I just bought my dad a 2010 GW w/Lehman kit. We are checking, but think it has standard forks by Honda. which would you recommend a 4 or 6 degree rake
I just bought my dad a 2010 GW w/Lehman kit. We are checking, but think it has standard forks by Honda. which would you recommend a 4 or 6 degree rake
Dan, Welcome To Trike-Talk.............Hang in there someone will be along with the answers to your question ....
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2019 Tri-Glide.......
Welcome to the Gang from Western Colorado ... I'd send a personal message to Papa Zook, the owner of this forum and Cut and Shoot ... a trike shop. He's the pro from Dover on the issue of rake kits and offers discounts to tour members. Probably more tech advice than you'll ever need.
Most installers recommend 4.5 degree rake on shorter wheel base trikes like the Lehman Trike. The 6 degree rake may be easier to steer at lower speeds and in curves but at times in cross winds or when traveling behind 18 wheelers or large box vans the wind at interstate speeds may cause buffering. I’ve had 1500 wing with Lehman with 4.5 and 6 degree rake and was happier with 6 degree. Always kept a comfortable distance behind larger vehicles to balance the wind factor.
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Howdy Dan
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Dan..welcome to you and your Dad!
We had a 2008 Wing with a Lehman Monarch II kit...installed a 4.5* rake at the advice of, as well as purchased from, Papa Zook.
Never experienced any problems with handling in the wind...and believe me we’ve been in some really high winds out here in west Texas.
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Scooter and Sassi....2 furrever.
4.5* would be a good choice for the shorter wheelbase conversions.
Bike will be somewhat "skiddish" with 6*
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I would recommend not getting one at all. a lehman has a shorter wheelbase so you coudl, i say could do without it.
However your dad is going to need some lessons.
1) do not use your arms for turning
2) lock your opposite arm and lean with our body, use your weight to move the handlebars.
I would let him try it out first, and then if he needs it, then get it, but try it without first.
By the way what makes you think that is does not have one
Rake...
Never had it....
Never will...
I had a 6 on my CSC conversion and a 4.5 on my Hannigan. 6 degree rakes are extremely sensitive.
I have a short wheelbase Motor Trike. When I first got it I couldn't hardly steer it. I put a 4.5 tree on it and it made a world of difference. I thought it was bad when I first put it on because I had a high speed wobble. Turned out that was caused by an unbalanced rear tire. Corrected that and now the thing rides smooth and is easy to steer at high and low speeds. BTW, mine is a 2010 GW also.
I have a 5.5% rake on my Roadsmith (2010 Goldwing).............I'm not at all an expert on trikes but this bike rides wonderful...........I have never ridden any other make or brand trike, so again, this does not make me knowledgeable, BUT I enjoy the way it rides, and I come home all relaxed after a long ride, not all tired out....
My builder said to me was when it came time to build, the trike and the discussion about front ends rakes came up : He said approx 70% of those that didn't order the 5.5% rake came back and wanted it done, BUT ZERO % came back and wanted the stock forks rebuilt back to normal...........So i ordered! I'm happy!
Ronnie