Old Riding Habits
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 656
Likes: 115
From: Florida
Old Riding Habits
It occurred to me yesterday that I have formed a couple riding habits on the Trike that could cause me issues if and when I ever get back on two wheels.
On two wheels as I was slowing down, just before the stop and my feet were coming down, all my final braking was done with the front brake. At some point with my Trike I have quit using the front brake when stopping normally and I rarely put my feet down when stopped.
I think I will start using the front brake again like I used to so I don't lose that muscle memory.
On two wheels as I was slowing down, just before the stop and my feet were coming down, all my final braking was done with the front brake. At some point with my Trike I have quit using the front brake when stopping normally and I rarely put my feet down when stopped.
I think I will start using the front brake again like I used to so I don't lose that muscle memory.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
I Don't Know Nuttin!
I don't know nuttin about riding a trike, BUT, it would seem to me that you ride a trike like a trike and a bike like a bike. My guess would be that a good portion of braking power on a trike comes from the back? Slow speeds wouldn't require the rear brake for stability on a trike either! It'll be interesting for other trikers to chime in!
I ride both 2 wheels and 3 wheels still...sometimes both in the same day.
I ride them pretty much the same. I use front brake almost exclusively on 2 wheels. I use front brake quite a bit on the Trike also, however, it does NOT have as much stopping power on the Trike as 2 wheels, so I have learned to use the back brake a bit more on the Trike.
I ride them pretty much the same. I use front brake almost exclusively on 2 wheels. I use front brake quite a bit on the Trike also, however, it does NOT have as much stopping power on the Trike as 2 wheels, so I have learned to use the back brake a bit more on the Trike.
__________________
DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
Last edited by DK Custom; Apr 8, 2017 at 05:50 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
We've had a bike and a trike for the past 6 years. My wife rides the trike and I ride the RG when we go solo, & we take the trike if we're going to double up. So I go back 'n forth and don't seem to have any adjustment problems. I use both brakes coming up to a stop light, with the front being used a bit stronger right at the end. I do put my feet on the ground once in awhile at stop lights, but that's to stretch the legs out because the trike"s highway pegs are set up for the wife, so I don't use them. Looks dumb. Feels good.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 16
From: Chambersburg, PA
I still use the brakes on my trike the same as I did on the two wheelers I've owned - both brakes together.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 107
From: Santa Clarita, So. Cal. & Bullhead City, Az.
Way back when I had 2 Harleys that didn't have front breaks. Radically extended front ends. Looked really great, but kind of hard to ride. But, those days are over. Before my right hip decided to self destruct I used the foot break more. Now, it hurts to use it so I tend to use the front break alone a lot more. Trike still stops
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 573
From: Raleigh NC
I have a trike and a two wheeler and switch back and forth. I couldn't tell you how I use the brakes; muscle memory just kicks in and I brake the way I always have. I don't have to think about putting my feet down either, on the trike I keep them up on the two wheeler I put them down. Now that I've said that, I probably cursed myself and will forget to put my feet down 
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 971
Likes: 519
From: Upper East Tennessee
Have had two trikes now, when I first get then trikes I started to put my feet down. Remembered what I was on and stopped. Never forgot on the bike. Much like going between a bike and a car. As far as the brakes I use the foot brake more on the trike, its linked so easier and stronger. Also easier where you keep your feet up.