Question for you Motortrike guys

[Scarecrow]

I recently purchased an 08 Goldwing with a Motortrike Adventure kit, has 17k on the clock. It was triked in 2012. I am trying to figure out if this has a rake kit or not. I just got it back from the dealer today for the brake recall, they called Motor trike and were told that all kits come with a 4.5 degree kit.
The triple tree is aluminum, are the OEM goldwing triple trees aluminum or steel? I have been told all rake kits have aluminum trees so maybe it is raked.
I have owned three previous goldwing trikes but never one that had this much front end shimmy at low speeds, so this is why I am trying to confirm one way or the other. My last trike was also 08 wing with a Lehman kit but steered much better with very little shimmy.
One of my friends implied that if the steering will lock it is not raked as he thinks the Motortrike rake kit will not allow for locking the steering. Mine will lock on both sides.
The front tire looks like new although it is dated 2012.
You guys got any input?

[Gold Rush]

I recently purchased an 08 Goldwing with a Motortrike Adventure kit, has 17k on the clock. It was triked in 2012. I am trying to figure out if this has a rake kit or not. I just got it back from the dealer today for the brake recall, they called Motor trike and were told that all kits come with a 4.5 degree kit.
The triple tree is aluminum, are the OEM goldwing triple trees aluminum or steel? I have been told all rake kits have aluminum trees so maybe it is raked.
I have owned three previous goldwing trikes but never one that had this much front end shimmy at low speeds, so this is why I am trying to confirm one way or the other. My last trike was also 08 wing with a Lehman kit but steered much better with very little shimmy.
One of my friends implied that if the steering will lock it is not raked as he thinks the Motortrike rake kit will not allow for locking the steering. Mine will lock on both sides.
The front tire looks like new although it is dated 2012.
You guys got any input?

If your triple trees are aluminum you do indeed have a raked front end and I would expect it is a 4.5 degree. The head shake can be caused by several problems. The steering head bearings may have been improperly installed (more specifically the races not fully seated), the steering head bearing torque might not be correct so things loosed up, or believe it or not a tire (usually rear) may be out of balance.

The deal about the front end not locking is false. My '06, which I sold when I bought the 2015, would lock and I know it was raked because I installed on of ZOOK's kits myself.

First thing I'd do is take the rear wheels off and take them somewhere that had the ability to "Roadforce Balance" them. If that does not cure the issue then attack the steering head. Check the races to make sure they are fully seated and then torque the steering head thrust nut to 35 ft pounds. Yes I know that is more then OEM but believe me it will really work out best.

I don't think the front tire is an issue. When it comes time to replace it, take a hard look at the AVON COBRA TRIKE tire. I just put one on last week and it's amazing!!!!

I hope you get that problem fixed quick. Head shake is scary!!!!

[1800 06 Champion Trike]

The Avon trike tire is a great idea. I just put one on my trike (repacing a MPA rear tire mounted in reverse) and it has have been so smooth with great handling.
Another thing to consider is a Super Brace for your forks. Easy to put on and will make a big difference to your front end. I have one of those on mine too.

[Scarecrow]

Thanks for the quick reply Spook
The Honda dealership said they checked the head bearings today and found no issues, not sure but I think they just jacked it up and checked for excessive play in steering.
I will gladly take your advise and start by having the back tires balanced but I am not really sure what you mean by Roadforce balance tho.
again...thanks

will definitely go with the avon trike tire when ready , great idea on the super brace also

[Gold Rush]

Thanks for the quick reply Spook
The Honda dealership said they checked the head bearings today and found no issues, not sure but I think they just jacked it up and checked for excessive play in steering.
I will gladly take your advise and start by having the back tires balanced but I am not really sure what you mean by Roadforce balance tho.
again...thanks

will definitely go with the avon trike tire when ready , great idea on the super brace also

GOOGLE Road Force Balancing. It really has helped every trike I have had it done to. You won't regret it.

Keep that steering head in mind. Just trying to grab the front wheel and try to move it may not tell all the truth.

[CrystalPistol]

Before you go tightening them steering stem bearings down to 35 ft lbs ...... be a good idea to know if they are OEM ball bearings or if they've been replaced with tapered roller bearings which is what GL 1100, 1200, & 1500 s all came with. GL1800s come with ball bearings.

Tapered roller bearings will tolerate higher torque figures as the load is spread over a long roller to race contact .... doing that on ball bearings will dent races.

As to whether or not you have a rake kit already ..... look at your top triple tree and then look at one on a stock GL1800 Bike. Then look at how far the rear of the front fender is from the lower front cowl. If yours was raked, the front wheel will be a couple inches or so further away and the triple tree will likely look some different.

[Gold Rush]

Before you go tightening them steering stem bearings down to 35 ft lbs ...... be a good idea to know if they are OEM ball bearings or if they've been replaced with tapered roller bearings which is what GL 1100, 1200, & 1500 s all came with. GL1800s come with ball bearings.

Tapered roller bearings will tolerate higher torque figures as the load is spread over a long roller to race contact .... doing that on ball bearings will dent races.

As to whether or not you have a rake kit already ..... look at your top triple tree and then look at one on a stock GL1800 Bike. Then look at how far the rear of the front fender is from the lower front cowl. If yours was raked, the front wheel will be a couple inches or so further away and the triple tree will likely look some different.

The OP did in fact determine the top of the triple tree is aluminum. OEM is steel painted black. All rake kits I have ever seen for GL 1800s come fitted with tapered bearings so the 35 ft lbs of torque is the correct setting!

[Jim P]

Scarecrow....I just bought a 08 with a mototrike kit. Is there a recall on breaks?
Thanks Jim

[paid4c4]

Scarecrow....I just bought a 08 with a mototrike kit. Is there a recall on breaks?
Thanks Jim

Jim, I just picked up an 06 Motor Trike and love it. There is a recall on brakes. You can check your Goldwing at this site:
http://powersports.honda.com/recalls.aspx
Bill

[CrystalPistol]

Never mind .......

[Scarecrow]

thanks for the help guys, I will let you know how it turns out