Honda VTX 1300

[Ssssnake207]

I ride an 03 Honda VTX with a removable "Trike Kit" built by a shop in Dade City,Florida. Cost wise I just couldn't afford a "Real Trike." It's been on for seven weeks & so far so good. The only thing I would add is a Six degree rake to free up the steering a little. Four bolts & unplug the lighting connection to the kit and away you go on two wheels. I like the info I've seen on "Zooks" six degree Triple Tree & hope to get one after the first of the year. I'm a "Snow Bird" living in Michigan summers & winters in Clearwater, Fla. so I get to ride the year round! Really glad I found this site!

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I researched both the Voyager and the TowPac "outriggers". I was told by both, if I installed a rake kit, it was then to dangerous to remove the outrigger and ride as a 2 wheeler again:xzqxz:

 

[Lucky]

I ride an 03 Honda VTX with a removable "Trike Kit" built by a shop in Dade City,Florida. Cost wise I just couldn't afford a "Real Trike." It's been on for seven weeks & so far so good. The only thing I would add is a Six degree rake to free up the steering a little. Four bolts & unplug the lighting connection to the kit and away you go on two wheels. I like the info I've seen on "Zooks" six degree Triple Tree & hope to get one after the first of the year. I'm a "Snow Bird" living in Michigan summers & winters in Clearwater, Fla. so I get to ride the year round! Really glad I found this site!

Don't think you need to ride that 6 degree with two wheels.Talk to ZOOK about it.

 

[Rick Kay]

Just wanted to welcome you to Trike Talk! <img src="images/smilies/wave4.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wave4" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Chumbly]

If you plan on riding two wheels again, you can't add a rake kit...it will make it inherently unstable on two wheels. Trust me...I've researched it...or you can research it yourself. You can do it <b>if</b> you chop the frame at the steering stem of the frame and re-angle that, but not if you just put on a rake kit... it's all in the geometry. But, <b>please</b> don't just put on a rake kit and think you can ride it like that, on two wheels.

 

[JaysGone]

I have to 101% percent disagree guys yet again here.
You can absolutely rake 2 wheels, 6 degrees.
Ive done it twice on 2 different custom built by me bikes.
My 1st try was a 1971 Honda CB750 that I chopped back in 74.
I used 12 inch over tubes with 14 inch ape hangers and no extensions.
My head was above the roof of most cars.
I was sitting at a red light in NYC and a cab driver rolled down his window and said to me.
"Knee caps make lousy bumpers" That's how high the front end was.
My knees were at about his eye level.
I did eventually cut and weld the neck.
To increase the trail.

I still might rake the Yamaha some day.
Makes turning so much easier.

 

[Chumbly]

I did eventually cut and weld the neck.<br />
To increase the trail.<br />
<br />
Exactly what I said... Originally, you really didn't rake it (even though it was probably unstable enough)...sounds to me like you only just extended the forks...seen alot of guys do that, but you/they didn't add a rake kit...and therein lies the problem. Don't argue with me...do the research and talk to some engineers.

 

[keepinon]

Gotta agree with Jay. I installed a 6* rake on a 98 Valkyrie. The only drawback was a slightly increased turning radius, but the ride was much better. I am NOT a knee dragger in the curves, if that could have made a difference.

 

[Veritas44]

+1 Chumbly ThumbUp

Neck Angle equals "Rake"
The "Steering Angle" is what is changed by EZ Steer/Steer Lite/Power Track/et al
Increasing Steering Angle reduces Trail

Big Difference and if the Three are geometrically incorrect in proportion to each other and the Unit as a whole,,,, HUGE Issues operationally. Fact-Not Opinion.

"Can" and "have done" does NOT equal "Should" or "Correct" nor does it justify or absolve Imprudent actions. Lack of negative Consequence or undesirable Ramification from a Wrong does NOT make such Action(s)/Advice "Right" or Proper.

Physics/Natural Law is NOT Subjective

 

[keepinon]

Kinda like the darkside debate. Those that have done it, know it works. Others.... well... we all have opinions.

 

[Veritas44]

AGAIN,,,
The Laws of Physics and Geometric Principles are NOT "Opinion".
Facts aren't subjective.
Truth isn't defined by whether or not One agrees with or likes the inarguable conclusion it gives.

The above does tend to Torque some people off when it doesn't mesh with their desires.
However unlike inaccurate Opinion leading to Bad Advice, won't get anyone hurt or injured.

But, Knock yourself out ThumbUp

 

[Chumbly]

Gotta agree with Jay. I installed a 6* rake on a 98 Valkyrie. The only drawback was a slightly increased turning radius, but the ride was much better. I am NOT a knee dragger in the curves, if that could have made a difference.

Was that on a two wheeled Valk, or the trike you show in your avitar? It can be done on a trike...but shouldn't be done on two wheels, unless you are prepared to cut and change the angle of the steering head. But like I've said do the research ...it's just plain irresponsible and reckless to advise someone to do something that could endanger them or their property... that's the only reason I even bother to reply to this thread.

 

[keepinon]

Was that on a two wheeled Valk, or the trike you show in your avitar? It can be done on a trike...but shouldn't be done on two wheels, unless you are prepared to cut and change the angle of the steering head. But like I've said do the research ...it's just plain irresponsible and reckless to advise someone to do something that could endanger them or their property... that's the only reason I even bother to reply to this thread.

I installed 6* kits on both the trike and bike, both Valkyries. I figure I've done my research, as I've always done. Trial & error. I'm not telling anyone to do it, just that I HAVE done it and liked the experience. But I also run my bikes darkside.... My GOD, I'm gonna crash & burn.........

LOL, just a comedic moment Chumbly. I've been riding since 1967, tried a great many things. Even raked a CB750 to 12" forwarded wheel by reworking the neck. I have no idea of the rake angle, but it worked, even on west Texas highways... granted they are pretty straight. Guys were doing some strange things back then with front ends, some worked, some didn't. 6* on a Valk just doesn't look like much at all. (but it sure helps the steering)

We all can do only what we feel comfortable with.