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.