Sidecar + Scooter + Trike Motorcycles
Sidecar + Scooter + Trike Motorcycles is a catch–all category that, according to guides, includes machines that have styling, controls and seating positions like those found on motorcycles, but are different in important ways. Reviews of the Sidecars category include motorcycles with an affixed sidecar rig, also known as a “sidehack,” that adds a third wheel and a car that can be used to carry a passenger or cargo. Scooters have a step–through design that offers a chair–like seating position with the rider’s knees close together, as well as a twist–and–go transmission (usually a CVT) that doesn’t require a rider to change gears manually. Trikes are typically conversions–motorcycles with the rear wheel replaced by an axle and two car–like wheels/tires.
Scooters: BMW C 600 Sport and C 650 GT Review
Mark Tuttle
May 31, 2012
By Mark Tuttle, photography by Arnold Debus If you live in a large city, it doesn’t take much thought to figure out why BMW is jumping into the scooter market now. Traffic congestion and parking restrictions are escalating, and in the new economy some of us just can’t afford to waste time with either—we... Read more »
Honda Announces New Scooters for 2013
Press Release
April 2, 2012
Honda enters the 2013 model-year season with two fun scooters that contain significant upgrades: the thoroughly revised Metropolitan and a new PCX scooter with a larger-displacement engine that makes it capable for freeway use. Both models feature an easy-to-operate automatic transmission along with... Read more »
BMW C 600 Sport / C 650 GT Scooters – First Ride
Mark Tuttle
March 28, 2012
If you live in a large city, it doesn’t take much thought to figure out why BMW is jumping into the scooter market now. Traffic congestion and parking restrictions are escalating, and in the new economy some of us just can’t afford to waste time with either—we need to get there, dang it, and ASAP.... Read more »
Getting V-Maxified: A California Helicopter Pilot’s Radical Roadstercycle
Paul Garson
January 6, 2012
Los Angeles resident Jack Fleming tests experimental helicopters for a living, not exactly a safe profession, but a lot more fun than piloting an office desk. So when he wanted something to commute to work on, he looked for a vehicle with a bit more flair, although it wouldn’t be taking to the air.... Read more »
2011 Lehman Storm Road Test
Bill Stermer
December 2, 2011
photography by Bill Stermer and Mark Tuttle [This 2011 Lehman Storm Road Test was originally published in the December 2011 issue of Rider magazine] Lehman’s trike conversions have been around since 1985, and its Harley-Davidson and Honda Gold Wing conversions have been a staple on American roads... Read more »
2011 Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive Road Test
Rider Magazine
October 6, 2011
[This 2011 Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive Road Test was originally published in the October 2011 issue of Rider magazine] photography by Kevin Wing Helmet: Bell Revolver / Jacket & Pants: Firstgear / Boots: TCX Over the past few years we’ve tested quite a few machines with “automatic” transmissions:... Read more »
2011 Can-Am Spyder RS-S Road Test
Rider Magazine
September 14, 2011
[This 2011 Can-Am Spyder RS-S road test was originally published in the September 2011 issue of Rider magazine] by Greg Drevenstedt, photography by Kevin Wing Hustling the Can-Am Spyder RS-S down a curvy road is an experience like no other, a full-body workout that is the most fun you can have on three... Read more »
2012 Can-Am Spyder RS and RT — First Look
Rider Magazine
July 15, 2011
2012 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited in Lava Bronze Metallic Our soon-to-be-delivered September issue features a full test of the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS-S, the sportiest of BRP’s three-wheeled roadsters. Equipped with a 106-horsepower (claimed) 998cc Rotax V-twin, a state-of-the-art Vehicle Stability System... Read more »
Yamaha Royal Star Venture/Hannigan Trike Conversion Road Test
Rider Contributor
June 14, 2011
story and photography by James Parchman [This Yamaha Royal Star Venture/Hannigan Trike Conversion Ridden & Rated was originally published in the March 2011 issue of Rider magazine] Hannigan’s Venture trike conversion has slick twin-pipe roadster styling but the lockable trunk, topbox and upper... Read more »
A Short History of Sidecars
Clement Salvadori
May 13, 2011
Curious conveyances, sidecars. Few of us have ever ridden in one, fewer yet driven a rig. But there is a small, passionate number of sidecarists who love their three-wheeled machines, sometimes referred to as hacks or chairs, and a sizable number of companies that cater to these aficionados. The origins... Read more »
