Triple tree rake

Grendel UK · #1 03-07-2008, 11:20 AM

I am looking to get billet triple trees for my '05 FXSTI Softail Standard. I do not want to change the geometry, but I am uncertain as to whether the stock trees have any rake. I seem to remember reading somewhere that there is some rake in the stock trees. So my question is: should I get trees with zero rake or if not how much rake do I need?

The Baron · #2 03-07-2008, 11:28 AM

Your stock trees have 2 degrees in them already. Increasing rake in the trees with reduce trail. If you go too far and your trail is too little then you can get into trouble, having a very loose feeling front end that is prone to speed wobbles.

I measured my fork rake on my bike after everything was lowered, etc. My rake at the forks was 37 degrees. This means that by lowering the rear I increased neck rake slightly and increased trail at the same time. According to my calculations I could increase tree rake another 3 degrees without getting into trail issues, so long as I lengthened the forks accordingly (2 inches)

It's all a geometry and math game.

Go here, http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/advchoppercalc.htmltake some measurements, punch int he numbersand see what you come up with. Most folks will tell you that raked trees are dangerous on a stock frame, but there are a lot of factors to consider and every bike is set up differently.

donk_316 · #3 03-07-2008, 12:00 PM

Hi. I thought the FXST had 3 degree rake in the trees?

The Baron · #4 03-07-2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: donk_316

Hi. I thought the FXST had 3 degree rake in the trees?

According to my research they have 32 degrees at the neck and 2 in the trees. Although MoCo likes to say 1.5 degrees in the trees.

donk_316 · #5 03-07-2008, 12:21 PM

You sure? The HD aftermarket trees say they reduce rake by 1.5 degrees and the "aftermarket" HD inverted front end has 3" built into it. As measured by me. But then again it asks for a 2" longer brake line too. Yep im confused.

The Baron · #6 03-07-2008, 12:40 PM

The problem is that MoCo won't just come out and say that the stock trees have a certain degree of rake built in. If you look at the specs they list the neck rake as 32 degrees but advertise the bike as having a 34 degree rake front end.

bimmer10 · #7 03-07-2008, 12:56 PM

I just purchased a black powder coated 5 degree raked tree for my 08 night train, I should have it on by tonight. I will let you know how it feels. If the 2 degree rake on the factor tree is correct, then realistically Im only adding 3 degrees. Thats cool for me.

Azgunner · #8 03-07-2008, 01:40 PM

I challenge anyone to produce any documentation that verifies that any model pre-2006 stock H-D triple trees have rake built into them. If you personally have verified this by accurately measuring this yourself I would accept that, if you can detail your measuring methods.

Not trying to step on any toes, but I hear this discussion from time to time & it always ends up as "I heard" or "my friend says" or some other arbitrary non verifiable source.

If anyone could humor me by taking up this challenge I'd appreciate it. As of now I don't believe they have rake built into them. Please prove me wrong with evidence.

donk_316 · #9 03-07-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Azgunner

I challenge anyone to produce any documentation that verifies that any model pre-2006 stock H-D triple trees have rake built into them. If you personally have verified this by accurately measure this yourself I would accept that if you can detail how your measuring methods.

Not trying to step on any toes, but I hear this discussion from time to time & it always ends up as "I heard" or "my friend says" or some other arbitrary non verifiable source.

If anyone could humor me by taking up this challenge I'd appreciate it. As of now I don't believe they have rake built into them. Please prove me wrong with evidence.

Maybe my numbers dont count but the inverted front end fits all 2000+ FXST bikes. I measured 3 degree rake in the trees by laying them flat on a table and measuring the distance up from the table to the stem at the top and bottom of the stem. Then took the distance between those two ponts of measurement and just used basic trig to come to 3 degrees.

The Baron · #10 03-07-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Chrome Forged Billet Aluminum Triple Tree Kit

A very thick, forged billet aluminum piece that loudly pronounces "custom." This Triple Tree Kit comes precision-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, highly-polished and dual nickel chrome-plated. A precisely-machined, distinctive Harley-DavidsonÂ® Willie G.Â® Skull logo is proudly displayed on the front of this triple tree. Kit comes complete with both top and lower triple trees, steering stem, bearings, dust cups and mounting hardware. Installation of this kit retains Original Equipment fork lock function on '00-later SoftailÂ® models. NOTE: Rake is reduced by 1.5 degrees.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
This at least says that these trees with reduce rake on 2000 and later models, thus confirming that the factory trees do in fact have some degree of rake built in.