How to ride a three wheeler?

[delling3]

So, first let me admit to being a complete newb to three-wheelers. I have been considering the purchase, and have been kicking tires for a while. I have also been trying to get edumicated on these things.

So far I have test ridden (6) different trikes. A 200s, a 200X with a stretched swingarm, a 250SX, an '82 200ES, and (2) different 250ES.

Having ridden on 2-wheels for most of my life, the experience of riding on 3 wheels is very different. Does every three wheeler feel like it's gonna tip over? I am not talking about riding/maneuvering at high speed. Seems like every bike wants to pull to the right when riding in a straight line, and if riding across even a mile side slope, I have to resist the urge to put a foot down (I know, not a good idea) to prevent the thing from tipping over. Mind you this is all at low speeds.

I realize you probably get used to the sensation, but as I anticipate this vehicle being used by guests at our cabin, I am not sure I am making the right choice. My sons (18 and 21 years old) both felt uncomfortable during their test rides also.

Looking for some advise from some experts before I make a decision that I might regret.

Thanks

[jb2wheels]

Pulling one way or the other is usually a tire issue - mismatch tires or pressures or circumference. The owners manual for the first Ody I had said match the circumference with a measuring tape.
Although, after 25-30 years, could be bent frame/forks etc. My red Tecate pulls right even when everything is matched. I think it's bent but I improvise adapt and overcome - it's cheaper.

Yes, they tip. Trikes are like F16s - inherently unstable - but have no fly-by-wire to compensate. The rider is the computer.
Key to riding is moving your body around to counter. Especially on hard pack, you need to get weight off the inside rear tire so it will slip but without flipping the trike.

Trikes are very different from bikes. I've rarely ridden dirt bikes but I have a lot of pavement time. The number 1 rule is DONT PUT YOUR FEET DOWN. The trike will make you pay with a pound of flesh off your calf and possible ankle and knee damage.

As I recall, the Honda owners manuals actually covered the basics pretty well. Should be able to grab a free PDF download of one.

[czac]

leaning sitting back on the seat or way up on the tank, standing up and leaning forward, all part of the fun, sometimes you have to almost get your butt to scrape the rear wheel in a turn to not roll...lol best way to figure it all out is in mud, deep sand or snow... NOT PAVEMENT! lol theres been times even in my yard where I almost went butt over teakettle because I went into too sharp a turn and the bike wouldn't slide so it still tried to tip, that's when panic sets in and I hit the rear breaks hard and slam into the log pile....lol Opps! lol that said, I think id like to "Bald" up my rear tires a little...lol

[delling3]

I am a big dude. 6'3" and over 300 lbs. Makes me wonder if I am too top heavy for a three wheeler? I recently picked up a quad - TRX 200 - and I don't deal with the same sensation. Am I just too big for a three wheeler? I test rode a '85 250ES yesterday. I rode it around a pond with a very slight sideways down slope, and I nearly put it into the pond. Since I will be the primary rider, but I expect other newbies to ride the thing, am I barking up the wrong tree? Don't worry about offending me, I am used to it!

Thanks!

[yaegerb]

I am 6'3", 275 and I race a 200x and 250R. Trust me, you aren't too big. 3 wheelers need body english, they are not easy to ride and require lots of seat time to get used to them. And to your first post, no they don't pull left or right. With proper air in the tire and straight forks, they go where you point them. Take turning easy at first, before long you will want to go faster and faster in the corners. All it takes is time and practice just like anything else. Do us a favor though.....if you do decide to get one, get a starter ATC (110, 185, 200x, 200ES, etc). Please don't go buy a 350x or 250R so we can read about another 3wheeler accident in the paper. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[czac]

too big? naaah! unles its a Honda 70 or Yamaha tri-zinger... lol

its just getting used to leaning away from the tilt. its the same thing on a riding mower, when you hit a hill from the side it first feels like your gonna roll so you lean into the incline...lol in no time youll be bumping your way over rocks, logs and other obstacles. Hell, im 5'9" and pushing 270 and I dnt find it all that difficult to ride one. plus, if need be, you can get rear wheel spacers to give you more stability. I got a 3" set for mine im going to install, it will make it 6" wider at the rear end! lol

[czac]

also, rear wheels that are not matched can throw the trike off a straight line, someone mounted one of the rear tires on mine backwards (they are directional) so in order to make it face the correct way I had to take it off and remount it by turning it around, which of course made it stick out about 2" because of the off set of the rim... this made her pull so hard to the left (I think it was left, I forget now.lol) but I didn't know it was the problem until I put a new set of rims and tires on it, and by then I had put a whole new front end from a different trike on it too! lol, and not having the same air pressure in each rear wheel can make it feel like its pulling. But yeah, you can always get wheel spacers to help stabilize the trike too!

[delling3]

Thanks for the replies, and keep them coming! I really need some more seat time on a trike, and that was why I posted. I am too old, and too laid back to consider a 350X or 250R. Actually, the most comfortable I have been is on the 200X with an extended swinger, but it had an aftermarket (unbaffled) dual exhaust that was way too loud to keep the neighbors happy, so I passed on it. I rode a 250ES yesterday (second one I have ridden) and it scared me a bit. The first 250ES I rode was great. I am hoping the unit I rode yesterday was the issue.

[hublake]

I don't think you can beat a 250es. Seat time is all you need. As I mentioned before give me a PM and set up a time and come out and ride mine for awhile.

[ColtonGG33]

100% agree with yaegerb, these machines take a lot of body English. After a day of riding you should hava pretty good feel for the machine.

Also I'm almost 6 foot 180 lbs and my dx still feels huge haha

[jb2wheels]

I am 6'3", 275 and I race a 200x and 250R. Trust me, you aren't too big. ...

x2 - I'm 6-4 and closer to 300lbs than I should be. I've ridden a bunch of trikes in the past 5 or 6 years - TriZinger, ATC70, ATC110, ATC200X, Tecate, 250R, 350X. The only 3-wheeler I felt too big on was the Tri-Zinger.

Based on my limited quad experience - the pair of TRX70s I've had - what you experienced was the fundamental difference between trikes & quads.

[delling3]

Thanks for the replies, and for the offer Hublake ! I appreciate the offer. I am not certain when my schedule is going to allow me to get up to the cabin again, but I will keep your offer in mind.

[Keepah Rolln]

The 250 es sounds like a great candidate...

[YamaBoss]

When I first started out I was the same, feel like it pulls one way and any sense of tipping you wanna put your foot down. I rode both of my dads and it seemed the same. I remember my dad taking me and my younger brother through some uneven trails just to practice and that helped a lot. Almost like riding a bike to me. Once you get it you'll always remember it and have a lot of fun on it. But I guess I was pretty young back then so maybe that impacted things as well.

[jakep53]

Yep it's all in the body english don't be afraid to hang off the side and move your weight around!!!

wow you guys are TALL im only like 5 110 (makes riding a 70 easy) and I can't hang on to my 250r if I lift my fingers off to pull the clutch in I will fly off the back!! do you guys notice much speed/power loss when against some of the smaller fallas?? sorry for getting off subject!!