EZ Steer

[stubb02]

I am in the market for my first trike. It appears that independent rear suspension is common among the major conversion kits but ez-steer and raking of the front forks is not as common. So my question is, how important do experienced trikers think these items are for consideration in a (used) trike purchase?

Thanks in advance

Stubb

[CrystalPistol]

"Rake Kits" and "E Z Steer" are terms for the same thing describing a set of triple trees that only lay the front fork tubes back a few more degrees in relation to the steering stem to reduce trail and make for easier steering with less hard kickback. Generally, a pair of longer fork tubes or extensions are included. I paid $800 or near that in 2004 to add my 6degree E Z Steer to our trike, so it was at least worth that in my opinion. Yes, I'd do it again … but you should maybe ride or try one with versus one without and judge for yourself. If a great deal on one without is offered, it can be added.

People brag on independent rears, but they aren't near so much better on a three wheeled vehicle that is a tripod with wheels, unlike a Jag XKE or etc which is 4 wheeled or more and independent suspension allows all to stay in contact with the road better some say. Such claims have little value in real life and none on a trike, but it made for more pizazz on a sales flyer or web sight. I noticed years ago that no mention of added complexity and wear points also were a benefit. Then, they added anti roll .. or sway bars to stop the outward lean by tying the rear wheels together to lessen independence. I wonder if people would people buy a bike or unicycle or Segway with independent suspension?

[paws]

I have had GL1800’s with both independent and solid axles as well as raked and not raked.

We put the EZ Steer kit on within 2 months of owning the solid axle. Husband quit complaining about upper shoulder pain and being so hard to turn in the curves on first ride after installation. To me, this is a MUST.

As to comfort of ride between the 2 axles... being a driver only I can say that the ride on the front seat is fine on both axles. I do not personally know but have had people tell me the passenger is not as comfortable on the straight axle trike. However, I have spoken to passengers on straights who have no complaints whatsover....

You and your passenger are the only ones who can determine your comfort level... be SURE you both are present to do the demo rides on both styles.

[stubb02]

Thanks so much for the quick and insightful responses. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.

Stubb

[tfdeputydawg]

The longer wheel based IRS conversations give the best ride.

Yes a rake kit improves ease of steering.

You should contact the owner of this forum, Papa Zook via PM or his site at Cut-N-Shoot Customs and discuss it with him.

[Burnerboy]

When I had my trike built (2010 Goldwing/Roadsmith) last year , I asked the same question to my builder:: his answer to me was:

** Out of the many, many trikes that I have built, for people, NOT ONE PERSON ever came back and wanted the EZ front changed back......BUT MANY CUSTOMER'S that didn't have the EZ steer installed in the first place, wanted him to change to EZ after the first month**............

Hope this helps you with your decision

Ronnie

[RUMRUNR]

I have had GL1800’s with both independent and solid axles as well as raked and not raked.

We put the EZ Steer kit on within 2 months of owning the solid axle. Husband quit complaining about upper shoulder pain and being so hard to turn in the curves on first ride after installation. To me, this is a MUST.

As to comfort of ride between the 2 axles... being a driver only I can say that the ride on the front seat is fine on both axles. I do not personally know but have had people tell me the passenger is not as comfortable on the straight axle trike. However, I have spoken to passengers on straights who have no complaints whatsover....

You and your passenger are the only ones who can determine your comfort level... be SURE you both are present to do the demo rides on both styles.

+1 on what Paws said, I have also rode trikes with both axles 1 up only. You ride in a straight line IRS may be the way to go, you ride it hard in the twisty stuff IRS is sloppy with a lot of roll to the high side. Solid axle in the twisty stuff I will run with most 2 wheel wings riding hard. Mine is a solid axle with rake kit.

[Montana Lee]

I would definitely recommend the rake kit. I've tried two different trikes without it and installed the kit on both. There will always be an argument about which is best...solid axle or independent suspension. A lot of this depends on what trike kit you have. The solid axle to me always has a much harsher ride than an IRS . The IRS is always much better ride.

Regarding the cornering, I have had the Motor Trike Adventure which has IRS. Never had problems with cornering at any speed. That particular machine has airbags that you can inflate or deflate to your liking. If you're going to be in the twisties a lot, add more air in the airbags to firm it up some. You can do that on the fly with the MotorTrike. I have a Lehman solid axle and I get along with it fine. But if I had a choice I would always take the Motor Trike Adventure with IRS.

[Jimer]

"Rake Kits" and "E Z Steer" are terms for the same thing describing a set of triple trees that only lay the front fork tubes back a few more degrees in relation to the steering stem to reduce trail and make for easier steering with less hard kickback. Generally, a pair of longer fork tubes or extensions are included. I paid $800 or near that in 2004 to add my 6degree E Z Steer to our trike, so it was at least worth that in my opinion. Yes, I'd do it again … but you should maybe ride or try one with versus one without and judge for yourself. If a great deal on one without is offered, it can be added.

People brag on independent rears, but they aren't near so much better on a three wheeled vehicle that is a tripod with wheels, unlike a Jag XKE or etc which is 4 wheeled or more and independent suspension allows all to stay in contact with the road better some say. Such claims have little value in real life and none on a trike, but it made for more pizazz on a sales flyer or web sight. I noticed years ago that no mention of added complexity and wear points also were a benefit. Then, they added anti roll .. or sway bars to stop the outward lean by tying the rear wheels together to lessen independence. I wonder if people would people buy a bike or unicycle or Segway with independent suspension?

Crystal, are you saying that EZ steer is the same as a Manufactures proprietary rake kit, say CSC’s “POWERTRAK” kit? Which would you prefer?

Thanks,

Jim

[CrystalPistol]

Crystal, are you saying that EZ steer is the same as a Manufactures proprietary rake kit, say CSC’s “POWERTRAK” kit? Which would you prefer?

Thanks,

Jim

I guess I should have said "easy steer" but many have taken to calling any such kit a EZ Steer kit. The CSC Powertrak kit used to (& maybe still does?) include longer fork tubes to raise the front back up (as laying the forks down lowered it) where as the Champion EZ-Steer included some aluminum extensions (hole through center) that does same thing. The new tubes "sound" stronger when you say it, but the OEM are a known quantity and the top of the steel tube is easily adjusted to be retained inside the lower edge of the top triple tree.

In use, 6 degrees of additional fork tube rake will reduce the trail the same assuming the steering stem angle stays stock. I made my choice based on what my buddy sold, I see no difference.

[cjmitch]

Bought a trike in 2005, brand new. the dealer asked me it I wanted a rake. Or better yet I asked him if i needed one. he told me to try it out, and come back later. I sad kool.

14 years later I have yet to go back and ask for a rake to be installed.

I was close ONE time when that same dealer asked me to try out the kury handlebar setback wedges. WORST mistake EVER, went back to the original setup.

What I find is that most new trikers choose to steer with their arms, and either a) are never taught to use their bodies to make a turn, b) never got the hang of using their bodies, or c) just dont want to or refuse to use their bodies.

What do I mean by using your body??

Well locking the opposite arm and leaning into that arm to turn the trike. If you want to turn right, then lock your left arm and lean into that arm using your body weight to turn the handlebars. Reverse for the left turns.

Once you learn this style of riding, a rake will become waaayyy to twitchy, at least that was my experience. I didnt hve a rake and my late dad had one on his. I HATED riding his trike.

But he had no issue with riding mine (sans the rake).

I do not have a rake, but I do not begrudge anyone that as it, but even with a rake, do NOT use your arms to steer your trike, in either case it will end in discomfort.

[Papa Zook]

I guess I should have said "easy steer" but many have taken to calling any such kit a EZ Steer kit. The CSC Powertrak kit used to (& maybe still does?) include longer fork tubes to raise the front back up (as laying the forks down lowered it) where as the Champion EZ-Steer included some aluminum extensions (hole through center) that does same thing. The new tubes "sound" stronger when you say it, but the OEM are a known quantity and the top of the steel tube is easily adjusted to be retained inside the lower edge of the top triple tree.

In use, 6 degrees of additional fork tube rake will reduce the trail the same assuming the steering stem angle stays stock. I made my choice based on what my buddy sold, I see no difference.

Just an FYI, CSC nor any of the trike manufactures supply longer replacement fork tubes. Some do include the option of fork tube extensions which are more than strong enough since they are machined from solid billet. I sell USA made top quality billet rake kits from the largest manufacturer in the US, and include the fork extensions at no additional cost.

Some of the trike manufacturers use the same manufacturer as I do to build their rake kits, the only difference being is that mine are discounted at several hundred dollars less. I provide same day free priority shipping, one year warranty and free phone support.

Order from my shop website at Cut N Shoot Customs / Rake Kits

Questions? Call me anytime at 346-800-7946

[Ecxelsior]

New(ish) to the trike world, how can you tell if you've got the raked front end? Is it an "at a glance" thing or do you have to tear in and look somewhere. I've been considering it b/c of shoulder pain, and this would go a long way to my decision. Lots of good info here to go on.

[CrystalPistol]

New(ish) to the trike world, how can you tell if you've got the raked front end? Is it an "at a glance" thing or do you have to tear in and look somewhere. I've been considering it b/c of shoulder pain, and this would go a long way to my decision. Lots of good info here to go on.

I can tell almost at a glance … and for certain with a more longer look … if the trike is based on a Gold Wing, but only 'cause I'm more familiar with them.

I looked for your photo album, there was none. I did see that you have a HD based trike, but I'll bet Papa Zook could tell at a glance.

You might look at the picture in post 2 here, it might let you see the change accomplished and give you an idea how it does so? Notice steering stem & fork tubes are at different angles with a rake kit.

Do you have a TriGlide? It almost certainly doesn't have a rake kit added. If it does the bottom triple tree will be shiny, thick machined billet aluminum, if not it will be black cast metal.

OK, so much the same then … had a hunch but wasn't sure with HDs. With the GLs, a look at top tree tells ... if not the increased space from front tire back to lower fairing.

[Papa Zook]

New(ish) to the trike world, how can you tell if you've got the raked front end? Is it an "at a glance" thing or do you have to tear in and look somewhere. I've been considering it b/c of shoulder pain, and this would go a long way to my decision. Lots of good info here to go on.

Do you have a TriGlide? It almost certainly doesn't have a rake kit added. If it does the bottom triple tree will be shiny, thick machined billet aluminum, if not it will be black cast metal.

[paul.r]

New(ish) to the trike world, how can you tell if you've got the raked front end? Is it an "at a glance" thing or do you have to tear in and look somewhere. I've been considering it b/c of shoulder pain, and this would go a long way to my decision. Lots of good info here to go on.

Just to say i am new to Triking,my GL1800 Lehman Monarch 2 has EZ Steer fitted,in the UK you cannot go far at all without bends/corners in the road,when i first bought my Trike i headed for the roads where i knew there where plenty (twisties as you call them) to get myself used to it.

Have done around 500 miles so far,yesterday 120,in heavy winds too..my arms do not ache neither do my shoulder's and i find the trike quite easy to manouvre,.Also it is the solid axle conversion not independent,when i go round corners the trike is excellent it seems not to lean at all,i was a bit worried at first as i seemed to be going round bends faster than i did solo the more i got used to it.

I cannot compare it with any other as i have only ridden this one.My friend has a 2015 GL1800 CSC conversion and he did complain about his arms/shoulders hurting,not sure if he has any form of EZ steer fitted tho'.I also put 26 psi in the rear tyres as i just thought it may be better with the amount of bends there are where i live....just to add i turned 71 last year so the EZ steer must really work...it does for me anyway

[CrystalPistol]

Welcome Paul.

Pretty trike! You have curvy & narrow roads or "lanes" don't you? If you had ridden 120 miles without the kit yesterday, on your roads, you'd be sore too I think.

Just an FYI, CSC nor any of the trike manufactures supply longer replacement fork tubes. Some do include the option of fork tube extensions which are more than strong enough since they are machined from solid billet.

Oh, No question, I just knew that CSC did in 2004 when I chose my Champion EZ Steer (didn't then even know of T-T) with extensions. I agree, the billet alloy extensions do work at least as well, maybe better as there then is no need for internal fork spring spacers. Main thing is without extending the forks when kitting them, the front end ends up way low. The extensions holding the fork springs in also make fork oil changes very easy if they have center holes.

[WhiteSpirit]

Got my 2008 Gold Wing California Side Car trike this morning and took it for a 25 mile ride. It is certainly different than driving my two wheeled motorcycle and the steering was HARD!!!! I filled the back and front tires with the correct PSI but it was still difficult steering. Any suggestions?

[capnfred]

I too am a new triker.... mine is a hannigan on a 07 GW.... it steers like a sports car.... in my youth I had a TR-3 with rack and pinion steering.... moving my hand on the steering wjheel was enough to change lanes at 90mph.... the trike is sorta lilke that.... at 70mph all it takes is a slight movement of bars....maybye 1/4 to 1/2 inch movement....at slower speeds if I am pushing it hard in the turns it takes a bit more effort....I find that when entering a corner I approach it slower then just before the apex twist the wick a bit and power out.....any comments from the old timers is appreciated....

Note: my only experience with a trike is on this hannigan.... cannot speak to the other kits.... maybe you should have a chat with the installer.... could be it mite need tweaking..

Capn

[molokaimike]

I went with the rake kit from CSC and it is a good, well built unit and came with the fork extensions. The beauty of adding any rake kit is with it you can remove the HD steering dampener which along with the new rake really make the trike steer better.

As far as the IRS kits I'm in the process of installing the kit from IMC on my 2020 Tri Glide. It is a very beefy kit and uses high quality components. It has 4 shock mounting locations, 2 on each side. With the Tri Glide conversion it comes with 2 Progressive coil over shocks and you reinstall your OEM shocks in the vacant position. My plan is to put in 2 clicks of preload on the Progressive shocks then I can use the OEM preload adjuster on the other OEM shocks so I can make adjustments easily.