Hi gang, Today, I test rode (drove?) a Thoroughbred Motorsports Stallion. In case you're not familiar with it, it's a trike, built ground up to be unlike anything you've ever seen or ridden before. Here's a link to the official web site. I thought some might be interested in hearing my impressions. First, though, I want to give a huge shout-out for R&R Trikes in Jasper, GA. One of their people, Andrew, spent over an hour with me just chatting, sharing information, and leading me on a couple of test rides. (I also tried out a GL1800 Motor-Trike conversion.) No sales pressure at all. He was just informative and helpful. I could not have asked for a better customer service experience. So, to the ride itself. Getting in and out of this beast was not as difficult as I thought it might be. For those who don't know, I have a slight handicap in my left leg. (Nerve damage to to Multiple Sclerosis.) I expected that I would have a hard time getting into the Stallion, but there was more than enough room on each side of the seat that I could step myself in, one leg at a time. I think most people would handle it easily. Now that I'm in in and comfortably seated, helmet on and buttoned up, the next big difference is the steering wheel in front of you. Like I said, it's like nothing you've ridden before. Next, it's time to adjust the gas and brake pedals. There are two little buttons on the left side of the dash that let you move the pedals closer or farther, to give you just the right amount of leg room. I found this to be incredibly useful. There is also a control for the rear suspension air pressure, along with controls for the AM/FM/CD-changer which has the main unit stored in the trunk. (Huge trunk!) Crank the engine just like you would any car. It's a 4 cylinder Ford engine that makes about 155HP. All those specs are on the web site. It's got the power to weight ratio of a Mustang GT, though. More than enough to move you down the road smartly. 
Put her in reverse and back out of the space. Now into drive (5-speed automatic transmission) and off we go. For comfort, I cranked up the on-board air conditioner. That blast of cold air was great, considering it was about 95 degrees when I went out. Andrew, on his motorcycle, led me up Hwy 108 toward Burnt Mountain. We rode just a few miles out of town, then turned around. It was enough to get into a few reasonable corners, though. The motor had more than enough power, and the ride was quite smooth and comfortable. It certainly felt strange to me, though. Not leaning into corners is something that is going to take a lot of getting used to, no matter which 3-wheeled option I take. The Stallion seemed quite ready to take on anything I might throw at it, though. The brakes will take a bit of getting used to, as well. You accelerate with the right foot and brake with the left. Not only am I not used to that, but that left foot just doesn't like to do what I want it to. So, I found that I had to pay special attention to the brake pedal. There was little to no wind buffeting. You are quite well protected by a large wind screen. Also, because you sit down into the Stallion, you look through the wind screen, not over it. And, there's really no option there, unless, I guess, you just remove the wind screen entirely. However, it seems to provide very good protection, at least, for the driver. I can't speak for the passenger seat. Speaking of the passenger seat, it's a bit on the snug side. If your pillion has much extra padding, he/she might not be very comfortable. The area is nice and wide, but from front to back does not leave much space. All in all, I like the Stallion. My only disappointment in the entire experience was realizing that my days of leaning into turns are likely gone. I'll truly miss that, but it was certainly nice to have the wind in my face, again, cruising along on the open road without being boxed into a cage. I hope you've found this at least a bit informative, maybe even entertaining? Feel free to shoot questions. Ride safe out there! Dave
Put her in reverse and back out of the space. Now into drive (5-speed automatic transmission) and off we go. For comfort, I cranked up the on-board air conditioner. That blast of cold air was great, considering it was about 95 degrees when I went out. Andrew, on his motorcycle, led me up Hwy 108 toward Burnt Mountain. We rode just a few miles out of town, then turned around. It was enough to get into a few reasonable corners, though. The motor had more than enough power, and the ride was quite smooth and comfortable. It certainly felt strange to me, though. Not leaning into corners is something that is going to take a lot of getting used to, no matter which 3-wheeled option I take. The Stallion seemed quite ready to take on anything I might throw at it, though. The brakes will take a bit of getting used to, as well. You accelerate with the right foot and brake with the left. Not only am I not used to that, but that left foot just doesn't like to do what I want it to. So, I found that I had to pay special attention to the brake pedal. There was little to no wind buffeting. You are quite well protected by a large wind screen. Also, because you sit down into the Stallion, you look through the wind screen, not over it. And, there's really no option there, unless, I guess, you just remove the wind screen entirely. However, it seems to provide very good protection, at least, for the driver. I can't speak for the passenger seat. Speaking of the passenger seat, it's a bit on the snug side. If your pillion has much extra padding, he/she might not be very comfortable. The area is nice and wide, but from front to back does not leave much space. All in all, I like the Stallion. My only disappointment in the entire experience was realizing that my days of leaning into turns are likely gone. I'll truly miss that, but it was certainly nice to have the wind in my face, again, cruising along on the open road without being boxed into a cage. I hope you've found this at least a bit informative, maybe even entertaining? Feel free to shoot questions. Ride safe out there! Dave
