Motorbikes with training wheels are small motorcycles fitted with two additional wheels mounted low on the frame to prevent tipping
Training wheels on a motorbike work the same way they do on a bicycle — they touch the ground before the bike leans far enough to fall over. The wheels are attached to a frame that bolts to the motorcycle's rear axle or frame, usually positioned so they sit slightly higher than the main wheels when the bike is upright. When you lean into a turn or hit a bump, the training wheels engage and support the weight, stopping the bike from rolling.
These are not the same as a motorcycle's factory sidecar, which is a separate passenger compartment. Training wheels are purely a stability device, and they do not carry weight or passengers. They are removable, meaning you can take them off once you no longer need them.
Key Takeaways
- Training wheels bolt to the rear axle or frame and engage only when the bike leans past a certain angle, so you still feel the bike's natural handling most of the time.
- They work best on lighter motorcycles under 400cc and are rarely practical on larger bikes because the added weight and drag become noticeable.
- Training wheels cost between $300 and $800 installed, depending on the motorcycle model and the quality of the kit.
- You will need to adjust them periodically as you gain confidence, because wheels that are too low will drag constantly and slow you down.
- Some riders use training wheels for a few weeks or months; others keep them on permanently if they ride slowly or have mobility concerns.
Who uses motorbike training wheels and why
Training wheels are most common among older riders returning to motorcycles after years away, riders with balance or mobility issues, and people learning on very small bikes who want to build confidence without the fear of dropping the motorcycle. They are also used by riders who plan to ride slowly in parking lots, campgrounds, or other low-speed environments where a fall would be embarrassing or damaging to an expensive bike.
Some riders use them temporarily — taking them off after a few weeks once they feel steady. Others keep them on permanently because they ride at low speeds, have physical limitations, or straightforward prefer the extra security. There is no shame in either choice; the point is to ride safely and comfortably.
How training wheel kits are installed
Most training wheel kits are bolt-on assemblies that attach to the motorcycle's rear axle or frame. Installation usually takes one to three hours and requires basic tools — a socket set, a wrench, and sometimes a drill if you need to add mounting holes. Many kits come with detailed instructions specific to your motorcycle model, and some include all fasteners.
If you are not comfortable working on your bike, a motorcycle shop can install them for you. Labor typically costs $100 to $300 on top of the kit price. Before you buy a kit, confirm that one exists for your specific motorcycle model and year, because universal kits are rare and often require custom fabrication.
Adjusting training wheels as you gain confidence
Training wheels have an adjustment mechanism — usually a bolt or bracket — that lets you raise or lower how far the bike must lean before the wheels engage. When you first install them, they are set low so they engage early and provide maximum support. As you become more confident, you gradually raise them so they only touch the ground if you lean very far.
The goal is to eventually raise them so high that they almost never engage during normal riding. At that point, you are riding the motorcycle normally, and the training wheels are just there as a safety net. Many riders eventually remove them entirely once they realize they have not touched the ground in weeks.
Check the adjustment every few weeks, especially if you are actively practicing. Wheels that are set too low will drag constantly, create drag, and wear out faster. Wheels set too high will not catch you if you do lean too far, defeating their purpose.
Training wheels versus other stability options
A motorcycle sidecar is a different solution — it is a separate passenger compartment that changes how the bike handles and requires a different riding technique. Sidecars are heavier, more expensive, and more permanent than training wheels. They are better for riders who want to carry a passenger regularly.
Gyroscopic training devices and electronic stability control systems exist on some modern motorcycles, but they are built into the bike at the factory and cannot be added afterward. Training wheels are the only practical retrofit option for most motorcycles.
Some riders choose to straightforward practice in empty parking lots or on quiet roads without any training device. This works well if you have time and access to safe spaces, but training wheels let you practice in more realistic environments — like a driveway or a slow neighborhood street — without the risk of dropping the bike.
Cost and where to buy training wheel kits
Training wheel kits for motorcycles range from $300 to $800 depending on the motorcycle model and the quality of the kit. Simpler kits for small bikes (under 250cc) tend to be cheaper. Kits for larger or heavier bikes cost more because they need stronger materials and more complex mounting.
You can find kits through motorcycle accessory retailers, online marketplaces, and some motorcycle shops. Before you buy, search for kits specific to your motorcycle's make, model, and year. A kit designed for a Honda CB300 will not fit a Yamaha YZF-R3, even though both are small bikes. If no kit exists for your bike, a custom fabricator can build one, but that will cost significantly more.
Maintenance and removal
Training wheels require minimal maintenance beyond occasional tightening of bolts and checking that they spin freely. If a wheel becomes bent or damaged, you can usually replace just that wheel without replacing the entire kit. Tires on training wheels wear faster than your main tires because they only touch the ground when you lean, so the contact is concentrated.
Removing training wheels is straightforward — unbolt them from the frame and store them. You do not need to remove anything from the motorcycle itself. Some riders keep their training wheels in a garage and reinstall them if they take a long break from riding or if they want to teach a friend on their bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do training wheels make a motorcycle harder to ride?
No. When adjusted correctly, training wheels sit high enough that they do not touch the ground during normal riding. You feel the motorcycle's natural balance and handling, and the wheels only engage if you lean unusually far. As you improve, you raise the adjustment so they engage even less.
Can I use training wheels on a large motorcycle?
Technically yes, but it is not practical. Large motorcycles are heavy, and training wheels add significant weight and drag. They also look out of proportion on a big bike. Training wheels work best on motorcycles under 400cc. If you are learning on a large bike, consider starting on a smaller one instead.
Will training wheels damage my motorcycle?
No, if they are installed correctly. The mounting bolts attach to existing frame points or the axle, and they do not require cutting or welding on most kits. When you remove them, you unbolt them and the bike returns to normal. Some kits leave small bolt holes, but these are not visible or problematic.
How long do most riders keep training wheels on?
It varies widely. Some riders remove them after a few weeks once they feel confident. Others keep them for months or permanently. There is no standard timeline — it depends on your comfort level, how often you ride, and what you use the bike for. Many riders find they stop using them without realizing it, then remove them months later.
Can I ride on the highway with training wheels?
Training wheels are designed for low-speed riding and are not recommended for highway speeds. At high speeds, the aerodynamic drag and handling changes become noticeable, and the wheels are not designed to support the bike at those speeds. Use training wheels for parking lots, neighborhood streets, and slow local riding only.