I really want to rake the front end of my 91/93 (updated front end) FXSTS with the kit from Vulcan (http://vulcanworks.net/store/Harley-...-Rake-Kit.html).
I am not sure how many tons will be required to press out the existing fork stem. I asked Vulcan and their response was "Lots" which is not a unit of measure that I am familiar with.
Anyone ever press out the fork stem on a post 88 springer?

 

No...and based on the price of them [and the supply]...I'm Not gonna...better to just Buy what ya Need [require]

 

Unfortunately I may have to trike my bike (I am getting worn out and damaged). To handle properly the rake needs to be increased and the only two options I know of are to cut and weld the frame (not happening) or use the aforementioned rake kit. So I either press out the stem or cut and drill it out. Not many options.

 

I certainly don't know much about Trikes, I prefer Hacks!!
A friend converted to Trike once, and got the front end wayyyy too heavy...**** poor Trike that one! Seems to me more Rake would Exacerbate the Problem of too much weight on the front end...
Hacks take Less Rake!
Do What ya gotta do, but please be careful, and seek Qualified Advise...ie Not Me..LOL

 

If you're looking to buy a press, a 20 ton will do a lot of damage. I would start there. And Be Careful.

 

Racepres: The need for increased rake is When riding a two-wheeler, the rider leans into turns to counteract the effect of inertia (inertia makes the motorcycle want to go straight forward). But with a trike, leaning won't get you very far and trying to steer a trike with a significant amount of trail can be exhausting on the rider. The solution to this problem is to decrease trail, giving the rider a mechanical advantage when turning. Also ideal for a bike with a larger front wheel or a bike with a sidecar.

Dr. Hess: If I can't get thing out with a 12 ton I will simply do the cut and bore. I am always careful. I survived Asscrackistan, and two ex-wives.

 

Harley made adjustable trees so you could increase the rake when you installed the side car, and reduce the rake to ride the bike without it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/One-set-of-H...arley-Davidson

 

Hmmm, I may be bass-ackwards, not the first time...
So, Seems to me then that the Newer [well new to me anyway] Front end geometry...the ones with the Backwards [to me] triple trees would be a Logical answer!!
Make sense??

 

Picked up a 20 ton shop press from HF. Tricky setup (for safety) but the stem came out with a lot of pressure, but no damage.

 

Do you have any pics of this operation? That would have been interesting for me to see.
Thanks,
Tom