Opinion: Enough with the Trike Hate
Ignore the haters and keep on riding as long as you can.
Trikes are a touchy subject among Harley-Davidson people. They’re unnecessarily polarizing, in my opinion. Riding a Harley is all about freedom and individuality, so it’s only natural that some people will ride a bike that others are not too hot on.
I’m not sure if I ever really see myself owning a trike. I doubt it’s the kind of thing most riders — or would-be riders — fantasize about when they first start riding. But for a select few, it’s the ideal way to enjoy the open road with the wind in your face and that distinctive V-twin roar in your ears.
There are some notable downsides to Harley’s trikes, of course. The most obvious one is the handling. Unlike Can-Am’s Spider or Polaris’ Slingshot, the two wheels are at the rear of the bike. This severely hampers handling in the traditional sense, as the third wheel renders leaning impossible.
Learning to ride a trike, so I’ve been told, is like an entirely new motorcycling experience. Turning takes quite a bit of getting used to. But when all is said and done, you get to hang out with the same people, go to the same places, and share more or less the same experiences as all of your riding buddies.
Some folks say that adding a wheel makes it more car-like, and Harley trikes do feature some extra features that are indeed more like something you’d find on a car. An electric reverse and a parking brake help to maneuver the trike in tight places and take nothing away from the riding experience, in my opinion.
Learning to ride a trike is like an entirely new motorcycling experience. But you get to hang out with the same people, go to the same places, and share the same experiences as all of your riding buddies.
Once you’re cruising down a long stretch of highway, we bet that most wouldn’t really notice much of a difference after a few hours in the saddle. Harley trikes aren’t meant for corner-carving action, but for touring the open road in style and comfort.
Trikes also provide a unique opportunity for gear storage. Much like the old Servi-Cars, the space between the rear wheels creates a great opportunity for massive storage space. While it’s about the same space as a pair of hard saddlebags, it makes it easier to fit awkwardly-shaped items and adds more versatility.
For folks that, for whatever reason, lack the strength or ability to hold up an 800-pound motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson trikes are a great option. Personally, I’d much rather see someone on a trike than on no motorcycle at all.
With all that said, turning a Harley trike is completely backwards from a standard motorcycle. Instead of gently pushing the handlebar in the direction you wish to turn, you pull the handlebar toward you, and you end up exerting a lot more effort in doing so.
Still, they’re very useful for helping older riders and the disabled to continue enjoying motorcycling. It can extend riding careers by a decade or more, and seeing that we’re talking about longtime motorcyclists here, we’re sure that they can handle the unique challenges brought on by riding a trike.
For folks that lack the ability to hold up an 800-pound motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson trikes are a great option. Personally, I’d much rather see someone on a trike than on no motorcycle at all.
It’s for this reason that I suggest talking to trike owners every chance you get. You’re practically guaranteed to be treated to a few decade’s worth of cool stories, great advice, and a riding buddy that knows their way around better than you do.
In fact, if the opportunity were to ever present itself, I’d love the chance to learn to ride a trike. My last three-wheeled experience was on a 125cc Yamaha Tri-Moto, a deathtrap if there ever was one. I assume I’d have a bit more fun on something considerably more substantial, although I personally think it’s hard to top knobby balloon tires for cool factor.
Of course I’m not thinking about trading in my Sportster for a Freewheeler any time soon, but trying one out would be a fun new experience. I’d also have something to think about as I look towards the future. I can’t ride forever, but when I get to that point, I’d sure appreciate the opportunity to keep on riding as long as I can.
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