2005 Lehman FLHTC handling problems

[mr.precision]

After a long illness, I finally am back to putting some miles on my 2005 FLHTC Lehman conversion trike. It's great to be back in the wind again and I have really been enjoying the great weather here in Arizona.

My question is in regards to handling and comfort.

How do you know if the rear shocks are worn out? It seems like the ride is much harsher than before, with every bump in the road more evident than before. It also seems like entering a curve in the road, the bike feels like it is leaning more than before.

I have a new front tire, running 36 psi and old rear tires running 20 psi. I have never run any pressure in the front or rear suspension. Only chassis mod is a 6 degree rake kit, which was a huge improvement.

The bike just doesn't feel right. Could be the 2 year absence from use..... I don't know.

Any suggestions are truly appreciated. I would even take it to a good trike shop in the Phoenix area, if I knew of one.

Thanks.

 

[Lee H. Mann]

Mike, Welcome back.

I would suggest that you inflate rear shocks to 15/20 lbs.

With the rake added, it is easy to over-speed in turns B/C there is less feed-back.

It could be just something that you need more ride time after being away.

Jim

 

[mr.precision]

Thank you, Jim.

Yeah I did consider that the time away may be the cause for concern..... but I will try your suggestions.

I did 2500 miles on this bike after changing the rake, and don't recall the trike leaning like it feels now. Thus the question about shocks,

I always understood that putting pressure in the suspension would make the ride more harsh. At least in the front forks, it does. I haven't ever run and pressure in either end.

Should I decide to replace the shocks, any suggestions from people that have Lehman conversions?

 

[Lee H. Mann]

I noticed almost immediately after changing the rake, a trike was so much easier to steer.

This gave a sensation of confidence and allows a rider to enter turns faster with less reluctance.

It is not leaning as much as it is trying to throw you from the seat.