Motorcycle Trikes - Your Guide

For those interested in motorcycles, motorcycle trikes, or trike motorcycles, are a relatively new and exciting phenomenon. Motorcycle trikes can be seen all over – at the gas pump, on the highway, on long and winding roads. Many people who have not seen a motorcycle trike before are almost dumbfounded by the sight; what looks like a typical motorcycle with two wheels actually has three at closer inspection. Essentially, a motorcycle trike is a gigantic tricycle with a very powerful engine – for adults only.

If you are drawn to attention, a motorcycle trike is a great choice! Everyone knows what a traditional motorcycle looks like – sleek body, two wheels, and powerful engine. But a motorcycle trike has all that and more – an extra wheel. Any motorcycle trike owner must be prepared to be deluged by a flood of questions from curious onlookers. Here are some of the basics when it comes to motorcycle trikes.

The Cost of a Motorcycle Trike

A motorcycle trike must be custom made, so there is the cost of the motorcycle plus the conversion. In general, an average motorcycle may cost between $15,000 and $20,000. The conversion may cost up to $10,000. Some motorcycle trikes are sold used, so it is possible to purchase one that already exists. Prices of used motorcycle trikes will vary, depending on what the owner asks. When purchasing a motorcycle trike, it is always a good idea to have it professionally inspected by a mechanic.

Where to Get Motorcycle Trikes

There are trike conversion companies offering their services, most of which are located in the United States and Canada. Most of these companies are able to convert any motorcycle into a trike quite easily. The rear wheel and any saddlebags are removed and the bike is rebuilt from there. Additionally, there are motorcycle trike kits that consumers may purchase to do the conversion on their own. Doing this is not highly advised without sufficient experience.

Safety Concerns

Many people confuse motorcycle trikes with the 3-wheel ATVs that were banned in the past. Motorcycle trikes are actually much safer than ATVs as they have a low center of gravity, a shaft drive, powerful engines, and wide rear tires. Overall, motorcycle trikes are quite safe and stable.

Motorcycle trikes do have several advantages over traditional motorcycles, aside from being safer in general. One pleasant aspect of driving a motorcycle trike is that riders do not need to put their feet down when they come to a stop. Furthermore, a passenger may ride without the prospect of tipping the bike over during the ride. The addition of a third wheel also prevents fatigue for riders who travel in stop-and-go traffic.

At both rallies, bike shows, and with general motorcycle enthusiasts, the popularity of motorcycle trikes is growing more and more. For any bike enthusiast that is looking for something a little out of the ordinary, a motorcycle trike is definitely the way to go. They are fun, exciting, and will definitely bring a bit of extra attention to the rider in any location.