I am brand new to trike world....have an 02 goldwing...am being told so many different things on amount to rake 4.5 or 6 degrees. It is a Champion kit. Some say 4.5 is enough and is recommended by Champion and 6 degree can get "twithcy" Others say go 6 degree...it is not only easier to steer but also eliminates some 4.5 wanting to "wobble around" on rough roads at slow speeds? One Honda dealer told me that 6 degree will go through bearings quickly because of severe angel. Very confused....!!!!!
Still not understanding rake???
- Thread starter Ricomaq
- Start date
4.5 is probably enough unless your upper body strength is just not there. Your Champion is shorter and more narrow then most and that plays into the geometry. I'd give ZOOK a call (346)800-7946 and pick his brain some. He is one of the most knowledgeable rake kit guys I know... He'll also give you one heck of a deal on the price. pepper pepper
You'll love the rake which ever way you decide to go!!!
I recently installed a rake kit from Bazooka, it was the 6.0 and it made a world of difference, very sensitive now. I believe the 4.5 would be enough rake for most people who are of average build. My 2 cts.
- Admin
- #5
4.5 is enough for most people on the shorter narrower trikes like the Champion UNLESS you live in and ride a lot of twisties.
skuuter
One of the Origionals
...and just to add to this...I live in the middle of "Lots of Twisties", and ride Country and Mountain ones every day...I "personally" prefer the 4.5 over the 6...it gives me quick enough response to do even high speed flicking through them, and yet retain a good open road 4-Lane stable cruise. My Wife, on the other hand, seems to be better served with the 6 because of the "quite a bit less" steering effort required. "Personally, In My Opinion", adding a SUPER BRACE Fork Brace, and Michelin Pilot Activ Tire to the Front also adds "more Steering with Less Effort" to even a 4.5 Rake Kit.....check out the Fork Brace and Tire Threads.....ThumbUp
- Thread starter
- #7
Thanks for your input...what about claim I have herd that 6 degree will stabilize the bike in rough riding conditions? What about the claims I have been told that 6 degree is BAD because either unstable or will cause more wear on bearings? I am 61 yrs old and in pretty good shape...my wife will drive it at times. I have ridden two wheels along time. I do ride in alot of curves in Northeast Iowa and Wisconsin.
- Admin
- #8
I sell a lot of rake kits every month, just as many if not more 6 degree than 4.5 degree, and if properly installed and properly torqued a 6 degree rake is not unstable on the right trike...more sensitive yes, but not unstable. It is also not possible for a 6 degree to have the effect of substantially more wear on the neck bearings since the bearings are not spinning just a small right to left movement and they use a flat tapered roller bearing and race which better distributes the load over a broader surface than do the stock round roller bearings. Bearing wear is just not an issue at all. As far as handling and responsiveness, think of a 6 degree VS a 4.5 degree like a Cadillac VS a Corvette. Both have power steering, but the Corvette (4.5 degree) takes a little more driver input than the Cadillac (5 degree) does.
bikerbillone
3000+ Posts
4.5 degree here, on my 2005 Wing, 2011 Road Smith, can't speak to the 6 degree, but it does take a bit of effort on the 4.5, especially if your working the twisties. Maybe a bit off subject, but I always look for what kind of conversion a poster has, that takes a bit of looking on some. Maybe it's just me and it really doesn't matter.
rmrc51
Lost In The 50's
I have a 6.0 degree rake on my 05 Wing with a 2012 Roadsmith conversion. I find that it's perfect for me. I don't feel that it's too 'touchy' at higher speeds. But then again, I've never gone faster then 65 mph and probably never will. :cxtv:
I have a Roadsmith a and it has a 3 degree rake , I'm 62 and have had open heart surgery 12 years ago, I DO NOT have much upper body strength,even with the 3 degree I find it rough on me to do alot of twisties,I do them as much as I can but am wore out after a 5 hour ride in southern Ind. I can and will ride the Dragon later this year, or other roads but I'll still be saving some of my disability check till I can afford a 6 degree rake kit from Zook. If Randy tells ya it'll be best to go with a 6 then go with it ,if he says 3 get that one,of course if I was you I'd rent a trike ,test drive ,go to anywhere you can drive one or start talking to differant trikers you meet and buy the one you feel the most comfortable with. Good luck and this is just what I feel is right for me!
bikerbillone
3000+ Posts
Rich, do you know who did your conversion? Believe you got yours from Tony, not sure. I ask, because I thing the Road Smith Trike Shop recommends a 4.5 degree rake. I probably would have been just as happy with a 6 degree, but just mind wandering here.
rmrc51
Lost In The 50's
My conversion was done by KD Cycle in Altoona, Alabama. I also called Roadsmith to verify the use of a 6 degree rake on the Roadsmith unit. They mentioned that they usually install a 5.5 degree rake and said the difference between a 5.5 and a 6.0 is hardly noticeable and would be fine.
bikerbillone
3000+ Posts
Thanks. Not sure why they did mine with a 4.5; maybe I should check and be sure it's a 4.5, maybe I got it wrong.
rmrc51
Lost In The 50's
bikerbillone
3000+ Posts
Rich, you are exactly right. Got to digging through paperwork, it is 5.5
rmrc51
Lost In The 50's
ThumbUp
I've got Champion with 4.5 and wouldn't want any easier steering. It took me a short time to get used to such sensitive steering.
I'm retired now, but when I was working for an aerospace company as a toolmaker/machinist we got a contract to build a sort of buffer or artificial mechanical feel for several of the advanced fighters because the pilots complained the fly by wire gave them no "feel". It's nice to have some variable resistance as the turn is getting tighter or the speed changes.
I'm retired now, but when I was working for an aerospace company as a toolmaker/machinist we got a contract to build a sort of buffer or artificial mechanical feel for several of the advanced fighters because the pilots complained the fly by wire gave them no "feel". It's nice to have some variable resistance as the turn is getting tighter or the speed changes.
When I converted my 2004 Wing I had a choice of no rake, 4 or 6 degree. I choose the 6 degree after speaking with my installer and several folks who ride trikes. I'm glad I did. Makes for easy steering and great handling.
Maybe slightly off topic.... but, I'm finding that if I setup the corner so that I can power out of it, it takes much less steering effort.
BINGO!!!!!
Follow the apex, outside, inside, outside!!!! and you shouldn't have to turn your handlebars much at all. Let the turn move under the bike, don't fight the bike into the turns.
More on topic... the greater your degree of RAKE, the GREATER your turning radius. I.e. where you might be able to make a 2 lane "u" turn now. after increasing the rake you may not be able to in the same space.
OR you WILL have to move the handlebars farther to make the same right or left turns.
Just my 2cts.........I have a 2000 Valkyrie DFT and have 8 degree rake and love it......
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