3-Wheeler Questions

[HondaRacer8Bud]

Hello,

My name is Ron Farley and I'm new to the 3-wheeler forums. Basically, I have some questions for the 3-wheel veterans. I'm considering buying a 1985 Honda ATC250R. I currently have a 1986 Honda TRX250R and I have been riding dirt bikes and ATVs for 16 years now. I just have some newbie questions about 3-wheelers. I mostly ride moutainous trails and rough terrain. Basically, lots of hills and lots of rough stuff like going over roots and rocks. I wouldn't call myself a great rider, but I do have lots of experience with quads and I'm very respectful of the machines. Do you guys think this is a good idea or am I just asking for trouble? Also, what kinds of mistakes do quad riders usually make when going to three wheels, and what kinds of new techniques do you need to learn for 3-wheelers? Thank you for time and input, I sincerely appreciate it.

[Yamatrike400]

It warms my heart to see a quad rider want to try a 3 wheeler. In my own opinion, 3 wheelers handle much better than quads. On a ATC, its all about leaning, its a true workout - but way more fun than a quad imo. Don't put your feet down, its more tempting to with an "open" front. The 1985 250r is a great bike, im sure the others will chime in on this, they know alot more than i do, but extra opinions never hurt.

[firehart]

When I started riding three wheelers, I did not have much experience with anything but bikes. I ran over my feet several times before it sank in "Don't put you feet down!" . Now I have both a big tanky four wheeler and my little utility trikes.

[fabiodriven]

Just take it slow. There's a lot of stuff you're used to flying over that you're going to have to deal with slower now.

[Autophysn]

yeah dude, take it slow.

Rule #1 Never put your feet down:twisted:
ride through it, the wheels will chew you up

Rule #2 Shift your butt:rolleyes:
You will not be able to just turn the wheel and make a turn like
on your quad. You have a lot less weight up front. That bike you
are talking about will be an excellent example of shift your butt
to the side and punch it, You will learn to appreciate the slide.

Rule #3 Wheelies are normal:naughty:
Especially with that bike, I understand you have mucho
experience with the 250r, but your front end is much lighter
now, so be prepared for the front end to want to come up on
you. You will learn to use this to your advantage.

Rule #4 Be prepared to fall.:w00t:
This goes for any bike really. But it will be a new experience
to you. You are bound to slip, drop your feet, and the bike
Will remind you why this is Rule #1.

Rule #5 Have a freaking blast and welcome to our world!::Bounce
Once you have gone three wheeled you will never want to go
back.

Most importantly, IMO:welcome:

[russell56443]

As all have said above,Body English is the key,lean to steer the trike,practice in a field ect...go to the side on two wheels and steer it in a straight line, learn how to make the trike do what you want!
With a powerful trike like your looking at the front end isnt going to want to stay down so the front wheel is kinda usless,lean and slide and enjoy the ride!!!

[Mosh]

Welcome to the board!

As far as technique,You will have to use lots of body english on a trike vs. a quad.
Your high speed stability will be less,and obviously,cornering will take more attention.
Off camber down hill trails are the worst for a trike.
As far as your riding terrain,We ride our trikes in some really knarly mountain rock trails.
Huge hills with washouts and ruts,and rocks.Once you get comfortable with the machine,you will be fine.I actually prefer to ride my trike in almost every condition over my TRX 250R.

I say get one.It will add a new found excitement to riding,and is fun and challenging to "relearn" to ride on the trike.

[HondaRacer8Bud]

Well, everyone I took the plunge and did it! I bought a pretty much mint 1985 Honda ATC250R. The only thing that wasn't factory on this bike was the handlebars. I took up to my grandparents property in northern Michigan for the weekend. I'm already in love with this bike. I never imagined riding 3-wheelers could be more fun than a 4-wheeler, but it is! I forgot to bring my digital camera, so I don't have any pictures with it yet, but I will try to post some soon. I also wanted to sincerely thank everyone that posted and answered my questions. The advice was priceless, and I probably avoided having a bad first experience on one because of the tips. Thanks again guys!

[russell56443]

Nice!!!
Glad we were able to help!
The best part is you researched and asked questions and didnt just go hop on a trike and crash ect...
Thats how the whole Ban thing got started :0(

[ATC-Eric]

Heck yeah man, good for you!!!

:beer

[hublake]

Where are your grandparents in N. MI? I am near Alpena.

[HondaRacer8Bud]

We are just a little bit southwest of you in Luzerne, just outside of Mio.

[Autophysn]

Welcome to our world:beer

[tanks350x]

Welcome to the boards! Honestly, when I got my 350X back in march, It was the first time in 27 years since I rode a 3 wheeler. And the one before this was an atc 70. Here's what I did, I did alot of research on riding such as watching alot of videos on youtube. Then I got an owners manual and read up on riding tips, believe it or not it helped alot. Here's a page out of my manual.. go slow, and get used to it
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/tankispmaximus/d2471803.jpg

[i58829]

This post said a fair amount of things you need to do, but the one thing i didn't see was concerning beat trails. I know around the old coal mines and public trails in central Pa the 4 wheelers have huge ruts (leaving the middle higher) dug from dragging their brakes down hills and what not. Anyway when i go down a hill that has this issue and the rain water has run through it washing it out even more i stick the front tire in the washout and let it carry me down the hill. The rear will follow and it will feel really awkward the first couple times, but thats the only thing i can think of that hasn't been mentioned. Also a swingarm skid plate is priceless...