Reactions to three wheelers

[Outboardbill]

After many hours and quite a few dollars my 1985 Big Red 250es is running. My son and I rode it all over the back yard tearing up the grass. I've read some posts about what people think about three wheelers. I had no idea the reactions friends, family and strangers would have when they hear I am rebuilding one. Apparently it is right up there with sticking your finger in a light socket or throwing matches in a can of gasoline. I've been riding mini bikes, off road motorcycles, three wheelers, street bikes of all kinds for more years than I want to admit. I know there is a much greater chance of getting wiped out on my motorcycle by some cager texting on his phone than flipping an atc. I try to ride responsibly and have a good time. This is not a rant at all those well meaning people who are concerned for my safety. I just listen, smile and say yes I do know the danger.

[86125m]

Oh I know what you mean I usually don't even bring up three wheelers with new people I meet or don't know well because I always get the same Thing. aren't those things dangerous I had a friend of a freinds person die on one. I have to explain to them that it is no more dangerous than a four wheeler if you ride correctly. I also say that fur wheler will flip on you to and what do you want a 7 8 900 pound four wheeler or. 300 pound three wheler to fall on you. Few that feels good to get that out of my system. But I know deep down those people are jelous and want a three wheeler to you can see it in there eyes.

[c_hustle]

My coworker last week just said the magic words...

"aren't those things illegal?"

[El Camexican]

I always just agree with people who say "aren't those dangerous?" and reply "yea, very dangerous if you don't know how to use them, kind of like a car"

[bigmac]

Most if them think they are dumb and dangerous and most of them only time they've ever road one was when they were to young to know better and crashed so they gave them up quick. But what they don't realize is I can cut a turn on a dime quicker than they can. Also get around in the thickest of thickets on a 185 or 200 and beat some equaled cc engines in a race. months ago I beat a cr80 Honda 2 stroke dirt bike in a race on my 200 big red and I was tickled to death I even threw in the best wheelie ive ever done before before we lined up it was nice

[dougspcs]

I've ridden in mixed company for many years and the reaction ranges from that of nostalgia to total ignorance.

My brother and I attend an ATV rally every year with 300+ participants..all on quads. For the last 3 years we've enjoyed our uniqueness and showing these young fellas on their $10000+ quads we can have just as much fun as they can.

Lesson 1 : ride for you..not what other people think!!

[UPNATM]

The reactions I have got lately have been pretty positive, like, "wow, clean three wheeler", or "those things are getting harder to find huh?". But, I have also gotten the ol', "man those things are a death trap!"

[Ghostv2]

Usually in my experience it's the older people who say the famous likes, "arnt those things illegal?". My generation seems to just think they are too dangerous and don't wanna ride one. They find them to be really cool, just not what they want.

Most younger kids just brag about their 450's and don't even bat an eye at a trike.

[waynekreitzmann]

I've noticed that when people get down on you about things most of the time they are just jealous

[350for350]

A couple of years back, I was at the top of a mountain pass in Colorado with a friend. Someone else walked by and asked "wasn't that a rough ride up here on that thing?" as he looked at my 350x. I just pointed to the Raptor my buddy was riding and said "no worse than that." He just gave me a blank look as he walked off. I guess he thought that all three wheelers have no suspension. Didn't bother me a bit.

[badass350x]

Love those shirts Doug...

[dougspcs]

Love those shirts Doug...

Thanks, I had them made up locally for my brother's birthday.

[duck4twenty]

yea it seems the first words out of there mouth when u mention three wheeler's is "aren't those things illegal?" and i say no just dangerous lol

[bkvette3]

I am fairly new to 3 wheelers - always wanted one - finally bought a clean '84 200es last Sept. No regrets here. It runs and performs nicely. My 12 year old son drives it (while under my supervision, of course - helmet on, not fast, no hills, 3rd gear tops - minimal throttle applied). Was out with my son and his 2 friends aged 8 and 12 years old. Asked their parents if they could accompany us and I would show them the proper way to drive the trike under my supervision. The mother looked at me and said "Absolutely NO WAY - those things are dangerous. Hey, no problem here. As per my son - his 2 friends constantly bugged their parents to buy them a trike. Long story short - they purchased a 2005 Can-Am 650DS quad for the 12 year old and a 2008 Yamaha Raptor 700 special edition for the 8 year old. That has me scratching my head. I guess 4 wheels are safer than 3 (LOL). It is a sight to see. These boys are not very tall. They stand on the footpegs straddling the gas tank in order to drive these things. Dumping the clutch around 2500 to get started - no clutch to shift gears. Two weekends ago I bought a mint one owner '85 Honda 250R ATC. Took it out for a ride and my son's 2 friends, their dad and their 2 quads joined us. Dad had to show how fast the Raptor was - showing off drifting in the snow at a fast pace. Hit some frozen dirt, lost control and barrel rolled the Raptor. He was tossed - thankfully not hurt - so he says - his helmet was on. Raptor upside down - wheels up, plastic broken/cracked everywhere. Handlebars slightly twisted. Wow - wish his wife was there to witness how safe these 4 wheeled quads are!!!

[Ghostv2]

A raptor 700 for a 12 year old?! I rode a trx450r and that was way more machine than I'll ever need and I'm 20 years old. I could only imagine that thing.

Biggest machine I'll ever own will be a 250r or a 350x. Until then I'll stick with my 200s and 225dx. Maybe get another 200x.