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Trike 2001
Darlene owns Triwing Industries, a company which offers trike conversions on a number of bikes: contact her at darlene@triwing.com for more help! Trike Riders International Org Mystery
Designs A resource article on trikes and disabled riders from Kevin in Australia for Bikernet.com |
2006Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
TTFN Nancy, VTM sister Deidra just purchased a used Voyager kit for her VStar 650, and in calling Voyager to get the install instructions, found out she needed the specific mounting system for her bike (the unit is universal, but the belly bracket and axle mount are specific). So, she wanted to note to beware when buying used, as this cost her $550 she didn't realize she needed. – Mama Thursday, January 5 For TTFN Nancy who wrote in about her trike conversion happiness: Howdy, Mama! I am hooked on the VTwin Mama website! I wanted to comment on Nancy T's post: Congratulations on both the Sportster and Voyager kit! Last winter, I bought a '99 883 Sportster with a Voyager kit from a guy in South Dakota. I love the Voyager, as it let me ride again, and at a price I could manage. I finished paying the whole thing off in August, which was a great feeling, too. By then, I'd racked up 1000+ miles, and am anticipating many more. Last weekend we converted the Sporty to a 1200, in hopes of getting a bit more power out of it. I only got one quick ride on the highway before an odd tapping nose started, so the "boys" are back in the garage next weekend tearing into one of the cylinders to see what gives. I guess that's what winter is for, though, fixin' up the bikes. I ordered a solo Mustang seat, which I hope will "stick" me in the saddle a little more securely than the stock Sportster seat I rode on all last summer. Based on my good experience, a friend recently reclaimed a Honda Pacific Coast that her son was borrowing and put a Voyager kit on it. Now, instead of riding behind her hubby on their BMW, she is loving every minute of riding her own! While we don't see so many trikes out here in the Pacific Northwest, it sounds like there are parts of the country in which riding a trike is nothing unusual. It will never replace my addiction to VTwin Mama's website, but I have enjoyed poking around this trike motorcycle website and thought you might, too. Anyway, just wanted to say "Way to Go!" to Nancy and THANKS to VTwin Mama for this great website! – Gila (note from Mama: I'm hooked on the VTM site also! January 29th is the 5th anniversary of the site, and through all my personal ups and downs, its the readers who have clearly shown me the value of the site, and let me know it! I'd venture to guess that there is a smaller percentage of riders on trikes than the percentage of overall women riders, but neither women riders nor trike riders are going away despite what anyone has to say about it. We choose our paths and beat the drums announcing our presence . . . it's a cheerful sound, isn't it?! Your riding adventure is testament to that! Now I'm going to point to a resource article Kevin in Australia put together for Bikernet.com that's about trikes and also disabled riders.) Thursday, January 19 For Robin who was looking for a trike conversion for her VTX 1300: My company Triwing Industries offers
kits for the VTX 1300 and 1800cc with two body styles to choose from. Also
many other bikes, check out www.triwing.com.
We can also refer you to our dealers. Contact me at darlene@triwing.com.
Monday, February 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dennis, Wednesday, February 15 More for TTFN Nancy who wrote in about her trike conversion happiness: Hello, saw the post from Nancy and Gila who wrote about lovin' the Voyager trike kit for motorcycles. Well, I have had two InstaTrike kits, even though my best friend had a Voyager, and as to the ride, it's no comparison. InstaTrike has no sway, wheel doesn't come up, etc. and more than $1000 less. I even found out that the gentleman who patented the Voyager kit, sold it and then brought out InstaTrike, which now, by the way, has large chrome wheels, which is why my Harley friend first went with Voyager, since InstaTrike at that time had smaller wheels. I found out first about InstaTrike from tbe GWRRA site, seems Goldwing riders really knew difference in Voyager kits vs. InstaTrike. A friend from MO tipped me off to your site and said you had information on InstaTrike here, but didn't find it, but did see couple of Voyager letters. I am sure your readers will find this helpful, as I did, as I think it's all a trike can do and more, for under $4000. I now have a Suzuki Boulevard with InstaTrike and a friend just had his 2000 Dynaglide convertible done also. You are doing some good work on your site. – Ed (note from Mama: we've had input on both kits and I'm glad you shared your information, as it's sure to help many others who are looking into a trike conversion. It looks like you landed on my Trike 2006 page, but there are actually 5 years of posted letters on trikes, with the "year" links in the left hand column.) Thursday, February 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jim, Thursday, March 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dan, Tuesday, March 7 Hey
y'all, Dear
Lady Di, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear M. Peter, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Martha, Monday, May 8 For Martha who has a bum knee which is hindering getting on as a trike passenger: What I usually do is just stand on the left side of the trike, kick my right leg straight over the seat, instead of trying to bend it. I learned this from a short friend who rides a Harley Road King on two wheels. It looks like you are trying to strike something at seat height on the other side of the bike with the heel of your boot. If I bend my leg to get it over the seat the toe of the boot gets caught on the seat leather or my luggage. If the rig has floor boards instead of pegs, a real short person can just step up, step over and sit down. With the bum leg, you'd start from the side of the bike that let you stand on your strong leg, and kick the weak leg over. Hope this helps. – Gila (note from Mama: yes, I can see that floor boards would offer an easier time of it! ) Friday, May 12 Dear VTwin Mama, I am 59 and have had my Hondamatic trike for 3 years, this year I got my my motorcycle license, by going to the BRC course, they let me take it but a lot didn't pertain to a trike and especially an automatic. But I passed and am now trying to have them incorporate a trike training course in their agenda. If you are afraid to ride a bike you need a trike. No matter what men say about it, a trike is stable if you ride it more like a motor vehicle than a bike, you do not lean . . . that is the 2 wheel people's problem when they ride. I feel safe and I love my bike. I had it built in Sanford, FL by Jacks Custom Cycles. Jack does a lot of work for people who want to convert to trikes, and also for some who may be handicapped and want to still ride. He likes the phone better than internet (1-800-240-0393). Look twice, save a life, motorcycles are everywhere. – Belle Swanson Dear Belle, Thursday, June 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Linda, Tuesday, July 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Themis, I do get letters from trike riders, which can be found on my Type of Bike: Trike pages. I often note that trike riders might enjoy the Trike Riders International site, but honestly, sometimes it loads, and sometimes it doesn't, so today it didn't and I don't know what's up! – Mama Wednesday, July 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bobbye, Dear VTwin Mama, I have decided to buy the Danson trike kit [vs.
one from Voyager or Tow-Pac]. He is a new designer and builder
specializing in Maxi-Scooters. He has been making the Honda Silver
Wing trike for a year and now is building one for the Suzuki Burgman 650.
He has one trike conversion with more than 10,000 miles on it with no
problems. These are not slide on kits but are actually bolted on the
bike. I talked to two of his customers that love his workmanship and
the quality of the bike. One man I talked to had had a Voyager in
the past that he drove for 17,000 miles but he likes this trike conversion
much better. No dragging going over speed bumps and this bike has
independent suspension that makes a huge improvement in the ride. I think
your readers interested in trikes would like to know about a really good
looking trike costing only $4,000 on an automatic 600 or 650 cc scooter.
Dear Nancy, Dear VTwin Mama, If the posted speed is 55 mph, but the posted safe speed is, say, 35 mph, then I'm slowing down to about 30 mph to get through the curve, while the 2-wheelers (and even a friend on his trike) are able to go 45-50 mph. I feel like I'm having to "fight" the bike to get it through the curves. Thanks for a great site! – Trish Dear Trish, From Gary at Voyager: "This is a common question for new voyager riders. The voyager pivots inside the kit so you take corners different than two wheels. You ease into the curve, when the bike pivots to the outside, then you can roll on the gas. The rider should lock her outside arm and pull with the inside. If you dive into the curve like a two wheeler it's all arm strength to push the bike thru the curve. If you work with the bike, the curves are easy and fun." So, I hope this gives you an insight! I invite other trike riders to give pointers! – Mama Friday, July 28 More for Patricia who is considering a trike as her first street bike: I started out on the Motor Trike Scooter (750 Aero). I'm 53 and never rode a motorcycle in my life till the Scooter. I loved the trike but after only 4 mos., discovered it didn't have enough power to keep up with club rides. The rear end is about 250 lbs. I traded in the Scooter and got a VTX 1800R with Motor Trike conversion. I can LEAD everyone now. Ha. – Anonymous (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your pathway and glad to hear you're having soooo much fun!) Friday, August 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Ms. Jacuzzi, Trikes remove the need to balance but have to be treated with as much respect as their two-wheel counterpart. Each version has its specific handling characteristics that must be practiced, learned, and mastered. One doesn't just hop onto a motorcycle and go, go, go (in most cases!) . . . but you may already have plans to take a course, etc. Conversions come in two flavors . . . a "full" conversion where the rear wheel is removed and replaced with the trike backend, or an "outrigger" conversion where the rear wheel remains in place and two wheels are added by a bolt-on kit. To get started at looking at a full conversion, I would do a search with the words "Yamaha trike conversion in Chicago." It pulls up all sorts of companies . . . and remember that you can always talk to the local dealers to see who they know in the area! Full conversions can be pricey, so it's best to see how
that's going to impact your budget. The less expensive bolt-on and
removable kits can be found at MTC
Voyager and Tow-Pac.
–
Mama Thursday, August 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear BJ, Hmmmm . . . as trikes can be quite pricey, I'd start by setting a budget. Then I'd look what's for sale in the used market in your area to give you some beginning ideas to work from. I'm going to make an assumption that you are interested in day rides. I think you'll find a nice mid-range bike, say 650-900cc, is going to be enough power to cruise and enjoy. When you find something of potential interest, research the value of the base motorcycle (year/make/model of the two-wheel version). You'll also want to know what type of conversion it is (full conversion where the rear wheel is removed and the trike backend put on or an "outrigger" conversion where the rear wheel is left in place and a bolt-on kit added). Lehman is a big name in full conversions whereas Voyager and Instra-Trike are names in the bolt-on kit market (just research the conversion name so you know what's what). You should look at those bikes together and sit on them. The driver should be looking for a comfortable reach to hand and foot controls and seat comfort. The passenger (pillion) should be trying out seat comfort and checking leg position to the passenger pegs (not too crunched). Both riders should then get on the bike together to check two-up comfort. As I gather that neither of you has a motorcycle license (yet!), then I would ask for a short ride as passenger (both of you should do that). Meanwhile, you need to make sure you understand the licensing process in your state. You may be able to get a permit, practice with the trike you purchase, and then take the DMV test. Personally, at this stage, I'd also be looking for courses that are trike-specific . . . they exist, but not as many as two-wheel version courses. Trikes have very specific handling characteristics, especially on curved roads at higher speeds (like the Black Hills!). Alternatively, you could take a two-wheel course if you've never been exposed to the clutch/throttle/brake systems of a motorcycle. Check the MSF . . . in lots of states, successful completion of this course on a 125cc or 250cc bike will waive the need for DMV testing. Check that out fully. Ok, I hope these thoughts help you plan out your next
steps! –
Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Now for the next question - has anyone had any problems with bolts breaking on their Voyager kit? I had BOTH bolts that hold the kit to the rear axle snap today and now have to take my bike back to the dealership to have it repaired. Needless to say, I'm not very happy, as the kit has only been on my bike since July 18, 2006! I was just wondering if this is a known issue with these kits or does anyone know? Thanks again for a great site! – Trish in VA Dear Trish, 8/31/06 note: Trish reported
back that another dealer (than the original installer) realized that the
kit had not been installed correctly, leading to the bolt break. Tuesday, September 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Annie, Dear VTwin Mama, I'm a passenger rider with my husband, but none the less, I love the feel of being on the road with him. I work in the health profession, therefore people tell me of illness, etc. and I have heard enough of how people are killed on motorcycles, whether their fault or others. Got to my psyche, so now I worry about bumps, turns, wind etc. I told my hubby I want to continue, but we thought 3 wheels would be safer. Looking for more safety on the road, less chance of going down due to slick road or hazards on the road, better braking,. Is an independent suspension trike safer, is a longer trike safer, which trike has the safest stats, safest from tip over/roll-overs. What about the difference in cornering maneuverability? I guess to put it in a nutshell, I would like to feel more secure than scooting along at 60mph on 2 wheels. Thank you, – Betsy Dear Betsy, I was not able to find statistics that differentiate between trikes and two-wheel bikes . . . they are all counted the same. Some useful things to understand as concluded by a 2001 NHTSA report:
There is no doubt that one of the biggest safety issues revolves around our visibility on the road. Cars simply do not see us all the time. I have read accounts of loud-color bikes, riders with high visibility clothing, and/or loud pipes/horns still being overlooked. It's my personal conclusion that when a driver scans the road before making a move, they are brain-trained to see car shapes, not something smaller. Although a trike has a larger size profile, it's still the "wrong" shape and I'm not convinced that drivers see (or don't see) that style motorcycle any differently. Certainly with three wheels on the ground it makes sense that the balance portion of riding is removed. It's also harder to tip/roll over because of added wheel contact and weight. However, riding a trike requires just as much handling respect. Curves are no longer negotiated by a rider's lean but by steering the front end through the curve and must be practiced. Did you know that there are trike-specific riding courses? To begin exploration, visit the Trike Riders International site. Trkes are built using the front end of a regular motorcycle. As far as I can tell, they keep the front end brake system but retrofit the backend system to account for the two rear wheels and extra weight. I would suspect that the rear-wheel skid possibility is lessened (caused by jamming on the rear brake) but whether you are in a car, on a bike, or on a trike, brakes need to be eased on and jamming avoided whenever possible. I do not know what it would take to put a trike into a skid, but am hoping that trike riders will chime in. I have sent an email to a woman-owned conversion company in hopes of receiving feedback on suspension and bike size/length as applicable to safety. We'll see what input is provided. So, at this point I'm not sure that one could classify a
trike as a safer ride. So much in safety is about the rider's ability,
understanding of the handling characteristics, and putting in the miles
necessary to become one with the trike. Let's see what additional feedback
we get. –
Mama Tuesday, October 10 For Betsy who is pondering trike vs. two-wheel safety: Darlene at TriWing Industries, a motorcycle trike conversion company, offered her personal insights on some trike points: 1) there is less chance of tip-over or roll-over? "Absolutely, I have never seen one turn over." 2) slick roads are less of a hazard on a trike? "I have driven in some very foul weather and I was much safer than the folks with me on two wheels." 3) braking is more "positive" on a trike? "Yes, you now have the same stopping power as an automobile and all you are braking for is a motorcycle. You can slide on slippery road just like any vehicle in specific conditions, but you have the advantage of not tipping over and getting more control over the the final result, rather than deciding, do the ditch or slide 'under' the vehicle in front of me." 4) independent suspension trikes are safer? "There are several types and they all seem to have their advantages and disadvantages. I prefer the solid axle type." 5) different make/model trikes are inherently safer? "I don't know if there is a study, most trikes are stable, but we don't recommend a trike having a cc lower than 1000 or you have clutch burn out." – Darlene (note from Mama: ok, some useful input! I did some more research on those suspension systems, and found a page of explanation on the Lehman Trikes site, which I think you'll like as they show advantages and disadvantages of independent suspension and solid axel systems.) Monday, October 16 More for Betsy who is pondering trike vs. two-wheel safety: Way back in the old days (the 70's) we built and rode VW trikes exclusively. In fact, for many years my motorcycle license endorsement read "three-wheel motorcycle only." I really like trikes for their stability and ability to carry a lot of stuff. They are a good way to get in the wind and feel more substance on the road if two wheels isn't your thing for whatever reason. On the not-so-nice side, trikes handle like semi's. Since there is NO lean for cornering, the rider has to muscle the handlebars from side to side. The center of gravity is usually behind the rider, as well, so it's easy to misjudge braking and cornering distances and the overall feel. You're also going to have to park and maneuver in traffic more like a car. I understand that the MSF now has a safety course designed specifically for trikes and motorcycles with sidecars, and I would recommend looking into this. Overall, trikes can be a good thing, but having ridden both, I can't say that I ever bonded with my trikes the same as I have with my motorcycle, and I think it's due to the fact that you don't get your whole body into riding a trike. Trikes are amusing transportation, but not a passion. – Kyri Comyn (note from Mama: thank you for sharing your first-hand experiences! Trike-specific courses from MSF providers are gaining ground, but it depends on the area. You can use the MSF locater page to make contact!) Hi Mama, Dear Annie, Friday, October 20 An update to Annie's posting about a 1000cc "reverse" trike: Ok, so were are talking about a three wheel bike, but unlike a trike with it's 1:2 wheel setup, this is a 2:1 setup (so two wheels up front). From The Scooter Scoop site, there is a basic presentation site with basics about what is called the IRs1000. – Mama Friday, October 20 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Vikki, I consider this a convenience accessory, where speed is not the point, but the function is. They are designed with low gear ratios for an "ease" back motion. A trike is not a car . . . you are still only on three wheels. As this is a specialty item, there are not a lot of companies offering a do-it-yourself kit. I don't know if the trike conversion shops are designing their own or using a standard conversion offering. In looking at some basics, extra gears are added to the main and countershafts in the transmission (along with other stuff), and that gear ratio (number of teeth, etc.) probably determines the speed. One would imagine if different gears were chosen, a different speed could be achieved. If you bought that bike from a trike conversion shop, a call would clear up your options. If you bought this privately, you could search for a conversion shop in your area, but be aware that not all shops offer reverse installation services. You may wish to go to the Trike Riders International site . . . they have a message board with a Tech Info section, and I see evidence of reverse gear "chat." – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I have been working at trying to master the basics of riding by practicing in the nearby parking lot. I also ordered and watched Ride Like a Pro, The Basics of Riding, and Navigating the Mean Streets. There is a lot of great information in those videos! Two weekends ago I tried my hand at riding the country roads here, accompanied by 2 friends. I was very nervous and tried to get myself to relax. I know being scared or tense will translate itself to the bike and impede my riding. I made it down the road, left onto the major highway, and then right back into another left to another little country road. We went for a little distance to a stop sign, where I accidentally gave it too much throttle and put it down as I was making a left hand turn. I will say that those videos taught me how to correctly pick the bike back up, which I did successfully. Nothing like a bright spot in the midst of a mess. Anyhow . . . Although I was not seriously injured, and the bike only needs buffed out again to look decent, this second oopsie had me thinking that this was perhaps not for me. I was so nervous the whole time I rode and it was not enjoyable. I told my friends that I would enjoy riding a whole lot more if I didn't have to worry about leaning too far or not correctly and falling over, looking at the wrong spot and slamming into it with the scooter, etc. etc. I want to go on riding adventures with them, but sure would enjoy it a heck of a lot more if I could ride vertically rather than horizontally! Tho I joke about it, these falls and the apprehension about falling really weighs on my mind. The desire to not drop the bike and slide along pavement is really beginning to out-weigh the desire to ride. So . . . I started to seriously look at converting the scooter to a trike. I think perhaps this is the path for me. I'm excited about this possibility of achieving my desire to ride, safely, and have fun doing it! I have been doing a lot of research on the net and from your site as well. I read with great interest the letter you posted on Sunday, May 1, 2005, from Sherri. She had a Burgman 400 and had a TowPac conversion kit put on it and was loving it! TowPac is the company who makes a conversion kit that will fit my Yamaha Morphous. I was wondering if it would be possible for you to pass along my e-mail address to her. I would be interested in learning more about her experiences with her Burgman trike conversion, and what suggestions and advise she has now to offer someone else who plans to do the same thing. If that isn't possible, perhaps you could post my letter and readers with converted scooters could respond that way. Thank you for your your time in reading and responding to letters, the assistance, input, and this website. It is a weekly read and has been very helpful. Sincerely, – RAF Dear RAF, There certainly is wisdom in simply noting that more practice is needed for you to gain the confidence in skills you seek. There is also wisdom in listening very closely to your rising apprehension that is robbing you of joy and placing you in position to throw in the towel. Ultimately, the rider must listen to their gut and proceed accordingly, which is exactly what you've done in writing this letter! So, trike it! The great thing about the Tow-Pac and Voyager conversion kits is that they can be removed again . . . they are not a permanent conversion. True trike conversions remove the rear wheel and completely replace the back end. The one you are looking at leaves the rear end intact and simply adds two wheels on the outside and anchored to the bike's frame. In this way, one can gain much, and if in the future you wish to try two wheels again, it can be removed! Of course, a trike handles differently and requires as much respect in learning to ride correctly. The main difference is that one doesn't lean into curves, but actually steers the front end. While you are researching the conversion you may also wish to check for availability of trike-specific riding courses! I was able to locate Sherri's original email and have passed on a message to her. It didn't bounce back, so there is a good chance she's still got the same email! Meanwhile, any readers with input are asked to chime in! – Mama Monday, November 20 Hi VTwin Mama, Dear Joe, Previous postings from trike riders on this site can be found on my Type of Bike to Ride: Trikes. So . . . trike riders . . . what are your top tips for a new trike rider?! – Mama Monday, December 4 Dear VTwin Mama, I say if you can afford the price of a trike, go for it. They vary but for my 1994 Honda GL1500 Goldwing they wanted $15,000 to 'trike' it. You can buy a used trike for $12,000 to $20,000. The Insta Trike conversion kit is $2,899 to $3,599 plus shipping and installation ($200 at the factory). Keep in mind it is a do-it-yourself install so anyone having a friend with intermediate mechanical ability can install one. The extra is that it slides out if you want to two-wheel ride again and on most kits you get the added benefit of a tow hitch. Yes, I own two of the units and thought so highly of them that I am now a dealer . . . so there is the disclaimer : ) Videos at my DSK Sales website are available for those who would like to see. – Doug King Dear Doug, Monday, December 11 More for Devo who was looking for input on Voyager kit tires: Be careful here, the various kits such as the A, fit a range of machines, however the individual machines still require a specific mounting package, and this can cost upwards of $500 or more to change from one unit to another. So be sure to check in advance with the factory to see what the conversion mount costs will be when you are in the decision making process. Each machine can take different mounts and other machine specific parts. This also applies to used Trike kits from eBay. – Bill in New Mexico (note from Mama: thanks for the cautionary note on additional considerations when switching bikes or buying something for a bike that was originally set-up for another make/model.) Dear
VTwin Mama, I think there is still a lot of confusion on Trikes out there. Many seem to be comparing apples and oranges. Bad move . . . There are two types, the 3 wheel, very expensive ones, that involve a major modification to the motorcycle. They use an automotive rear axle in almost every case, and are not a home project. The will require extensive frame modifications, in most cases are not a bolt on modification. GoldWing Trikes come to mind. These are not put on scooters that I am aware of. Owners of these put their noses in the air, and sniff around the 4 wheel kind . . . grin. Then there are the four wheel types that are also called "training wheels" . . . these are "bolt on" kits, no welding necessary, and no modifications to the motorcycle or scooter. The 4 wheel kits can be put on either motorcycles, and Maxi-scooters. Each 4 wheel kit requires its own bike specific mounting brackets, so if you look at eBay, be sure to find out if brackets are available from the maker, and how much they will cost you plus shipping. Before you bid, not after. I have read several places that the trikes handle like a 4 wheel ATV Quad machine. You turn them, to go around a corner, you don't lean them like you do a bike. If you are going to a Trike for medical reasons, review what your needs are, as many times a Maxi-Scooter with its step-thru design will be easier for anyone with leg, hip, or back problems, than putting your leg over a bike. The Burgman 650 Executive Maxi-Scooter is my choice, for a 4 wheel conversion. It has ABS brakes for superior braking. Price precludes all of the 3 wheel conversions for me. I have not considered a side car because of the non-symmetrical handling in turns, braking, and accelerating. Here are some handling pointers on bikes with side cars from Motorvation Engineering. There are at least two trike groups on Yahoo that are aimed at the aftermarket 4 wheel trike kits such as the TowPac and Voyager Trikes. Not the 3 wheel Trikes, that use automobile rear-ends. TowPac: MTC
Voyager: Danson
Trikes: Video showing safe operation for the Voyager owner, but would apply to all trike kits at: http://www.mtcvoyager.com/video.html. Highly recommended that you view it, if you are interested in any trike. Before and after buying and once a day for the first 30 days . . . grin. Safety First Always . . . There are many other Trike manufactures out there but they are all doing a 3 wheel conversion, and this does not apply to scooters, and much more expensive to do. – Bill Dear
Bill, Dear
VTwin Mama, I will at times be towing it to locations so I can camp in my van, and use the Trike to tour locally, so I have been busy widening the rear of my 4 x 8 foot trailer so the Trike will fit on it. Adding 7 inches on each side, in case I don't load accurately. I do have a topic I would love to see discussed in this forum: trike steering: How
much different is it? The Burgman Executive has ABS braking, anything I should know about that when it is converted to a Trike? Can anyone with a Burgman, or other scooter please speak up? Thanks, – Bill Dear
Bill, Anything other than a straight line run with a trike is handled by turning (steering) the handlebar, but I found that while a pull on the side one is turning to is fine, it's the push on the opposite side that provides the most power. I felt like I was struggling at first as it does take some arm strength, but once I found how much I needed, I settled down and zoomed around just fine. I'm assuming you've read about wobbles in the front end wheel on bumps and that's what you are referring to. Here you want to take a look at what options you have in adjusting the front fork . . . there is an internal damping spring and most can be adjusted for a lighter or stiffer "reaction." Some people have added specialty damping kits, but I'm not sure if that would fit on a Burgman. As to cornering with speed, make sure you have the parking lot practice down pat so you are used to what strength you need to turn the handlebars and then approach road curves in ever increasing speeds so that you can learn to gauge things in increments.. Gary at Voyager had offered some observations back on July 28th, which you may wish to read. I am not aware of additional safety issues that need to be addressed that are significantly different than what a two-wheel motorcyclist contends with. As to braking, a light touch is always preferred . . . ABS works when we hit the brakes hard . . . to keep the brakes from locking up and putting the vehicle in a skid. In essence, if one jams on ABS brakes, you don't pump the brake then, the ABS system pumps for you by sensing wheel speed and optimizing braking power. You concentrate on steering clear of whatever it is you felt the need to brake so hard for. Let's see if we get input from trike and scooter trike riders . . . time to chime in again! – Mama |
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