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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: wavedog on February 12, 2016, 04:30:13 PM

Title: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: wavedog on February 12, 2016, 04:30:13 PM
Where I live here in Florida it was nice today. Temps in the low to mid 70's. I decided to take the Wee Strombolini (my trusty 650 strom) for a nice little 190 mile round trip ride to a cycle salvage yard in Ocala to look for some handle bars for the Jackal- no luck, by the way. There were a few motorcycles on the road but there were dozens and dozens of tricycles on the road. I stopped counting at 50. I have never seen so many on the road in one day- even during bike week. Harley trikes, Goldwing trikes, trikes that I have never seen before. Crikey it was downright creepy. Was there a tricycle event today? Whats up with all the tricycles?
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: kidsmoke on February 12, 2016, 04:45:26 PM
That is odd. Just a sign of the times. You're in Florida after all...maybe the stair lift companies are running a 2-fer??


Just jealous that you could put 190 on the bike today. And wondering...what's the criteria re: the bars? I'm considering a swap on mine tomorrow. I've got the hardware and just haven't gotten around to it...
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: cruzziguzzi on February 12, 2016, 04:47:40 PM
AARP rally?

Double coupons for "early bird specials" throughout Florida?

In any case, tikeled bikes are cooler that Chrysler Lebarons or Caddy Brougham, ElDo-Villes.


Todd.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Texas Turnip on February 12, 2016, 05:05:34 PM
Here is why I don't knock trike riders.
1. A friend had cancer and no longer had the strength to ride a two wheeler. Bet him and his wife put on more miles than most KERA riders.
2. Another had an operation on his knee. Bought a trice to keep riding.

If I can no longer hold up my Guzzi then I'll buy a trike and the KERA can poke fun at me.

Tex
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: wavedog on February 12, 2016, 05:33:59 PM
Texas, apologies if I came across as knocking trikers. I am not. I ride with two friends who trike. It was just a little weird and amusing to see so many out at once.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: wavedog on February 12, 2016, 09:06:32 PM
Kidsmoke- as far as the bars go The stockers on the jackal are good bars but due to a lot of injuries I need a slightly different handlebar. Something about an inch higher, an inch farther back (meaning towards me) and with some drop in the wrist/ grips.  Still looking.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Sheepdog on February 12, 2016, 09:16:56 PM
There are a couple of older guys (older than me, even) at work who ride Gold Wing trikes. I chuckled a bit at the sight of them...they are bedecked with every light, shiny piece, and doo-dad you could imagine. But here's the thing; those guys ride to work on those trikes nearly every day. I fancy myself to be an enthusiast, but I don't ride into New Orleans as often as they do. They're hard core...
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Arizona Wayne on February 13, 2016, 01:58:32 AM
Many riders nowadays are no longer strong enough to lift MCs as they age(like me) so if they still want to ride they get a trike.   I still ride smaller/lighter bikes but also ride maxi-scooters to offset my receding body strength abilities.   It's that or not ride at all.   Some day you whippersnappers will understand.  Believe me, never thought I'd end up this way, but if you live long enough............. .... :evil:
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: ChuckH on February 13, 2016, 05:17:03 AM
Many riders nowadays are no longer strong enough to lift MCs as they age(like me) so if they still want to ride they get a trike.   I still ride smaller/lighter bikes but also ride maxi-scooters to offset my receding body strength abilities.   It's that or not ride at all.   Some day you whippersnappers will understand.  Believe me, never thought I'd end up this way, but if you live long enough.....

Wayne is exactly correct.  Riders lose height and body strength with age.  Also with age, health issues begin to play a bigger part of the decision making process.  The facts of life. 

Those who've been in the hobby for a long time, particularly those who ride two-up, are faced with a dilemma -- either risk dropping the bike and hurting yourself and passenger, go to something with three wheels or stop riding all together.  The options for continued riding two-up are a trike, a Can-Am or a side-car rig.  The options for solo riders are the three-wheel versions plus going to something smaller/lighter that can still be managed.

Like Wayne, the smaller/lighter direction has been my approach.  This winter I'm changing from the Stelvio NTX to a lighter and slightly smaller BMW R1200R.  It's enough lighter that I can still manage it when loaded.  After a couple of seasons with it, who knows what the next steps will be for me. 

Ride safe.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: yogidozer on February 13, 2016, 05:57:43 AM
Come on, tell the truth. Even as an adult, haven't you had the urge to take a Big Wheel down a steep driveway?
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Cool Runnings on February 13, 2016, 06:20:28 AM
What's with all the scooters.  :evil:

Oh, it's called college campus.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: blackcat on February 13, 2016, 07:09:14 AM
No way I'm riding a three wheeler. Sorry, but if it gets to that I'm learning how to ride a bike with a sidecar.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: jetmechmarty on February 13, 2016, 07:52:39 AM
I have not ridden one.  That being said, they appear dangerous to me.  It's way too easy to have that thing operating outside of the stability triangle, like getting on the brakes hard.  I think for a trike to be safe, the triangle needs to be reversed.  The pair of wheels belong in front.

(http://thekneeslider.com/images/2014/07/sturgis-gold-wing-trike1.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: NC Steve on February 13, 2016, 08:59:50 AM
Two words: Piaggio MP3. The stability of a 3 wheeler, the ride and lean capabilities of a normal motorcycle; the best of both worlds.
Although Piaggio no longer makes the MP3, there are used ones out there, usually with low miles, in excellent condition, at reasonable prices.

https://www.google.com/search?q=piaggio+mp3&biw=1093&bih=496&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwirgLOk__TKAhXD7CYKHUZ5CLwQsAQIIw
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: jetmechmarty on February 13, 2016, 09:14:53 AM
Two words: Piaggio MP3. The stability of a 3 wheeler, the ride and lean capabilities of a normal motorcycle; the best of both worlds.
Although Piaggio no longer makes the MP3, there are used ones out there, usually with low miles, in excellent condition, at reasonable prices.

https://www.google.com/search?q=piaggio+mp3&biw=1093&bih=496&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwirgLOk__TKAhXD7CYKHUZ5CLwQsAQIIw

It's probably too late to get one of these as well.  https://youtu.be/lo_zXe2UWKw
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: NC Steve on February 13, 2016, 09:26:32 AM
I dunno. There are 2 currently for sale on Ebay, a used 2007 with 6300 miles listed for $2500, and a new 2009 with 5 miles, priced at $4999. Neither price is out of line with what a good used Guzzi of similar age and mileage would be.

http://tinyurl.com/zb4zrng
http://tinyurl.com/zacc8l4
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: jetmechmarty on February 13, 2016, 09:44:54 AM
I dunno. There are 2 currently for sale on Ebay, a used 2007 with 6300 miles listed for $2500, and a new 2009 with 5 miles, priced at $4999.

I was referencing these.
(http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/800x450/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/958x585+176+38/resize/628x383!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/d7ef378f0e76e96494cacdc3dcc5e43a/Jay-Leno-Decopod.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: blackcat on February 13, 2016, 10:48:18 AM
I was referencing these.
(http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/800x450/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/958x585+176+38/resize/628x383!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/d7ef378f0e76e96494cacdc3dcc5e43a/Jay-Leno-Decopod.jpg)

Those are cool, don't know if they are $25K cool.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: canuguzzi on February 13, 2016, 12:21:44 PM
http://blog.caranddriver.com/neo-knights-hondas-neowing-concept-is-a-hybrid-leaning-trike/

Taking up where Piaggio stopped.

If Honda produces it, expect flavors from sport to touring and everything in between.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Daleroso on February 13, 2016, 12:47:02 PM
Met an 82 year old @ the Chicken Rally in no. Alabama who left Chicago @ 4 a.m. & arrived in Al. by 4p.m. on a 400 Burgman. NEAT guy. I'm 65 w/ 2 hip replacements. I put a Ural in the garage 6 yrs ago @ we love it @ sub 55mph speeds. Will probably put a car on the H-D for higher speeds. My really nice Centauro is informally for sale along with my sweet '81 quasi-cafe'd R65 (Lil R). Sidecars are NOT that difficult & instigate a lot more conversations than a trike. Either way, I'm proud of those who choose ANY safe way they like to stay in the wind! :smiley:p
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Arizona Wayne on February 13, 2016, 12:47:40 PM
Piaggio still makes MP3s but didn't ship any new 1s to the US until this year, the new 500GT.   So it's possible to get a used MP3 from `07 to `10?   They didn't sell well here so that's why they waited 'till most leftovers were sold.  I have 2- `07 250 MP3, `09 400 MP3.  Don't plan on getting rid of either. Ride the 400 long distances, the 250 locally.   If you like attention, ride a MP3!  :smiley:  If you ride 1 I'll bet you buy it, like I did.

I've had Guzzi sidecar rigs and a faux trike(4 wheel). Ridden a Can-Am. Take a MP3 over them any time.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: pikipiki on February 13, 2016, 01:01:48 PM
I was referencing these.
(http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/800x450/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/958x585+176+38/resize/628x383!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/d7ef378f0e76e96494cacdc3dcc5e43a/Jay-Leno-Decopod.jpg)

Call that a trike?

is this a trike then?

https://m.facebook.com/FRS-Motorsport-201730793321228/ (https://m.facebook.com/FRS-Motorsport-201730793321228/)

Don't know how many sold, think only 2!
interesting unique monoshock front suspension fully adjustable.
no rollbar
Can only imagine problem was being spine jolting and overly odd and conspicuous.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: cruzziguzzi on February 13, 2016, 01:36:22 PM
I was referencing these.
(http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/800x450/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/958x585+176+38/resize/628x383!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/d7ef378f0e76e96494cacdc3dcc5e43a/Jay-Leno-Decopod.jpg)

Those are too damn cool not to own if the price was right!
Trike-dislikin' be damned.

Todd.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: drlapo on February 13, 2016, 02:39:27 PM
I tried one of the Polaris trikes; I bought a Mazda mx5
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Cool Runnings on February 13, 2016, 04:56:23 PM
I think a Goldwing trike would be nice to own.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: canuguzzi on February 13, 2016, 05:10:51 PM
Piaggio still makes MP3s but didn't ship any new 1s to the US until this year, the new 500GT.   So it's possible to get a used MP3 from `07 to `10?   They didn't sell well here so that's why they waited 'till most leftovers were sold.  I have 2- `07 250 MP3, `09 400 MP3.  Don't plan on getting rid of either. Ride the 400 long distances, the 250 locally.   If you like attention, ride a MP3!  :smiley:  If you ride 1 I'll bet you buy it, like I did.

I've had Guzzi sidecar rigs and a faux trike(4 wheel). Ridden a Can-Am. Take a MP3 over them any time.  :thumb:

Very true. Most people who don't like the newer 3 wheelers probably never rode one. They aren't motorcycles nor should they be compared to motorcycles, any more than you'd compare a truck to an economy car. Two completely different things.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: wrbix on February 14, 2016, 04:47:41 PM
What I'm seeing more and more of is what looks like a triked motorcycle from a distance with rear storage and all that, but when examined more closely still has a midline rear drive wheel with what appear to be like training wheels to each side. Wazzup w that?
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: old as dirt 2 on February 14, 2016, 05:05:18 PM
Two words: Piaggio MP3. The stability of a 3 wheeler, the ride and lean capabilities of a normal motorcycle; the best of both worlds.
Although Piaggio no longer makes the MP3, there are used ones out there, usually with low miles, in excellent condition, at reasonable prices.

https://www.google.com/search?q=piaggio+mp3&biw=1093&bih=496&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwirgLOk__TKAhXD7CYKHUZ5CLwQsAQIIw
your so wrong on this, piaggio DOES still make the MP# and dealers do have them in stock, the new 2016 500's have ABS as well.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: cruzziguzzi on February 14, 2016, 05:06:11 PM
What I'm seeing more and more of is what looks like a triked motorcycle from a distance with rear storage and all that, but when examined more closely still has a midline rear drive wheel with what appear to be like training wheels to each side. Wazzup w that?

Relatively quick kits to install.

I guess, a fella already owns a bike and is getting a little tottery or maybe going through a hopefully short term medical situation.

Seems like a poor long term alternative unless someone's maybe upside down into a bike or fixed incomes preclude new loan entanglements.

Didn't a gal check in here some time ago getting ready to try an Alaska trip with one of these bolted to a Calvin? Dropped of the face of the goose.

Todd.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: wrbix on February 14, 2016, 06:08:57 PM
Relatively quick kits to install.

I guess, a fella already owns a bike and is getting a little tottery or maybe going through a hopefully short term medical situation.

Todd.
Do they still, like, lean?
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: cruzziguzzi on February 14, 2016, 06:24:16 PM
Do they still, like, lean?
No lean on the two that I have seen though I don't know that there aren't versions which do. There is at least one kit to put two wheels up front which does lean.


Todd.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Madtownguzzi on February 14, 2016, 09:26:43 PM
Do they still, like, lean?

My father in law tried the Voyager trike kit on His Roadking and did not like it so he sold it and bought a new Harley trike and loves it. Still riding at 82.    http://www.mtcvoyager.com/
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: dubtac on February 14, 2016, 10:27:15 PM
I tried a Goldwing Trike for about 50 feet, stopped the engine and walked away. Had flashbacks of getting rolled over by my 85 250r atc eons ago. For the life of me I cannot figure out what is the safe turning speed on trikes.   
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Arizona Wayne on February 14, 2016, 11:51:51 PM
I tried a Goldwing Trike for about 50 feet, stopped the engine and walked away. Had flashbacks of getting rolled over by my 85 250r atc eons ago. For the life of me I cannot figure out what is the safe turning speed on trikes.


There's an outfit in Wash. state that will make your Guzzi into a leaner like a MP3 for $10K but up to now it only does Harleys.  Your Guzzi could be it's prototype.  Forget who they're called.



Without leaning on a conventional trike it's just above walking speed when turning, whereas on my leaning MP3 it's comparable to your MC turning speed.  :wink:
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: dubtac on February 15, 2016, 12:13:49 AM
With my current situation with my Breva, I would agree to the prototype idea under the single condition of that I get to keep it.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: Arizona Wayne on February 15, 2016, 12:24:17 AM
With my current situation with my Breva, I would agree to the prototype idea under the single condition of that I get to keep it.



I'm sure you would keep your bike but if it doesn't have a Tonti frame? I don't know if they could use it.  They need a good frame to mount to and a model that shares it with other models so other riders could apply the result to a similar Guzzi model bike.  Is your Breva a 750 or 1100?  I may be wrong about this.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: dubtac on February 15, 2016, 12:39:59 AM
Quote
  I'm sure you would keep your bike but if it doesn't have a Tonti frame? I don't know if they could use it.  They need a good frame to mount to and a model that shares it with other models so other riders could apply the result to a similar Guzzi model bike.  Is your Breva a 750 or 1100?   
  I see what you are getting at with everyone could benefit from having a prototype made. I have an 1100 Breva so there isn't much in the way of frame anyway.
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: ed.bremner on February 15, 2016, 03:22:09 PM
Only one trike in my village....

and although they scare me to death, I have a slight soft spot for this one:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Lv1FuxMnRS6BEPkzWziljI7u7o4pga7jiowgOGGmSFZaEWGapqXIqbSkmlq9BDkeXRMC9Q=w720-h450-rw-no)
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: NC Steve on February 16, 2016, 12:05:09 PM
Ducati trike

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r261/steve2371/scooter%20pics/Ducati%20trike.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/steve2371/media/scooter%20pics/Ducati%20trike.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Whats with all the tricycles?
Post by: MotoG5 on February 16, 2016, 07:08:01 PM
No way I'm riding a three wheeler. Sorry, but if it gets to that I'm learning how to ride a bike with a sidecar.
No need to be sorry BC. The hack rig will do ya just fine. My NTX at 67yrs. will most likely be my last two wheeler. When I cant handle it anymore I personally like the Can-Am Spider. My wife had to go to three wheels a few years ago and went with an MP3 400 and never looked back. Point being that IF you are lucky enough to still being able to ride at all after 70 you will be going to something you can handle. I think its great that so many fun and cool options are available to do so.