Two vs Three

[Shazz]

Anyone have any advice re trikes, best ones, etc etc.
I am finding it harder and more difficult to walk after spending a couple of hours on Betty. Years of abuse, and a rather bad accident 15 years ago have left my hips rather mangled and was wondering if any one had any advice, help etc as I do not wish to be relegated to this form of motorcycling yet!
Have been looking at a trike, more so the brand of Sharrocks in NP, compared to TrikeWorks as I have not had very good reports re their fabrication methods, time frame etc.
Would appreciate your comments.
Thanks heaps

[Edbear]

Sorry to hear you're having these problems, Shazz! May I suggest trying out a couple of different cruisers first? Not all are the same in riding position or seat comfort. I tried out a Honda VTX 1300 and despite owners raving over them, I couldn't wait to get off it, yet the C50T is beautifully comfortable and I can ride it all day! It could be that the Honda 750 just doesn't suit you, although others may think it's the best!

Personally, I don't like trikes on the basis that you may as well have a car, because you lose the advantage of a bike in traffic. I don't knock anyone who likes trikes and have seen some very nice examples, so if you do like them and find a good one, you may be very happy.

[Shazz]

Hey thanks for that. The Boulevards have not been one I have looked at. But Betty would still be used "for shorter journeys" as I ride her to work every day.
Can understand your comments re a trike vs a car, as i reluctantly drive my car!

[YellowDog]

Hey Shazz, watch the body old mate. I had a test on a CBR a few weeks back and could hardly move afterwards. I have riden cruisers and whist they have a nice easy laid back feel, with hardly any effort to balance, they are just not for me. I now prefer a high and upright riding position. But cruisers are a good alternative riding position, without straining the old body.

I suspect that if you have ridden 2 wheels for a number of years, three wheels will be a disspointment. Leaning in on corners is the primary part of the biking experience.

Plus on a 3 wheeler, you will get a big shock when you lane split

[slimjim]

hi girl, well not sure on trike hummm oz-trikes still look nice even second hand import's going around $15g however on your honda , your leg hip postion maybe be too foward when riding and could be locking up that body area , have ya thought of a more sport style sitting postion, where ya more lilely to shift around a little more ? while riding

[xwhatsit]

My problem isn't dodgy hips, but I've got a dodgy knee with pins stuck into it. Anyway, I find riding cruisers to be quite hard on my body, especially after long distance. Having the back so straight with all the knocks going up your tail bone, knees splayed out, and bars too high for shoulders to be comfortable.

My point is not to knock crusiers and piss off their owners, easy though it may be, but to suggest to try a variety of different styles of bikes first. Crusiers are the traditional bike people think of when the rider in question has problems with their body, but at least in one circumstance, I didn't find it worked for me. Have fun!

[sunhuntin]

try different styles of bikes first.
ive not got much experience with trikes, but i have followed one in town. on the corner, he basically had to come to a stop half way through and readjust things so he didnt tip over. id suggest one with a short body length... the one i got behind had a long front end, which is where the problem was. one with a shorter front end would [i think] handle better.

like anything, you need to try different styles before deciding.

[JMemonic]

Have recently seen a trike running around Christchurch, not sure about what bike its built off, at first I thought it was a Busa, definitely Suzuki though looks the part and I originally thought it might be factory, someone here might know it or the owner and be able to point you in the right direction.

[avgas]

Get that Piaggo thing - looks and handles awesome

[xwhatsit]

Get that Piaggo thing - looks and handles awesome

Piaggio MP3

[The Pastor]

if you get a trike make sure it makes alot of hp - over 200. trike wheelies are awesome

[Shazz]

hi girl, well not sure on trike hummm oz-trikes still look nice even second hand import's going around $15g however on your honda , your leg hip postion maybe be too foward when riding and could be locking up that body area , have ya thought of a more sport style sitting postion, where ya more lilely to shift around a little more ? while riding

Hi back to you. Yeah the oz ones are still my pick but having to put aside the HD I was hoping for and the body being a little bent (way before it's time!) I was looking for a bit of advice! Not had much lookie into a more straight up, you know me, one thing and I set the mind and nothing else matters! he he he

[ynot slow]

As said check out the riding possie of other bikes,but if ya do get a trike just enjoy it,that's the name of life enjoyment.

[nadroj]

Yum - Cod bites...
Sharrock motors in Fitzroy up here have several trikes (check the ad in todays motormarket section of daily snooze) if you really want to try them, however try some other bikes as the more laid back you are the more the bumps go straight up your spine. Even try adjusting your bars forward an inch.

[Pwalo]

I know it's a bit left field, but have you considered a scooter? It might be a bit easier on your hips getting on and off, and some of the modern jobbies seem to go all right.

Personally I find cruisers a bit uncomfortable. I'm getting close to 50, and I still prefer the sportier upright position riding position (at least that's what I tell the Missus).