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I figured if I did rake it I would probably need new forks to maintain the look I want. I do like the springer front ends simply because of the detail on them. To me they look better than just two tubes coming down to the wheel plus they still maintain that "old school" look. looking at mine though. it appears the lower "tree" is integrated into the front end. Thats y I was not sure just changing to a raked tree would work.
You are right, there is no effective way to rake a springer, that is why you rake the neck and adjust the trail by extending the rockers that attach the wheel to the springers legs. The longer the rockers, the shorter the trail.
The amount of ground clearance for the frame is adjusted by extending the springer, which can be done by the same guy who does the neck mods.
I thought so. If I do go this route I found a guy in Houston who machines a completely new neck and welds it to the frame. In talking with him I was extremely impressed.
The "guy" wouldn't happen to be Tom Young of American Heliarc? You can't do better than him.
He put together my completely custom frame I designed, see below
Bingo! He's the one. I was very impressed with him after speaking with him on the phone. He emailed me some pics of the piece he machines and I spoke with him in depth about the process and options. If I go that route, he'll definately get the job.
You can't do better! When you talk to Tom next, mention my name - Mark Waggoner(Dejavu Motorcycles), Don't know if it'll get you a buck or 2 off, but it might. Good luck on the project.
PS I've been riding this frame for 12 yrs w/no problems at all til a recent accident, I think the frame is tweaked a little and will be taking it to Tom for a check out and straightening if required.
Will do. Last I spoke with him I told him it wouldn't be till sometime after the LoneStar Rally in Galveston. Now that that's come and gone It's time to start doing some scheduling.
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