Lane Position; Acceleration And Deceleration - Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual

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Lane Position

The track of the dual wheels of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcycle
with a sidecar is almost the same
width as some automobiles. Unlike a
motorcycle, you are limited, therefore, in
lane positioning. Keep toward the center
of the lane to be sure the track of the
dual wheels does not cross the painted
lines into opposing traffic. Riding too far
to the right could cause loss of traction if
the tire leaves the pavement.
Lane positioning when riding
in groups is also an important
consideration. You will not be able
to use a staggered formation, such
as you would when riding two-wheel
motorcycles. Ride single file and always
maintain a safe margin, two seconds
minimum, between vehicles.
Parking at the Roadside
Because of the limitations on mobility
and motorcycle length, it is not practical
to park your motorcycle at a 90 degree
angle with your rear wheel touching
the curb, as you would with a two-whel
motorcycle. Position your motorcycle in a
parking space so you are parked parallel
to the curb and set the parking brake.
Some three-wheel motorcycles have
reverse, so you can more easily maneuver
into a parking space designed for an
automobile. Parking parallel to the curb
will facilitate pulling away from the curb
and entering the lanes of traffic.

Acceleration and Deceleration

A three-wheel motorcycle with two
drive wheels tends to be much more
stable during acceleration and braking
than a motorcycle with a sidecar.
Attaching a sidecar to your motorcycle
adds a non-powered, off-centered mass
of weight. So, during acceleration,
three-wheelsuPPleMent
the sidecar will feel as though it is
lagging behind you, causing the vehicle
to feel as though it is being steered
to the right. During deceleration or
braking, the momentum of the sidecar
continues to carry it forward, giving
the feeling that the sidecar is trying to
pass you, making the motorcycle feel as
though it is being steered left.
• On acceleration, compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly
in the opposite direction from the
sidecar.
• On deceleration, compensate for
this tendency by steering slightly in
the direction of the sidecar. You can
also pull in the clutch when braking.
Swerving
A quick stop may not always be
sufficient to avoid an obstacle in your
path, even if you properly apply both
brakes. Sometimes the only way to
avoid a collision is to swerve. A swerve
is any sudden change of direction. It can
be two quick turns or a rapid shift to the
side when maneuvering the motorcycle.
Often, there is not much time to adjust
your body position.
A three-wheel motorcycle or
motorcycle with sidecar is not as
maneuverable as a two-wheel
motorcycle, so plan well ahead to
avoid the need for any sudden turns or
swerving. If braking is required, brake
either before or after the swerve, never
while swerving.
Cornering & Curves
The cornering characteristics of a
three-wheel motorcycle or motorcycle
with a sidecar differ from those of a
motorcycle. Even with three wheels on
the ground, a sidecar can tip over if it is
being turned too sharply or is going too
fast for a corner. Therefore, it is best to