Trike Motorcycles have been around for years. In fact, my Aunt Denise used to drive one around quite a few years ago (she's a bad ass, or at least used to be. Now she drives a Smart Car). I even know a guy I was in a short film with that rides around on a traditional Trike, with the rear composed of an old VW car and engine, with a motorcycle type front wheel and handlebars. It's all decked out with a Native American theme. With his mohawk, it makes for a sight when he's riding down the road. (And now just realizing, why haven't I asked him to try his trike?)
Back in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder debuted. It's the flip side of the traditional motorcycle trike. These machines have the single wheel in the back (with power generated to via belt drive), with two wheels up front. Very cool-looking machines. It was created by Bombardier, known for their ATV's and snowmobiles. No other company makes Trikes like these
I've always wanted to try one, at the same time knowing I'd never want to own one. I figured they looked cool and all, but I loved the two wheeled motorcycles better. At that point you're just one step away from driving a sports car.
Nearby where I go for Aikido classes there's a dealership that rents the machines for 4-8 hours. I decided after class on Saturday to stop by the dealership and check it out.
It wasn't cheap, cost me about $190 once all fees/insurance was factored in. But it's been a decent summer for me financially, and you only live once.
After an introduction to how to maneuver in the parking lot, I was on the road for the next four hours with this unique machine.
The first thing to note is the lack of a "front" brake, as usually part of the right handlebar. Front/Rear brakes are applied via the right foot, where traditionally the rear brake is on a motorcycle. There's a push button for a parking break as well. The machines is a 5 speed, with reverse one click down from 1st when you push the R button.
The ride was excellent. Weird at first when steering. Whether motorcycling or cycling on two wheels, counter steering is the way to properly steer , but with trikes you figuratively steer the regularly using the handlebars. I actually wondered what the difference would feel like if they used a steering wheel on these. Didn't take me long to get used to. The front tires have unique traction and stability control. At no time did I feel like I might flip the trike on sharp corners.
So I rode around for four hours, with a break for lunch at my favorite cafe. Excellent riding, particularly with clear sunny skies. No issues with the ride. It was fun, but not something I'd want to own. Still love my two wheeled ride...
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