Three wheel or multi-track motorcycles are increasing in popularity. The trike conversions of Gold Wings and Harley's are the most common and CanAm Spyder has made increase showings on the roadways. The question asked of me, while riding my Spyder is, "How's it ride?" The answer is--not like a motorcycle.
Some states are classifying the Bombardier Recreational Product (BRP) Open Air Roadster as a motorcycle--there are many similarities. While trying to enter a Military installation two years ago, with my brand new Spyder, the sentry paused and mumbled, "It looks like a motorcycle, you have helmet and gloves, but it has three wheels--do you have a motorcycle safety card?"
It took the Department of Defense over a year to figure out how to classify the Spyder. Current regulations identified any three wheel vehicle exempt from motorcycle safety training requirements--I guess the Spyder changed that. The different service branches are still defining the instruction, and we have yet to see how exactly the services will implement safety training for multi-track vehicles; however, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is preparing to release the 3WBRC or 3 Wheel Basic Rider Course. As expected the Foundation has developed a safety behavior based course to address the needs of 3 wheel motorcycles. It's fun, informative, and you can bet it will dispel any urban legends regarding the wrong way to operate a three wheel motorcycle.
If you are fortunate enough to get a Spyder or conversion trike for Christmas--take the time to get trained--you'll get a lot more enjoyable miles if your trained and behave safely.
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Tags: @lifefront
