I Can't Seem To Ride It.

[Upshifter]

I bought a Honda 250SX in a garage sale. It's in good condition, and everything works as it's supposed to. Yet, I've never even tried to ride a 3 wheeler before now. I'm an experienced motorcyclist that has been riding all kinds of bikes for many years, but this 3 wheeler is totally alien to me. I'm not even sure I can learn to ride it.

I don't even know anyone who owns a 3 wheeler around here. So, I warmed it up, put it in gear and started forward onto my large lawn to teach myself how to ride one. Going as slow as I could, I tried to turn it, but it wouldn't turn, even at that slow speed. Also, I felt like it might tip over, so I instinctively put my foot down to steady it, and the rear wheel tried to climb my leg. Ouch! I read the riders manual; and it says to keep your feet on the pegs. I know that I'm supposed to lean just opposite from a motorcycle, but this 3 wheeler does not go where I want it to go, and it is scary when it heads left on a collision course instead of right on the lawn. I've only tried riding it for about 30 minutes or so, but I need some tips on learning to ride. This model is probably too heavy and too powerful for beginners.

Thank you for any tips that you can give me.

[footpeg350x]

Try sitting closer to the tank when turning it will let the front tire grab better also lean into your turn IE if your turning left lean left HARD.
have a look at this and see how hard they lean.

[atctim]

Actually when going really slow (first gear just above idle), you want to lean out of the turn. This essentially places most of the rear axle weight on the outside tire, and will help you turn at low speeds. Try it out. Don't be afraid, just ride within your limits and you will get comfortable. Normally at speed, lean into the turns. In wet grass, try to spin the rear end out a bit - like drifting. When riding high powered machines, I find myself steering with the rears almost all the time. Also, when turning, don't just lean into the turn, but move forward. You said you have bike experience, so pretend you are going into a turn hard to rail it, and lean forward as well.

Hope that helps.

[Upshifter]

Thank you, guys, for the good tips and the interesting video. I tried riding it today and did a little better. I was able to turn it around in a circle. I couldn't do that before.

[jbinette1080]

Awesome video!

[falloutboy]

it takes practice. make sure your tires are properly inflated.

On a side note, Welcome! What part of the Oregon Coast are you from? I'm about 25 minutes north of Coos Bay

[tri again]

it takes practice. make sure your tires are properly inflated.

On a side note, Welcome! What part of the Oregon Coast are you from? I'm about 25 minutes north of Coos Bay

x2 on the tire pressure.
I have an sx that is almost impossible to turn unless I ride it like atctim says
but one front fork is almost unnoticably bent.

I have another sx that turns like it has power steering.
The front tire is about 2 inches shorter although all 3 tires say
22x11x8.

Yeah, that reflex to put a foot on the ground is darn near genetic
butcha gotta fight it.
There are things called nerf bars or heel guards that you may be able to find.

Always nice to see 3 wheelers at the dunes.

[Upshifter]

it takes practice. make sure your tires are properly inflated.

On a side note, Welcome! What part of the Oregon Coast are you from? I'm about 25 minutes north of Coos Bay

I'm about 2 miles south of Waldport. You must live close to Winchester Bay or Reedsport?

[Keepah Rolln]

I own one and they drive good..A little tippy but you will get used to it quick. try skipping first gear as it is very low and the front wheel will hop off the ground and not turn good..try 2nd and 3rd gear and it will turn better!!

[falloutboy]

Lakeside. You plan on doing any duning with it?

[BeersBuds&Mud]

man i wish they still made trike!!

[gus]

welcome to the site !! you will find alot of people here willing to help you with any trike needs glad you find a good trike to start out with you will get better as you learn

[Upshifter]

Lakeside. You plan on doing any duning with it?

I wish that I could. But, I'm older than dirt, and although my spirit is willing, my body is weak. I have several motorcycles, and I do well with them, but that 250SX is too much for my 78 year old body. I would love to ride the dunes, and I would if I were even 10 years younger. My vision is good, and my reflexes are fine; but I'm going pass on this 3 wheeler. I'm going to load it onto my pickup, take it down to Florence at the dunes, and try to sell it. It looks like it would be good in the dunes if it had paddle tires.

[rjs89ia]

I'm sure with a degree of motorcycle experience that you wear the proper safety equipment while practicing. The casualty reports are no joke, so be aware of what your doing while you ride, your experience means everything in the long run so remember to bring on the challenges as your ready for them. I hope you enjoy your new toy as we all do ours and good luck with the riding.

[tri again]

I wish that I could. But, I'm older than dirt, and although my spirit is willing, my body is weak. I have several motorcycles, and I do well with them, but that 250SX is too much for my 78 year old body. I would love to ride the dunes, and I would if I were even 10 years younger. My vision is good, and my reflexes are fine; but I'm going pass on this 3 wheeler. I'm going to load it onto my pickup, take it down to Florence at the dunes, and try to sell it. It looks like it would be good in the dunes if it had paddle tires.

Rhodie festival in Florence this weekend so there will be a lot of traffic.
South jetty (and others) should have lots of dune riders.

I could certainly use another trike but not sure about a run to the coast this weekend.
If you can wait a few days, my # is 541 935 4 two zero 6