Page 40 - Final GA Motorcycle Operators Manual Updated June 2021

SECTION 11

TRIKES 11.2 – Stopping Quickly 11.3 – Carrying a Passenger
and Cargo
An important handling characteristic to be
This Section Covers aware of on a standard trike (1 wheel up front, Only skilled, experienced riders should
2 in the rear) is that the two rear wheels have carry passengers or heavy loads. The additional
Turning ......................11.1 more braking power. How much varies by trike weight of a passenger or cargo will change the
design. This is because weight does not shift to handling characteristics of the vehicle.
Stopping Quickly ...... 11.2 the front wheel on a trike during hard braking. If a passenger is being carried, the passenger
Most of the weight stays on the rear wheels and will sit directly behind you. When carrying
Carrying a Passenger makes the rear brakes more effective. cargo, center the load and keep it low in the
storage areas so it is balanced side-to-side. Refer
and Cargo ................. 11.3 to your owner’s manual for more information.

11.1 – Turning

Because the weight of a trike is distributed
almost equally between the two front or two
rear wheels, these vehicles handle the same
in left and right turns. When turning a trike:
• Approach a turn with your head up, and look
through the turn.
• Adjust speed before the turn to allow you to
safely accelerate through the turn.
• Lean or shift your weight in the direction
of the turn.
• Steer the front wheel(s) toward the turn.
• Accelerate gradually as you exit the turn.

Turning a Trike

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

1. When turning a trike, how should 2. Where should you place a load on
you approach the turn? a trike?
A. With your head up and adjusting your A. Place the load towards the right of
speed before the turn. the motorcycle and keep it high in the
storage area.
B. With your head down and
accelerating. B. Place the load towards the center of
the motorcycle and keep it low in the
C. With your head down and adjusting
your speed. storage area.
C. Place the load in front of the motor-
cycle and keep it high in the storage
area.

1. A – page 43, Turning, 2. B – page 43, Carrying a Passenger and Cargo

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