6 degree rake kit

[Airboss]

My 2018 Goldwing/Roadsmith Trike came with a "6 degree rake kit" on the steering to "make turning easier".

This has made the bike longer and as best I can tell has increased the turning radius.

So, my questions are:

Does this really make steering SIGNIFICANTLY easier?

How difficult is it to remove the kit?

How much will the removal shorten the bike?

I carry the bike in the back of a pickup and a few inches shorter would really be helpful.

[rhino 2]

My 2018 Goldwing/Roadsmith Trike came with a "6 degree rake kit" on the steering to "make turning easier".

This has made the bike longer and as best I can tell has increased the turning radius.

So, my questions are:

Does this really make steering SIGNIFICANTLY easier?

How difficult is it to remove the kit?

How much will the removal shorten the bike?

I carry the bike in the back of a pickup and a few inches shorter would really be helpful.

Milt.........Welcome To Trike-Talk...........I think you should leave it on it will steer heavier without it ........

[ItBeMe]

Welcome to try to talk I would leave the rake on there unless you’re a young man and strong like bull than you’ll be OK.

[Jack Klarich]

Hi Milt, to Trike Talk and your first post

You will surely miss the rake kit if you remove it

[Burnerboy]

I rode a trike w/out the kit and totally hated it.....................I rode a trike with a 5.5% rake kit, and totally loved it.............I have a feeling that you would kick yourself (If you removed that rake kit)...............

Ronnie

7/9/22

[Airboss]

Guess I'll keep it and work around the length issue.

Never would have thunk it would make a difference, but that's the great thing about these forums. A simple question can prevent you from doing something less than smart.

[Burnerboy]

I believe you made the right decision here;;;;; Believe me, that easy steering trike of yours, would make steering like tons of work, if you remove that rake'd front end..

When I had my trike built, three seasons ago, I asked the builder this same question ::: DO I REALLY NEED A RAKED 5.5% FRONT END????

His answer to me was:: I have replaced many raked front ends on bikes... Never did anyone ever wanted it reversed......BUT 85-90% of the ones that I didn't replace, in the first place all wanted me to change that rake to a 5.5%..........

He said to me: Here ride, this NON raked bike first, and then rides this raked out bike next, which do you like better?? Before I answer this question, be advised that I never rode a trike before this test ride......................THERE WAS NO COMPARISION/THE RAKE'D FRONT END WAS THE CLEAR WINNER

Ronnie

7/10/22

[wlivin2]

You don't want to change it . I rode mine for a couple yrs with shoulder problem and changed to a 5degree then ride 5 more yrs with no problem

[ol' school]

Milt, welcome to Trike Talk! Definitely keep it! Really makes a difference!

[Burnerboy]

Well "Boss"

After reading all the reply's about removing the rake'd front end, what did you decide to do???

Ronnie

7/13/22

[Airboss]

As I mentioned in post #6 I am going to keep it and deal with the length issue some other way.

[tinner12002]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but has anyone with the Harley conversion installed a steering dampener similar to the tri-glides??

[wlivin2]

Yes I did worked nice on the groves roads of PA at higher speeds

I used a adjustable one when traveling outside of PA i would turn it down a little

[JimsGL1800]

The rake kit is wonderful just like adding power steering. If you go drive an old truck without power steering this will be how the bike will be without it.