I don't get these three-wheeled "motorcycles"

I'm talking about the ones with two front wheels. I saw a bunch of them on my western trip. Scared me to death just watching them. I can see it if for some reason you can't ride a two-wheeler anymore, but to ride these instead of a bike? Doesn't make sense to me. What am I missing?

 

I worked at a BRP dealer who sold the Spyders. They are quite fun. A bit weird, but fun. The sales rep said they were for the client who wants a convertible sportscar and a motorcycle. I know a lot of people whole own them, take the touring model on long road trips and love them. I'm not too familiar with the Polaris slingshot, but have heard good things. I'd buy a spyder if the price was right, but that's about the only reason why. Hope this helps.

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If you look at the Slingshot up close, the build quality seems similar to a kit car. If you want a 3 wheeler...get a Morgan.

 

But how is it anything like a motorcycle? Just seems like a convertible missing a rear wheel. Seating position and riding/driving characteristics aren't even close. It has a steering wheel...

 

The spyder is the motorcycle looking one. The slingshot is the sit in and steering wheel one. I'm really not sure what Polaris was thinking when the made the slingshot.

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Agreed. The build quality on polaris in general has declined as well.

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I don't understand the appeal either.

Friend of mine brought over a Vanderhall the other day and tried to toss me the keys. No thanks! Not interested.

 

I'm going to stereotype a bit here, but I've sees these mostly bought/ridden by the older set. The ones who still want the wind in their hair but aren't quite as sharp as they used to be.

 

If you’ve been on motorcycle rides and watched bikes fall over while parking or taking off you would understand.

They are great for older or inexperienced riders.

 

I get that, but watching these things on the open road, I'm not sure they are safer. High center of gravity, with no lean or countersteering.

 

I’d rather (go old school, and) rock a RUPP.

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2016/01/07/rupps-centaur-predicted-a-future-that-could-have-been-but-never-was/

 

But hard to tip over and no balance skills required. Also, you don’t have to reach the ground with your feet, so add short people to the list of potential buyers.

 

I rode a Spyder briefly, and didn't get the appeal.......the 'no lean' aspect; it's kind of like an automatic in a sports car. The positives can't be denied, however.

 

But, why not get an Atom and have four wheels?

 

An Ariel Atom's lowest price is ~$50,000.........so lots more $$$.

 

The really fugly ones are the two wheeler in the back. Looks like a meter maid patrolling the streets.

 

Personally, my 3rd wheel was on my sidecar. Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

After many decades with Goldwings, and laying one down about 8 years ago, my Grandpa switched to a CanAm Spyder. He said it is much better for his chronic back pain.

 

Yamaha is going to release the 3 wheeled Niken for 2019 that allows you to lean into the corners.



The front end looks like a mechanical nightmare to maintain and I am sure the slightest amount of wear in that linkage will make it handle weird.

 

Cool looking, I guess. I still don't get the point.

Why not buy a Miata?

 

Last summer, I made the trek from CO to Laguna Seca to watch WSB races with my son and chose Hwy 50 across NV rather than a much more pedestrian I-80. On the way home and at triple digit speed, I passed a trio of CanAms parked on the side of the road. As I was 30-40 miles outside of Ely I decided it would be best to dial things down and settled on a more leisurely 80 mph. Turns out Mr. NV Patrol wasn't impressed with my new found conservatism and pulled me over.

I was negotiating with Mr Patrol over the foibles of owning a BMW XR and inaccurate speedometers when the CanAms puttered by. I have found that most officers are actually disappointed when they pull me over and see what an old fart I am...hoping to crack the whip on a squid I suppose. He looks at the CanAms as they go off into the distance and asks: "riding buddies of yours?"

I hate to admit it but I was a bit offended...did I really look like someone who would ride one? In the end I think he was trying to gauge whether or not I had been airing things out and pulled way ahead of "my buddies", but still.

We settled our differences and Mr. Patrol let me off with a warning...

Brock

 

Lookie at all that extra weight up front....wow. My guess is that the design is an attempt to lessen the probability of low-side crashes when the front end washes out. However, me thinks that an unintended consequence of more grip in the front would be a loosie goosie rear....think of all the spectacular high-sides these things could produce!

Brock

 

Right on, bro. I was watching these things in Colorado. Scary frankly. I was in a Porsche Cayenne. I started backing down. I wanted to leave room.


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All the trike conversions Gold Wings I ever rode the front end felt floppy since there was way to much of a weight transfer to the rear unless the owners changed up triple clamps and forks, Lets not even get into cornering one. The brakes are an issue as well since the front is no longer has the weight transfer that a motorcycle has.

The CanAm is nothing more than a snowmobile with wheels replacing the skis and track. I honestly think that it was originally marketed to the touring sled heads and it took off from there. I rode one around the block and did not care for it and have no desire to try one ever again.

The Slingshot is nothing more than Polaris's knee jerk reaction to the CanAm by crossing a sled with a side by side UTV. Naturally with Polaris the R+D is minimal at best with several recalls and stop sale orders to dealers right after they were released to the public. This kinda common with most Polaris built vehicles. The number of service bulletins and recalls are staggering. Cannot comment on how they run and handle since I cannot fit my fat and tall frame into one I have a better chance of being comfortable in a Ferrari 308 than a Slingshot at 6'4" and size 15 feet.

 

A friend in Lost Wages bought a Slingshot and took me for a couple of rides. It was a rattle trap, the frame and suspension felt springy, the engine looked like it was freshly snatched from a Ford Pinto and wasn't all that comfortable to sit in. The only good part was the guy was on LV Metro PD so he would flail the thing around the streets and highways with impunity.