Another Rake question

[gilroy]

OK. This is my first real question. I just took possession of my first trike. I converted my 2011 FLHTP using the Motor Trike Gladiator kit. I am thrilled with the conversion, but waited to determine if I needed a rake per MT claiming theirs don't need one. WRONG! My question is what angle works best for my setup. I am a tall guy with mildly beat up shoulders from previous encounters with non-moving surfaces. I ride all types of roads, but need to good quick moves in city traffic. I find the quick move to be a challenge with the current setup. Any suggestions to consider would be greatly appreciated.

[Gold Rush]

I'm not a HD rider but there has been enough chatter here that I think the 4.5 degree kit is probably best. Give Zook a call and he can confirm or deny that. He's got a ton of experience and knows his rake kits.....

[gilroy]

Yea, I will give him a call. I sent him a PM yesterday, but have not heard back yet. But I did see a post where he has been sick with the Flu or something, and I know that buries you for a few days. I try and call tomorrow.

[Gorilla]

Tes 4.5 to 5 degrees. I had 5 had was very pleased with it. 2007 Police Road King with Champion conversion. I put 50k on her before I sold it.

[gilroy]

Oahe, I am glad you are happy with your GW.

Gorilla, thanks for answering my question. I think I am going with a 4.5. Looking forward to a bit of "power steering".

[Tubal Cain]

I put a 6 deg kit on my Valkyrie;there is still plenty of road feel/feedback. It would probably be ok with a little more or less. I'm pretty happy with it.

[tom w]

you must have had the same sales pitch I got. Im just dealing with mine for now but see a rake kit in my near future

[gilroy]

you must have had the same sales pitch I got. Im just dealing with mine for now but see a rake kit in my near future

I think MT must train their dealers to give that line. It's a great kit, but rake should be standard on the install. But I am getting pretty buff in the mean time.

[Gold Rush]

I think MT must train their dealers to give that line. It's a great kit, but rake should be standard on the install. But I am getting pretty buff in the mean time.

I doubt MotorTrike really coaches the installers to convince us the rake is not needed. They make a sizable profit from that piece of aluminum so it's in their interest to sell lots of them.

In my case I believe the installer knew how much work was involved in doing an '06 or newer with built in GPS. He didn't want to spend that long and bust his knuckles for a small install fee.. That's OK - I'd rather do that sort of thing myself so I didn't push the issue... I found out real fast it was a necessary add on. Zook hooked me up PDQ and I was on my way. Since then I have installed several rake kits for friends. They must be wimps like me...

[pcombe]

Go the right side of the forum on the advertised dealers and scroll down to the bottom and click on the picture of the triple tree, and Whala... you are on your way.

[irmagoo]

just some thing to think about...
.if your raked trees don't come with some sort of tube extensions you will probably want 1-2 inch over fork tubes and longer cow bells also... I installed 7 degree trees and didn't think about it lowering front end of bike - before hand... so took front end apart twice on my first one!!....
live and learn.....magoo

[gilroy]

just some thing to think about...
.if your raked trees don't come with some sort of tube extensions you will probably want 1-2 inch over fork tubes and longer cow bells also... I installed 7 degree trees and didn't think about it lowering front end of bike - before hand... so took front end apart twice on my first one!!....
live and learn.....magoo

Thanks for the warning. I did get that in my research. I am using the EZ-Steer (5 degree) kit from Zook which he was thoughtful enough to include the fork extensions. It is in the shop now getting installed. Bummer that you had the extra effort. I hope you were pleased with the final results. Thats what counts most in the end!