Fork springs and triple tree rake

[Mick]

Going to change a few things on my 07 GL1800 trike this year. I was wondering what everyone had for a rake kit and what kind of springs you were all running and what you thought of the front ends ride.

 

[Gold Rush]

Going to change a few things on my trike this year. I was wondering what everyone had for a rake kit and what kind of springs you were all running and what you thought of the front ends ride.

Good Morning Mick. TrikeTalk founder Papa Zook sells a very nice rake kit at a very fair price. I have installed several of them over the years.

As for the ride -- it's been a sore spot for GL1800 owners since day one. Even the two wheel version suffers some but our trikes more so. Many trike conversion companies say you must use stronger springs but I don't think so. Yes you will get a little front end sag but not much and the ride will be better. I've found trikes usually need the forks rebuilt ever 25 to 30 thousand miles (depending on riding style and roads) so while doing that I toss in a new set of OEM springs.

Recently several riders have started running less air in the front tire. Most run 40 or 41 psi but dropping to 38 does give a little relief. The tire will ware sooner but the ride is less harsh. There are also aftermarket suspensions out there but I don't know enough to even attempt that topic. :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[mhgoldwing]

I have the Traxxion AK-20 cartridges and Traxxion 1.1 springs. Co-rider and I are heavy and Traxxion suggested this spring rate for us. We have six degree rake on RS kit which sits higher because of trailing arm suspension. So I also have 2.5" fork extensions to level trike which installer put in. I also have the Traxxion fork brace.

Keep in mind that I always specify to vendors that we are heavy, I live and ride in the Arkansas/Missouri twisties, and I tend to ride hard so I specify performance over smooth ride. My forks get a real workout! orag:

I know this is not a direct answer to your question but would suggest that changing springs and disabling anti dive can improve trike ride substantially.

BTW, Traxxion services my forks every 25K miles and they need it. New bushings and seals and fresh fork fluid keep them working well.

 

[CrystalPistol]

:blush: meebad

 

[Mick]

Years ago when the late missus and I started riding we set up the trike for 2 plus pulling a trailer. My Lehman came from the factory with a 3 1/2 degree rake. I installed Traxxion springs just a little stiffer than Progressives in the forks and disabled the anti-dive valve and Progressive spring installed on the Lehman shock also. That was 10 years ago. Forks have been rebuilt twice,used up an MPA, 2 BT45s and now have had an Avon Cobra trike tire for a few years. Now I mostly ride alone so Im looking for a softer more comfortable ride.

 

[JaysGone]

Softer ride OEM springs and 36 psi in the front tire.

Harsh crappy ride. 40+ psi and progressive springs.

Only 2 choices.

Tire doesn't matter.

I had a MPA and was relatively happy. OE put in progressive springs.

Now I still have the progressive springs but have Avon trike tire and run it at 34 psi.

Waiting to wear it out.

Hate it.

When its worn out..............cant wait.

OEM springs and a new MPA or Battle Axe(B45).

 

[bikerbillone]

Jay, gotta agree with, somewhat. Wouldn't say Cobra is a 'crappy' tire ' cause I don't want to start a tire war here. I'm running the Cobra, most said it was the best tire around, I don't see it, so I'll be changing to the MPA or BT (rear) when the Cobra wears thin. I run OEM front fork springs, I tried Traxxion 1.1s, those were way to stiff, I could even enjoy a softer ride if I could find the right set up. But wait, there's only so much you can do to improve the ride on a trike, it has three wheels and will find the imperfections on the road. Have to ask, what tire will you be using after the Cobra?

 

[slug]

Eurowing frontend with car tire is another option!

 

[JaysGone]

Jay, gotta agree with, somewhat. Wouldn't say Cobra is a 'crappy' tire ' cause I don't want to start a tire war here. I'm running the Cobra, most said it was the best tire around, I don't see it, so I'll be changing to the MPA or BT (rear) when the Cobra wears thin. I run OEM front fork springs, I tried Traxxion 1.1s, those were way to stiff, I could even enjoy a softer ride if I could find the right set up. But wait, there's only so much you can do to improve the ride on a trike, it has three wheels and will find the imperfections on the road. Have to ask, what tire will you be using after the Cobra?

Now now I said crappy ride. Not crappy tire.

I ran a MPA for the 1st tire on the trike after I got it..... Got 14K out of it.

Original owner put in progressives and being a short wheelbase MT kit.

Add them and a thin tire plus 41psi.

You get a crappy ride.

Running the Cobra at 36 psi. Plenty for me.

 

[Mick]

You couldnt pay me to go back to a BT45 or MPA. With the buzz in the handlebars and the cupping Im done with them. I put Centramatics on when they 1st came out and the tires still cupped.The Avon to me still has the best ride and handling and even though those other tires are cheaper and supposedly last longer( and boy I could tell you some stories about trike owners and those tires) Ill never go back to them. And Eurotrike If they really wanted customers they would learn to answer their phone and emails. After getting the Lehman some years ago me and the late missus seriously looked at the Eurotrike front end. We finally gave up when we couldnt get any reply from them. They have serious customer service issues. If you dont believe me read TriWinggirls experience of doing her front end and lack od help from Eurotrike.

 

[bikerbillone]

Used the BT45 (rear) for many miles, did not experience the 'buzzing' and handle bar aggravation you describe, also could not find the tri wing girls doing the Google search. I'd like to read what they had to say. Not questioning your analysis of the BT 45, jus sayin my experience, we're all different.