While many three-wheeled cars are considered weird, almost every three-wheeled motorcycle is said to be remarkable. Widely known as trikes, three-wheeled motorcycles have gained an unprecedented surge in popularity in recent times. A trike provides a better turning radius than a quad bike while also eliminating duck-walking in traffic, make low-speed parade cruising easier.
Older riders are attracted to trikes for their steering concept instead of the leaning concept in the exhilarating two-wheeled motorcycles. Since trikes also boast good fuel economy above their exceptional ease of commute, younger inexperienced riders opt to invest in them as well. For trike enthusiasts, here are a few superb examples that are actually cool.
8 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide
Harley-Davidson unveiled the first Tri Glide model with a CVO designation for the 2020 model year. It is one of the most groundbreaking Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It features a revolutionary Reflex Defensive Radar System, a new technology designed to match the motorcycle’s performance to available traction when accelerating. This RDRS system incorporates a Cornering Enhanced Drag Torque Slip Control System and a Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System.
The Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide packs a 45-degree 1923cc twin-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine that generates 125lb-ft maximum torque at 3750rpm. This motorcycle also features Daymaker adaptive LED headlights, heated seats, infotainment system, sound system, and Kahuna collection levers, grips, floorboards, and pegs.
7 Can-Am Spyder F3-S Special Series
Unlike most of its competitors, the Can-Am Spyder F3-S Special Series offers a unique approach to three-wheel design with an aggressive tadpole wheel configuration and bodywork. The trike features a specially-designed Kenda flat profile rear tire that resembles a standard automobile tire. The Spyder F3-S Special Series also boasts a triple black appearance that comprises a black suede perforated seat, blacked-out drivetrain, all-black bodywork, and black 6-spoke chrome wheels.
The Can-Am Spyder F3-S Special Series packs a peppy 1330cc liquid-cooled Rotax Ace engine that churns 115bhp and 96lb-ft peak torque. The trike’s engine is coupled to either a manual shift or semi-automatic transmission, both fitted with a reverse gear.
6 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler
The Freewheeler is one of the best Harleys that is built to perform as well as it looks. The trike is easily distinguished by its 12-inch mini ape hanger handlebars and bobtail fenders that create a low profile. The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler features a 1868cc air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine with 105lb-ft peak torque paired to a six-speed transmission with a reverse gear.
This trike has a double-cradle frame with tubular-steel members supporting and completely covering the drivetrain rather than incorporating it as a stressed member. Standard features include a seven-piece chrome nacelle, beercan fork skirts, a six-gallon fuel tank, classic instrument panels, ignition switch, deep-scoop seat, and trunk compartment in the rear.
5 Yamaha Niken GT
Yamaha built the Niken GT with a new leaning trike concept that is uncommon in full-size motorbikes. The steering head is also uncommonly sharp with a 20-degree angle and a shockingly short 2.9-inches of trail. Other Niken GT standard features include a hybrid frame, gull-wing swingarms, LED headlights, vented windshield, dual-axis steering system, horizontal Monocross shocks, ABS, four-port front caliper brakes, and rear disc brakes.
The Yamaha Niken GT is powered by an 847cc liquid-cooled 12-valve DOHC inline three-cylinder that maxes 115bhp at 10000rpm and 65lb-ft maximum torque at 8500rpm. The trike’s engine is paired to a six-speed transmission that utilizes a quick shifter for aggressive acceleration and a slip-and-assist clutch or easy lever pulling and wheel-hop protection.
4 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra
Initially, Harley-Davidson built the Tri Glide Ultra to target female riders and riders with health complications from injuries or aging. Like many other trikes, the Tri Glide Ultra has experienced increased popularity, especially for its unique combination of the traditional trike platform with tour-elements from standard Harley-Davidson two-wheelers.
The Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra is powered by a 1868cc twin-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 hydraulic overhead valve engine capable of generating 121lb-ft peak torque at 3250rpm. The Tri Glide Ultra boasts a few standard features; seven-spoke cast aluminum rims, traction-control system, four-port front caliper brakes, single-piston rear caliper brakes, Showa front suspension, and emulsion rear shock system.
3 Can-Am Ryker
The Ryker is the second three-wheeler on-road trike from Can-Am after the Can-Am Spyder model. The Ryker is available in a 600cc four-stroke inline two-cylinder base engine with 47bhp and 34.5lb-ft maximum torque. A 900cc four-stroke inline three-cylinder engine with 77bhp and 56lb-ft peak torque is also available for upper trim levels.
The Ryker features adjustable handlebars with side-view mirrors, brake pedals integrated with adjustable footpeg, and two Sachs coil-over front shocks. It also comes with a single Sachs coil-over rear shock, direct steering, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The trike has plastic composite body panels that make the Ryker simple and inexpensive to customize.
2 Polaris Slingshot 3 Wheel Motorcycle Car
Manufactured by Polaris Industries in Alabama, USA, the Polaris Slingshot is registered as a motorcycle or autocycle, depending on the jurisdiction. Like most trikes, it has no side windows, doors, or roof, although it boasts a unique waterproof interior that allows for hosing down. The Slingshot also features side-by-side bucket seats, tilt-adjustable steering wheels, 17-inch front wheels, an 18-inch rear wheel, double-wishbone front suspension with an anti-roll bar, coil-over rear shock, and a media center.
The Polaris Slingshot is available in three models; the standard Slingshot, Slingshot SL, and Slingshot SL LE. Slingshot models built between 2015 and 2019 pack a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder GM Ecotec engine that churns 173bhp and 166lb-ft peak torque. Later models from 2020 boast a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder ProStar engine that maxes 200bhp.
1 Campagna T-Rex
Deutschman Design styled the three-wheel T-Rex with an interior that accommodates the driver seated side-by-side with a single passenger. This T-Rex interior also features a foot-pedal box, adjustable seatbacks, and retractable three-point seat belts. The T-Rex has a sequential six-speed manual transmission with a hand-operated shift lever, similar to the manual trans equipped in two-wheel motorcycles.
The Campagna T-Rex houses a 1649cc transversely-mounted straight six-cylinder BMW engine that generates 160bhp and 129lb-ft maximum torque. This trike also features fully adjustable suspension, outdoor soft protection cover, rearview mirrors with integrated reverse cameras, passenger footrest, wind deflector, car-type steering column, and projector headlights.