For many, a trike offers all the disadvantages of a car with all the disadvantages of a motorcycle: you can’t filter through traffic, and you’ll get wet and cold! But, there are a lot of people who ride a trike for practical reasons, and not only that but there is a whole new generation of three-wheeled motorcycles that are forcing us to completely revise our opinion of trikes.

There are several configurations of three-wheel motorcycles: the traditional one-wheel-in-the-front, two-wheels-in-the-back as epitomized by the Harley-Davidson Servicar, and, more recently, by the Freewheeler from the same company. Then there is the reverse solution, as epitomized by Can-Am, a trike motorcycle with two wheels in the front. There is a new generation of three-wheelers, however, with two wheels mounted closely side-by-side in the front, making the bike no wider than a traditional two-wheeler but offering vastly improved grip and stability, even if it is at the expense of increased complexity and weight.

Sourcing our information from manufacturers, Motor Cycle News, Cycle World and other reputable publications, we've put together a list of the best trikes currently available for sale.

Updated October 2023: Manufacturers are introducing new three-wheel options into the motorcycle world every year. They're also bringing many new advancements to their existing models. As such, to keep you well-informed with the latest updates and upgrades, we have updated this article with a comprehensive addition of pros and cons.

10 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler

Starting MSRP: $29,999

Model Specifications

Source: Harley-Davidson

There is a real reason behind why Harley-Davidson got into the three-wheel business. They, like all the other manufacturers, want to get as many people on their bikes as possible. For Harley, that also includes riders who are slowly aging out of two wheels, those with disabilities that prevent them from using standard motorcycles and general people who aren't interested in two wheels in the first place.

A trike like the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler widens the inclusivity of the brand. Especially since this is no handyman special of a bike. The cheapest out of Harley's three-wheel options, the Freewheeler is objectively the coolest. Its minimalist styling, classic v-twin powertrain and upright ergonomics give the non-traditional rider the Harley they've always wanted. It's balanced, powerful and comfortable for long tours, as well as simple commuting around town.

Pros

• The Milwaukee-eight 114 is the biggest engine in standard H-D Touring bikes
• The presence of an electric reverse gear
• Nicely incorporated rear trunk

Cons

• The clutch setup isn't the best
• It's a broad bike, so doesn't do well in tight spaces
• Doesn't come cheap

RELATED: 10 Best and Incredibly Awesome Three-Wheeled Vehicles

9 Can-Am Spyder RT

Starting MSRP: $26,599

Model Specifications

Source: Can-Am

The Can-Am Spyder RT is the reverse Harley Freewheeler, if you like, with two wheels at the front but with the same all-day touring comfort and practicality. The 998cc BRP-Rotax V-twin engine produces 106 horsepower, but it does have to pull along the same amount of weight as the Harley, driving through a six-speed manual. Strangely, the twin front wheels reduce the effort needed to steer the Can-Am compared to the Harley and the comfort is just as supreme while costing half as much as the barn and shield trike.

Pros

• Gracious storage space
• Attractive modern design and styling
• An affordable option for budget-conscious folks

Cons

• Scarce dealer network
• A few quality control issues have been reported
• Long turning radius

8 Yamaha Niken GT

Starting MSRP: £16,210 (UK)

Model Specifications

Source: Motor Cycle News

The Yamaha Niken is the bike that really set the cat among the pigeons in motorcycling. Here was the first ‘sports three-wheeler’, as opposed to a bloated touring trike or scooter. The Yamaha Niken is basically an MT-09 naked sports bike with a complex (and heavy) twin-front-wheel set-up that allows the bike to lean in corners. The front suspension arrangement is similar to that of the Kymco CV3 (see below) in that there are two fork legs per wheel, which gives the Niken a very heavy front-end look, although the wheels are set apart no wider than the handlebars.

Astonishing grip from the front wheels, especially when braking on loose or slippery surfaces, and the clever suspension has enough travel to lean the bike over in the corners, allowing the rider to easily get his or her knee down. A brilliant motorcycle looking for a market. Alas, that market may no longer be in the US, as the model has since disappeared from Yamaha's US page. However, it is still available for purchase in Europe.

Pros

• Powerful 3-cylinder engine
• Offers one of the best grips and stability among trikes
• Yamaha’s Crossplane technology

Cons

• Not available in the US
• Heavy curb weight
• Nothing fancy about its power-to-weight ratio

7 Can-Am Spyder F3

Starting MSRP: $22,099

Model Specifications

Source: Can-Am

If the Can-Am Spyder RT is just too big, then there is also the Can Am Spyder F3-T, which is a much more sporting proposition. Not a huge amount lighter than the Spyder RT, it looks a whole lot smaller due to not being the full touring model. The F3-T features a three-cylinder, 1330cc engine producing 115 horsepower.

Can-Am also threw in ABS, traction control, a semi-automatic six-speed gearbox, adjustable rear air suspension, stability control, and panniers for a modicum of practicality. Good wind protection from the small screen and, while it’s not the prettiest trike out there, it is certainly distinctive, with a much more modern appearance than the Harley Freewheeler, not to mention better performance.

Pros

• Futuristic design language
• Less intimidating for beginner riders
• Comes with a big, usable trunk

Cons

• Feels unsure around corners while leaning
• High maintenance costs
• Feels heavy

6 Polaris Slingshot Roush Edition

Starting MSRP: $37,349

Model Specifications

Source: Polaris

If any trike comes close to being the actual Batmobile, it's the Polaris Slingshot. It's even more true when it's painted in flat black paint. But the biggest stunner in the Slingshot lineup is the Roush Edition. This high-performance, 203 hp roadster comes equipped with all the best features and tech Polaris has to offer. It has the Excursion Top, Brembo brakes, a 305 mm rear tire and distinctive styling. You can also get it in automatic or manual.

The 1,997-cc Prostar 4-cylinder engine that powers this beauty can get the Slingshot from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. It has 144 ft-lbs of torque and can hit a top speed of 125 mph. All the lights on the Slingshot are LED, including gauges, interior accent lights, brakes and headlights. It also has infotainment in a large 7" display and comes with a standard 2-year, unlimited miles warranty.

Pros

• Offers a crazy amount of power
• Has one of the best transmission setups in trikes
• It practically is a batmobile on wheels

Cons

• Comes with a hefty price tag
• High maintenance costs
• Is more of a car than a motorcycle

5 Kymco CV3

Starting MSRP: $11,999

Model Specifications

Source: Kymco Usa

Ultra-stylish and powerful, the Kymco CV3 features a parallel twin, 550cc engine for impressive performance in and out of the city. The front suspension allows the CV3 to lean but looks heavy with its four fork legs - two per wheel. On the road, however, it proves to be a fine-handling bike, with the added security and stability offered by the twin front wheels. Kymco is a Taiwanese manufacturer and enjoys a very good reputation for the quality of the engineering and the fit and finish of their products.

Pros

• Among the best beginner-friendly trikes
• A solid, 550cc parallel twin
• Good fit and finish

Cons

• May feel underpowered compared to the more advanced trikes
• Headlights feel underpowered at night
• Limited dealer network in the States

4 Can-Am Ryker

Starting MSRP: $9,599

Model Specifications (600cc version)

Source: Can-Am

Firmly aimed at the younger end of the market, the Can-Am Ryker is the smallest model in the Can-Am range but by no means the least exciting. A whole lot lighter and more agile than the Spyder models, it can still thrill with its choice of twin-cylinder 600cc (50 horsepower) or three-cylinder 900cc (82 horsepower) engine driving through a stepless CVT transmission. Starkly simple, with no frills: just jump on and ride, making the Ryker perfect for the younger or less experienced rider. You can even change the body panels to change the color and performing back tire-screeching take-offs from the lights just puts a huge grin on your face.

Pros

• Great adjustable ergonomics for riders with all kinds of heights
• Low center of gravity gives a more planted feel
• Affordable price tag

Cons

• Ability to swap out body panels to change the look and feel
• Overheating issues have been reported widely
• Not ideal for long-distance riding

3 Ural Gear Up

Starting MSRP: $21,999

Model Specifications

Source: TBD

The Ural Gear Up is not your typical trike. It doesn't have two side by side wheels in the front or back. It's the world's only major manufacturer that provides a motorcycle with a side-car straight from the factory. And, arguably, it's the three-wheel bike that all the cool kids will want to get, as they're frequently seen at the global Distinguished Gentleman rides or hauling your favorite four legged companions.

Behind the sheen of coolness is a motorcycle that has been largely unchanged for decades, which is part of what makes this bike so charming. It has a boxer twin, much like the BMWs it was originally inspired by, which produces 41 hp and 42 lbs of torque. Nothing that's going to win you any races, but that's not why you ride the Ural anyway.

Pros

• A retro-inspired classic style
• Snappy, powerful braking system
• Suspension feels finely tuned

Cons

• Not meant for everyday commuting
• Too wide for our liking
• Not the most frugal trike out there

2 Piaggio MP3 500

Starting MSRP: $11,999

Model Specifications

Source: Piaggio

From the makers of the Vespa comes the Piaggio MP3 500. As the name suggests, it is powered by a 500cc single-cylinder engine, producing 40 horsepower, and boasts both ABS and traction control alongside the independently sprung front wheels to allow it to lean in the corners.

As with all Piaggio products, the MP3 500 is beautifully built and fast, with excellent ergonomics, even if this does mean the price will be on the high side for a scooter. It comes with some great features, however, including a 7" TFT display, USB socket under the windshield and smartphone connectivity. It also has some nifty safety additions to the ABS and ASR features already mentioned, with the inclusion of the BLIS system, which can detect hidden vehicles in the MP3 blind spots.

Pros

• Adjustable, lockable suspension
• Good road manners
• Wind protection feels adequate

Cons

• You do feel its 538-pound weight
• The lighting is not fully LED
• High maintenance costs

1 Campagna Motors T-Rex RR

Starting MSRP: $68,999

Model Specifications

Source: TBD

If by some chance you didn't think the Slingshot was sexy enough, then let us introduce you to the T-Rex RR. Produced by Campagna Motors, the T-Rex is one gorgeous piece of three-wheel engineering. It comes with tons of premium technology, ten different color options (matte or gloss) and a ridiculous amount of customization of the wheels, seat belts, chassis and seats.

All of that is packaged in a 1098 lb shell which is equipped with traction control, ABS and Kawasaki's 1441-cc inline 4-cylinder engine, which produces 208 hp and 117 lbs of torque. Befitting such a beast of a trike, it also comes with plenty of safety features, such as 3 point safety belts, reinforced tubular chassis with roll cage and the aforementioned ABS. But you better really want this beauty, because the price for it is a staggering $68,999.

Pros

• Powered by a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R engine
• A ridiculous amount of color options
• You can't beat its performance

Cons

• Comes with a hefty price tag
• Is more of a car than a motorcycle
• High maintenance costs