I'm confused. What's the etiquette with a Can Am 3-wheel thing?

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th September 2012, 13:39

Originally Posted by BMWST?

they are not motorcycles imho.The have THREE wheels and they dont lean over.THAT is what motorcycles do.A trike is a car.PERIOD

I never claimed they were a motorcycle. What I am saying is that they are RIDDEN, as in the RIDER sits on top just like a normal motorcyclist does, is exposed to much the same stuff a normal motorcyclist is exposed to, and must wear a helmet (at least) just like a normal motorcyclist must. Secondly, I said they are often a stand-in for a motorcycle because the RIDER has some sort of issue that prevents them from (safely?) RIDING an ordinary PTW.

**DEATH_INC.** · 15th September 2012, 13:58

Originally Posted by sootie

Here is one though: If it is registered as a car, why does it not have to be fitted with seat belts, and why do you not have to use them?

Interesting...I'm building a trike at the mo....the rules for them is if they have bike controls they are a bike, no seatbelts, but a helmet must be worn.
If they have car controls ( I guess foot accelerator, clutch etc) then they are a car, and must have seatbelts, which must be worn, but you don't need a helmet.
Not sure how a spyder can be a car under these rules, as it has bike controls and no seatbelt.
Someone f*cked up somewhere...

**Ocean1** · 15th September 2012, 14:08

Originally Posted by DEATH_INC.

If they have car controls ( I guess foot accelerator, clutch etc) then they are a car, and must have seatbelts, which must be worn, but you don't need a helmet.
Not sure how a spyder can be a car under these rules, as it has bike controls and no seatbelt.
Someone f*cked up somewhere...

I believe the single (ABS) brake pedal had something to do with it.

**FJRider** · 15th September 2012, 15:08

Originally Posted by DEATH_INC.

Interesting...I'm building a trike at the mo....the rules for them is if they have bike controls they are a bike, no seatbelts, but a helmet must be worn.
If they have car controls ( I guess foot accelerator, clutch etc) then they are a car, and must have seatbelts, which must be worn, but you don't need a helmet.
Not sure how a spyder can be a car under these rules, as it has bike controls and no seatbelt.
Someone f*cked up somewhere...

There are the two main types of trike.

1. Those that are Motorcycles that have been converted to three wheels with the addition of the rear drive axle. Not just the addition of the side chair. (Are they still a motorcycle ... ??)

2. Those built from scratch, as such ... unable to be used for two wheeled use. Be it a custom built ... or a production line vehicle. (Be it from mostly car components, or for the operation of ... on a car license)

To argue the "Not a motorcycle" issue is pointless. The argument is based solely on opinion ... not legislation.

Scooters aren't motorcycles are they ... ??? (Two wheels, motorcycle controls, motorcycle engines, can park in motorcycle parks ... ???)

**BMWST?** · 15th September 2012, 15:12

Originally Posted by Subike

they dont lean over? so its not a bike, so what the fucks this? To be a motor bike it must lean over.mmmmm

you obviously missed the two wheeled bit.

**imdying** · 15th September 2012, 15:19

Originally Posted by Bassmatt

Rego'ed as a car, car license only required, more than two wheels = car.

Bingo

Originally Posted by FJRider

if it"s a car ... why are they allowed into Motorcycle Rally's ... ??? as most V8 trike's are.

Because it's illegal to discriminate against homosexuals.

The MonoTracer... weird as it might be... rides around on two wheels.... recumbent or not, it's a bike.

Trikes are not motorcycles, they're tricycles... if they were motorcycles, they wouldn't be called trikes.

Side cars are fine... they're an actual motorcycle with a side car attached... and given enough motivation they can go up on two.

Spyder pilots aren't motorcyclists... but as least they're not car drivers... so indifference rather than disdain is appropriate. As far as passing them goes... they're a slow sack of shite, pass them if you want to...

**FJRider** · 15th September 2012, 15:24

Originally Posted by imdying

Spyder pilots aren't motorcyclists... but as least they're not car drivers... so indifference rather than disdain is appropriate. As far as passing them goes... they're a slow sack of shite, pass them if you want to...

OR ... if you can ...

**imdying** · 15th September 2012, 15:31

Originally Posted by FJRider

OR ... if you can ...

Sure... let's keep RC happy and do it the legal way, with the bonus of electronic proof... The night drags must be at Ruapuna soon now the weather is warming up. You bring your Can Am thing, and I'll bring one of my bikes... I'll even give you a head start, can't be fairer than that.

**Dangsta** · 15th September 2012, 15:32

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Secondly, I said they are often a stand-in for a motorcycle because the RIDER has some sort of issue that prevents them from (safely?) RIDING an ordinary PTW.

The rider that I saw absolutely had an issue......he was a twat.

**imdying** · 15th September 2012, 15:33

Actually, no... I just Googled the performance of a Spyder, let us not waste either of our time... they're so slow they're embarrassing.

**Big Dave** · 15th September 2012, 15:39

I didn't need t' oracle. I've done a few thousand K's on them.
Over Woodcocks Hill in the immediate aftermath of a 'weather bomb' - debris covered, wet road - it was faster than a motorcycle. More footprint.
Dry conditions; it will smoke 'some' motorcycles. High performance bikes - it won't.