3 Wheel Motorcycle Riding Tips

For decades now, 3 wheel motorcycles have played an important role for a number of organizations, including law enforcement and other municipalities. They’re also important to a lot of riders and the preferred mode of transportation for some motorcycle owners. Not only do 3 wheels provide you more stability and power, but they also are more reliable when hauling cargo or towing a small trailer. These kinds of things you’d never do on a 2 wheeled bike, but they’re fairly common on a 3 wheeler. Plus you can get them in a number of styles and models, so why not invest in the best?

Read through America’s Motorsports Nashville’s riding tips for 3 wheels and then stop by one of our locations in Nashville, Madison, or Dickson, Tennessee to see our models for yourself. We proudly serve the areas of Franklin, Murfreesboro, Winchester, Huntsville, and Tims Ford, Tennessee.

Get the Proper Gear

Before you hop on your ride, you’re going to want to make sure you’re wearing all the proper riding gear. Just because the third wheel will give you extra stability, doesn’t mean you’re exempt from accidents. Start by making sure you’re wearing a jacket and pants that are thick, abrasion resistant, and flexible. Leather is a popular choice, but it doesn’t hold up well in the rain, so make sure that your riding gear can stand up to the elements as well. Also make sure you’re wearing a proper helmet that covers your entire head and face. If your helmet doesn’t come with a face shield, invest in some goggles to protect your eyes. We also highly recommend ear protection as prolonged exposure to the noise of the engine can damage your hearing. Finally, try to pack rain gear in your saddlebags just in case the weather turns sour. And definitely make sure all your gear is reflective to keep you seen on the road.

Know your Legal Responsibilities

There are a number of legal obligations you’ll need to adhere to. Motorcycle licensing changes from state to state, but in Tennessee, you’ll need a Class M motorcycle operator license to ride any motorcycle, whether it has two or three wheels. This will include the basic tests and screenings to ensure you’re ready to ride on the road. You're also going to want to make sure your motorcycle is insured. In order to own a motorcycle in the state of Tennessee, you must be able to provide coverage. Not only is it the law, but it’s incredibly important to protect you in the event of an accident. If you’re visiting us from a different part of the country, make sure you check the laws of the states you spend more time in to ensure you’re following all legal responsibilities.

What to Check Before you Go

Before every ride, there are a few basic checks you’ll want to run to make sure your bike is ready to ride. Start by checking the tires. You’ll want to make sure the tire pressure is up to manufacturer recommendations and that there is no unusual or excessive wear and tear on the treads. Also check to make sure all the controls are functioning properly, even if you have to cruise around the block a few times to make sure. While you’re out, test your brakes to notice signs of grinding or slippage. Finally, check that all your lights are working and that your fuel and oil levels are topped off. There are a number of other maintenance checks you can add to your pre-ride routine, just make sure you’re getting the basics down.

3 Wheel Riding Experience

As sturdy and reliable as they look, it still takes some practice to get used to riding trikes. You’ve got a lot more power at your fingertips and you’ll want to prepare for the shock that comes with it. The biggest difference, though, is turning. If you’re used to a 2 wheel motorcycle, you’ll know that to turn on a bike you have to lean into the curve. This does nothing for a trike. Instead, think of it like a large lawnmower. You’re going to turn the handlebar to turn, but you won’t be able to take very tight turns. Make sure you slow down enough so your trike will actually make it and you won’t tip over or lose control. Just give yourself plenty of time to practice to get used to this and other new riding skills you’ll need for a trike.

3 Wheel Motorcycle Types

There are four main types of three wheel motorcycles: all-terrain vehicles, urban scooters, weekend mid-distance sports bikes, and long-distance tourers. The all-terrain three-wheeled ATVs are generally used for off-road challenges that require a little more tire and a little more power. If that’s altogether too much bike for what you need, at the opposite end you have the scooter which is ideal for casual commuting. It’s easy to handle and not too heavy. If you’re looking for something that gives you a little extra power for the occasional trip, ask about mid-distance sports bikes or, to go all the way, you can get the complete touring style trike. These will give you varying degrees of comfort, depending on how long you intend to be on the road, so talk to your salesman about the kind of riding you want to do, and they’ll show you the best models to fit your needs.

Motorcycle trikes offer riders a new range of possibilities, both in function and in comfort. The only way you’re going to know if it’s the perfect three-wheeled ATV for you is if you stop by America’s Motorsports Nashville and check out what’s in our showroom right now. We’re in Nashville, Madison, and Dickson, Tennessee and welcome all riders from the areas of Franklin, Murfreesboro, Winchester, Huntsville, and Tims Ford, Tennessee.