Trike Riding Tips

While trikes and motorcycles are very similar vehicles, don’t think that just because you have a lot of experience riding a motorcycle you can just hop on a trike with no problem! The additional wheel makes more of a difference than you might think. Here are a few important trike riding tips from the experts at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson®.

Steer Directly

While trikes have handlebars like motorcycles, the way they steer is actually much more similar to cars. If you try to use motorcycle riding techniques like leaning into curves and counter steering while operating a trike, it won’t work. Instead, simply turn your handlebars in the direction you want to go. 

Use Both Brakes

When riding a motorcycle, it’s normal for the rear brake to do most of the work. However, the rear brake on a trike is much more powerful than the front brake. If you only use your trike’s rear brakes, you risk overriding the front wheel. Instead, you should get into the habit of using both brakes. 

Keep Your Feet Up

Motorcycle riders learn to put their feet down as the bike comes to a complete stop. Not only is this unnecessary when riding a trike due to the extra wheel providing more balance, but trying to put your feet down can result in them becoming pinned under the rear wheels. 

Mind the Width

It’s also important to keep in mind that a trike is wider than your typical motorcycle. Just because the front wheel can fit somewhere doesn’t necessarily mean that the rear two wheels will be able to fit.

Shop trikes at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson®. Our dealership in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin offers convenient access to communities like Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We also have motorcycle servicing and parts.