Degree of Rake & Springer Fork

[standingbear56]

Hi All,<br />
Now that my trike kit is installed on my 93 Sporty, I am looking into either a raked tree or a springer fork. First, I have been given a range of how much of a rake I should get for the easiest steering, from 3 to 10 degrees. Since I am new to trikes, while I know I need a rake, I do not know how far to go.<img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" /> I'm guessing a 5 degree would be good. Any suggestions? <br />
Secondly, I have always had a love affair with springer forks. I simply love the way they look. <img src="images/smilies/smiley-score010.gif" border="0" alt="" title="10" class="inlineimg" />Since I am working with the front end anyways, I'm also thinking of going with a springer insted of the standard forks. However, the largest degree of rake I have found for a springer is by Paughco, and it' 3 degrees. If a larger degree is needed, I guess that I would need to do the additional rake through frame modification.

<img src="images/smilies/AGGGH.gif" border="0" alt="" title="AGGHH" class="inlineimg" /> Again, any suggestions?<br />
Any of the work that needs to be done would be done over the winter, so I have plenty of time to plan things out. I can't wait to be able to really ride through the twisties with my new improved Salem <img src="images/smilies/excited smilie.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Excited1" class="inlineimg" />

[Papa Zook]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>standingbear56</strong>
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<div class="message">Hi All,<br />
Now that my trike kit is installed on my 93 Sporty, I am looking into either a raked tree or a springer fork. First, I have been given a range of how much of a rake I should get for the easiest steering, from 3 to 10 degrees. Since I am new to trikes, while I know I need a rake, I do not know how far to go.<img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" /> I'm guessing a 5 degree would be good. Any suggestions? <br />
Secondly, I have always had a love affair with springer forks. I simply love the way they look. <img src="images/smilies/smiley-score010.gif" border="0" alt="" title="10" class="inlineimg" />Since I am working with the front end anyways, I'm also thinking of going with a springer insted of the standard forks. However, the largest degree of rake I have found for a springer is by Paughco, and it' 3 degrees. If a larger degree is needed, I guess that I would need to do the additional rake through frame modification.

<img src="images/smilies/AGGGH.gif" border="0" alt="" title="AGGHH" class="inlineimg" /> Again, any suggestions?<br />
Any of the work that needs to be done would be done over the winter, so I have plenty of time to plan things out. I can't wait to be able to really ride through the twisties with my new improved Salem <img src="images/smilies/excited smilie.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Excited1" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Personally I would have to avoid the temptation of the springer. They are cool looking but a modern factory fork system beats the springer hands down for function, safety and ride quality, not to mention the increased rake you can achieve with raked trees will make driving it a whole lot more enjoyable.<br />
<br />
P.S.- I have polished or chrome (your choice) raked trees as nice as they come for $495 shipped. No pinch bolt cuts, thick and beefy, super high quality USA made.

[pin-hi]

I would run away as fast as you can from the Springer front end option. Just my opinion.

[Hawkeye]

+1 on Zook's comment regarding the springer front end. My wife's Harley/Lehman Bandit trike started its life as an '04 Harley Soft Tail Springer (FXSTS). The two-tone purple/lavender paint with airbrushed roses and that cool Springer front end looked freakin' awesome!

Unfortunately, after a couple of years on the road the front end started getting a little squirrely. No amount of adjustment seemed to help. After two "tank slappers" in one trip, both of which nearly resulted in accidents, the trike became an '04 Fat Boy using Harley OEM parts. Haven't had a problem since.

[standingbear56]

Thanks for the insight on the springers, it's appreciated. What degree of rake would you suggest? I'm thinking 5 degrees will do the trick. Also would I need fork extenders, and if so, how long should they be and how much do they cost?
Thanks,
Bear

[Hawkeye]

I don't have any experience with rake kits so I'll leave it to others to comment on that. None of our three trikes had one installed.

[Papa Zook]

Thanks for the insight on the springers, it's appreciated. What degree of rake would you suggest? I'm thinking 5 degrees will do the trick. Also would I need fork extenders, and if so, how long should they be and how much do they cost?
Thanks,
Bear

Bear,
Sorry for the slow reply, I was out of town over Thanksgiving and missed your last post. The trees I sell dont require fork tube extensions since the fork tubes screw into the base of the tree rather than exiting out the top of the tree like the stock trees/fork tubes do. Plus these trees are much thicker than stock. You get the equivalent of a 1 1/4 inch extension.