hello all. well I've almost finished the forbidden. I installed 5 degree trees with 41mm tubes on my 2005 FXD. If any of you ever wondered about this topic like I have, then you will be glad to hear what I experienced in the handling of the bike. First of all it doesn't ride as smooth as it did before, it is a little stiff, but not all that bad. At slow speeds probably 10mph and below the front wheel feels heavy. At speeds of 20+mph it is still stable enough to let go of the handle bars, it don't wobble and do a lot of crazy stuff that everyone claims. This install can be done. I haven't taken any pix yet since I haven't gotten my new fender back from paint yet, but I will post some. It looks cool. I did spend more that I wanted too....
I was with a friend at our indy shop discussing a new front end for his 03 lowrider the other day. A wide glide front end with a 3 degree rake in the trees is what was suggested. No more than 5 degrees he said. With the 5 degree rake, he mentioned just what you are saying - the front wheel will start to get "heavy" and want to lean over when parked or riding very slow - but not dangerously so. According to the indy, 3 degrees would push the front wheel out about an inch and a half and 5 degrees would be 2 inches or so.
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2007 FXDC SE 180 rear Lepera Bare Bones V&H Big Radius Stage 1 Complete Kuryakyn Forward Controls Progressive 412 HD Jackyl 2" Tank Lift
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Joined: 2/4/2006 From: Cleveland, Ohio USA Status: offline
I say put the front fender back on and it will give it more of a finished look. JMHO
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06 FXDLI Our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty. Sam Adams
I think it looks pretty darn good with no front fender. Gives it that bobber look. Take more pics when you get the new fender on and I'll let you know whether you can keep it or not.
gee thanks fastjoe!!! I found a post it note and it appears my wife decided to do a tally of my parts, wasn't that nice. It said $855.08 I originally only wanted to spend about $600.
what details do you want specifically? the tree came from ebay, but they are ultima trees 5degree, the legs came from ebay they are stock length 41mm for softail(I don't remember the seller but he has an ebay store, he's a fast shipper too) they were $120 for the pair. the lower legs were dealer take offs from a 2000 softail the cost $25. the powdercoat for the lower legs and triple trees cost $150. handlebars from ebay(but I got screwed on them, they aren't the same one picture in the sale, you can get these same handlebars for about $89+ from jireh). headlight from ebay from pro one, a discontinued sell out item $22. got new neck bearings from local bearing shop, wheel bearing kit to convert my 1" bearings to 3/4" to keep my stock 19" wheel came from the stealer for about $70 bones,but it came with wheel spacer stock and the center hub spacer. I did all the wrenching so no cost there. A lot my costs that I didn't figure on was dog gone shipping. Hope this helps.....
So you got it done, good job! Just curious, how does the bike sit with the stock ST fork tubes. Is the front end tilted up at all or is it pretty level? I guess the fork tubes should have all worked out pretty well since now you're at 33° rake rather than the stock 28°.
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"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" (Edmund Burke) ----------------------------------- '02 Lowrider 95" Wiseco Flat-top pistons Dewey's Pro-Street headwork 37G cams DTT ignition 44CV Carb Cycle Shacks
I could n't aske for the bike to sit any better. I think it's pretty dead on to being level. As for the sissy bar, I have one as you can tell by the side plates, but it only goes on when my son or ol lady rides.
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Joined: 4/18/2008 From: Houston, Texas, USA Status: offline
You are pushing the envelope with this one, man. I've seen this question asked a million times, but you're the first one to do it. And, pics to boot! Looks fantastic. Glad to know that it rides good, too.
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Greg 2008 Lowrider -1" Front & Rear - FXDB Laced Wheels - Mustang Solo 3" Tank Lift / 1-1/4" Mini Apes w/ chrome controls Ness Big Sucker / Rinehart Staggered / PC III
Have you had it on any twisties yet ? I put five degree trees on mine and it drasticly changed the handeling. It lowers the bike and it drags the footpegs everywhere. It looks great though just as yours does.
I haven't scraped with it yet. The bikes handling has changed but not to the point where it is dangerous. It's just different.... Because of the type trees and the length of the fork tubes the bike is still level. I have not touched the rear at all. Which was my intention. I rarely scraped before. I was usually purposely turning sharp and fast to force a scrape. Still no fender yet, I've been trying to call my painter. Thanks to those who like it.
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I did the forbidden!!! - 
RE: I did the forbidden!!! - 
