Rake Angle
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Gold Coast, Australia.
Rake Angle
Hi Guys,
What would be the maximum rake angle you could go to by altering the steering head angle on a softail bike frame before you would notice a big differance in handling??
Cheers,
What would be the maximum rake angle you could go to by altering the steering head angle on a softail bike frame before you would notice a big differance in handling??
Cheers,
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Rake Angle
Probably too generic a question to get anything but an opinion for an answer. If you kept the frame completely stock except for the neck angle, and extended the fork tubes to keep the bike level, I'd say 5 degrees would give a very noticeable difference in the handling. Even 3 degrees would make for a different handling bike, but it wouldn't be too difference.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 194
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From: Gold Coast, Australia.
RE: Rake Angle
Thanks Skip, I know what you are saying about the question and as always I appreciate your answers or opinions.
Here I go again but say I had the neck raked out to around 38 degrees what sort of handling differances would there be Skip? Trouble turning around roundabouts (traffic circles) etc or just a dog to ride around twisty roads etc?
Here I go again but say I had the neck raked out to around 38 degrees what sort of handling differances would there be Skip? Trouble turning around roundabouts (traffic circles) etc or just a dog to ride around twisty roads etc?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Rake Angle
Done the old way, 38 degrees with forks extended to keep it level would give you great straight line stability, and like the old Red Sovine truck song, Give Me 40 Acres and I'll Turn This Rig Around.
Done the right way, 35 degrees in the neck, and 3 degrees in the trees, will make a bike that is surprisingly nimble. The 3 degrees in the trees will bring the trail closer to stock, and that'll do away with the front end flop at low speeds.
Done the right way, 35 degrees in the neck, and 3 degrees in the trees, will make a bike that is surprisingly nimble. The 3 degrees in the trees will bring the trail closer to stock, and that'll do away with the front end flop at low speeds.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Tucson, Arizona
RE: Rake Angle
I have a total of 48 degrees in my FXSTC (Pictured) 3 degrees in the trees. Handles fantastic at everything but the slowest manuvers. Have to steer it if you're going to go all the way around the r'bout or do a uturn, but besides that you can throw it around!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Tucson, Arizona
RE: Rake Angle
Thanks,
Forgot to mention went with 6 inch over and 48 degress to keep the trail right......
Forgot to mention went with 6 inch over and 48 degress to keep the trail right......
ORIGINAL: FXST
Thanks for your input guys and Russelmania love what you have done to your bike. It is one tough looking custom........
Thanks for your input guys and Russelmania love what you have done to your bike. It is one tough looking custom........
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