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Hacked, Conversions and Trailering"Harley Sidecar, Conversion Trikes and Motorcycle Pull Behind Trailering Enthusiasts"
A forum for the discussion of your sidecar, Conversion Trike or Pull Behind Motorcycle Trailer.
Well, I'm looking at doing the triple tree modification for the 09 FLHX. As those that read my 'hello to the Hacked' forum: "So we did it-Sidecar" I am now in the process of planning the rake steering mod.
So if I take this on myself, I'm thinking I'll need the standard height monotube kit, the new triple trees, longer fork tubes, new bearings and seals, fork oil [for lubricant], new drain screws [copper washers], and the bearing removal and installation tools.
Questions:
1) Do I need the longer tubes? I would think so to maintain a level motorcycle.
2) I've been looking and 7.5 deg seems common for this application. I'm guessing that is degrees more than stock.Thoughts?
3) i have 12" shocks in the rear [FLHX] so that is also a component with the "triangulation" of the front.
I'm thinking if I go 7.5 degrees, add two inches of fork, and go the standard length internals. The only thing is longer tubes, mean longer springs correct?
Your feedback is appreciated
Thank you
H This is where I'm at. But my apologies as a straight fork picture would help more than this. Unfortunately the motorcycle [hack?] is not at my location, so I can't re-photograph it.
If you take the cos of the rake angle you have now and multiple it by the fork length it will give you the ride height.
If you add the extra rake angle, take the cos of that and multiply it by the fork length it will again show ride height so you can see the difference the extra rake angle will make to ride height.
Not the actual ride height as you are not measuring the distance all the way to the ground but basically the ride height to the axle. I am sure you can see that. You could extend the line to the ground for the forks to get the exact ride height.
Apparently I'm too lazy to look up trig functions. I guess I need to do more of this stuff at work, and less reading from tables and stuff.
My math assumes we're only talking the fork tube, as the length is more to compare, not for the exact measurement. This is based off of an aftermarket fork tube company's info stating the stock fork tube length is 20.25", and another company stating stock rake is 26 Deg. These numbers are more "factors", not actual heights.
So, all this being said, I will want to look for the kits with the 2" fork nut extenders, as longer tubes mean longer springs too...
Strangely, when I looked at trike parts they all seemed to be the same tube assembly as the stock Street Glide.
Lastly, I'll need to pull the lowered progressive monotubes and install stock length monotubes. There isn't any provision to add 1" to the shorter ones. In 2013 when I lowered it, I guess I should have kept the parts... [kidding]
I did some reading on the slugs as they are called and some are saying they are a real bad idea. To lengthen the forks get longer tubes to do the job. I have no knowledge but when I read stuff like that I take note.
You should contact "Papa" Zook @ http://www.cutnshootcustoms.com/
=center~Call Or Text Us Anytime~
=centerAvailable 24/7/365 By Appointment
=center346-800-7946
Zook is the MAN for your questions about rake kits and what you should use.
As far as the mono tubes go, you should contact Progressive about using these with a rake kit. I wanted to use these when I raked my bike back in 2010. I was told the mono-tubes where not for bikes w/rake kits and if I installed them, it would void the warranty???? Don't know if that is still true but, I'd check.
you will use the original length springs … the extended tubes should come with a set of spacers to put inside the tubes to take up the extra space … the spacers usually are 3/4 pvc … if you want to add some preload you can cut a new set a little longer …
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Steering Modifications - Rake
