Topic: Feeling kind of 'hater' lately - trikes

[eigenvector]

So, yeah I don't like fireworks and I don't like 'hawgs'.  Well, next item up for discussion - are trikes considered motorcycles?

To be honest I don't hate them, for many people they are a decent option when injury won't allow them to ride a motorcycle anymore - I know that sooner or later my back will no longer allow me the luxury of riding, so for long-time riders I can see the attraction.

But here's the rub, the purist in me, and I am most definitely a purist, has a hard time considering them motorcycles.  As in, allowed to take the car pool lane or park in the motorcycle lots?
My state - Washington, considers them the same thing as a sidecar equipped motorcycle which I just can't support.  There's a huge difference between a sidecar carrying motorcycle and a 3 wheeler.  It's not even the same skill set to ride them - I suppose my state just copped out and lumped them together based on how many wheels they have, but if I had my druthers I'd put sidecar motorcycles in with motorcycles, and trikes in with cars.  Do trikes drive like cars?  I really don't know I have never ridden one except for an ATV that we used on the farm - not the same thing.

[dusterdude]

Im with you dude

[xtravbx]

I feel similar.

I think they're basically like a roadster convertible. Like a Miata. 2 seater open top vehicle. Don't really think of it as a motorcycle...

[demon78]

Me to I've driven harley 45 survey carts and they don't feel like a bike now on the 0ther Hand if someone were to give a Morgan 3 wheeler I would rive the piss out of it and to hell with what any one thought. https://www.morgan3wheeler.co.uk
Bill the demon.

[FunJimmy]

Personally, I couldn't give a #$%*. Trike, motorcycle with sidecar  scooter or traditional motorcycle shouldn't make the slightest difference to me or you. If you really want to discriminate, motorcycle with sidecar is just as far from motorcycling as a trike, so hate them too. Really pisses me off that people have to be so individual. Why can't we all be exactly the same? Cafe racers to all or die!

[ekpent]

Jimmy you do not sound very damn FUN. Every time I read a post of yours you are a downer, nobody I would want hanging out at my shop  Do you like trying to pick a fight or something all the time ? I get tired of that word "discriminate"

[FunJimmy]

Jimmy you do not sound very damn FUN. Every time I read a post of yours you are a downer, nobody I would want hanging out at my shop  Do you like trying to pick a fight or something all the time ? I get tired of that word "discriminate"

I'm getting exposed to so much intolerance that I'm becoming intolerant to it! 

[754]

The times Fun Jimmy came to visit the shop were fun..
 But he's right.... Lotsof kinds of people riding stuffwithout roofs and windows.. Me I wood rather be on the road with them..than cars..... .... Have fun out there..

[ekpent]

Jimmy you do not sound very damn FUN. Every time I read a post of yours you are a downer, nobody I would want hanging out at my shop  Do you like trying to pick a fight or something all the time ? I get tired of that word "discriminate"

I'm getting exposed to so much intolerance that I'm becoming intolerant to it! 

I hear you my friend, and sorry to get cranky. Luckily we all share a common bond here I think and that is twisting up a throttle and enjoying that little bit of solitude and happiness that it brings.

[Ravie]

That's like those new Polaris jobbies. They're open top but still have two car tires in the front. They're cars missing a rear wheel IMO.

The Can-Ams are more "cycle-like" I think, but as far as the big trikes with solid rear axles are concerned...why not go buy a convertible?

[ofreen]

The 3 wheelers are bulky but the experience must be more like riding a bike than driving a car. I say that without ever riding one, but I'd like to try one. Not my style, but anything with a motor and wheels can be fun. What difference does it make how some bureaucrats classify them?

Oh yeah, I wave at them too.

[eigenvector]

Doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things I admit.  As for how the government classifies them, having them share the same privileges that a motorcycle shares on the road irks me.  Notice I said 'irk' not 'enrages' 'embodies great animosity' 'greatest matter consuming my soul'.

I suppose if you don't think motorcycles should have any additional privileges on the road then I can understand why throwing in 3 wheelers wouldn't cause a person any concern.  Not that I'm putting words in anyone's mouth.

[FunJimmy]

Doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things I admit.  As for how the government classifies them, having them share the same privileges that a motorcycle shares on the road irks me.  Notice I said 'irk' not 'enrages' 'embodies great animosity' 'greatest matter consuming my soul'.

I suppose if you don't think motorcycles should have any additional privileges on the road then I can understand why throwing in 3 wheelers wouldn't cause a person any concern.  Not that I'm putting words in anyone's mouth.

It's probably got more to do with bureaucratic BS combined, low number of registered vehicles and an inability to classify them as car or motorcycle. Either way it hasn't made it to "greatest matter consuming my soul" yet either.

[faux fiddy]

Jimmy you do not sound very damn FUN. Every time I read a post of yours you are a downer, nobody I would want hanging out at my shop  Do you like trying to pick a fight or something all the time ? I get tired of that word "discriminate"

I'm getting exposed to so much intolerance that I'm becoming intolerant to it! 

(%*&%$#@   can ams  are a whole *%&$# other $%#@ category of *@%$@#!  &%#.  Actually,  if I had a   $%$$^      &* #%$ sidecar I'd run it if it wasn't some *(%$#*^#!  ugly   piece of #$%*.

As far as a set of riding skills, well, I have an acquaintance whose riding skill doesn't include regulating his blood sugar so well and he got a  ^%#%@#& honda v-twin because of his ^$#^*%$@#  and  that has a nice trunk in it, but not big enough to *%#@$%  a    *&%^#ing   $@#%#   in, but the two (_*_)   (_*_)'s  on it can be ^%#$@^&%    $%*&^$!    I figure it's just good to see people riding something even if it is a %$^&*#   #$%@^%&*.

[demon78]

754 I don't remember my geography that well of the interior any more how are you fixed for flame?
Bill the demon.

[FunJimmy]

754 I don't remember my geography that well of the interior any more how are you fixed for flame?
Bill the demon.

Forest fire conditions in BC are extreme. Kelowna isn't in imminent danger but the west side of the lake has big issues leading to evacuation orders and threats of structure loss. Frank should be OK unless he's out riding Westside Road.

More: http://globalnews.ca/news/2120071/70-homes-evacuated-due-to-westside-road-wildfire/

[754]

Yesterday afternoon and evening about 4 fires broke out in a 75 mile stretch. Some near houses, then the wind came up strong, grounding the air tankers... Which resulted in rapid fire growth. Lots of smoke pouring over the hill here from fire on other side of the Lake..
 Conditions are very bad here..
Search Shelter Cove Fire castanet

[demon78]

Good luck Sport hope it gets drowned by rain.
Biil the demon.

[Duanob]

Well back on topic....

I guess when I'm too old to throw a leg over and hold up a 2 wheeler I may warm up to having three 

[eigenvector]

Why does it matter how they are classified? Does it impinge upon your driving experience? Does it prevent you from enjoying your motorcycle? Does it cost you more to operate yours?

Well, if you don't have a problem sharing the carpool lane with single occupancy drivers - because, as you say, it doesn't affect you.  Might as well do away with the carpool lane entirely if you're going to take that stance.

The reason why motorcycles are allowed in the carpool lane is a matter of federal law, safer to keep two wheeled vehicles out of stop and go traffic and second to allow them to keep airflow - something I'm sure you are familiar with.  I don't see how that logic fits with 3 wheelers who are certainly large enough to be seen by other drivers, and all are water-cooled at this point.
So why do silly state rules bother me so much - because I'm not content to just sit back and let them do as they will.  I helped elect them after all.

[eigenvector]

The reasons you state are not the only reasons motorcycles are allowed in to HOV lanes. A great deal of it is due to passenger vs vehicle size benefits, mileage per passenger value, and total vehicle manueverability. 3 wheelers have many of these same benefits, and both of you can only car pry a maximum of 2 passengers.

Quote from DOT
"Motorcycles are permitted by federal law to use HOV lanes, even with only one passenger. The rationale behind allowing motorcycles to use HOV lanes is that it is safer to keep two-wheeled vehicles moving than to have them travel in start-and-stop traffic conditions. States can choose to override this provision of federal law, if they determine that safety is at risk"