Trike Riding Tips

When you're new to riding a trike and don't have a lot of experience, it can be difficult to know how to get started and operate this type of bike. Fortunately, there are a few tips that can make it easier to feel in control of the trike and stay safe. You can also obtain more help on how to ride a trike motorcycle from the team at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson in Eugene, Oregon, serving Albany and Corvallis, Oregon.

Stop Sooner

The heavy weight of trikes requires that you stop it a lot sooner and brake in advance to avoid hitting the car in front of you. Avoid braking too hard, which can make it easy for the wheels to lock up and to lose control of the trike. You can also rely on the brake system that is present on the front and back. You can engage both brakes simultaneously for increased stopping power.

Spend Time Practicing

The best way to feel more comfortable and confident operating a trike is to set aside time to practice. Utilize residential areas where there isn't a lot of traffic present to practice. You'll need to drive at a slower speed to stay safe and practice turning corners, while also stopping and changing lanes. You can also get help from another driver that owns a motorcycle trike to get their guidance on areas you need to improve.

Don't Spend Time Leaning

The heavy weight and size of trikes means you don't have to lean in a specific direction to turn. Instead, you only need to turn the handlebars in the specific direction where you're headed, which makes it a simpler and easier process. Leaning can put yourself at risk of falling off of the bike, making it necessary to get out of the habit of moving your body.

Steer Similar to a Car

Trike motorcycles are easy to operate because they're steered the same way you steer a car. Opt for a push-pull steering technique, which makes it useful for making tight turns on twisties.

Plan Your Turns

Three-wheel motorcycle trikes also require planning your turns a few seconds in advance to prevent the motorcycle from being on edge. Look at the amount of distance you have from the curb to avoid getting too close and take it slow. You also want to center your weight to ensure all of the wheels stay planted on the ground.

Do you want to learn more about the best way to ride a motorcycle trike? You can reach out to the professionals at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson in Eugene, Oregon, serving Albany and Corvallis, Oregon.