How much rake?

[funkj62]

I have a 2006 softail standard with a Frankenstine 30" trike conversion with 295/50-15 tires (12.5" wide and 26.5" tall) Presently run stock 21" tire and stock tripple trees but Frankinstine recommends their 5° trees. I like the raked look and if the 7° didn't cause a issue I would rather use the 7° trees.

 

[Papa Zook]

Welcome Jeffery. The Frankenstein trike conversions are solid, well engineered and well built units. I'm a 20 year dealer for them and have installed a lot of their conversions on various Harley bikes over the years to include FLs, Sportsters, Vrods, Softails and a couple of Custom builds.

The reason a 5 degree will be more than enough rake for your conversion is that the overall length and width of a trike is a determining factor in what the proper rake (and resulting trail) number will provide the optimal end result so far as handling and ease of steering.

The short, and narrow trikes like the Frankensteins require less rake than longer, wider trikes like the CSCs, Roadsmiths and Hannigans do. Too much or too little rake/trail can have an adverse effect on handling and the Frankenstien crew knows their trikes.

I would add though, that considering you're running their 30" wide rear axle and 12.5 inch wide rear tires, goining to a 6 or 7 degree rake should not be a concern in your case, its not really a detriment, nor will it have much effect either way.

What does Daniel have to say about going to 7 degree trees?

 

[funkj62]

Welcome Jeffery. The Frankenstein trike conversions are solid, well engineered and well built units. I'm a 20 year dealer for them and have installed a lot of their conversions on various Harley bikes over the years to include FLs, Sportsters, Vrods, Softails and a couple of Custom builds. The reason a 5 degree will be more than enough rake for your conversion is that the overall length and width of a trike is a determining factor in what the proper rake (and resulting trail) number will provide the optimal end result so far as handling and ease of steering. Too much or too little can have an adverse effect and the Frankenstien crew knows their trikes.

Thanks for the reply, in other words the 5° would be the better working solution and avoid the looking cool? The bike works good with the stock trees now, steers a little hard but manageable, others are saying the 5° trees are a big improvement. Appreciate the advice, it helps me from.making a costly/timely mistake.

 

[geol]

I suspect that a person looking at a 5 degree or 7 degree rake will not consider one more cool than the other. I have a raked front end (it is between 4 and 6 degrees; can't remember) and I have never thought of my Goldwing front end adding to its cool look.

 

[funkj62]

I suspect that a person looking at a 5 degree or 7 degree rake will not consider one more cool than the other. I have a raked front end (it is between 4 and 6 degrees; can't remember) and I have never thought of my Goldwing front end adding to its cool look.

Most might think that but when I look at frankenstein's pics of other softails with the 5° trees , I can see the difference between them and my stock trees. It's a slight change but to me the.more rake looks more pleasing, to each his own I guess. But I wouldn't choose the cool over functionality, and the exact reason for the question.

 

[Papa Zook]

Thanks for the reply, in other words the 5° would be the better working solution and avoid the looking cool? The bike works good with the stock trees now, steers a little hard but manageable, others are saying the 5° trees are a big improvement. Appreciate the advice, it helps me from.making a costly/timely mistake.

Yeah looking cool is good, but proper handling and safety is cooler, besides your trike is already a beast with those giant rear tires. Do what you want as I cant say exactly how well your trike would handle with 7 degree trees because Ive never driven one, but I know the 5 degree trees are going to do a good job for you and not get squirrely.

 

[Gorilla]

Jeffery welcome aboard from Key Largo Fl.

I suggest you listen to Papa Zook First he is the creator and owner of this web site. Second like he says he has been in the business for 20 years.
I've known him since 2008 and can tell you that he is "THE MAN"
By the way do yourself a favor and buy the rake kit from him. The quality is outstanding. I've installed 2 of them on trikes myself.

 

[funkj62]

What does Daniel have to say about going to 7 degree trees?

I'll be very careful of how I say this, I love the look/quality of the Frankenstine kit, second to none but your pay dearly for the product so you expect the most from them. The cost of the rearend/swingarm alone was as much as my 10,000 mile prestine condition softail. There were far cheaper/reasonable options but I chose what I thought was the best in quality/service.

I got the opinion if I wasn't buying or inquiring about their particular product ( they only sell 5°) they weren't much interesting in giving advice or answering my question, the very reason I came here for some answers.

I also inquired about gear ratios and front drivers/pully changes if I were to go from the 26.5" tall tire I presently run to a wider 15" tire and a 30" tall tire. Something that if they sell custom rearends and various applications you think they would have answers or in the min resources to, but again I got the feeling they weren't interested in helping me. Not that I can't do the math myself but I was looking for advice/tips and professional opinions for obvious reasons .

When I purchased the rearend for my application I explained exactly what I was doing and wanting to achieve and the products i was using in detail. What I was looking for was quidance, advice and opinions to avoid any problems, I feel as if I didn't really get that. After the fact, what I learned I would have never bought the 30" rear and used the 34" that allowed room for exhaust past the rear wheel or even a diff rear that allowed the larger rear pulley rather than a more difficult front pully change.I didn't know there was a 1" offset from left/right on the 30" rear.

In all I think I got a great and prolly the best product, I just don't think I got the quality of advice/service then the product itself. Had I to do it all over again I would of called around to different dealers for answers and services and maybe done a bit more research/homework rather than dealing direct and I might of got a different outcome or customer service.

Btw ; I also was given the wrong size bolts for the rear pulley, I called and they said I could use any grade 8 from a local supply ( I already knew that and I did) I thought for $6000 plus ( rearend/swingarm) they might ship me the right bolts but they didn't or did they offer to do so.

I think their 5° triple tree is no doubt a great product and prooly the bast and should be the one I buy. But because of some issues in service I will probably buy someones else's product just out of general principle




.

 

[funkj62]

Jeffery welcome aboard from Key Largo Fl.

I suggest you listen to Papa Zook First he is the creator and owner of this web site. Second like he says he has been in the business for 20 years.
I've known him since 2008 and can tell you that he is "THE MAN"
By the way do yourself a favor and buy the rake kit from him. The quality is outstanding. I've installed 2 of them on trikes myself.

Thanks, I definately will be inquiring about his rake kit, and value his knowledge and willing to share, explain and offer advice.