Motorcycle riding. There’s nothing quite like it. The wind in your face. The throaty rumble of the engine beneath you. And the steady rush of the pavement as you take in the world around you. Motorcycle riding is simply good for the soul. Whether you ride alone or in a pack, the feeling of being out on the open road is something to look forward to. It’s a feeling you never want to let go of, and there are many ways to extend that experience, even when a motorcycle becomes less practical in your life. It’s why so many 2-wheel riders are switching to 3-wheelers.
Is it time to make the switch from a motorcycle to a 3-wheel bike or vehicle?
There are many reasons why riders would consider making the switch to a 3-wheeled motorcycle (sometimes called trikes). It’s often a very personal decision that can happen at any age. Although, those reasons often include a rider’s desire to seek out something they feel safer on—something that’s maybe a little easier to handle—as well as a vehicle that requires less of their attention so they can focus more on the ride and the friends they are riding with. Three-wheel motorcycles, roadsters and autocycles (like the Polaris Slingshot) provide all of that while keeping the open-air experience riders love.
Trikes initially gained popularity as a way for bikers who could no longer manage a traditional motorcycle to keep riding. They're still a great fit for seniors, veterans with chronic injuries, disabled riders, or anyone who's afraid of falling on a two-wheeled motorcycle but wants to ride.
For touring long distances, a trike's extra storage capacity and low-fatigue riding style make them a great option. For bikers who like having a distinctive ride, trikes are eye-catching and look like custom bikes. Some conversion kits allow you to change your bike to a trike set-up without making permanent changes (like drilling holes), so you can switch back.
There are three pros that trike motorcycles offer over more common types of motorcycles. Trike motorcycles are more stable and resist tipping over. Depending on the axle's width between the paired wheels, they can stand up independently. Due to the increased size, they typically have more storage space than a comparable two-wheeler. They are less tiring to ride than standard motorcycles since they don't require as much — or in many cases, any — work to balance.
There are three cons to buying a trike motorcycle. Trike motorcycles often cost more than a comparable two-wheeled motorcycle. They're also physically larger, making them tougher to park, especially in dedicated motorcycle parking. The biggest drawback for motorcycle enthusiasts is that they feel different than riding a two-wheeler.
Reverse trike models now exist with tilting wheels in the front, allowing the rider to lean more as they would with a typical motorcycle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two-wheeled motorcycles accounted for 91 percent of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes in 2019. However, two-wheeled motorcycles are still much more common than trikes, so it's hard to say definitively.
Trikes certainly reduce some of the risks of riding a motorcycle. For example, a trike is harder to drop or roll than a motorcycle, especially for trikes with a two-in-front configuration. That increased stability can make it easier to navigate bad weather or uneven road surfaces. Because of their more prominent profile, trikes can be more visible, which can also improve safety.
Before you hit the road, protect yourself and your trike with motorcycle insurance and learn about the available motorcycle insurance coverages. See why nearly one in three insured motorcycle riders choose Progressive. Whether you ride a trike, touring, or custom bike, we have you covered.