Irresponsible Riding

[slashfan7964]

Well, I've got a bit of a rant to write. Nothing major but I just want to get off my chest.


Idiotic drivers still do, and always will exist, no matter what type of machine they are operating. I don't know about all of you, but I enjoy watching people ride ATC's on YouTube. I like to see what people have done, and how they perform if I can't ride them myself. But it floors me how many people still ride them improperly. No helmets, no leaning/leaning the wrong way, and general operator error that causes frequent crashes. Hell, I even watch one where a guy slugged a beer and took off. Um, how about no. Now, I will say people will point this out in the comments and let the video owner have it, but still. This is why they were banned in the first place.

What really grinds my gears is those videos that claim to teach you how to ride one, and do ALL the wrong things or leave things out! How is that supposed to work?

Sorry, I just needed to get this off my chest.

[DohcBikes]

Irresponsible riding infuriates me. Around my house, one adult beverage puts you on the no ride list. Show up drunk riding, better get comfortable, not going anywhere. Riding a trike with no helmet is a fate that no one here will even think about tempting.

[slashfan7964]

Irresponsible riding infuriates me. Around my house, one adult beverage puts you on the no ride list. Show up drunk riding, better get comfortable, not going anywhere. Riding a trike with no helmet is a fate that no one here will even think about tempting.

I will say flat out right now I have had my moments of being an idiot riding without a helmet. However, pretty much at all times possible I try to wear one. I've had 1 too many head injuries to risk anything.

I agree on the drinking policy. 1 drink and you aren't going anywhere.

[kb0nly]

Thing is you see just as many of those videos with bikes and quads, but i get where you are coming from.

[oldskool83]

And we wonder why 3wheelers got banned...

[brrcuda]

i have an svra (state off road trails) near my place in cali. I was amazed this weekend how people are doing this stuff at these places. I saw no helmets, moms double riding with near infant size babies. two people riding no helmets. All on dirtbikes.....This is just hanging out on the main access road to see. It was interesting to watch, i thought of our poor trikes and that 60 minutes video that was posted. Rangers patrol too, i guess they dont do anything...... seemed like the dirtbike scene were the worst culprits.

Then the families of minibikes. Dads taking their kids out and the kids are all over the trail. No room for me i guess........Those microbikes have too small of tires to handle any terrain. One little rock they flippin it, which i witnessed.

I have run over more than one dirtbike hotrodding the trail corners in my day..... Im certainly no angel in my habits guys, but its certainly everywhere. In cali i have to ride very defensive which is new to me being from NH trails.

But you should see the crowd that gathers at the public ATV track when an old ATC250r does hotlaps and airtime...... lol......just saying.

[just ben]

I agree on the drinking policy. 1 drink and you aren't going anywhere. Oh great the fun police is planning to go to TF too. Guess I'm out

[DohcBikes]

Open riding in an atc friendly environment where it is agreed upon by the group is a totally different story than being OK with my buddies riding their bikes through Phoenix after drinking....not good for anyone.

Being raised in Nebraska we had to combine activities at times to cure the boredom a lot lol! Always on private property that we had permission to be on.

If I ever make it to Trikefest, I will probably be the guy running from the Fun Police!!

[slashfan7964]

I think I hit the nail on the head with this one. On another forum I frequent, I got into it with some members over their about three wheelers safety and stability in a friendly conversation. I've removed their usernames for privacy reasons. I have included several 3WW members posts as references to make a point, so I hope that is ok.



I've always associated three wheelers with rolling over as a result of the relatively short wheel base paired with a moderately high center of gravity.

They actually have a very low center of gravity believe it or not, due to it's bulk weight being centralized in the center of the chassis very low to the ground. It's a common misconception. If you pull the plastics off one of these, there is virtually nothing to them, most weigh in dry at about 280-325lbs.

Rolling over is mostly due to operator error. You simply cannot ride these like you would ride a bike or a quad. It requires more seat time, and extreme leaning at speed to keep them stable. A guy at 3WW put it like this:


I don't lift my rear tires in turns, nor do I slide off the seat the whole time. It's almost the same thing with a quad. If you want to make a slow turn, then simply slow down, lean forward and slightly in (this does not require shifting of the rear) and give it a little gas. If you want to make a high speed turn then get off the seat and get on the gas to slip that rear end around.

With experience they are just as stable as anything, if you know how to ride them. After the ban on them in the 1980s and quads came around, the CPSC found the injury rate more than doubled in 5 years after their release than 8 years of high performance three wheelers, by a rate of 3/1000 for ATC's to 9/1000 for quads. I feel the extra front wheel provides a false sense of security. You'll find that most ATC riders will agree with this. The reason why people feel they are unsafe is because it was bad timing. They were the first offroad ATV's...no one really knew what they were capable of or how to ride them which is why injuries skyrocketed, but in comparison to quads, they weren't all that bad.

If you watch the videos I posted above [referenced both ATV on Demand 350X videos] or even take a peak at my avatar [250R sliding at speed, flat track], you'll see what I am talking about. The videos would be better.




Has this changed much with the designs? [Refering to TPC trikes]

With the newer TPC trikes, the weight and wheelbase has increased since it's a conversion from 4 to 3 wheels. Take that how you will. People that are in the trike scene compare quads and trikes like trucks to cars.


Quads require less skill to ride so I believe is the direct connection in the minds of the open public. Therefore, trikes are supposedly dangerous. Then again, the same unskilled rider will come back from a ride on a trike with tales of running over his/her leg and being pulled from the machine or hitting the throttle too hard and landing on their back with the machine on them. Common sense is the missing component.

I for one don't know how to fly a plane..therefore if I got in the pilot seat that would create a dangerous situation. But a trained pilot in the same seat and it is a safe, controlled craft.


The Reliant Robin says no. [Different member, quoting the previous quoting above]

Now, I'm not calling you out, but this is that ignorance I am talking about. Lack of education on the subject leads to an incorrect, yet automatic assumption that they are dangerous, even though a ton of testing was done on them, and they found no inherit design flaws that would be particularly dangerous to an unsuspecting rider. This was done after the voluntary ban to cease manufacturing starting in 1987 and lasted 10 years.

The problem with the Reliant Robin is the fact that you can't slide the rear out, and you can't shift the weight of the machine or yourself in a turn, leading to accidents. You are a large part of the weight on the machine; you are what keeps it stable going through turns. If you can't shift this weight at speed without good control, you will likely injure yourself, and that is indeed operator error. Lack of training and seat time is what will hurt you, not the design itself. It's the same thing on a quad or a bike. You will go over the handlebars if you to do not lean, it just takes more leaning and body English on a three wheeler. Pair this with the lack of proper safety gear such as a helmet, and you are asking for trouble.

[MNhondaguy]

I've flipped my share of both quads and trikes. I'm not a speed demon unless on the gravel roads goin straight. I prefer a trike because it makes for a more focused ride, to me anyways.

What I have noticed, if I were to hit a good sized bump on one side of the vehicle, the trike is more stable. the tipping of the bike is then compensated in the knees of the rider. If I were to do it on a quad, it would be in the knees and arms. I probably ride a bit stiff armed, but on a quad my body tends to get tossed around more. I like to keep my chest and shoulder/arms in the middle so I can feel stable and keep control of the bars.

I might be biased to trikes, or sound like an idiot, but I feel better and more comfortable on a trike.

I wear a helmet in gravel pits and all through the summer, but in winter we just cruising fields and ditches, and I get tired of taking my helmet off every 12 minutes because I'm too hot trying to get unstuck haha.

[Scootertrash]

Here's a copy of one of my sig lines:


There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences. - P.J. O'Rourke

Three wheelers weren't banned because people did stupid sh!t, they were banned because people did stupid sh!t and didn't take responsibility for their actions and a lawyer convinced them they could get a pocket full of money for blaming someone else.

There is a big difference between having a beer or two and riding drunk.

There are those who will criticize how others ride, all whilst smoking a cigar or cigarette or pausing to spit out a chew, yet defend those unhealthy behaviors as their right to live their life as they see fit, and it's no one else's business.

There are those who will criticize how someone rides or what someone does or doesn't wear when riding, yet advocate brake-checking tailgaters, endangering not only one vehicles occupants, but two and possibly more vehicles if other innocents get dragged into the accident caused by their reckless behavior.

There are those who will criticize how someone rides or what someone does or doesn't wear when riding, yet endorse laws that remove or restrict the rights of law abiding citizens to possess and use firearms to protect themselves from criminals who won't follow those same laws to rob, rape, and kill (again).

Interesting world we live in isn't it?



“I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.” ― Jimi Hendrix

[fabiodriven]

I was looking for the words for days. You seem to have found them Scooter.

[Jwmajic]

I never understood why any one would ride with out a helmet. I had a friend who was riding a quad, screwed up and hit a tree doing 30 (that's what he said I think it was more like 10 by the damage to the bike). He messed his face up real good and he still won't wear a helmet says they are uncomfortable. Still trying to figure out if he's ignorant or just plain stupid.

[Bren_downe]

We'll guys… here's a story… my wife's uncle(through marriage) is ONE of the statistics.
I've never heard the full story beginning to end but from bits and pieces this is what I gathered.
Mid eighties the happy couple was married and having a party at their new house a day or two after the wedding. Husband take the three wheeler out for a spin(pretty sure alcohol was involved) and dumps it. No helmet long story short he's basically a vegetable. Sits in a chair can't communicate and can't move anything except his eyes.
I don't drink and ride and I always wear a brain bucket, even if my quad buddies laugh at me.
I don't care if you do or don't, I'm just trying to protect #1.

[Scootertrash]

Still trying to figure out if he's ignorant or just plain stupid.

It's called freedom. As long as his wife or family doesn't try to blame someone else for his behavior, or stick their hand in someone else's pocket for a fistful of money if he does become a statistic, I'm OK with him doing whatever he wants to.

Is it ignorant or just plain stupid to put on a bunch of equipment, strap yourself into a race car, and die in a fiery crash at 200 MPH?

Jump your motorcycle over a row of cars, buses or flaming camels and end up paralyzed due to a miscalculation or equipment failure?

Strap on a wingsuit and parachute and end up like shredded cheese because you hit a bridge?

You're still a statistic. Just because you're a statistic that had money or sponsorship doesn't make you any less of a statistic. The only difference is that you'll have a legion of facebook and youtube followers and fanbois that will flame you for critcizing someone who was a "professional". "Professional" what? Dumba$$?

Don't get me wrong, I love watching others push the limits. Hell, when I was a kid we used to watch every jump Evel Knievel did on Wide World of Sports (most of you young whippersnappers won't have a clue of what show I'm talking about)

I think I can safely say that the majority of others on this site have done stupid stuff that could have killed or seriously injured them, myself included. If you're reading this you just got lucky like I have. In my case it's been more than once ;) Now we can sit around with our buddies and reminisce over a couple of beers how we've been lucky.

Here's a question:

If God decides to "bring you home" will it matter what you're doing or what you're wearing? I think not.

You guys just keep 'em on three wheels unless yer doin' wheelies or jumping flaming camels ;)

[Caminofeld]

Oh great the fun police is planning to go to TF too. Guess I'm out

Haha I ride BETTER after slugging a few beers...I'm all about danger, excitement, and pushing the limits...even if it occasionally results in a trip to the hospital...no wonder 3 wheelers are so appealing to me...

[slashfan7964]

Haha I ride BETTER after slugging a few beers...I'm all about danger, excitement, and pushing the limits...even if it occasionally results in a trip to the hospital...no wonder 3 wheelers are so appealing to me...



And this is why I have made this thread, and why people get hurt.

[fabiodriven]

And this is why I have made this thread, and why people get hurt.

You haven't been an adult long enough to understand any of this. If I'm not mistaken, you're not even old enough to drink. I've been biting my tongue, but you're probably not going to enjoy Trikefest very much if you plan on going. I'll leave it at that.

[slashfan7964]

You haven't been an adult long enough to understand any of this. If I'm not mistaken, you're not even old enough to drink. I've been biting my tongue, but you're probably not going to enjoy Trikefest very much if you plan on going. I'll leave it at that.

I don't need to be old enough to drink or be an adult long enough to understand the effects of alcohol. It's blatantly obvious. I am not legally old enough to purchase alcohol or consume on my own yes, but I can consume it if it is given to me from my parents, so I yes, I do know what it does to a person. I do not believe in mixing alcohol with operation of any kind of machinery. Now I'm not saying some people don't have high tolerances to alcohol, but I have a firm belief that these things should not be mixed. If you agree, fine, if not, that's your opinion, and that's also fine. I'm sorry, but I don't need alcohol to have a good time. This is coming from someone who has lost a lot of friends due to drunk driving, both on ATV's and in cars.

[El Camexican]

Just a couple comments...

My personal perspective of people who claim they drive better, or faster when under the influence is that they are typically poor drivers when sober. All the booze does is free up their inhibitions and make them turn the throttle further than they dare when straight. Most of the time the extra twist the booze lubricated wrist gives them lands their unskilled butts on the pavement, or worse.

A putt around a campground after a few drinks on something that doesn’t need to be balanced to stay upright shouldn’t be an issue, but climbing onto a sport bike juiced up in your bathing suit for a hot lap deserves a road rash medal and anyone who drives drunk with kids in their car is just an idiot.

Myself I avoid it. Too many close calls sober and too many regrets after driving drunk. I’m not saying I haven’t or don’t, but I try really hard to avoid it.

[Caminofeld]

I'm sorry to hear about your friends Slashfan, I've lost a few that way too and there's nothing fun about it. I've also pried quite a few mangled bodies of intoxicated car/motorcycle/atv/side-by-side drivers out of cars, trees, guard rails, grills of tractor trailers, etc.

I think Fabiodriven is on to something with the age gap issue. Younger people today receive far more early education on the pitfalls of alcohol use, abuse, and drunk driving than us older folks and form opinions that may vary greatly from those of generations past. I remember growing up with my Dad's friends in the 80's and everything seemed to involve alcohol and cigarettes. Grandpa would always have a 6-pack in the middle console and at parties everyone would always be sneaking me sips of Strohs, Natty, etc. Those guys were (and still are) wild and crazy...and so for me, I associated alcohol with fun at a very early age.

I firmly believe that opinions are like assholes...but that being said, I don't condone drunk driving or anything that endangers others because unlike a 3 wheeler, it usually isn't the drunk driver who gets killed...it's someone else who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, a breathalyzer shouldn't determine whether someone is too drunk to drive...that's just a way for the States to rake in more cash. A DUI should only be given if a driver fails a field sobriety test, and therefore is incapable of safely operating a vehicle.

I'll continue to drink and break out the trikes at parties and do unsafe things on them...and if I get hurt, that's my fault and I don't expect anybody to feel sorry for me...it's Darwinism, and if I die then it's my own stupid fault...but at least I'll go out with a bang:p

[slashfan7964]

I'll continue to drink and break out the trikes at parties and do unsafe things on them...and if I get hurt, that's my fault and I don't expect anybody to feel sorry for me...it's Darwinism, and if I die then it's my own stupid fault...but at least I'll go out with a bang:p

You only live once, might as well make the most of it :)

The only potential issue I see out of that mix is if you managed to injury, or god forbid kill yourself, and your family filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Considering how it's been a long time since ones been made a big deal (as far as the media), it could potentially stain trikes in general's image, and you could see places disallowing ATC's once again, and any hope for their comeback in magazines would go out the door.

But that's a longshot, and one I don't see happening.

[just ben]

I'll continue to drink and break out the trikes at parties and do unsafe things on them...and if I get hurt, that's my fault and I don't expect anybody to feel sorry for me...it's Darwinism, and if I die then it's my own stupid fault...but at least I'll go out with a bang:pI'm going to have to ask you to refrain from that when I'm around. If you get busted up, who's going to stitch me up when I do dumb shlt? LOL

[El Camexican]

You only live once, might as well make the most of it :)

The only potential issue I see out of that mix is if you managed to injury, or god forbid kill yourself, and your family filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Considering how it's been a long time since ones been made a big deal (as far as the media), it could potentially stain trikes in general's image, and you could see places disallowing ATC's once again, and any hope for their comeback in magazines would go out the door.

But that's a longshot, and one I don't see happening.
Based on how many liquor related snowmobile injuries and deaths there have been in Canada over the years without anyone of merit questioning the machines part in the incidents I would say you have nothing to worry about.

[fabiodriven]

I understand your intent, and I don't mean to tell you that you should drink and ride. I realize my last post may have come off a bit harsh. What I meant by you not enjoying Trikefest was more of a warning than anything else. I don't want anyone to feel unwelcome at Trikefest no matter who they are. I just mean if you feel so strongly this way, it might not be the event for you. There are plenty of people who go and don't drink, but you've got to be a little open minded to be able to get along with an entire group. I would venture to guess that it's next to impossible to feel unwelcome at Trikefest no matter who you are, but do realize people do drink there. Some people get pretty rowdy sometimes but very rarely in a way that bothers anyone else. Very respectable people.

[DohcBikes]

Good stuff guys!! Lots of varied opinions on a topic that can get to be a hot debate.

Its great to see stories from different experiences and points of view without having to get into an argument over it. There are points of view here that I never would have considered!!

Yet another thread that has me trying to find ways to make it to Trikefest this year!!

[slashfan7964]

I understand your intent, and I don't mean to tell you that you should drink and ride. I realize my last post may have come off a bit harsh. What I meant by you not enjoying Trikefest was more of a warning than anything else. I don't want anyone to feel unwelcome at Trikefest no matter who they are. I just mean if you feel so strongly this way, it might not be the event for you. There are plenty of people who go and don't drink, but you've got to be a little open minded to be able to get along with an entire group. I would venture to guess that it's next to impossible to feel unwelcome at Trikefest no matter who you are, but do realize people do drink there. Some people get pretty rowdy sometimes but very rarely in a way that bothers anyone else. Very respectable people.


Not a problem, everyone has varied opinions on the subject. I do have an open mind when it comes to things like this, but I try not to get involved in it personally. :)

[Caminofeld]

I'm going to have to ask you to refrain from that when I'm around. If you get busted up, who's going to stitch me up when I do dumb shlt? LOL

Lol, well I'll make sure I leave detailed written instructions on how to repair each other if I'm incapacitated:beer