Trike Riding Tips

A trike is a unique vehicle, a sort of blend between a bike and a hot rod. It's unlike driving a car and unlike riding a bike. Check out the following tips for successful riding of a 3 wheel motorcycle. When you are ready to look at trike models, visit Woods Fun Center. We proudly serve those in Austin and Round Rock, Texas.

Turning

There are two main methods of turning used on motorcycles. A bike uses one called counter steering. Riders use their body to turn, which puts a high amount of strain on the muscles and joints. A trike uses one called direct steering. It's the same style used to steer a car. All you need to do is turn the direction you wish to go. Skip the leaning (and skip the sore muscles and joints!)

You will want to slow down your 3 wheel motorcycle before you take the turn. Then you will want to maintain your speed as you approach the turn. After you are through the corner, you can hit the throttle and start to speed up again. It'll give you the boost you need to pull out of the turn and get back to your normal driving speed.

When you turn, keep in mind two things. First, make the process as smooth as possible. It's easy to lose control of your trike when you turn too jerky or sharply. Second, remember the width of your 3 wheel motorcycle. A trike is wide and will need to use different angles than a bike.

Starting and Shifting

A 3 wheel motorcycle relies on manual transmissions. You will need to engage your brakes to start your trike. Next, you will want to engage the clutch. Then you can shift into first gear, release the brakes, and release the clutch as you increase your throttle.

For shifting gears, you will start by releasing the throttle. Next, you will engage the clutch. Then simply shift and release the clutch. The process is pretty similar to how a manual transmission car shifts gears.

Always shift gears carefully. Otherwise, you could lose control, jerk around, or suffer a stalled engine. Try shifting when you are driving in a straight line. It'll make the process easier and more smooth.

Stopping

A 3 wheel motorcycle is not a small machine. The massive size and weight will take time to come to a full stop, so you will need to leave a large distance and time for that stop. Begin braking far in advance. Avoid hard braking as much as you can as it could lock up your trike wheels and cause you to lose control.

Most 3 wheel motorcycles operate with a front wheel brake and a back wheel brake. You can use one or both. But if you use one, make sure it is the back wheel brake. You will get more power if you use both.

Practice

You will need to invest time to get used to how your 3 wheel motorcycle handles. Head out on a low-traffic residential street or large empty parking lot. Practice turning, changing lanes, and stopping. Ride at different speeds and practice changing gears. The more you practice, the more confident you'll gain. This will help you be a better rider when you hit the road.

For all your trike needs, visit Woods Fun Center. Check out our range of new and used trike models in a variety of makes. We also operate a service department to get your ride running like new. We proudly serve those in Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos, and New Braunfels, Texas.