Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual page 88


tip-over line. The reduced weight over
the opposite side wheel can cause it to
lift slightly.
The weight of a three-track
motorcycle is distributed almost equally
between the two front or two rear
wheels. These motorcycles handle the
same in left and right hand turns.
When turning a three-track
motorcycle:
• Approach a turn at speed with
your head up, and look through the
turn.
• Concentrate on pointing the front
wheel/wheels in the direction you
want the motorcycle to go.
• Roll off the throttle before entering
the turn.
• Apply the brakes enough to slow
the motorcycle to a speed at which
you can ride safely through the
turn, then release the brakes before
the turn.
• Slightly lean your upper body in
the direction you intend to turn.
• Steer the front wheel/wheels
toward the turn.
• Roll on the throttle to pull the
motorcycle through the turn.
On the other hand, because the
center of gravity of a motorcycle with
sidecar is close to the motorcycle itself,
the behavior of the vehicle when
turning right and when turning left is
quite different.
During a right turn, a slight sideways
movement of the center of gravity
creates a greater tendency for the
sidecar wheel to lift. The lift will be
greater if the sidecar is empty or lightly
loaded.
When turning right on a
motorcycle with sidecar:
• Anticipate the degree of turn
required.
• Reduce speed before entering the
curve by downshifting or braking.
• Slightly lean your upper body in
the direction you intend to turn.
• Maintain speed as you enter the
curve.
• Accelerate gradually as you exit the
curve.
During a left hand turn, the sidecar
acts as a stabilizer, so the sidecar wheel
stays on the ground. However, if the
turn is taken too sharply or at too high
a rate of speed, there is a tendency
for the motorcycle rear suspension to
extend, and this may cause the rear
wheel of the motorcycle to lift off the
ground.
When turning left on a motorcycle
with sidecar:
• Reduce speed prior to entering the
turn
• Apply more pressure on the rear
brake then on the front
Hills
When riding uphill on a three-wheel
motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecar,
some weight will shift to the rear,
causing the front of the motorcycle
to become lighter. This weight shift
reduces the traction on the front tire/
tires for steering and tire grip.
When riding downhill, gravity
increases the amount of braking force
required to slow or stop the motorcycle.
It is important, therefore, to begin
slowing earlier for cornering and
stopping.
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