Trike Riding Tips for Safety and Fun

Have you had your eye on those super-cool, futuristic trikes, with two wheels in front? They are an exciting new interpretation of powersports vehicles and motorcycles, and lots of people absolutely love them. They are very stable, so they are safer for lots of riders; they’re far less likely to wipe out in slippery conditions; and they’re bigger so they’re better at catching the eye of motorists. 

They do require a different style of riding, though! If riding a motorcycle is second nature to you, you’ll have to un-learn a lot of habits. If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, you can probably use some riding tips too, and you might pick it up faster than an experienced two-wheel rider.

Here are some tips on how to ride these fun, formidable, and futuristic beasts, from the team at Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, Illinois. We’ve got two locations a stone’s throw apart, one for marine and one for powersports, serving folks from Chicago to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Start Braking Sooner

Trikes are heavier than motorcycles, so you need more time to stop them. Err on the side of braking too soon. If you brake too hard, you might make the wheels lock up and lose control of the trike. The goal is to engage both brakes simultaneously for optimal stopping power.

Automotive Turn Techniques

The heavy weight and size of trikes mean you don't have to lean with your turn. Even though it has handlebars, it steers a lot like a car. Just turn your handlebars in the direction where you're headed. A push-pull steering technique is useful for making tight turns on twisties.

You also need to anticipate your turns a little more than if you’re riding a two-wheeler. Make sure you are clearing the curb adequately, and keep your weight centered to ensure all of the wheels stay planted on the ground.

Practice Until You’re Comfortable

A trike may be safer than a motorcycle, but you are still pretty exposed out there! Find parking lots, quiet back streets, and remote industrial areas on the weekends to practice cornering, braking, changing lanes, and any other maneuver you can think of. Don’t undertake a big trip until you’ve really integrated this new style of riding into your mind and your muscles. 

If you know someone with one of these trikes, ask to go riding with them and absorb all the wisdom and tips they’re willing to share.

Talk to the Team at Nielsen Enterprises

For more tips and suggestions, stop in and see us at Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, Illinois. We’ve got a friendly and expert staff at our two shops where we serve folks from Chicago to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.