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| Mid-State Trikes Central New York's Authorized MotorTrike® Dealer |
Musings of a Trike Owner
Musings of a Trike Conversion Owner
“You’re going to miss leaning into the curves.” “You’re not going to like the size and bulkiness of
a trike conversion.” “You’re not a REAL motorcyclist if you ride a trike.” Yup, we’ve all heard the
negatives about choosing a trike. But in reality we found that it’s GREAT!
We’ve been motorcyclists since 1988, from the 1973 Yamaha 175 to the present 2001 GL1800s
and we’ve greatly enjoyed the two-wheel experience! My husband, Rich, and I have had
fantastic adventures as we have ridden our bikes together, first with our two children as co-
riders (the reason we both have motorcycle licenses) and then singly as they grew up and
became licensed themselves. Needless to say, we’ve had our minor tips and falls but nothing to
cause alarm. That is, until one day on our way to Lake George as Americade 2003 volunteers.
Rain followed us all the way to Lake George from home (Upstate New York Finger Lakes
Region). As we crossed a very long down-hill bridge, I must have down-shifted and released the
clutch too quickly, causing my bike to wobble violently. Suddenly I was sliding down the road on
my back beside my ‘Wing with no idea how I got there! Traffic stopped and a police officer
warned me that ‘the bridge is slippery when wet’ (no kidding!). Rich was slightly ahead of me
and instantly parked his ‘Wing and ran back to help me. We picked up my bike, I showed the
officer my license, and we were quickly on our way, though a bit shaken.
As a result, my confidence was shattered. The abysmal weather conditions at Americade 2005
with high heat and humidity, pollen levels resulted in a rogue case of asthma, diminished
concentration and days ending in exhaustion, converting my ‘Wing to a trike seemed to be the
ideal. We high-tailed it to the huge yellow MotorTrike exhibit at Tour Expo, talked with Jim and
Marci Jacobson of Mid-State Trikes, and promised to pay them a visit after we returned home
from Americade!
The next weekend, Rich and I visited Jim and Marci at their shop in Interlaken (NY) and before I
made the ultimate decision to convert my two-wheeler to a three-wheeler, Jim took me for a
demo ride. He explained important aspects about riding a trike. And then he urged me to try
riding it myself. Scared? You bet! Early in my riding experience, I tipped over doing a U-turn in
the middle of the street. Of course I was looking at the ground at the time, long before my MSF
training and “you go where you look!” Thus, tight turns still frightened me (even though I
completed my MSF training and had been riding a two-wheeler for 17 years). Slowly I circled the
school parking lot with Jim patiently coaching me. Finally I took the much-dreaded tight turn. The
fear disappeared! What a relief!!! I couldn’t wait for the trike conversion to be finished! And it
hadn’t even started the process yet!
Back at Mid-State Trikes, Rich and I picked out our MotorTrike options, which was not easy but
lots of fun! Jim explained one of the important no-no’s of riding a trike: Don’t EVER put your feet
down because it can cause very serious injuries!!! So, to combat the natural response, the
“Aqua-shields” were added to the list of options. The conversion was ordered and in what
seemed to Rich and myself like eternity (but in reality only a couple weeks!), Jim, Brad LaPoint
and Ross completed the conversion. Just in time for our trip to the NY GWRRA District Rally in
Watertown, NY! What a gorgeous trike! And what a totally enjoyable experience! Gone were
the fears of gravel and dirt in the intersections, the chance of putting my foot down on uneven
ground, and any other mishap that could mess up a ride. I was very comfortable knowing I had
that extra wheel under me, and I was pleasantly surprised to arrive in Watertown relatively
rested and much less frazzled. During the rally, Rich and I rode two-up a few times and I found
it was really fun to be a co-rider!
The decision to convert to a trike was NOT an easy one! There’s a certain amount of pride,
“prestige” and satisfaction riding a two-wheeler! As I mentioned before, I was warned that I’d
miss leaning into the curves and the nimble handling of the two-wheeler, etc. But once I rode a
trike and realized what a great-handling machine it is, I’m not looking back! Rich and I enjoy the
security, confidence and real freedom, as well as riding two-up. Above all, Mid-State Trikes did
an excellent job! As Rich says of the trike, “It’s all the positives without the negatives.”
Additionally, whether it’s a quick stop for gas or to pick up a few groceries, we find it takes a
LOT longer because people are fascinated with the trike. And not only the aspects of the trike,
but also all the options available on a Gold Wing! Of course we carry MotorTrike brochures in
the trunk just in case someone wants additional information. In fact, after church one Sunday,
an elderly lady admired the trike and Rich offered to take her for a ride around the parking lot.
She was elated and amazed at the comfort and stability of the trike.
Our trike is now pinstriped and looks as beautiful as it rides and handles. We’re putting more
miles on it, especially since gas prices have soared. Although the gas mileage is a tad lower
than it was as a two-wheeler, we no longer have to fill TWO gas tanks at a time. We still have
two-wheelers just in case, but you can tell we’re DEFINITELY happy with our trike conversion. I’
m so glad I didn’t give up motorcycling after my mishap because triking is an amazing option
and we encourage others to share the fun!!!!
“You’re going to miss leaning into the curves.” “You’re not going to like the size and bulkiness of
a trike conversion.” “You’re not a REAL motorcyclist if you ride a trike.” Yup, we’ve all heard the
negatives about choosing a trike. But in reality we found that it’s GREAT!
We’ve been motorcyclists since 1988, from the 1973 Yamaha 175 to the present 2001 GL1800s
and we’ve greatly enjoyed the two-wheel experience! My husband, Rich, and I have had
fantastic adventures as we have ridden our bikes together, first with our two children as co-
riders (the reason we both have motorcycle licenses) and then singly as they grew up and
became licensed themselves. Needless to say, we’ve had our minor tips and falls but nothing to
cause alarm. That is, until one day on our way to Lake George as Americade 2003 volunteers.
Rain followed us all the way to Lake George from home (Upstate New York Finger Lakes
Region). As we crossed a very long down-hill bridge, I must have down-shifted and released the
clutch too quickly, causing my bike to wobble violently. Suddenly I was sliding down the road on
my back beside my ‘Wing with no idea how I got there! Traffic stopped and a police officer
warned me that ‘the bridge is slippery when wet’ (no kidding!). Rich was slightly ahead of me
and instantly parked his ‘Wing and ran back to help me. We picked up my bike, I showed the
officer my license, and we were quickly on our way, though a bit shaken.
As a result, my confidence was shattered. The abysmal weather conditions at Americade 2005
with high heat and humidity, pollen levels resulted in a rogue case of asthma, diminished
concentration and days ending in exhaustion, converting my ‘Wing to a trike seemed to be the
ideal. We high-tailed it to the huge yellow MotorTrike exhibit at Tour Expo, talked with Jim and
Marci Jacobson of Mid-State Trikes, and promised to pay them a visit after we returned home
from Americade!
The next weekend, Rich and I visited Jim and Marci at their shop in Interlaken (NY) and before I
made the ultimate decision to convert my two-wheeler to a three-wheeler, Jim took me for a
demo ride. He explained important aspects about riding a trike. And then he urged me to try
riding it myself. Scared? You bet! Early in my riding experience, I tipped over doing a U-turn in
the middle of the street. Of course I was looking at the ground at the time, long before my MSF
training and “you go where you look!” Thus, tight turns still frightened me (even though I
completed my MSF training and had been riding a two-wheeler for 17 years). Slowly I circled the
school parking lot with Jim patiently coaching me. Finally I took the much-dreaded tight turn. The
fear disappeared! What a relief!!! I couldn’t wait for the trike conversion to be finished! And it
hadn’t even started the process yet!
Back at Mid-State Trikes, Rich and I picked out our MotorTrike options, which was not easy but
lots of fun! Jim explained one of the important no-no’s of riding a trike: Don’t EVER put your feet
down because it can cause very serious injuries!!! So, to combat the natural response, the
“Aqua-shields” were added to the list of options. The conversion was ordered and in what
seemed to Rich and myself like eternity (but in reality only a couple weeks!), Jim, Brad LaPoint
and Ross completed the conversion. Just in time for our trip to the NY GWRRA District Rally in
Watertown, NY! What a gorgeous trike! And what a totally enjoyable experience! Gone were
the fears of gravel and dirt in the intersections, the chance of putting my foot down on uneven
ground, and any other mishap that could mess up a ride. I was very comfortable knowing I had
that extra wheel under me, and I was pleasantly surprised to arrive in Watertown relatively
rested and much less frazzled. During the rally, Rich and I rode two-up a few times and I found
it was really fun to be a co-rider!
The decision to convert to a trike was NOT an easy one! There’s a certain amount of pride,
“prestige” and satisfaction riding a two-wheeler! As I mentioned before, I was warned that I’d
miss leaning into the curves and the nimble handling of the two-wheeler, etc. But once I rode a
trike and realized what a great-handling machine it is, I’m not looking back! Rich and I enjoy the
security, confidence and real freedom, as well as riding two-up. Above all, Mid-State Trikes did
an excellent job! As Rich says of the trike, “It’s all the positives without the negatives.”
Additionally, whether it’s a quick stop for gas or to pick up a few groceries, we find it takes a
LOT longer because people are fascinated with the trike. And not only the aspects of the trike,
but also all the options available on a Gold Wing! Of course we carry MotorTrike brochures in
the trunk just in case someone wants additional information. In fact, after church one Sunday,
an elderly lady admired the trike and Rich offered to take her for a ride around the parking lot.
She was elated and amazed at the comfort and stability of the trike.
Our trike is now pinstriped and looks as beautiful as it rides and handles. We’re putting more
miles on it, especially since gas prices have soared. Although the gas mileage is a tad lower
than it was as a two-wheeler, we no longer have to fill TWO gas tanks at a time. We still have
two-wheelers just in case, but you can tell we’re DEFINITELY happy with our trike conversion. I’
m so glad I didn’t give up motorcycling after my mishap because triking is an amazing option
and we encourage others to share the fun!!!!
| 7221 Perry City Road, Trumansburg, NY 14886 607.279.2599 Copyright © 2006-2012 All rights reserved |