Valkyrie ready to go in for a rake

[rmrc51]

Okay everyone,, as soon as more of this snow clears, I'm gonna trailer my Valk (Motor Trike) in for a complete 'end to end' servicing and the installation of a rake.

I'm telling the dealership to replace what ever is required to make her 101%, not that she'll need much as I've done quite a bit already.

I've read everyone's testimony regarding the tremendous improvement in handling once a raked front is installed. Would the addition of Progressive springs in the front end be another added benefit?

[FBTRIKE]

rmrc51,

You'll love the rake kit. I had a 98 Valk. that I installed progressives in the front end. (bike wasn't triked though) I really liked them . I live in the mtns. and use to ride it pretty hard in the corners. Rode nicer over small bumps but didn't compress to much under hard braking and and cornering.

I really miss that bike!

[rmrc51]

I've read a few posts on the Valkyrie site regarding the positive feedback for the progressive springs but those were all two wheelers. I'd imagine that having them installed on a trike would have a similar effect. Between the rake and progressive springs, I'm hoping for a complete transition in the handling and ride comfort.

[Ozarkryder]

When we had the rake kit put on Her Purpleness, a '95 GL1500SE, fork leg extensions, new neck bearings and Progressive springs were part of the deal. The steering improvement is great, and the response from the front suspension improved, too.

[rmrc51]

I thought as much and now you've just verified my course of action!

I have no intention of ever selling my Valk Trike! So before my job ends and the funds aren't available, I want to get her into tip-top shape! She already has every possible option on her, both factory and aftermarket that I installed. Now it's time for the options I can't do myself.

Thanks again for the replies and opinions!!

[Cutlercustom]

Okay everyone,, as soon as more of this snow clears, I'm gonna trailer my Valk (Motor Trike) in for a complete 'end to end' servicing and the installation of a rake.

I'm telling the dealership to replace what ever is required to make her 101%, not that she'll need much as I've done quite a bit already.

I've read everyone's testimony regarding the tremendous improvement in handling once a raked front is installed. Would the addition of Progressive springs in the front end be another added benefit?

Progressive springs will certainly benefit the front end, they have super quality, and last... put them in there!

[Cutlercustom]

I'm not sure if I posted this reply twice forgive me i'm new at this, and right now it's snowing like crazy, and I have puter time!.. the subject of raking, that in itself is a major topic, lots of people do it for different reasons, over length front end, lowering, etc, but how to do it is the key to what you are looking for. Just simply changing the triple tree, is the most common, but remember this also will throw off the steer neck to front end geometry.. This is called 'trail", the angle of degree the steer head, and front end are built in, is a straight line. Changing this trail line is ok, but don't go beyond 5 degrees.. again, people do it, and say they throw that front end right out there, and say the have no problems, and it handles better... hmm mabey, but a high speed handle bar whip is the result of a front end with the trail out of sync... good luck with that project!, and hope all our snow goes away soon! Rubber Side Down"...later Doug

[Puff]

I've read a few posts on the Valkyrie site regarding the positive feedback for the progressive springs but those were all two wheelers. I'd imagine that having them installed on a trike would have a similar effect. Between the rake and progressive springs, I'm hoping for a complete transition in the handling and ride comfort.

After having my Valkyrie raked, I noticed the front end would bottom out on the odd occasion. I've since added progressive springs and my grin is so wide I sometimes dribble down my back

[rmrc51]

Yeah, I figured on having the progressive springs installed at the same time as the rake. Might as well do it all right the first time.

At present, there seems to be some confusion regarding the degree of the rake ordered from MotorTrike. The dealership said is was a 6 degree rake and MotorTrike says they don't even carry a 6 for the Valkyrie. It should be a 4 or 4 and a half. They're verifying it today.

[3W-lonerider]

iv'e got a 99 valkyrie trike. with 126,000 miles on it..as far as the progressive springs..well worth the money. as far as the rake kit..you won't be dissapointed. and if you hav'nt already done it take the radial off the front and get a bias ply put on there..big improvement.