Three-Wheel Supplement; Supplementary Information; For Three-Wheel Motorcycles; Know Your Vehicle - Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual

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SUPPLeMeNtarY
iNFOrMatiON
FOr three-WheeL
MOtOrCYCLeS
Many states require a separate license
endorsement to operate a three-wheel
motorcycle. This requires the rider to
pass both a written and a skills test. The
purpose of this supplement is to help
prepare riders to complete the written
exam for a three-wheel motorcycle
license or endorsement. This information
is provided in addition to that offered in
the first part of this Motorcycle Operator
Manual (MOM), so when preparing
to take the written test, begin by
reading the information on two-wheel
motorcycles thoroughly. It provides
information on safe operation of your
motorcycle in traffic. This supplement
contains information specific to the safe
operation of a three-wheel motorcycle,
including both three-track motorcycles
and motorcycles with sidecars.

KNOW YOUr VehiCLe

There are many types of three-wheel
motorcycles available on the market
today. Requirements for licensing
three-wheel motorcycles vary by state.
In general, three-wheel motorcycles will
have the following characteristics:
1� Three wheels leaving two or
three separate tracks during
straight line operation.
2� Motorcycle-based conversion or
design with:
• Handlebar steering
• Motorcycle-type controls
with the standard layout.
Convenience alterations like
a single brake pedal or lever
control, automatic clutch, or
automatic transmission.
three-wheelsuPPleMent
• Saddle seating
– Seating in which the rider/
passenger straddles the
vehicle.
– If designed for a passenger,
the passenger must be
seated behind the operator
(or in a separate passenger
compartment in the case of a
motorcycle with sidecar).
3� Turning diameter of the vehicle
at its widest point must be less
than 40'.
4� The vehicle meets all applicable
federal on-road vehicle standards.
The following vehicles are not
included in this definition, and
therefore testing requirements may
not be applicable. Always refer to your
state Department of Motor Vehicles,
Department of Licensing or other
appropriate state regulatory agency for
exact regulations regarding testing for:
• Automotive hybrids or
automotive conversions
• Vehicles with automotive
controls or seating
• Vehicles with front or rear
mounted engines (engines must
be mounted mid-frame below the
rider to be considered motorcycle-
based)
• Vehicles with enclosed or semi-
enclosed riding compartments
• Motorcycles or scooters with two
close-set wheels in front (contact
patches less than 18.1 inches
apart) that lean and maneuver like
standard, single-track, two-wheel
motorcycles
or
• Vehicles with any other departure
from the above standards.