Getting it raked tomorrow!

[Okie]

Went to Renegades trike shop today and they are going to put my rake on tomorrow morning.
Decided to go with the 5.5 degree. I rode one they had there and at first it felt a little squirrley but after a couple of blocks I settled down and it's like running a fast mouse setting on the computer when you are used to a slow setting. I think after a person rides it just a little it will be great.
So at 9 am tomorrow they will start on it. Said it would take about 4 house.
Thanks for all the info that I received on this subject. That's what I love about these forums.
Okie
Tulsa, Ok

[John Luciano]

Did you try it on the Hi way at like 65 MPH. I was told you can change lanes just thinking about it. LET me know . A rake is my next add on. Been riding for 7 years without it I was thinking maybe only 4

[ultraboy]

Sounds good! Hey Zook, dont'cha wish you could do an FLH in 4 hours? Softail or Dyna, no problem, but not an FLH.

[Okie]

John, I didn't try it at high speed. I only road it to about 40 mph. I think it will take a little getting used to since it does make it react faster but I think it's just what ever you get used to.
It sure felt good. At first I was moving from side to side (not much) then I realized because of what I was doing with the bars so I quit moving them and just held them streight and it went real well. Plus it was extremely windy here today probably 30 to 35 mph wind and gusty.
I took it over about 4 pm this afternoon and they started on it right then so It's probably half done right now.
I think it's going to make a bid difference in the way the trike handles and even at slow speeds like in a parking lot.
Okie
Tulsa, Ok.

[John Luciano]

It will take a LOT wider turns. One reason I am only going to do 3 1/2

[bigdave]

I have a 5 1/2 degree on my GL1800 Roadsmith. No problems at highway speed and much easier for me. I'm big and strong but after a day in the mountains without the 5 1/2 I was tired, now not so. It took me 6 or 8 hours to do mine by myself. Sure was a lot of getting up and down. Take care.
Dave Pomeroy

[bigred06]

I got the 4 1/2 degree on mine and seems to be pretty good. Had a MT without any rake and like near ruined my shoulders. Soon had it raked with 4 1/2 and made a world of difference. Never ride one again without rake kit. Will seem squirley at first until you get used to it, especially if been riding much without rake. Enjoy the ride Okie. bigred

[Papa Zook]

Sounds good! Hey Zook, dont'cha wish you could do an FLH in 4 hours? Softail or Dyna, no problem, but not an FLH.

ultraboy - Yeah its a pretty good little job on the`08 Ultras. Two guys might knock it out that fast if they rushed it but thats not a job Id hurry through.


Okie- Did you get your trike back today? If so let us know if you like the rake kit. Makes a huge difference.

[Okie]

Yes, I did get it raked. I took it over about 4 pm yesterday and they started on it and finished it this morning. It was about 40 degrees when I picked it up and rode about 30 miles home and I love it.
It was wendy but the rake made it easier to handle in the wind and even turning city corners was so much easier. I noticed I turned a lot sharper turn with the rake.
I did go with the 5.5 and I'm convinced that was the right decision. It didn't take 1/2 block and it felt like I had been on it all my life. Had no problems with it wondering back and forth and it felt so good to be able to turn with so little force.
I'm a pretty good size man with fair upper body strength but I could tell that a full day of the old stearing would work on a guys arms and back.
I just need some weather to ride it in now. That ain't going to happen until later in the week but then it's supposed to get into the 80's
Okie
Tulsa, Ok

[Nana]

Sounds wonderful! I know you will love it even more with longer rides !

[chickie]

Don'tnow about Harleys but I love the 4.5 deg rake on my 1800 csc

[bdn56]

Zook will have mine installed today. I think the Champion EZsteer is a 4.5.

I rode 4000 miles on my last HD without EZ Steer. I am hoping to enjoy the ride a little more and not have the constant upper body work out.

I wish I could do work like that myself. I know I could get it all apart with no problems. When it was back together, I would still have a pile of bolts and wire wondering where did these parts go?

[hdrider]

I'm gping to be ordering my trike probably early next week....the quote I have worked up has a 3 degree rake figured in. Am I reading that it may be a mistake do to do more?
And congrats on your new feeling ride!! And the 80 degree weather that you have right around the corner !!!

[Okie]

HDRIDER, I'm by no means an expert since I've only owned one for less than a week and I was afraid that the 5.5 would be more than I could hadle but after riding it home yesterday I know I made the right choice. It will turn sharper and with way less effort than stock.
I know I would never own another trike without it. Turns that put a strain on both arms now could be done with one hand without any problem. Not real smart but possible.
Okie
Tulsa, Ok

[Burnerboy]

I never rode a trike, so I'm a total newbe and i have my bike in shop as we speak getting it triked out now!
tech says he uses a 5.5 rake
His commits were: we do a 5.5 Because:
the 6' extends the steering radius too much
the 5' give too much sensitivity at high speed
the 4.5 gives too much head shake at lower speeds & on bumpy roads

So I'm going to listen to him!

Ronnie

[Papa Zook]

I never rode a trike, so I'm a total newbe and i have my bike in shop as we speak getting it triked out now!
tech says he uses a 5.5 rake
His commits were: we do a 5.5 Because:
the 6' extends the steering radius too much
the 5' give too much sensitivity at high speed
the 4.5 gives too much head shake at lower speeds & on bumpy roads

So I'm going to listen to him!

Ronnie

The 5.5 will be more sensitive at high speed than the 5 would be....

[Gorilla]

I never rode a trike, so I'm a total newbe and i have my bike in shop as we speak getting it triked out now!
tech says he uses a 5.5 rake
His commits were: we do a 5.5 Because:
the 6' extends the steering radius too much
the 5' give too much sensitivity at high speed
the 4.5 gives too much head shake at lower speeds & on bumpy roads

So I'm going to listen to him!

Ronnie

May I suggest as a newbie that you take advantage of the expertise on this site before you make a decision. I suggest that you contact Bazooka and discuss this. He is an expert and he also can save you bucks on a rake kit. Your choice is not a bad one but your advisers reason are not quite on. Just a suggestion if you want to save money on that rake kit. Bazooka's is very reasonably priced and top quality. I have used 2 over the years.

[Hocky]

GW 1800 Roadsmith w/6 degree. Be careful at high speed with the effect of 18 wheelers. Might be b/c of the extended wheelbase? I got used to mine and now wouldn't have it any other way.

[Burnerboy]

The 5.5 will be more sensitive at high speed than the 5 would be....

Ok what exactly does "more sensitive" Mean??

Ronnie

[Gorilla]

What that means is, as the rake is kicked out further the dynamics change and the steering feels lighter in that not as much effort is required to move the bars at speed. You can get out there to far where just a slight touch or passing breeze moves you back and forth. At that point it becomes dangerous. Some people like more feel of the road with their input others like a lighter feel, just don't go to far.