5% triple tree mod
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Yes, you are correct. As sure as the sun will shine, whenever some one asks about raked trees, the death stories are abound. Yet ALL Harley WideGlides since their begining have run 2 1/2 - 3 degree RAKED trees. 5 degree trees are common but are not the optimum choice as they really begin to reduce trail and lighten the front end handleing characteristics. Often too much. Yet lots of people run them every day and don't die. You can use a rake and trail calculater such as RB's and deciede for yourself. I wouldn't run more than 3 degree tree's on anything, but thats just me. Lots of people who INSIST on not cutting the necks to get the correct rake, mix raked trees with raked neck bearings as those two forces act against each other to keep trail managable. Bottom line, don't run more than 3 degree trees unless and until you run your combo threw a calculator and believe you still have safe trail.
Last edited by bikerlaw; Jan 24, 2010 at 01:26 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
Yes, you are correct. As sure as the sun will shine, whenever some one asks about raked trees, the death stories are abound. Yet ALL Harley WideGlides since their begining have run 2 1/2 - 3 degree RAKED trees. 5 degree trees are common but are not the optimum choice as they really begin to reduce trail and lighten the front end handleing characteristics. Often too much. Yet lots of people run them every day and don't die. You can use a rake and trail calculater such as RB's and deciede for yourself. I wouldn't run more than 3 degree tree's on anything, but thats just me. Lots of people who INSIST on not cutting the necks to get the correct rake, mix raked trees with raked neck bearings as those two forces act against each other to keep trail managable. Bottom line, don't run more than 3 degree trees unless and until you run your combo threw a calculator and believe you still have safe trail.
Yes, wideglides have been running raked trees forever but they also have more rake in the neck of the frame to help keep the trail in the ideal spot which most people say is between 2 and 4 inches.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Actually, Ideal is much more. Between 4 and 6, but thats why calculators are so useful.
Last edited by bikerlaw; Jan 24, 2010 at 02:19 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
CampusJack, here is the link to an accurate calculator.
http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html
http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html