Three-wheel motorcycles
Questions and answers
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What license does Texas law require to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?
A Class M license
A three-wheel motorcycle needs the same Class M license as a two-wheel motorcycle.
Three-wheel supplement · Three-wheel supplement ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What happens if you qualify through a safety course made only for three-wheel motorcycles?
You are restricted to operating three-wheel motorcycles
A three-wheel course leads to a license limited to three-wheel motorcycles.
Three-wheel supplement · Three-wheel supplement ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How many separate tracks does a three-wheel motorcycle leave when going straight?
Two or three
A sidecar rig leaves two tracks, and a three-track motorcycle leaves three.
Three-wheel supplement · Know your vehicle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
To count as a three-wheel motorcycle, the turning diameter at its widest point must be less than what?
40 feet
The vehicle must also meet all applicable federal on-road standards.
Three-wheel supplement · Know your vehicle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On a three-wheel motorcycle designed for a passenger, where must the passenger sit?
Behind the operator, or in the sidecar compartment
With a sidecar, the passenger may ride in the separate passenger compartment.
Three-wheel supplement · Know your vehicle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is saddle seating?
Seating in which the rider and passenger straddle the vehicle
Saddle seating is one of the traits of a motorcycle-based design.
Three-wheel supplement · Know your vehicle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What kind of steering does a motorcycle-based three-wheel design have?
Handlebar steering
Vehicles with automotive controls or seating fall outside this group.
Three-wheel supplement · Know your vehicle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Where must the engine be mounted for a vehicle to be considered motorcycle-based?
Mid-frame, below the rider
Vehicles with front or rear mounted engines must check with the DMV and DPS.
Three-wheel supplement · Know your vehicle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
A scooter has two close-set front wheels that lean like a two-wheeler. Their contact patches are less than how far apart?
18.1 inches
Such vehicles are listed separately, and riders should check with the DMV and DPS.
Three-wheel supplement · Know your vehicle ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What is a dual-track motorcycle?
A motorcycle with a sidecar
Triple-track motorcycles have either dual front wheels or dual rear wheels.
Three-wheel supplement · Three-Wheel Motorcycle Designs ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If you borrow a three-wheel motorcycle, what should you do first?
Get familiar with it in a controlled area
Such motorcycles operate very differently than two-wheel motorcycles.
Three-wheel supplement · Borrowing and Lending ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Before lending your sidecar rig to a friend, what should you make sure of?
That they are licensed and know how to ride
Use extra caution on any unfamiliar vehicle, no matter how experienced you are.
Three-wheel supplement · Borrowing and Lending ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How can you tell a three-wheel motorcycle is the right size for you?
You can make full turns without excessive upper body movement
You should reach and operate all controls comfortably.
Three-wheel supplement · The Right Motorcycle for You ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which control changes may a motorcycle conversion have?
A single brake pedal or lever, automatic clutch, or automatic transmission
Operate all controls before you start riding, since they may differ from other motorcycles.
Three-wheel supplement · Get Familiar with Motorcycle Controls ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How should you ride when you first start out on an unfamiliar three-wheel motorcycle?
Accelerate gently, take turns more slowly, and leave extra room to stop
Start slowly and carefully, and stay aware of your surroundings.
Three-wheel supplement · Body Position ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should the operator be able to reach both handgrips comfortably?
More handlebar movement is needed than on a two-wheel motorcycle
Good position also reduces fatigue.
Three-wheel supplement · Body Position ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What can improve control when turning a three-wheel motorcycle?
Shifting your weight in the direction of the turn
You do not need to move drastically, but shifting weight toward the turn helps.
Three-wheel supplement · Body Position ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why can conventional three-wheel motorcycles not countersteer?
They cannot lean
Instead, you point the front wheel where you want to go.
Three-wheel supplement · Steering & Tip ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How do you steer a conventional three-wheel motorcycle?
Point the front wheel in the direction you want to go
Three-wheelers steer differently from two-wheelers because they cannot lean.
Three-wheel supplement · Steering & Tip ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What can happen when enough weight shifts outside the tip-over lines?
Only two wheels may stay on the road
Place loads and passengers inside the tip-over lines for stability.
Three-wheel supplement · Steering & Tip ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When is the inside rear wheel of a three-wheel motorcycle more likely to lift in a turn?
At higher speed and in tighter curves
Inertia moves the center of gravity outward toward the tip-over line.
Three-wheel supplement · Turning ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How does a three-track motorcycle handle in left and right turns?
The same in both directions
Its weight is spread almost equally between the two front or two rear wheels.
Three-wheel supplement · Turning ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When turning a three-track motorcycle, when should you release the brakes?
Before the turn
Slow to a safe speed, release the brakes, then steer into the turn.
Three-wheel supplement · Turning ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What do you do with the throttle while turning a three-track motorcycle?
Roll it on to pull the motorcycle through the turn
Roll off before the turn, then roll on to pull through it.
Three-wheel supplement · Turning ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On a motorcycle with a sidecar, in which turn is the sidecar wheel most likely to lift?
A right turn
The lift is greater if the sidecar is empty or lightly loaded.
Three-wheel supplement · Turning ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When does the sidecar wheel lift more in a right turn?
When the sidecar is empty or lightly loaded
Weight in the sidecar helps hold its wheel on the ground.
Three-wheel supplement · Turning ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What can happen if you take a left turn too sharply or too fast on a sidecar rig?
The rear wheel of the motorcycle may lift off the ground
In a left turn the sidecar acts as a stabilizer, but too much speed can lift the motorcycle’s rear wheel.
Three-wheel supplement · Turning ↗PDF, 8 MB -
When turning left on a motorcycle with a sidecar, how should you brake?
More pressure on the rear brake than the front
Reduce speed before the turn and steer the front wheel toward it.
Three-wheel supplement · Turning ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What can happen when braking in a sharp turn on a motorcycle with a sidecar?
The sidecar wheel may lift off the ground
Turning uses up traction, so hard braking in a turn can also cause a skid.
Three-wheel supplement · Braking ↗PDF, 8 MB -
What happens to a three-wheel motorcycle when riding uphill?
The front becomes lighter and loses some traction
Weight shifts to the rear, reducing front grip for steering.
Three-wheel supplement · Hills ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Why should you begin slowing earlier when riding downhill?
Gravity increases the braking force needed
Start slowing sooner for corners and stops.
Three-wheel supplement · Hills ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which lane position should you keep on a three-wheel motorcycle?
Toward the center of the lane
The dual wheels are nearly as wide as some cars and must not cross the painted lines.
Three-wheel supplement · Lane Position ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How should three-wheel motorcycles ride in a group?
Single file, at least two seconds apart
Their width rules out the staggered formation used by two-wheel motorcycles.
Three-wheel supplement · Lane Position ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How should you park a three-wheel motorcycle at the roadside?
Parallel to the curb, with the parking brake set
Parking parallel makes it easier to pull away into traffic.
Three-wheel supplement · Parking at the Roadside ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Which is more stable during acceleration and braking?
A three-wheel motorcycle with two drive wheels
A sidecar adds a non-powered, off-center mass.
Three-wheel supplement · Acceleration and Deceleration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On a sidecar rig, how do you correct for the sidecar lagging during acceleration?
Steer slightly in the opposite direction from the sidecar
Acceleration makes the rig feel as though it is being steered to the right.
Three-wheel supplement · Acceleration and Deceleration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On a sidecar rig, how do you correct for the sidecar pushing ahead when braking?
Steer slightly in the direction of the sidecar
You can also pull in the clutch when braking.
Three-wheel supplement · Acceleration and Deceleration ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Where should you enter a curve on a three-wheel motorcycle, if it is safe?
Toward the outside of your lane
Following the lane center can increase tip-over forces. Stay in your lane throughout.
Three-wheel supplement · Cornering & Curves ↗PDF, 8 MB -
If you must brake and swerve on a three-wheel motorcycle, when do you brake?
Before or after the swerve, never during it
These vehicles are less maneuverable, so plan ahead to avoid swerving.
Three-wheel supplement · Swerving ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How should cargo be placed in the storage areas of a three-track motorcycle?
Centered and low, within the tip-over lines
Keep the load balanced side to side and never exceed the loading capacity.
Three-wheel supplement · Carrying passengers and cargo ↗PDF, 8 MB -
On a motorcycle with a sidecar, where is the best place for a single passenger?
In the sidecar
A single passenger on the saddle adds weight on the tip-over line and makes the rig less stable.
Three-wheel supplement · Carrying passengers and cargo ↗PDF, 8 MB -
With two passengers on a sidecar rig, where should the heavier one ride?
In the sidecar
A second passenger may ride behind the rider, but the heavier one goes in the sidecar.
Three-wheel supplement · Carrying passengers and cargo ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How should a passenger sitting behind the rider of a three-wheel motorcycle ride?
Sit upright at all times
Unlike on a two-wheel motorcycle, the passenger does not need to lean with the rider.
Three-wheel supplement · Carrying passengers and cargo ↗PDF, 8 MB -
Where should loads be placed in a sidecar?
Toward the rear of the sidecar
Rear loading reduces tipping of the sidecar nose in a sudden left turn. Secure the load firmly.
Three-wheel supplement · Carrying passengers and cargo ↗PDF, 8 MB -
How does adding a sidecar passenger affect turning?
Right turns can be made a little faster, but left turns need more force
A sidecar passenger greatly improves stability.
Three-wheel supplement · Carrying passengers and cargo ↗PDF, 8 MB