To Rake or Not To Rake

[Roadie]

Yes, I know this question has been hashed over many, many times but this is a little different - I converted my '08 Yamaha Road Star with a Champion kit and installed a +6 degree raked triple tree - I know I am new to the triking world, but the steering seems 'too easy' to me and I am considering going back to the OEM trees. Should the steering feel this way or is there a point at which it does become overly 'loose' feeling? Is this a normal feeling and I have to just get use to it? Some words of wisdom for seasoned trikers would be greatly appreciated.

[rmrc51]

I'm not familiar with the Champion kits, but I can tell you that the 6 degree rake is usually used on trike conversions with a longer wheelbase such as the Roadsmith and Hannigan. The 4.5 rake seems to be the most popular for shorter wheel base trikes.

I'm sure others will share their opinions and/or experiences.

[roadking2]

I'm not familiar with a Road Star, but I am familiar with the Champion raked tree. I'd never go back to stock. How does it feel at very low speed? That's where I noticed a considerable difference between raked and stock. At highway speed, I really didn't notice much difference. When I first got my trike completed, I thought the steering was really quick and "twitchy", but after putting some miles on it, suddenly I didn't notice that at all. I think half of my problem was relearning how to ride. The trike is a completely different animal from 2 wheels. If I were you, I think I'd wait and give the raked tree a chance. Take some time and get used to it before you determine if you want to go back to stock or not.

I personally don't know anyone that went back after trying the rake. I'm sure there are some, but I don't know them.

[pcombe]

I installed a 5 degree rake when i converted my Harley, It does steer much quicker and is more responsive than the tri-glide or my friends goldwing trike.

Once i got used to it i really like it.

If you go back stock you will probably get excessive head shake and it will likely be allot harder to handle.

I have ridden trikes without the rake and it gets tiresome real fast!



why dont you shoot the 6 degree past zook and see what he thinks about it?

The stock rake has allot to do with how much more additional rake you need?

In fact, why dont you go to the right side of the forum page where the picture of the raked triple trees are and see if your bike is listed. It may show you a recommended rake?

[Ozarkryder]

The 6° rake does make sterring very easy, indeed. Some I have talked to think it is too "twitchy", but as anything else, they soon got used to it. When we went from the stock front end on the 'Wing to Champion's EZ Steer i thought I had made a mistake, but I soon got used to the easier steering.

If you are from Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakota's or the like, stock steering could be just right. We live and ride in the Ozarks, and a body has to try hard to find more than a mile or 2 of straight road off the interstate. Sometimes I wish we had the 6° rake.

[rmrc51]

As a second entry to this thread, I originally owned a 97 Valkyrie with a MotorTrike conversion (short wheelbase). When I first bought the trike, she had no rake at all. It became quite clear that you had to use a bit of arm strength to steer and maneuver. At the suggestion of my dealer and their head mechanic, (whom I trust 100%) I had them install a 6 degree rake. What a tremendous difference! It was like going from manual steering to power steering. I myself, didn't find it too sensitive at all.

My present Wing/Roadsmith also has a 6 degree rake and I find her very easy to handle. Definitely not too sensitive/twitchy at all! She rides and steers perfectly!

As others have said, give your present setup a chance.

I think you'll be glad you did.

[dogman513]

When I first got my 02 Wing with 05 Lehman Monarch II it wasn't raked. Wasn't bad on highway, but arms would wear out on twisties. Kind of like driving a Mack truck without power steering. Had 6 degree rake installed. Noticed huge difference right away on back roads. Had to jump on highway to get home after the install, and thought Holy Crap this thing is squirrely. Wasn't sure about what I did was a good thing. After riding it a week or so got very used to it, being on back roads or highway. With that being said Im glad I did it, and guessing after you ride it a bit you will get used to it also.

[Roadie]

Well, I have decided to give the raked tree a chance and hope I can get use to it - thanks much to all the responders and appreciate all the comments and advice - again, thanks.

[skuuter]

Being from Virginia (I've ridden Your Area)....You WILL need the Rake Kit....Your decision to "ride it" and "adjust to it" will pay off.....since You admittedly said You are new to Triking, You're actually adjusting to several differences in "3-Wheel vs 2-Wheel" Riding all at the same time....Practice, Ride, and Enjoy...You'll catch on to it. In the meantime, read the various Forums, including advice from Experienced Riders here at TRIKE TALK.com.....You're at the RIGHT PLACE.....

[RdKnB]

As many have said take the time to get used to it first. There are some as I am sure you know great twisties in your area. After you get a few hundred miles under your belt you are so going to enjoy the rake.

[MMH]

I like the 6 deg Rake on my CSC GW 2013 Trike, makes it easy to turn, doesn't feel twitchy. Hope my feedback helps!