dont have to were said skid lid.

Ah, cool - didn't know that...! :niceone:

[AllanB]

I've always kind of liked them. The clean ones anyway.
The Exile trike appeals - the one below with fat tyres - not sure how it would handle with that long front though.
A Google for Trike finds all types of wonders.

[MarkH]

I don't like trikes - hard to lane split or overtake (compared to the narrower 2 wheeled bikes). If I couldn't ride a bike then I would prefer something like a Caterham.
But if someone rides a trike and enjoys it then that is cool - different strokes etc.

[AllanB]

I don't like trikes - hard to lane split or overtake (compared to the narrower 2 wheeled bikes).

Hmmm - not wanting to get into a 'lane splitting' debate but that appears to be a real Auckland thing and understandable looking at TV shots of your traffic - not an issue down here and consequently not something I even consider when thinking about bikes.:niceone:

Found me a Trike - Hornet based (the 600).

[driftn]

Hmmm - not wanting to get into a 'lane splitting' debate but that appears to be a real Auckland thing and understandable looking at TV shots of your traffic - not an issue down here and consequently not something I even consider when thinking about bikes.:niceone:

Found me a Trike - Hornet based (the 600).



That is fucken bad arse. Shame its only a 600. A 900 turbo version would be totally monster epic man.

[imdying]

Why? Fun would be my guess :)

Those 2 in the front 1 out the back jobbie look like a hoot :yes:

[laRIKin]

Actually you have the choice to register as a car or a bike. If its a bike it does not need seat belts but you must were a skid lid and if its a car then must have seat belts but dont have to were said skid lid.

You are right.
But I think there is something to do with the spacing of the rear wheels as well.
I think if they are to wide then it must be registered as a car.

Not 100 percent on this.
I will ask at work as one of the guys lives with a guy that makes Trike's.

[Chooky]

Or you could have one like this......
Park the bike in the back and drive from the front........:rolleyes:

[Swoop]

Perhaps people actually enjoy pootling around on them?

[Eurodave]

Heres some pix of our Guzzi powered Morgan replica that we built about 6 years ago
Its an absolute blast to drive & handles better than a 4 wheeled sportscar & WAY better than a bike/sidecar combo

[Mikkel]

If you registrer your trike as a car, surely it would need a rollcage/bar/somesuch. Being strapped onto a large lump of metal that can land on top of you sounds unhealthy indeed.


Hmmm - not wanting to get into a 'lane splitting' debate but that appears to be a real Auckland thing and understandable looking at TV shots of your traffic - not an issue down here and consequently not something I even consider when thinking about bikes.:niceone:

What are you on about. The single most enjoyable thing about motorcycles is that the incompetent Chch drivers can't impede your progess to the same degree as when you are in your car. Commuting becomes much less painful when you can actually go at your own pace.

[sunhuntin]

theres a local guy whos got a vw trike i think it is. im fairly sure hes got a mild form of dwarfism, as he is rather short and stocky, but doesnt have the facial characteristics. theres no way in hell he would be able to ride a 2 wheeled bike cos theres no way his feet would reach the ground. would be an instant recipie for falling over at the lights. having a trike allows him to get out on the road and have some fun like the rest of us.

another guy i saw over in canada had his set up take a wheel chair, not unlike the unit burwood spinal now has. admittedly, it seemed to be a "home jobbie" and was rougher around the edges. perfectly safe, just not as clean cut as factory models. different guy, also in canada, had an accident and lost his lower leg. last i heard, he was planning on getting a trike as soon as he was healed up.

[popelli]

I think trikes are a complete engineering f*&k up that combines the worse aspects of a bike with the worst aspects of a car

you get wet when it rains, can't split lanes, harder to park, no where to lock anything away, take up too much space in the garage

a lot of people claim they are great for disabled people but I have met more disabled people with limbs missing riding bikes than I ever have driving/riding trikes

one advantage of a trike is that people unable to pass a bike test (mental / physcial dexterity, finances etc) for what ever reason can use a trike

however one three wheeler I would love to have........

[laRIKin]

If you registrer your trike as a car, surely it would need a rollcage/bar/somesuch. Being strapped onto a large lump of metal that can land on top of you sounds unhealthy indeed.

Why? Not all Sports Cars have a rollcage.
It does mean you have to wear a seat belt if regoed as a car.
If regoed as a bike you have to wear a helmet.

[popelli]

It does mean you have to wear a seat belt if regoed as a car.
If regoed as a bike you have to wear a helmet.

yes to seat belt / car rego

yes to helmet / bike rego


and if its registered as a car and you are not wearing a helmet you will get constant grief from the plod who will stop and question your not wearing a helmet

[MarkH]

Hmmm - not wanting to get into a 'lane splitting' debate but that appears to be a real Auckland thing and understandable looking at TV shots of your traffic - not an issue down here and consequently not something I even consider when thinking about bikes.:niceone:

Don't knock the Auckland traffic - I had been off bike and driving around in cars for about 20 years until the fantastic Auckland traffic convinced me that I needed to get back to riding on 2 wheels. In the 9 months since I got my 400cc commuter/mini-tourer I have travelled almost 600kms in the car and almost 20,000kms on the scoot. I am loving biking more now than when I was a poor student over 20 years ago. Also: lane splitting past near stationary traffic provides pleasure that is hard to describe :niceone:

[Mikkel]

however one three wheeler I would love to have........

How about these classics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJfSS0ZXYdo

http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/Katy%203-wheel%20car1.jpg


Why? Not all Sports Cars have a rollcage.
It does mean you have to wear a seat belt if regoed as a car.
If regoed as a bike you have to wear a helmet.

No, but I believe all cabriolets must have a crash bar behind you head in case they flip. Either rigidly mounted or automatically deployed in an accident.

[driftn]

yes to seat belt / car rego

yes to helmet / bike rego


and if its registered as a car and you are not wearing a helmet you will get constant grief from the plod who will stop and question your not wearing a helmet


Correct. I think it would also feel wrong riding one with out a helmet.

[Sharry]

I had a vdub 1200 trike in 1982. It looked much the same a Billy Conally's one. It was easy to ride and park.
Corners are what I had to watch with the extended forks as you have to tilt the front wheel and exesive speed on corners makes the wheel skip forwards, as apposed to cornering.

When the day comes that I cannot manage a bike I want another one, they are awesome fun.

Bikes simply can't do donuts like a trike :2thumbsup

[peasea]

If or when I get to the stage I can't ride two wheels any longer I will go back to an open sports car.

I'm with you on that one. I live for the day when I can do circuits of a rest home in a Cobra!

[Katman]

Trikes are fucking ghey.

[laRIKin]

No, but I believe all cabriolets must have a crash bar behind you head in case they flip. Either rigidly mounted or automatically deployed in an accident.

No they don't look around or in a car trader and you see there are lots with out a roll bar of any sort.

Never seen or heard of a automatically deployed one before.

[Blackbird]

There's probably not too many people as old as me on this site, but who remembers the ill-fated Bond Bug from 1969/70? It was pretty radical for its time but grossly underpowered. Could have been the "Smart Car" of its time except big, thirsty brutes were what everyone aspired to!

Oh, and trikes needn't be gay - what about this blown one??

[scumdog]

If you registrer your trike as a car, surely it would need a rollcage/bar/somesuch. Being strapped onto a large lump of metal that can land on top of you sounds unhealthy indeed.

Haven't seen one yet that is registered as a car and has a roll-bar.

[scumdog]

I think trikes are a complete engineering f*&k up that combines the worse aspects of a bike with the worst aspects of a car

you get wet when it rains, can't split lanes, harder to park, no where to lock anything away, take up too much space in the garage

a lot of people claim they are great for disabled people but I have met more disabled people with limbs missing riding bikes than I ever have driving/riding trikes

one advantage of a trike is that people unable to pass a bike test (mental / physcial dexterity, finances etc) for what ever reason can use a trike

however one three wheeler I would love to have........

Trikes don't fall over when riding through mud or when you stop on a patch of loose grit, if registered as a car they are cheaper to register, you can carry more gear on them - which CAN be locked away, they won't fall over in the wind, it's easier for a disabled rider to fit his wheel-chair onto etc etc.

[laRIKin]

I can see one day, I'll have a Trike or a bike with a side car.
Like a few of the Old timers I know.

There comes a time when you know you can not hold up the bike easily.
Or like one guy who fell off his bike three weekends in a row when stopping.

He said I can not ride by myself any more as I can not pick it up any more by my self and are scared of tipping the bike over again.
For the damage to me and the bike.$$$

So they bought a Trike conversion kit from the States and his riding crew fitted it in a weekend and went for a ride.

He's happy he can still get out for a blat with his mate's.
His mate's are happy that he can still join them.
His wife is not worried any more.

I say good on him and good on his mate's for helping him keep on doing what he loves doing.
Now he can ride for many more years to come.

Sports cars are OK, but give me a bike of some sort as my mates have bikes not sport cars.
Try turning up to a bike rally in a sports car.

[rosie631]

My opinion seems to be the same as most on here. Wouldn't have one myself but they are great when you feel you're too old for two wheels or if you have a disability. At least you get to keep your face in the wind aye. Spoke to a girl a couple of weeks ago who's mother (in her 60s) was finding her harley too heavy and had bought a trike. Awesome

[Pixie]

There used to be a guy down at Maraetai,who had been a chasis engineer for open wheelers when they still used space frames.He built a VW trike with the engine in front of the rear wheels,full space frame chasis and short springer forks.
He put the emphasis on handling rather than making it look like a piece of chopper crap.The trike looked good and handled like a sports car.

[marty]

No, but I believe all cabriolets must have a crash bar behind you head in case they flip. Either rigidly mounted or automatically deployed in an accident.


search 'convertible' on Tardme and have a look how many crash/roll bars there *aren't*

but because you said it on the internet, it's probably true.

[smoky]

They're bout 1 thing, and 1 thing only - Image

I don't believe all the other BS;
They handle like shit, they can't corner to save them selves - unless you turn them into 3 wheel cars, even then a decent 4 wheel car or 2 wheel bike will blow them off

You get wet, cold, and you are exposed to all the same elements with out the advantages of a bike

You get a bit more comfort, but not as much as a car, no lane splitting, no counter steering or fun in the windies
Every trike I've seen or ridden is slow? No use going fast if you cant go around corners.

They are just not as good as either a car or a bike, so why would anyone want one?
Because they look cool, thats all
Those who want the image but are too scared to ride a real bike, build or buy trike and act like a real bikie

It's all about image - the biker image (with out riding an actual bike)
:tugger:

Actually they're just as useless as the chopper crap that is built like on WC Choppers - all looks, useless for riding

P.S I wanted one, until I rode it, cause I'm a poser, unfortunately I still enjoy riding

[scumdog]

They're bout 1 thing, and 1 thing only - Image

I don't believe all the other BS;
They handle like shit, they can't corner to save them selves - unless you turn them into 3 wheel cars, even then a decent 4 wheel car or 2 wheel bike will blow them off

You get wet, cold, and you are exposed to all the same elements with out the advantages of a bike

You get a bit more comfort, but not as much as a car, no lane splitting, no counter steering or fun in the windies
Every trike I've seen or ridden is slow? No use going fast if you cant go around corners.

They are just not as good as either a car or a bike, so why would anyone want one?
Because they look cool, thats all
Those who want the image but are too scared to ride a real bike, build or buy trike and act like a real bikie

It's all about image - the biker image (with out riding an actual bike)
:tugger:



P.S I wanted one, until I rode it, cause I'm a poser, unfortunately I still enjoy riding

You make it all sound so sordid and negative??:rolleyes:

And if my mate could get out of his wheel-chair and stand up he'd give you a clip around the ear - luckily your girlfriend Sue Bradford is there to protect you eh?

[been_there]

I was talking to guy with a trike a couple of months ago and if I remember right he said:
that with trikes the main reasons for having to wear a helmet or have seatbelts was regards to the weight ie:
1. If under 1000kg helmets are too be worn, so rego as bike.
2. If over then seat belts are to be used and rego as car.

But I could be wrong as my memory is not the best.

[Subike]

I have to laugh at the amount of replys that say that trikes dont hande well,
Most dont I agree, but if the trike is set up properly, with the center of gravity as low as you can get it on a trike, which is lower then a bike or car, near that of an open wheel race car,
AND you have the weight dispersed evenly over all three wheels,
AND you have the right suspension set up, steering and brakes,
A good trike will be faster than any bike in the twisty sections of road, faster than most sports cars s well,
Can out brake a bike , just can not accelerate as fast as a bike. (what can?)
But trikes can be as cheap on fuel as a 1000cc bike, have more carrying capacity than a full tourer, can have more weather protection than a fully dressed bike, can have better heating than just hot hand grips, the list could go on.
You dont NEED a whopping big V8 to do it either. A good 2 liter will do the job and sound good if set up properly.
I concider the motorcycle/trike conversions to be a poor compromise to what a trike should be, a personal creation like a chopper.
OK, A trike is a mongrel bike/car from some perspectives. But they do get more public attention than most bikes, if thats what you are into.
They are a chick catcher if thats what you are into, they are are a heap of fun, if thats what you are into.
It comes down to personal choice.
The same choice you make when you choose to ride a Cruzer, Tourer, Sport bike or Adventurer bike.
You will always get those who rubbish trikes, Harleys, Jappas etc.
Thats just the nature of being a biker.
Its the freedom we all have to have an open opinion on any subject.
Enjoy your ride, be it a Scooter or a Kenworth.

[Sollyboy]

Yep, you assume that everyone who wants to ride a bike can physically do so.

Some people ride them as a matter of choice, but others don't have such luxury.

I would agree trikes are for cripples, trikes are fukn ugly , cant lane split , cant park as easy , still get wet like when you in a car, if you looking at getting a trike might as well get a corolla or a nice station wagon

[scumdog]

I would agree trikes are for cripples, trikes are fukn ugly , cant lane split , cant park as easy , still get wet like when you in a car, if you looking at getting a trike might as well get a corolla or a nice station wagon

Ya know what?

I was just thinking EXACTLY the same about Kawasaki bikes, amazing how we think so much alike eh?:rolleyes:

[AllanB]

You will always get those who rubbish trikes, Harleys, Jappas etc.
That's just the nature of being a biker.

But WHY? WTF is wrong with us? Personally I find anything mechanical interesting and if the owner is enjoying it - cool.

[Subike]

But WHY? WTF is wrong with us? Personally I find anything mechanical interesting and if the owner is enjoying it - cool.

There is nothing wrong with us, call it pride if you like.
Are you proud of the machine you ride/drive?
Does it do fo you, what you enjoy?
Does it give you that freedom of your personality that warms your inner person?
Why a trike?

because the owner loves it, just like you love your own ride.

lifes full of different people, so we need different things to enjoy that life.

Respect another persons choice to be themselves

[laRIKin]

But WHY? WTF is wrong with us? Personally I find anything mechanical interesting and if the owner is enjoying it - cool.

I agree each to their own.
It would be boring as F**K if we all rode a Black or Blue what ever with the same accessors and crap on it.
Imagine trying to find it in a car park.:doh:

[Ocean1]

yes to seat belt / car rego

yes to helmet / bike rego

Wrong.


Correct. I think it would also feel wrong riding one with out a helmet.

And again.



1. If under 1000kg helmets are too be worn, so rego as bike.
2. If over then seat belts are to be used and rego as car.

Fail.


They handle like shit, they can't corner to save them selves

1200 Bandit eh?


Wana race?

[Mikkel]

Never seen or heard of a automatically deployed one before.

I am pretty sure at least Mercedes does the rapid deployment ones - we're talking fractions of a second here. You wouldn't know it just looking at them though, they are well hidden.


but because you said it on the internet, it's probably true.

Yes, everything I say on the internet is 100% true - you can count on it.
What I write on the other hand is a bit more so-so... ;)

[Big Dave]

Wrong.

1200 Bandit eh?

Wana race?

I'd take the Spyder in very wet or poor conditions and the Bandit in good going.

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[Ocean1]

I'd take the Spyder in very wet or poor conditions and the Bandit in good going.

Point is it'd depend more on teh pilot and conditions, "They handle like shit" is simply not... useful.

Rumour has it they're a good couple of seconds off prody 600 times at Manfeild, in similar conditions. Not too shabby for what's essentially a touring machine, and I'm not sure how a bandit would stack up, there.

[smoky]

And if my mate could get out of his wheel-chair and stand up he'd give you a clip around the ear - luckily your girlfriend Sue Bradford is there to protect you eh?
Sorry about your mate - but just because they're convenient for people who are disabled doesn't make them cool, or a good idea, or as good as a bike, or as good as a car? Just means they're good for someone in a wheel chair


Yea - I'd tap Sue






the next time hell freezes over

[smoky]

1200 Bandit eh?
Wana race?


Ha - bandit goes ten time better than any trike I know of, even the Can-Am Spyder
There's one at a dealers in Manakau, took it for a ride, have to admit it was fun

the bandit would eat it off the line, ride circles around it in the bends

[Thani-B]

How about these classics...



I love that little car! I want one!

[mots]

I ride a Trike Blue Goldwing .. 25 years off the bike raised a family and got a hankering to ride again ..only trouble is i would be learning all over again .and with the better half of me on the back it was not an option ..so a trike it is .. not fallen of yet wife is happy im happy and i get a bit of a work out at same time ..so you got to take a little more care..at least im back out there wind in my face.. cheers

[The Moth]

So does this mean if you register as a car you dodge these proposed excessive ACC levies. Yahoo lets all ride trikes. :no:

[Skyryder]

Whew, saved! :)

So do you 'drive' a trike if it's registered as a car? ;)

I see still see myself as a driver on a bike. I 'ride' a horse but do not drive one.

Not a common distinction..............never was, but since I use to 'ride' :love:both it's the distinction that I made. Old attitudes die hard.

Skyryder