In 2010 someone cross the centerline an hit me on my bike. I lost my left leg. My right arm is limited and I have a artificial hip on the right side. So I'm pretty bang up. I bought a 2003 Fat Boy Lehman trike. It has no rake kit on it. I have a hard time steering it especially since I use a hand shift. Any suggestions on how to steer it would help. How about changing handlebars? I can't afford a rack kit at this time the cost and the price to install is just to much at this time. Thanks for any help y'all cane give.
Sugestions wnted on steering
- Thread starter motorcyclemania
- Start date
Before changing your bars, I would try to roll them down a bit. This will change the angle and put less pressure on you. However, be sure and make sure you don't roll them down tooo far, you don't want them hitting you when you try to turn either! Also, check your front tire pressure, if it's low, it will greatly increase the steering effort as well!!
Please don't take this suggestion wrong, I am not being a smart azz, just trying to help. Run more air pressure in the front tire and less in the rear. This will let the forks turn easier and the rear will drag a little helping to turn. Heavier fork oil and a spacer on the spring in the forks will keep the forks extended removing some weight on the front end will also help. You can remove the fork cap and put an old socket in there helping the fork spring pressure to keep the forks extended. They will still work just a little stiffer. Less air in the rear shocks to lower the rear a little. The ultimate answer is a rake kit, wider handlebars do help, something like WO575 WildOnes are 2 inches up and 2 inches back and 4 inches longer and they do help steering. I have them on my trike and that was a accidental side effect but did help. Glad to see you keep riding. Hope it brings as many smiles to your face as it does mine. Thanks, Jerry
Obviously the handlebar change will help you some as well. Two other options when you can afford it is the rake kit as you have said and you might want to look at a 21" wheel/tire with Softail Custom forks for the front of your setup. Adding the longer forks with the narrow and taller tire will make steering easier.
The 16" front tire on your Fatboy gives more resistance due to the wider contact patch plus the added weight of the wheel. A taller narrow tire once rolling steer easier
Tom
The 16" front tire on your Fatboy gives more resistance due to the wider contact patch plus the added weight of the wheel. A taller narrow tire once rolling steer easier
Tom
How about this...I will give you an unbelievably great deal on a rake kit and install it for free for you. Tell me where you live and I will make arrangements to come pick your trike up and install the rake for you.
Now that is what it is all about Bazooka!!
Way to go Randy. Hope he takes you up the offer
Bazooka, you have my admiration that is one great offer. If he will take you up on that offer I will also contribute 10% of the total price. Just mark me down Helipilot@Triad.rr.com email me with my portion. Thanks, Jerry
- Thread starter
- #9
Thanks for the help,,, I live in Louisiana my email address is motorcyclemania@yahoo.com
- Thread starter
- #10
I want to thank everyone for all the help.
Sounds like you've had some tough breaks and could use a hand with your trike. A 5 degree rake kit will be a huge help for you. Im going to PM you with my phone number and we'll talk and see if we cant get the ball rolling on this.
What a great gesture I hope everything comes together on this...
I'm located in Northeast Louisiana, let me know if there is anything I can do to help out.
That's what family is for, ain't it?
When you can afford it, I would suggest "Helibar's" for the handlebar conversion. I am a disabled rider and had these put on my trike at Sturgis, when we toured USA last year. After the Ezi-Steer it is the next best thing I ever put on my trike. They adjust up and down, as well as back and forth...... magic!!!! All the best
Bent, buckled, but riding :wave4:
That is a great gesture Bazooka, My hat is off for you.
You are a GREAT guy. It doesn't get any better than that.ThumbUp
This is a truly generous and unselfish offer from one rider to another rider that's in need. I salute you, Bazooka!
Randy, you are one fine fellow.
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