New trike guy dumb question maybe.

[ItBeMe]

I just got this trike and love it. But I here all this talk about rake.

1. How do I tell if this bike is raked.

2. If it is not raked why would I want to rake it.

3. Where would I get the parts to rake it.

4. How many degrees would I want to rake it.

5. Just trying to learn all I can about trikes and maybe this will make this even more enjoyable.

6. Thanks for any info, Oh it is a 2002 Honda Silverwing with a Yelvington trike kit.

 

[Lucky]

If this is a pic. of your trike I don't think you want to RAKE it. There are folks here that can tell ya more abut the pros & cons.

 

[Bikerbozo]

Rake would make a big difference in handling. So if it feels easy to control, easy to steer and steady, I wouldn't worry about rake. As far as rake kits, I will have to let someone else chime in. But in a nutshell, it is changing the angle of the front end.

 

[TerryD23]

From what I understand (someone please correct if I'm way off here cause I'm a new-guy too!) a two wheeler has a particular rake based on the weight distribution and resulting center of gravity of the bike. When you trike a bike, the added rear end weight upsets this center of gravity and puts what may be deemed as unacceptable weight distribution on the front tire. Raking the front (which puts the front tire further forward) helps to recapture the center of gravity thereby making for better control and steerability.

Am I close?

 

[Jack Klarich]

Rake and trail are like automotive alignment geometry

Take a look at a bicycle neck and fork and see how moving the front wheel under center line or over center line helps or hurts the steering

Look at this link

http://chopperhandbook.com/rake.htm

 

[Ozarkryder]

Don't think you have to worry too much about the rake on a triked scooter. With the light weight and small front wheel it will turn a lot easier than a converted motorcycle that originally weighed upwards of 800 lbs and had a very different steering geometry due to the larger wheel.

 

[desertclassic]

I agree with not raking the trike. It the trike was heavy and hard to turn then I would do the rake. Ride it a lot and then decide what is best for you. Jim