12
Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook
additional consideration needs to be given to the direction
of the turn and the amount of weight in the sidecar. Since
the sidecar generally sits on the right side of the motorcycle,
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the additional cornering forces or weight. A right-hand
turn, however, may cause the sidecar wheel to lift off the
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or taken when braking. This is best avoided by slowing
before entering the turn, but can be controlled if the op-
erator understands how to steer a 2-wheel motorcycle.
The change from 3-wheel steering to 2-wheel steering
is called steering reversion. This happens if the sidecar
is high off the ground and the entire rig is at the balance
point. Turning the handlebars in the direction you want
to go turns 3-wheeled motorcycles, but 2-wheel turning is
accomplished by counter steering. To bring a sidecar that is
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erator needs to counter-steer to the right or steer to the left.
Other unique characteristics of 3-wheel motorcycles in
corners are drifting and sliding. Both of these characteris-
tics are related to tires not holding traction or slipping on
the pavement. Sliding is the front tire slipping, resulting
in a loss of steering. Drifting is the slipping of the rear
wheel of the motorcycle and/or sidecar wheel. Drifting is
unique to sidecar-equipped motorcycles. To initiate drift-
ing, the operator shifts weight, rolls on the throttle while
applying some front brake while turning (off camber turn).
Done carefully, this technique may help to sharpen turns,
particularly in left turns. Caution must be used while at-
tempting to drift in a right turn since too much throttle
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11. MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
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thing goes wrong with your motorcycle. In dealing with
any mechanical problem, take into account the road and
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can help you handle some mechanical problems safely.
11.1 TIRE FAILURE
: If the cycle starts handling differently,
pull off to check the tires. You will seldom hear a tire go
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denly from the way the cycle reacts.
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to jerk from side to side.
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other brake.
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and stop.
11.2 STUCK THROTTLE
: Twist the throttle back and
forth, this may free it. If the throttle stays stuck, im-
mediately operate the engine cut-off switch and pull in
the clutch. This will remove power from the rear wheel
though engine noise may not immediately decline. Once
you have the motorcycle “under control,” pull to the side
of the road and stop.
After you have stopped, check the throttle cable carefully
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works freely before you start to ride again.
11.3 WOBBLE
: A wobble occurs when the front wheel
and handlebars suddenly start to shake from side-to-side
at any speed.
Most wobbles can be traced to improper loading, the use
of unsuitable accessories, or the use of incorrect tires or tire
pressure. If you are carrying a heavy load, lighten it. If you
can’t lighten the load, shift it. Center the weight lower to
the ground and farther forward on the cycle. Make sure
tire pressure, spring pre-load, air shocks, and dampers are
at the levels recommended by the manufacturer for carry-
ing that much weight. If you have a windshield or fairing,
make sure it is mounted properly.
In addition to the above items, other things that may
contribute to wobble are poorly adjusted steering, worn
steering parts, a front wheel that is bent, misaligned, or out
of balance, loose wheel bearings, loose spokes and swing
arm bearings.
DO NOT try to “accelerate” out of the wobble. That will
only make the cycle more unstable. Instead:
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wobble.
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down. Do not apply the brakes; braking could make the
wobble worse.
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possible.
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problem.
11.4 CHAIN PROBLEMS
: If your chain slips or breaks
while you’re riding, it could lock the rear wheel and cause
your cycle to skid.
SLIPPAGE: If the chain slips when you try to speed up
quickly while riding uphill, pull off the road, and check
the chain sprockets. Tightening the chain may help. If
the problem is a worn or stretched chain or worn or bent
sprockets, replace the chain, the sprockets, or both before
riding again.
BREAKAGE: You’ll notice an instant loss of power to the
wheel. Close the throttle and brake to a stop.
