The motorcycling industry is always changing. In the late 90s the industry was obsessed with speed, and we got bikes like the Blackbird and the Hayabusa. In the 2000s technology became the industry focus, and we got features like traction and wheelie control. Now the game is changing again, but do you know where the industry’s next stop is?

Are You Ready For The Three Wheeled Invasion?

Three wheels seem to be the next big thing in the motorcycle industry. With comfortable riding positions, ease of use, and the decreased risk of tip overs, trikes have suddenly become all the rage for older riders and first timers.

How Big Is The Trike Market?

Harley-Davidson reported that its top of the line Tri Glide has become its fourth best seller in recent years, behind the Street Glide Special, Ultra Limited and the Street Glide. Can-Am has also taken the lion’s share of the trike market with its own Spyder line up, which sells about $300 million worth of units every year. Even Polaris is getting into the act with the recent release of the car-like—yet technically classified as a motorcycle—Slingshot.

Why Are Trikes So Popular?

The benefits of these vehicles have allowed older riders, inexperienced riders, and wounded veterans to get back on the road and feel the wind in their face, but they aren’t the only ones taking advantage of this new trend. First time riders are beginning to gravitate toward the easier riding provided by a trike, and the old stigma in the biker community over these rides seems to be changing.

Do you think you can still be hardcore riding on three wheels? Do you think trikes will bring more riders to motorcycling? And what do you think is the best trike? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter!