2003 GW/Roadsmith New to me!

[Hocky]

Wondering about the relationship of tire pressure (fr & rr), and headshake? Also the steering head is silver, is that stock on an 03' GW or might it be raked?
Thanks, Ron orag:

 

[LASER]

Wondering about the relationship of tire pressure (fr & rr), and headshake? Also the steering head is silver, is that stock on an 03' GW or might it be raked?
Thanks, Ron orag:

Yes, too low tire pressure can cause vibrations and head shake. The OEM Honda steering head is black so you do have an aftermarket unit and I'd expect it to be either the 5.5 degree or 6 degree. Both will make life much easier for you.

 

[Hocky]

Yes, too low tire pressure can cause vibrations and head shake. The OEM Honda steering head is black so you do have an aftermarket unit and I'd expect it to be either the 5.5 degree or 6 degree. Both will make life much easier for you.

Thanks for the response. I'll up the tire pressure to 28 rear, keep 41 front? Also, I had a 1500 with a 4.5 rake from Hannigan & it felt like power steering compared to my current 2003. I really have to struggle on tight turns. Is the 1800 GW that much tougher than the GW1500 to steer?
Ron orag:

 

[LASER]

Thanks for the response. I'll up the tire pressure to 28 rear, keep 41 front? Also, I had a 1500 with a 4.5 rake from Hannigan & it felt like power steering compared to my current 2003. I really have to struggle on tight turns. Is the 1800 GW that much tougher than the GW1500 to steer?
Ron orag:

Gee I don't know Ron. I don't have any GL1500 experience. Maybe someone will chime in on that. I might have spoken too quick on the rake numbers if it's hard to steer. Everything I've ever heard about the Roadsmith with 5.5 or 6 degree rake kits was that they steer super easy. Maybe the previous owner put on some lesser rake kit. Other then comparing with a known kit, I don't know how you'd tell what you really have. It's also possible the steering head bearing torque is too high causing hard steering but that would be rare indeed.

Good luck running the answer down.

 

[mhgoldwing]

If you're new to trikes then the steering will feel heavy in tight turns. The faster you take them the more work involved. Running the Arkansas twisties all day is a work out. But fun!!!

Are you using the Michelin Pilot Activ or the Battleax BT-45 on the front? That will also make the steering easier than a stock front radial. The tire you should have is bias ply, rea tire from a sportbike.

 

[Lucky]

Thanks for the response. I'll up the tire pressure to 28 rear, keep 41 front? Also, I had a 1500 with a 4.5 rake from Hannigan & it felt like power steering compared to my current 2003. I really have to struggle on tight turns. Is the 1800 GW that much tougher than the GW1500 to steer?
Ron orag:

Hard to tell from the pic. angle, but it don't look raked to me. You can measure of course and know for sure. 41 is what I run in the front,but I run 22 in the rears. RIDE SAFE
P.S.
If you do need a rake kit ZOOK is hard to beat ( quality & price)

 

[Hocky]

If you're new to trikes then the steering will feel heavy in tight turns. The faster you take them the more work involved. Running the Arkansas twisties all day is a work out. But fun!!!

Are you using the Michelin Pilot Activ or the Battleax BT-45 on the front? That will also make the steering easier than a stock front radial. The tire you should have is bias ply, rea tire from a sportbike.

Nope it's my 2nd trike. 1st was a 95GW/Hannigan & was raked 4.5, much easier than my 03' GW/Roadsmith.
Fr tire is a Mich Macadam.orag:

 

[Hocky]

Hard to tell from the pic. angle, but it don't look raked to me. You can measure of course and know for sure. 41 is what I run in the front,but I run 22 in the rears. RIDE SAFE
P.S.
If you do need a rake kit ZOOK is hard to beat ( quality & price)

Ques. >> Triple tree is silver, is the original black only?orag:

 

[dirtdobber]

Most after market triple trees are raw aluminum, no coating at all.
If it's hard to steer at 10 mph it doesn't hat the raked trees on it. Riding at speed, no turns it should be like power steering.
Remeber you are trying to turn the front wheel that likes to go straight.

 

[Hocky]

Most after market triple trees are raw aluminum, no coating at all.
If it's hard to steer at 10 mph it doesn't hat the raked trees on it. Riding at speed, no turns it should be like power steering.
Remeber you are trying to turn the front wheel that likes to go straight.

You're right. After looking farther the alum color was the frame not the tree. The tree is black. I'll have to get used to it till I have some spare $$. Just put in a new ECM for the 1st fix. It's all good, I'll just not make any turns till then. Thanks for the response. :gah::gah:

 

[LASER]

:clapping::clapping:
I'm glad you got that figured out. Other then the future expense, I bet you are also. You will love the raked front end. Roadsmith sells a 5.5 degree but a 6 degree will work very well indeed!!

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I'm not w/the majority on front tire pressure:Turkey:
I run 36psi and the ride is a lot smoother than the rock hard 42psiepper:

 

[Solidbob]

Michelin Macadam

TECHNICAL


- Radial structure ensures comfort and stability.

- Unique rear tread pattern channels water away from the contact patch, for outstanding wet grip.

- Special rubber mix in the front tyre promotes a uniform wear pattern.

These have been discontinued by Michelin some time back - developed as Rear Radials for Harley - Davidson's : Fits '00-'07 FXSTD (except '04 FXSTDSE2), '06-07 Dyna (except '07 FXDSE) models

If any are found in stock check tire Dates for age.... just FYI

:AGGHH:

 

[Hocky]

Michelin Macadam

TECHNICAL


- Radial structure ensures comfort and stability.

Hmm, I'll have to check the mfg date. BTW, everyplace I looked called it a bias ply tire?