Papa Zook's TriGlide/RG3 Rake Kit Reviews Thread with Pics

[consitter]

Last month, I bought a rake kit from Papa Zook, and had it installed on my triglide. It was out of desperation that I did it. I was having so much problem with my shoulders getting sore after rides (even just rides of 20 miles or so), then developing tension headaches as well, that I was considering selling it. The only thing that kept me from it was that my special needs daughter LOVES to ride, and I didn't want to take that away from her. She needs the more stable platform of a trike to be able to ride, or I would have just traded for an ultra glide.

So for the last two years, I've just basically put up with it. Then I read in Papa Zook's signature area talking about sore shoulders, and that a rake kit was a sure fire cure. I called him and bought one. It has been a God send to me. I've ridden about 600 miles total since it's been installed, including a day where I rode 200 miles, and I'm yet to have any shoulder pain. It's nice to come home after riding and not be hurting and then get a headache. It reminds me of having power steering. At road speed, going around curves, it takes about half the effort to steer. At low speed on parking lots or just doing a 180, there's about a 80-90% reduction in effort. I can literally steer with one hand at low speed. It's really amazing to me. The more I ride, the happier I am.

You don't have a need for the dampener to prevent headshake once the proper rake has been corrected by the installation of this rake kit, and that in itself takes away some of the effort it needs to steer. I have not experienced any headshake whatsoever, and I've even taken my hands off the handlebars during deceleration at highway speed to test it out. I don't recommend trying that however. My mechanic tightened everything to HHI specs for a trike to prevent headshake from happening.

This is the best way I can describe the experience of having the rake kit...it is much more like riding a two wheeler in that when going around curves, you aren't fighting with the handlebars. (By the way, I've had a DK lift kit since nearly day one, and it didn't help me a whole lot with the steering-no offense, Kevin.) Of course you still have the centrifugal force a trike has, but not the concentration of the push-pull like you have when it's stock.

Order Papa Zook's TriGlide rake kit from his shop Cut N Shoot Customs HERE.

 

[consitter]

Bill, you really ought to consider getting a rake kit off of Zook. It will completely change your riding experience.

 

[Papa Zook]

Scott, you know you could rotate your bars back a couple of inches if you want them a bit closer. I've also got 10" apes on mine and I moved them back after I rode with them in the same position as yours for a while.

 

[consitter]

Rode about 80 miles yesterday with my lower back injured. Before the rake kit was installed, that would have been an impossibility. Hard to believe changing the angle a few degrees makes in how my trike handles, and makes it so much easier to steer!

 

[Papa Zook]

Okay ... I'll start saving for the kit ... even if I gotta haul it to Texas to get it done ...

If its not the best mod you've ever added to your TriGlide I will give it to you for free. How's that for a guarantee?

 

[David357]

Excellent thread, Scott.

 

[Philip R]

Great Investment

Picked up the trike after installing Zooks rake kit & 12" bars. All I can say about the rake kit it "WOW!". It made a big difference in steering. It's well worth the $.

 

[Papa Zook]

The rake kit install is not difficult, but if you are not experienced in this type of work, I would suggest you use the services of an experienced HD mechanic to do your triple tree swap. If you are going to do the swap yourself, just pay attention to where each wire and cable goes, the route it takes and take some pictures and label the plugs and it will make reassembly much easier. It is impossible to miss-match all but one or two plugs on certain years. If you bought or are buying a rake kit from me and you or your mechanic has any questions at all, call or text me at 346-800-7946 and I will walk you though it.

 

[Gorilla]

Good Choice

Randy (Papa Zook) (CUT-N-SHOOT CUSTOMS) asked me to do an honest review of the rake kit he sells that I installed on my 2013 Tri-Glide. After mods ROAD TRI-GLIDE

This request was made after I had already committed to purchasing it so there is no incentive to give anything but a fair review. First I would like to give you a basis for what my Tri-Glide is like. I ride solo most of the time and I weigh in at 210lbs. I purchased it new in August of 2013. I had the dealer install a factory S.E. 110 motor before I even took delivery.

I run a 21in front tire with 18 in tires on the rear all on Performance Machine (PM) wheels. I then installed a TTS 100 cam and a TTS self-tuner. I did a road tune. A good low end torque cam is the way to go. I also changed the front sprocket to a 32 tooth to improve overall performance. I can pull a 7% grade in 5 gear at 50 mph on cruise control with no loss of speed. Same grade in 6th gear at 65 mph with no loss of speed. That’s at 2400 to 2600 RPM’s.

I have a Vance and Hines true dual exhaust. All though a 2-1-2 would be better according to most experts. For improved cooling I installed Love Jugs (From Randy) a remote relocation oil filter, 1.5 gas tank lift kit (from DK) and removed left side HD heat deflector.

I also installed Progressive 414 coil over shocks (13in) along with the standard shock lift kit. I had previous experience with these shocks on my 2007 Street Glide with a Champion conversion done in 2009. Coil over shocks is the way to go for a great ride. See DK Customs for the current suggested mod in this area. The ride and steering with my setup was already pretty good and I really had no major complaints about heavy steering as I was used to this setup. The 21in front rim and the rear shocks and with lift kit gave the trike a 1 in higher seat height. I rode this way for about 50k miles.

I installed Randy’s Tri-Glide rake kit 3 weeks ago and am currently on a long road trip up here in the Smokie Mountains starting from Key Largo Fl. The ride up here on both expressway and secondary roads was VERY MUCH noticeably SMOOTHER and the steering is also smooth and very stable. I did a 150 mile ALL TWISTY ride today, even did the Tail of the Dragon twice, once each way. The steering is definitely easier than previously without the rake kit, but that kind of road naturally still requires some effort, just not nearly as much! Steering effort below 25/30 mph is really greatly improved. Over all there is a very noticeable improvement over the stock trees. On a stock, unmodified trike, I would expect the improvement to be even more noticeable. I would recommend this change to anyone looking to improve the steering/ride of their TRI-GLIDE.

 

[mike51]

Thumbs up to Papa Zooks rake kit

About 3 weeks ago I had a rake kit from Papa Zook's put on my '14 Tri Glide, the difference in my steering is amazing! I live in West Virginia, and almost all the roads I ride are crooked and hilly, so a steering improvement is really appreciated. If I ever buy a new Trike I am going to have his rake kit put on it before it leaves the shop, warranty be damned.

This is hands down the best investment I have made in my Tri Glide. I would also like to give kudos to Randy. His customer service was excellent. I spoke to him several times before taking the plunge and he always took time to answer all my questions and offered his help anytime I needed it (I had a shop put it on). I would highly recommend anyone buy their rake kit from Zook.

 

[papitboss]

Changing the riding experience with Zook's rake kit

At the beginning of September I took the plunge and purchased a silver fusion and black 2019 Tri Glide at my local Harley shop. After reading all the reviews from other members about Papa Zook's rake kits I decided to give him a call. It was a pleasure talking with him. He answered all my questions and assured me I would not be disappointed if I decided to purchase the rake kit. Well I decided to make the purchase and it was the best money I ever spent.

See, I traded my 2014 Tri Glide to purchase the 19 so I have first hand experience in the differences in the steering. With the rake kit on the 19 and 2+2 handle bars it literally feels like POWER STEERING. If anyone is considering making this upgrade to their Tri Glide don't hesitate, call Papa Zook and experience his great customer service, knowledge and the quality products he carries.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

I just joined in this thread and I'm getting interested in this rake stuff.

Can some post a picture of it all finished on their bike ?

I'd love to see the difference from stock

Does it help if I say PLEASE .

Also what was the total cost .

THANK You...…. Rick

 

[Philip R]

I just joined in this thread and I'm getting interested in this rake stuff.

Can some post a picture of it all finished on their bike ?

I'd love to see the difference from stock

Does it help if I say PLEASE .

Also what was the total cost .

THANK You...…. Rick

Check w/Zook's Cut N Shoot on this forum for current prices. As far as looks, there's no real difference except your don't need the O/E steering stabilizer. Took mine off. I had different bars installed when the kit was fitted on bike. I think the labor, handlebars & misc was $500. Not real sure, too long ago. Local H/D mechanic and Papa Zook installed rake kit. Best money I have spent on my TriGlide.

 

[molokaimike]

Hey Rick, welcome to the forum. I'm fairly new to it also but I've gained a lot of knowledge from it. The only problem is that it cost me a lot of money with all of the upgrades it recommended. :laugh: We're actually neighbors, I live in Surprise. I'm looking at adding the rake kit and doing the install myself. Maybe we can work on it together and both learn something. Since I'm too old to bend over I bought a lift table for the trike which makes it a lot easier to work on.

 

[molokaimike]

I'm planning on installing the rake kit myself and would like to talk with anyone who has done this install themselves.

 

[molokaimike]

My rake kit will be here tomorrow so I thought I'd get a head start on the project. Yesterday I stripped the front end down and removed the stock triple clamps. It tuned out to be an easier job than I thought.

I didn't remove the inner fairing therefore I saved a lot of trouble with undoing all of the wiring harness. I just disconnected the wire harness that goes to the handlebars. I rigged up a way to float the inner fairing off of the bike and leave all of the wires connected. I removed the triple clamps and am ready to start the re-assembly when the kit arrives. I have a photo but I can't get the photo to upload on this site.

 

[Papa Zook]

My rake kit will be here tomorrow so I thought I'd get a head start on the project. Yesterday I stripped the front end down and removed the stock triple clamps. It tuned out to be an easier job than I thought. I didn't remove the inner fairing therefore I saved a lot of trouble with undoing all of the wiring harness. I just disconnected the wire harness that goes to the handlebars. I rigged up a way to float the inner fairing off of the bike and leave all of the wires connected. I removed the triple clamps and am ready to start the re-assembly when the kit arrives. I have a photo but I can't get the photo to upload on this site.

Mike check you PMs.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

Hey Mike ;

This is one of my down falls. I never followed up on this thread till today. Seriously I've bee so busy around here I haven't had but a couple of mins to check in in the mornings for about 5 mins.

Yesterday was a productive day around got a lot done in the garage an on my truck. Mike if you PM me your address or Phone we can meet up. If I saw this before hand i would have been at your place with bells on . I sent you my info how to get to me or phone call or test or drive by lol.

Can you post pics of the finished project on here or Text them to me. After being gone for close to 8 weeks $$$$ is a little short right now.

But I'm still interested .

Your neighbor Rick

 

[PosseRider]

Best $$$ spent on the trike. Nite & day difference in steering & handling. Thanks Randy. Love the rake kit. About 4000 miles on the trike since installation & loved every mile. Randy & crew did a great job. We rode down from Ohio to Randy's shop, & the guys got me in & out in one day. We continued on our trip out west & like a new ride. Cya in MV in Sept.

 

[Drew]

Placed an order last night.

My shoulders can't wait!

 

[jgc89]

Papa's Triglide Rake-Do It!

Did mine about 6 months ago. Rode the mountains two weeks ago great ride!
Best thing i ever did!

 

[Drew]

It's done; it does what it claims. You should do it, too.

I received my rake kit from Cut N' Shoot on Thursday. I set today aside to do the conversion, and it took about six hours, taking my time, including a trip to Lowe's for some PVC to set the lower bearing, and to Harbor Freight for a bearing race driver set.

After a test ride, I can say that steering effort is reduced by at least half! I really had to adjust my steering technique, as I was used to the extra effort of the stock configuration, which, when applied to the Tri Glide post-conversion, would have put me in the weeds . I also caught myself NOT thinking about steering effort, as before, and just enjoying the ride. Result!

Overall, color me impressed!

Some pics:



View attachment 102341

 

[consitter]

Awesome, ain’t it?

 

[RTPG]

My 2 cents worth !

Well, here goes -

Right after Christmas, with permission from financial management (my wife), I broke down and ordered the Papa Zook’s Rake kit for our 2015 Tri Glide.

I already had the D&K lift kit with 14 inch shocks installed with a set of Khrome Werks 2+2 Narrow bars, but it still took a considerable amount of push pull effort when working the tight mountain roads of SW Pennsylvania at speeds.

Now came January and it was time for me to install the rake kit. Still cold outside, I fired up the heater in the garage and went to work. Having spent 50 + years as a Mechanic and body and custom paint guy, it was a pretty cut and dry tear down and only one phone call to Randy about something that the directions said that I was not sure of. After a very informative conversation with him, I was back to the install.

Those of you that don’t know what SW PA weather is like, January, February, and March can be -4 degrees to 50 in two days. Needless to say, it is crazy at times.

So here I am, new rake kit installed. I also changed the front tire to the Michelin commander 2 while I had it apart. Then the snow started falling off and on over the next three weeks, and I never had the chance to try it out.

Finally, the day came to try it! The sun was shining and it went to 61 degrees that afternoon. I could not stand it any longer! I put my brain bucket on my head, grabbed my gloves and jacket.

Pulled out of the garage and started up the road. WOW is all I can say!! Did I get a different Trike for Christmas? The steering is effortless and is so easy now. I can ride those long days without fatigue.

If anyone on this forum is considering purchasing this kit, DO IT! You will not regret it!

Thanks to my wife for saving enough pennies to purchase this game changer, and to Randy for your insight and knowledge about this and for replying to my queries so fast. And for the speedy shipping!

Now all that is left is to super clean and polish everything and when the weather gets warmer, we will be out on the two-tone red, three wheeled high dollar bug killer!

 

[Papa Zook]

Thanks for the reviews guys. TriGlide Rake Kits in Stock and ready to Ship.
Message me or call me at 346-800-7946.

 

[14TG]

This is DEFINITELY on my list for this upcoming winter!
I was hoping to be able to do it this past winter, but had so many projects including a new full custom paint job. I’ll be back in touch this fall to order mine!

 

[Notgrownup]

Me as well. Will do it with my Christmas club money… merry Christmas to me

 

[Papa Zook]

You'll love my Harley TriGlide rake kit. This degree of rake is what Harley should be running but they aren't. If you are not thrilled with the improvement, I will refund 100% your money back to you.

 

[14TG]

You'll love my Harley TriGlide rake kit. This degree of rake is what Harley should be running but they aren't. If you are not thrilled with the improvement, I will refund 100% your money back to you.

Definitely will be ordering for this winter’s project.
Correct me if I’m wrong, these are not compatible with anyone having a “tank lift”?
It looks like that would be a clearance issue?

I don’t have one, but just checking on that.

 

[Ray55]

I have the "Extended" front forks and a 1 1/2 inch tank lift in front and a 3/4 inch lift in the back. Have no problems with clearance with the rake kit installed. This is on a '17 Tri.