Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual page 86


Three-Wheel
Motorcycle Designs
Three-wheel motorcycle designs
vary among manufacturers. Unlike
traditional motorcycles, which are
considered single-track motorcycles,
three-wheel motorcycles could be either
dual or triple track design. Dual track
vehicles are motorcycles with sidecars,
while triple track motorcycles can be
configured either with dual front wheels
or dual rear wheels.
Motorcycle
andthree-wheel
Motorcycledesigns
The Right Motorcycle for You
Make sure your three-wheel
motorcycle or sidecar-equipped
motorcycle is right for you. You should
be able to comfortably reach and
operate all of the controls, and be
able to complete full turns using the
handlebars without excessive upper
body movements that could jeopardize
stability and control.
Borrowing and Lending
Borrowers and lenders, beware.
Crashes are fairly common among
beginning operators, especially in
the first months of riding. Operating
an unfamiliar motorcycle adds to the
problem. If you borrow a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar,
get familiar with it in a controlled area
first. If you lend your three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with sidecar
to friends, make sure they are licensed
and know how to ride before you
allow them to operate in traffic. Such
motorcycles operate very differently
than two-wheel motorcycles.
No matter how experienced you may
be, be extra careful on any vehicle that
is unfamiliar or new to you.
Get Familiar with
Motorcycle Controls
Be sure you are familiar with the
controls of the three-wheel motorcycle
or motorcycle with a sidecar before
attempting to operate it on any
highway, since some controls may differ
from those found on other motorcycles.
This is especially important if you are
riding on a borrowed motorcycle. Before
beginning the ride:
• Make all the checks you would on
your own motorcycle.
• Familiarize yourself with all
controls, such as the turn signals,
horn, headlight switch, fuel control
valve, and cut-off switch. Locate
and operate these items without
having to search for them.
49