Information that I find (on the Internet, of course) says that:
- GL-1200 I “Interstate” (84-87)
- GL-1200L “Ltd” (85)
- and
- GL-1500 “Goldwing” (88-90)
- GL-1500I “Interstate” (91-96)
Both use 41mm diameter fork tubes so 1500 raked tree might work. The only thing I dont know about is if the threading of the slugs (if used) is compatible. The neck bearings look to have the same dimensions GL1200 to GL1500. you might have to get "creative" to get all the other pieces mounted to the triple trees.
Cutting the neck and pulling it out does not do what a "rake kit" does. It increase the rake of the tubes true enough, but it also increases steering stem angle the same. In practice, it will increase trail which is the distance from the tire contact patch to that point where a line drawn through the steering stem meets the road. It will make heavier steering.
A "rake kit" is so named as it kicks the fork tubes out without changing the steering stem angle ... which shortens trail and lightens steering.
I did not even mention that both modifications also lower the front of the trike. I drew in a black line to show a modified stem angle.
Make Courtesy Your "Code of the Road" too!
A steering damper would help.
Retired trike builder
America's first lady trike builder.
As someone said, the rear tires can cause a wobble. Is the bolt pattern a common one that you could temporarily try some other wheels to see if that changes anything? Also a rear brake hanging up could be the problem. A pulsating brake on one side on the rear will swing the front end back and forth.
Like you said, the lady couldn't have ridden it that way so maybe something froze up or deteriorated from sitting.
Good luck.
You should really torque the steering head bearings before you continue. It's no longer a two wheeler. Tapered bearings can take a tremendous preload. Your fear of failure is preventing you from doing what needs to be done.
Today sitting on the trike and steering it right to left the front wheel moved about 7 inches to the right ? rear end must be off to one side. took and screwed the left heim out and the right in now the wheel stays in one place. will try it tomorrow.
Dave,
Head-shake is generally caused by the rear wheels going over an uneven (smooth) surface.
Too much air pressure in the suspension (rear) or too much tire pressure (rear).
Check your rear pressures, 20psi in those car tires, NOT 30PSI !
Ride it, then check suspension pressure if equipped with air shocks or bags.
25PSI will soften the suspension.
Jim
Jim Murphy
EX-Lehman & Champion Dealer Owner Operator
Iron Butt Rider 2001
WHEN HELP IS OFFERED, A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" IS APPRECIATED.
Not at all! You are lightly loading the tires, compared to their use on a car. I went from 35 down to 20 in my original rear tires (225-65/15), per advice on this forum.
REALLY improved the ride and braking. At 35 they would bounce on the road, and skid way too easily. My new low profile tires (225/45-15) run at 25, and are VERY comfortable, and brakes are all I could want. Never tried them at a higher PSI.
There is a lot of good, hard learned advice on this forum. Even if it doesnt seem 'right' to me, I try it. I have been happy with results.
Purchased Dec 2019 * 2006 Honda VTX 1800 with solid axle Motortrike Conversion. * Color: Y181P Challenger Brown Metallic * Seats: VTX 1800 Big Boy Seat, Passenger Seat, Driver Backrest and Sissy Bar Pad from Ultimate Seats * Exhaust: SUPER quiet hidden pipes, quad 6" baffles, 51mm DB killers
It is really pretty simple ..... the car tires exhibited on your trike are for a 4,000 lb car.
Your trike weighs less than 1,000 lbs.
Why on earth would you fully inflate a pair of car tires on the REAR of your trike ????
Try it, and if you don't like it, adjust them up until you just can't stand it anymore.
Jim Murphy
EX-Lehman & Champion Dealer Owner Operator
Iron Butt Rider 2001
WHEN HELP IS OFFERED, A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" IS APPRECIATED.