New Trike - Need Comfort Suggestions!!

[Rebel]

There are two things I like having switched over from two wheels -- not worrying about laying it down, and the power. However, after 500 miles on the trike, I am missing my little Rebel terribly (however I don't miss the Beast -- my Harley Sportster . . .). There are no EZ Steer (rake) kits for my Shadow, so I don't know how to overcome the discomfort from having to man-handle it. My right elbow and hand/wrist are hurting to the point where I don't even want to ride (the trike has caused my tennis elbow from a year ago to return with a vengeance). I'd like to think that time will take care of the issues, but I am seriously doubting that will happen. Suggestions?

[Bikerbozo]

Just to check, when you are pushing with one hand, are you pulling with the other? This will, at least, split the effect on your arms.

[Rebel]

Just to check, when you are pushing with one hand, are you pulling with the other? This will, at least, split the effect on your arms.

Yes, I am. While I was waiting for the trike to be built, I dug for advice, and that is one thing I ran across.

[Loner]

Though it's not a project for every garage shop mechanic, you would ultimately have an option to adapt a set of 'raked trees' from another bike, such as a Harley. That would take some adaptation of bearings and other fits (tubes, etc.), but things like that have left me undaunted (read that as 'hardheaded') for years. I definitely am a believer in everyone being able to enjoy their trike - and if it isn't right, correct it (within reason).

[rodeo1]

check with zook, he might be able to help you

[Cycleguy]

There are two things I like having switched over from two wheels -- not worrying about laying it down, and the power. However, after 500 miles on the trike, I am missing my little Rebel terribly (however I don't miss the Beast -- my Harley Sportster . . .). There are no EZ Steer (rake) kits for my Shadow, so I don't know how to overcome the discomfort from having to man-handle it. My right elbow and hand/wrist are hurting to the point where I don't even want to ride (the trike has caused my tennis elbow from a year ago to return with a vengeance). I'd like to think that time will take care of the issues, but I am seriously doubting that will happen. Suggestions?

These folks modify your stock triple tree. I have utterly no idea how good they are at it.

Triple Tree Conversions With Steerite

Handlebar risers that bring the bars back toward you can also help.

[Yogisan]

These folks modify your stock triple tree. I have utterly no idea how good they are at it.

Triple Tree Conversions With Steerite

They're real good at it. I had my stock Suzuki triple tree modified by Steerite. You remove the stock triple tree, send it to them, they do the rake modification and return it. You re-install the tree. The thing that I really like about it is that I was able to re-install it with the stock front end hardware (headlight, fork covers, etc). I had to add a spacer to the upper fork cover because their mod makes the triple tree a bit longer between the upper and lower triple tree clamps but that was no biggie. Quality craftsmanship on their work.

[Rebel]

They're real good at it. I had my stock Suzuki triple tree modified by Steerite. You remove the stock triple tree, send it to them, they do the rake modification and return it. You re-install the tree. The thing that I really like about it is that I was able to re-install it with the stock front end hardware (headlight, fork covers, etc). I had to add a spacer to the upper fork cover because their mod makes the triple tree a bit longer between the upper and lower triple tree clamps but that was no biggie. Quality craftsmanship on their work.

Thanks for the info. I contacted them and it will be $775 plus shipping, plus what it will cost for me to have someone install it. Now to come up with the $$$ . . . .

[cjmitch]

I have a gl1800 but NEVER had a rake, don't like them...
Learned that its more than a push and pull, it's a combination of the following
...

1. ) prepping for the turn so you dont HAVE to turn the hbars much (outside / apex / outside), follow the line
2. ) locking the opposite arm, (turning right then lock left arm)
3. ) PUSHING and leaning into the handlebar of the locked arm with your BODY WEIGHT. NOT using your arms, this WILL wear you out as you have been experiencing

you follow these rules, and your are will feel MUCH better.

[rodeo1]

get the rake kit, just make sure you check with bazooka first. rake kits make it safer and more fun. changing them is really a peice of cake, not complicated at all.

[cjmitch]

get the rake kit, just make sure you check with bazooka first. rake kits make it safer and more fun. changing them is really a peice of cake, not complicated at all.

How does a rake make it safer???

[Rebel]

get the rake kit, just make sure you check with bazooka first. rake kits make it safer and more fun. changing them is really a peice of cake, not complicated at all.

Checked w/Bazooka -- he couldn't help me out on the Shadow.

[Bob Witte]

There is yet another unspoken possible assist to your problem. What kind of handlebars do you have on that Shadow? If they are the "drag bar" style common to some years, an inexpensive changeover to "western" style bars could be a major improvement for you. You want a set that sets back far enough so that you are not streching too much and you want them as wide as possible to increase your mechanical advantage and reduce the steering effort at low speeds.

I did that on the 750 Spirit I triked for myself several years ago. I used an "unknown" set of western bars I had hanging around. Swapping out the clutch cable for a slightly longer one from an Aero was the only thing I had to do to make the controls work. Worked like a champ.

Were I to do it over again, I'd use bars off a GL500 (80's Silver Wing motorcycle). They have a comfortable 30" spread and have a 16" pull back from the fork mounting point. For what it's worth.........

Bob Witte
The Trinity Trike

[Rebel]

[QUOTE=Bob Witte;81087]There is yet another unspoken possible assist to your problem. What kind of handlebars do you have on that Shadow? /QUOTE]

They are the stock 2011 Shadow Aero bars, whatever type that would be. You can tell how little I know about these things . . .

[ahamilton3]

CJMITCH has one of the best suggestions! Instead of pulling with one arm and pushing with the other arm, lock one arm. If you're turning right, pull the handlebar with the right arm but lock the left arm stiff and push with the added benefit of your body weight. This is much easier than using the muscle power of your two arms to pull and push. Start doing that and it won't be long before it's second nature, and it's certainly less wear and tear on your arms.

[Ken45]

CJMITCH has one of the best suggestions! Instead of pulling with one arm and pushing with the other arm, lock one arm. If you're turning right, pull the handlebar with the right arm but lock the left arm stiff and push with the added benefit of your body weight. This is much easier than using the muscle power of your two arms to pull and push. Start doing that and it won't be long before it's second nature, and it's certainly less wear and tear on your arms.

Agree. As your body leans away from the turn, your stiff arm will push the handlebar for you.

Ken