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883L rake questions

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Old Aug 26, 2010 | 04:53 AM
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Default 883L rake questions
I have a 2007 883L and need some help. I am going to rake the front end about 5 degrees and need to know how long my down tubes need to be to level it back out and return some of the trail. I know, I've read the posts about changes in handling and I am expecting it, just trying to get as much trail back as possible without going into the negative. I've seen alot of sites and a couple of posts on here where they have raked 5 degrees and just went with 2" over tubes. That is with a standard height sporty. With the 883L, would I need an additional 2" (total of 4" over) to compensate for the rake? I do not want to have to lower the rear end as it is low enough. Any advice would be helpful.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2010 | 06:25 PM
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You should ride a bike with 5 degrees of rack, I have 3 degrees with stock length tubes and the back is lowered at least 4" to bring back some of the trail and it can be a hand full at low speeds, 5 degree is going to be real close to over the edge.
I'd be leery of people saying 5 degree trees are good, I've found very few people that make a $500 mistake will admit it.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2010 | 04:52 AM
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The degree would be good if I could keep the trail right. Just need to know if I am on the right track here.
 
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Old Aug 29, 2010 | 10:15 AM
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2" will be very close to what your looking for. Sounds like you know 5 deg. trees are not the best way to go to get rake.You should mod. the frame. I did two 50 deg. frames and used 8 over tubes.Did a 45 deg. used 6 over, a few 40 degs. used 4 over. So adding 5 degs should take around 2"
 
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Old Aug 29, 2010 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike07FLHTC
2" will be very close to what your looking for. Sounds like you know 5 deg. trees are not the best way to go to get rake.You should mod. the frame. I did two 50 deg. frames and used 8 over tubes.Did a 45 deg. used 6 over, a few 40 degs. used 4 over. So adding 5 degs should take around 2"
Thanks for the info. My problem is that modifying the frame will cost more, with the cutting re-welding, then powdercoating it. And I don't want anything extreme, just about 5 to 7 extra degree of rake. I read the stories of how nasty it can be, but I have read and seen some bikes that have been done like this. The ones riding them say they got exactly what they wanted, just had to make sure the trail didn't go too out of whack.And another point to this, I am doing my mods on a budget. I am under no illusions, I know that cheaper isn't always better. That is why before I do anything, I ask for input from those that have either done or can tell me about it. That is why I love that I found this forum!
 
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Old Aug 29, 2010 | 08:30 PM
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I understand what your saying. I guess I'm lucky I can do my own work. I never had any other hands on any of my bikes. If I wasn't able to do my own frames I'd probly be in the same boat as you.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2010 | 08:17 PM
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Somebody, please help with this. Cutting the frame is just not an option for me. I have decided on the HawgHalter trees with 5 degree rake. Just need to know if 4" downtubes would be the right way to go.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2010 | 09:01 PM
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You can't get the info you need from the manufacturer of the trees?
 
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Old Sep 3, 2010 | 09:14 PM
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Thought you got your answer. 2" will work for 5degs. If you don't add length to the forks the front of the frame will be lower than the back. It's like .4 inch per deg of rake .4x5deg=2"
 
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