After displaying the photo of the v-Rod with training wheels {link}, and not really knowing what it was, I got an email with a better explanation. The extra wheels are indeed something like training wheels, but used by riders who are not able to keep their motorcycle steady at low speeds.
Obvious usage would be for long time bikers who have had an accident, but still want to continue riding their motorcycles despite their disabilities. But they could also be used by someone who physically is not able to ride a big and heavy motorcycle such as the Honda Goldwing, BMW K1200LT or big Harley. If you're height-challenged, or just not able to keep the heavy bike steady when stopped, this is the solution for you.
USA based Safety Features produce these "extra wheels". They have two products; Ghost Wheels and Safe Stop.
Ghost Wheels are permanent side wheels. They do not retract, but run independent of each other, meaning when you lean into a curve, your motorcycle will still angle. It gives you the full control you'd expect from a motorcycle, but still allow you to run at low speeds without falling.
In fact, the Ghost Wheels have two states; locked and unlocked. When they are locked (at low speeds) your motorcycle is stable. When they're unlocked, you can ride your motorcycle like any, since the wheels angle with you.
The Ghost Wheels can take any speed. They been tested up to 100 mph, so no worries there. When you are getting ready to stop, you flip a switch which will level your motorcycle.
There's even an emergency switch in case you forgot to level your motorcycle. You notice that your motorcycle is starting to fall, flip the switch, and your motorcycle is straightened.
The Safe Stop device is raised and lowered hydraulically in 1.5 seconds. It's a bit like the landing gear of an airplane. The system allows you to maneuver your Honda Goldwing at low speeds.
They built in some redundancy, and fail-safe mechanisms.
I guess you couldn't really split lanes with this devices, but then who cares. I'd also assume that these would be illegal in Europe...
Click here to access the manufacturer's website. There's a nice video there, where you can see how the unit is used.
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