Should I rake my front end?
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Elmira NY
Should I rake my front end?
Hey folks - just joined - I have a 2005 Sportster 1200 custom - just installed 39 mm 6 inch over tubes - as you can see from the pic, my bike does not sit level. So I want to rake the from end - probably 6 degrees - question,... where can I get a raked triple tree for a reasonable price?
Or better yet,... do you have any advice?
I'm a real rookie - my 1st Harley and I want it to look sort of like a chopper.
Thank you!
Or better yet,... do you have any advice?
I'm a real rookie - my 1st Harley and I want it to look sort of like a chopper.
Thank you!
you need to calculate the rake and trail to see if the numbers come out correct. Failure to allow for proper rake / trail can result in an extremely dangerous tank slapper.
http://rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html
http://www.scootersperformance.com/t...ake_trail.html
TOO LITTLE OR NEGATIVE TRAIL
With too little or negative trail (steering axle mark behind the front axle mark), the bike will handle with unbelievable ease at low speeds, but will be completely out of balance at high speed. It will easily develop a fatal high-speed wobble. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!
NORMAL TRAIL
Normal trail is somewhere between 2 and 4 inches. The bike will handle easily at both high and low speeds. Flowing smoothly through curves without swaying or wobbling. If you use a very fat rear tire, you should keep the trail as close to 4 inches as possible.
TOO MUCH TRAIL
If the trail is more than 4 inches the bike will handle sluggishly at high speeds. It will seem almost too steady. You will have trouble balancing the bike at lower speeds or on winding roads. It will feel generally sluggish and clumsy.
http://rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html
http://www.scootersperformance.com/t...ake_trail.html
TOO LITTLE OR NEGATIVE TRAIL
With too little or negative trail (steering axle mark behind the front axle mark), the bike will handle with unbelievable ease at low speeds, but will be completely out of balance at high speed. It will easily develop a fatal high-speed wobble. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!
NORMAL TRAIL
Normal trail is somewhere between 2 and 4 inches. The bike will handle easily at both high and low speeds. Flowing smoothly through curves without swaying or wobbling. If you use a very fat rear tire, you should keep the trail as close to 4 inches as possible.
TOO MUCH TRAIL
If the trail is more than 4 inches the bike will handle sluggishly at high speeds. It will seem almost too steady. You will have trouble balancing the bike at lower speeds or on winding roads. It will feel generally sluggish and clumsy.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 5
From: Berwick, Pa
Raked trees will give the bike a strange looking stance, not "chopper-ish" at all. Go look at some of the bolt on "chopper kits" and you will see what I mean. The whole bike sits flat and completely stock, but the front wheel just sticks out. To me that looks kinda weird.
You might want to look for a fab shop in your area and discuss having them chop the frame. Or maybe even buy a frame. Either way, it ain't exactly cheap.
You might want to look for a fab shop in your area and discuss having them chop the frame. Or maybe even buy a frame. Either way, it ain't exactly cheap.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
I went with this company. Excellent service, top quality German craftsmanship and works really well. Check out some of the pics on their site to get an idea of what it will look like.
http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/
http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,904
Likes: 9
From: Streetsboro, Oh
A bit too late now, but as going to say that racked out sportys looke like crap unless you have the right frame or the fat rear tire kit. I was on vacation last week and seen a guy twice with a 2004 or newer 1200C that was all racked out, but rest was stock and IMO it looked funny-not like a chopper at all. Both on kits do give the bike a funny look, but would at leat bring the fornt end down some.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
I went with this company. Excellent service, top quality German craftsmanship and works really well. Check out some of the pics on their site to get an idea of what it will look like.
http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/
http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
Raked trees will give the bike a strange looking stance, not "chopper-ish" at all. Go look at some of the bolt on "chopper kits" and you will see what I mean. The whole bike sits flat and completely stock, but the front wheel just sticks out. To me that looks kinda weird.
You might want to look for a fab shop in your area and discuss having them chop the frame. Or maybe even buy a frame. Either way, it ain't exactly cheap.
You might want to look for a fab shop in your area and discuss having them chop the frame. Or maybe even buy a frame. Either way, it ain't exactly cheap.
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Raked trees will give the bike a strange looking stance, not "chopper-ish" at all. Go look at some of the bolt on "chopper kits" and you will see what I mean. The whole bike sits flat and completely stock, but the front wheel just sticks out. To me that looks kinda weird.
You might want to look for a fab shop in your area and discuss having them chop the frame. Or maybe even buy a frame. Either way, it ain't exactly cheap.
You might want to look for a fab shop in your area and discuss having them chop the frame. Or maybe even buy a frame. Either way, it ain't exactly cheap.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 257
Likes: 1
From: Bayarea California
AME chopper kits are the best. i installed one on my dads softail custom
http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/fat_t..._sportster.htm
http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/fat_t..._sportster.htm