Trikes?

Chris-CJ

Chris-CJ

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What is the consensus regarding the motorcyclist's classification of trikes, both "species" i.e. single wheel upfront (mostly Harleys) and two wheels upfront (Polaris etc)?
Are they considered "bikes" in the true sense of the word, do we wave at one if they pass us by?
What about scooters (Vespa and the like)?

I am noticing an increased number of trikes on the road, probably an indication of an aging population (no disrespect)!
Most of the trike pilots don't wave.

IMO, a side-car outfit is part of the biker fraternity.
Not too many of those around.
Though I did see a recent model Triumph hooked up to a side-car, parked in the Maranello BMW Motorrard parking lot.
The RE dealer at Alton had an Ural in his showroom.

Let's hear your opinion!
 
Huge amount of those around Barrie and wasaga. Every single one waved and so did their passengers.

I don’t discriminate my waving. Trike riders are riders too.
 
When I'm 60+ and riding one of these, I will for sure be waving to everyone. (And they better wave back) 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️ 1621951319577.png
 
I don't consider the T-Rex/slingshot to be bikes. They happen to have a single rear wheel and require helmets but in every other respect they are cars (78" wide, that's wider than a miata ffs). If they wave, I'll wave but in general I don't initiate waves to cars. Harley trike will get a wave. Spyder is somewhere in the middle (62" wide). On the very rare occasion I see a Niken, it gets a wave.

EDIT:
Sidecars always get a wave. So cool.
 
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Maniac said:
I wave to e-bikes only when I mistake them for a real bike. And then I stop and wash my hands.
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It helps to carry hand sanitizer.
I'm not sure that if the COVID hand sanitizer would be strong enough.
You may need to purchase an approved e-bike hand sanitizer for this application.
 
sburns said:
The other reason I believe people get Trikes/3 wheels is for their partners. See a lot of 2 up on them.
Wave to everyone, be friendly not a jerk. (y)
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What's the worse that can happen?
You don't get a wave back.
Not a big deal.

Having said that. It is important to remember that you should only initiate a wave or wave back when it is safe to do so.
Mid corner is not a safe spot to wave. Neither is a right or left hand turn through an intersection.
Especially for newer riders. You should not feel like you are obligated to wave to another rider just because you are both on 2 wheels. It is far more important to stay focused on the road and to make sure you are making a safe turn with BOTH hand on the bars.

Chances are that the guy/gal that just passed you does not know you, will never see you again and will forgot about you not waving to them within the next 1 km.
 
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oioioi said:
What's the worse that can happen?
You don't get a wave back.
Not a big deal.

Having said that. It is important to remember that you should only initiate a wave or wave back when it is safe to do so.
Mid corner is not a safe spot to wave. Neither is a right or left hand turn through an intersection.
Especially for newer riders. You should not feel like you are obligated to wave to another rider just because you are both on 2 wheels. It is far more important to stay focused on the road and to make sure you are making a safe turn with BOTH hand on the bars.

Chances are that the guy/gal that just passed you does not know you, will never see you again and will forgot about you not waving to them within the next 1 km.
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Of course always safety first.

To me this division between 2 wheels vrs 3 is kinda silly. That older mature rider on 3 wheels, could have lived some crazy rider life and still wants to be out there, or just a rider who feels more comfortable on 3 wheels, either way to me it doesn't matter I just want to be friendly, promote goodness amongst the community, and not be judgey.

And yes missing a wave here or there it's ok.
 
GreyGhost said:
Well, he's right. You should be focusing on your lean angle gauge so you wouldn't even have seen the oncoming rider waving to you. /s
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i take selfies of the max lean angle at the end of the ride, living in the moment is so over rated.
 
Evoex said:
i take selfies of the max lean angle at the end of the ride, living in the moment is so over rated.
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Hmm. Good idea. I should sell an extendable frame slider to allow you to hold your bike at an angle so you can get epic selfies showing everyone your prowess (right before you get creamed by a truck because you are a dbag stopped in the middle of the road taking selfies).
 
Evoex said:
i take selfies of the max lean angle at the end of the ride, living in the moment is so over rated.
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Use BMW Motorrad app. Then you can relive the memories anytime.

I love to look at my angle numbers and smile. Or cry.
 
sburns said:
Of course always safety first.

To me this division between 2 wheels vrs 3 is kinda silly. That older mature rider on 3 wheels, could have lived some crazy rider life and still wants to be out there, or just a rider who feels more comfortable on 3 wheels, either way to me it doesn't matter I just want to be friendly, promote goodness amongst the community, and not be judgey.

And yes missing a wave here or there it's ok.
Click to expand...
Just the other day, around my house I saw a guy on some 3 wheeled monster (2 in front and 1 in back I believe) with a custom build storage rack for a folding wheel chair in the back.

Maybe he was able to keep 2 wheels balanced but needed the extra storage for a wheel chair.
I guess some just can't let go of the thrill of riding. Nothing wrong that that.
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