RAKE KIT for TriGlide

PosseRider

3750+ Posts
Gold Member
Jan 29, 2016
4,083
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Dayton, OH
Name
Bill
Anyone undecided about a "rake kit", don't be. I rode down to Zook's Cut N Shoot Customs shop in Conroe TX & had the rake kit installed on my TriGlide. It is everything anyone has said. I did it at start of our ride west trip, because of shoulder surgery. Even 5 months after the surgery, shoulder bothered me after 50 miles or so.

After the install, I am riding all day long after every day of our trip & still on the road for 2 more days & no pain anymore. So much easier to steer & it plants itself in the curves. My wife even noticed I was feeling better after the install.
THANKS ZOOK! CYA IN MAGGIE VALLEY
 
I was told by my trike installer that: He has built many trikes in his day, and that 70% of the folks that did not get a rake kit installed, has come back and asked about installing the kit..........BUT not one customer that had this rake kit installed , has ever come back and wanted the 5.5% rake reversed.................. So I put a 5.5% rake installed and I love it...... Although I honestly have no idea how it would have felt w/o it...........

Ronnie
 
So what degree rake did you get and what degree is the stock triple tree, just curious, had a raked triple tree back in the 70's with 10 inch tubes on a 750 honda, drove it a couple times and a guy came around and wanted to buy the bike, offered me a good price so I took it, went to harley's after that, one harley I had a 18 inch springer front end and it was on a 1948 panhead, sure wish I still had that.

All for now Trampas
 
So what degree rake did you get and what degree is the stock triple tree, just curious, had a raked triple tree back in the 70's with 10 inch tubes on a 750 honda, drove it a couple times and a guy came around and wanted to buy the bike, offered me a good price so I took it, went to harley's after that, one harley I had a 18 inch springer front end and it was on a 1948 panhead, sure wish I still had that.

All for now Trampas

If I remember correctly, trikes come with 3 degree raked trees and the new trees are 9.
 
Any reason why hasn’t Harley changed the factory rake angle? Are there downsides?
Exactly what Papa Zook said!

It does suck that Harley simply does not make the rake better to help with the steering… but unfortunately they do not.

Now, your best solution: contact Randy at Cut-N-Shoot Customs (Papa Zook) at get his Tri Glide Rake kit.

It’s still going to be a few weeks before I get mine put on, but it’s a complete game changer on the “steering” on our trikes!

Then you also take off that goofy steering stabilizer too since it won’t be needed any more.

I can’t wait to get mine on since I bought it a couple weeks ago. I'll be getting that put on, along with the Müller hydro clutch kit which makes a V-twin 35% less pull & also brings the lever closer too.

Shame on Harley for not doing this from the factory!
 
I just got my 2012 Tri Glide (9k miles) in July. It’s completely stock. At this point I don’t intend to change a thing. One reason is I’m still trying to understand the improvement mods discussed on forums—ie, rake kits, taller shocks, taller handlebars, leveling kits, etc. They all claim to have merit, such as better ride quality, easier steering and more. Is there any empirical data on these improvements? Are there any independent reviews?
 
I just got my 2012 Tri Glide (9k miles) in July. It’s completely stock. At this point I don’t intend to change a thing. One reason is I’m still trying to understand the improvement mods discussed on forums—ie, rake kits, taller shocks, taller handlebars, leveling kits, etc. They all claim to have merit, such as better ride quality, easier steering and more. Is there any empirical data on these improvements? Are there any independent reviews?

If the owning a Harley is new to you, (as I get the impression it is) I will try to answer a few questions and touch on a couple subjects to help answer.

Harley Davidson motorcycles (in general) which includes our trikes, have a “decent” platform right off the showroom floor.But what I will say: they also cheap out in many areas too! Starting with the suspension (Shocks). What you have from the factory is very subpar. Many aftermarket companies spend time and lots of money to re-engineer and make much better shocks. These shocks are MUCH better riding than factory. 100% fact.

But now you will see many “fan boys” supporting who they spent their hard earned money on a product. So you may ask, which is best??? Ohlins, Progressive, super shox, DK Customs NexGen, ProAction, etc…

Honestly… ALL mentioned, including other companies not mentioned are definitely better than factory. I’m going to be completely honest… I’ve owned many bikes in my time and three wheels has been in my life for about a year now… but when I had 2 wheels, I’ve had and tried numerous shocks and yes, they are all great and we are trying to get the best ride…. My BEST riding shock was with Dirty Air (I had a fast up kit) and I purchased their premium aluminum shock. Those shocks were the BEST ride I ever experienced!

But I will not put them on a trike for a couple reasons:-Shock install on a trike is more difficult than a 2 wheeler. -although I never had an issue, there are more parts that “could” go bad. I always carried extra air line & fittings, so no biggie “IF” I needed to do a repair. But since our trike shocks are harder to get to, it is very inconvenient.

- So I went with a top quality coil over shock and I’m extremely pleased with what I have now.

As far as “lift kits” and other similar named brackets… I'm going to publicly say this now & many will disagree…. Don’t waste your money! Simply get a quality 14” shock, period! Buying a lift bracket with stock shocks is like taking a shower and putting your dirty underwear on. (JMO).

Again, a top brand 14” shock will not only give you a better ride, but you also get a little “lift” with them too. This way, you don’t need any exhaust parts to add/change & you won’t have any other fitment issues.

Now as far as other things from taller handlebars, seats windshields & other typical accessories… it’s personal preference. Taller bars not only look better, but helps position your arms in a more comfortable position. Depending on what is comfortable for me, someone else may prefer different. Your height will also be a factor on this. Other accessories will again depend on personal preference.

(The windshield I had on my street glide, did not work as well as on my Triglide).

Our bikes are very very good… many of us want to make them better.

As far as the Rake Kit since this is the thread this is mainly being discussed… I will GUARANTEE you this: No where have I ever researched or read anywhere that someone ever said they did not like it or didn’t notice a difference.

I bought my rake kit from Papa Zook (he is the founder of this forum and also owns Cut N Shoot Customs). I researched high & low, & talked with Randy quite a few times… but most importantly I found a shop near me (only 35 minutes) where the owner of this shop was a senior Harley Tech that opened his shop after that local northern PA dealer folded up (unfortunately like a few other smaller dealers).

He PERSONALLY can say he installed hundreds of these rake kits and were done through the dealer service. They simply called them “easy steer” kits. Many know the learning curve of constantly turning the handlebars on trike (verses leaning on a 2 wheeled bike) and many already owned trikes before and simply purchased brand new and had these kits added in and added to their financing with their purchase.

Bottom line: this rake kit is a complete game changer in steering your trike and the effort is MUCH easier. A few weeks ago, I rode one for the first time and it is unbelievable and many normal regular gradual turns, I was literally using 2 fingers to steer!!!

Sharper bends, I used my full hands (push/pull) … but was effortless!

Again, complete game changer and makes you pissed off that Harley does not do this from factory!

I will recommend to read up here on this forum, (and other forums or FB groups), and you can see and hear to help decide what you may want to do.

The aftermarket makes excellent products to make things better than factory.
It’s up to you want you want to do and improve better than what you already have.

Lastly, go to some local bike nights and rallies and even some car/truck & bike shows and talk and ask some questions.

Sorry for the long reply but hope the info helps.
There is MUCH more to improve what you already have. But it’s up to you what and where to start.

-cheers!
 
If the owning a Harley is new to you, (as I get the impression it is) I will try to answer a few questions and touch on a couple subjects to help answer.

Harley Davidson motorcycles (in general) which includes our trikes, have a “decent” platform right off the showroom floor.But what I will say: they also cheap out in many areas too! Starting with the suspension (Shocks). What you have from the factory is very subpar. Many aftermarket companies spend time and lots of money to re-engineer and make much better shocks. These shocks are MUCH better riding than factory. 100% fact.

But now you will see many “fan boys” supporting who they spent their hard earned money on a product. So you may ask, which is best??? Ohlins, Progressive, super shox, DK Customs NexGen, ProAction, etc…

Honestly… ALL mentioned, including other companies not mentioned are definitely better than factory. I’m going to be completely honest… I’ve owned many bikes in my time and three wheels has been in my life for about a year now… but when I had 2 wheels, I’ve had and tried numerous shocks and yes, they are all great and we are trying to get the best ride…. My BEST riding shock was with Dirty Air (I had a fast up kit) and I purchased their premium aluminum shock. Those shocks were the BEST ride I ever experienced!

But I will not put them on a trike for a couple reasons:-Shock install on a trike is more difficult than a 2 wheeler. -although I never had an issue, there are more parts that “could” go bad. I always carried extra air line & fittings, so no biggie “IF” I needed to do a repair. But since our trike shocks are harder to get to, it is very inconvenient.

- So I went with a top quality coil over shock and I’m extremely pleased with what I have now.

As far as “lift kits” and other similar named brackets… I'm going to publicly say this now & many will disagree…. Don’t waste your money! Simply get a quality 14” shock, period! Buying a lift bracket with stock shocks is like taking a shower and putting your dirty underwear on. (JMO).

Again, a top brand 14” shock will not only give you a better ride, but you also get a little “lift” with them too. This way, you don’t need any exhaust parts to add/change & you won’t have any other fitment issues.

Now as far as other things from taller handlebars, seats windshields & other typical accessories… it’s personal preference. Taller bars not only look better, but helps position your arms in a more comfortable position. Depending on what is comfortable for me, someone else may prefer different. Your height will also be a factor on this. Other accessories will again depend on personal preference.

(The windshield I had on my street glide, did not work as well as on my Triglide).

Our bikes are very very good… many of us want to make them better.

As far as the Rake Kit since this is the thread this is mainly being discussed… I will GUARANTEE you this: No where have I ever researched or read anywhere that someone ever said they did not like it or didn’t notice a difference.

I bought my rake kit from Papa Zook (he is the founder of this forum and also owns Cut N Shoot Customs). I researched high & low, & talked with Randy quite a few times… but most importantly I found a shop near me (only 35 minutes) where the owner of this shop was a senior Harley Tech that opened his shop after that local northern PA dealer folded up (unfortunately like a few other smaller dealers).
He PERSONALLY can say he installed hundreds of these rake kits and were done through the dealer service. They simply called them “easy steer” kits. Many know the learning curve of constantly turning the handlebars on trike (verses leaning on a 2 wheeled bike) and many already owned trikes before and simply purchased brand new and had these kits added in and added to their financing with their purchase.

Bottom line: this rake kit is a complete game changer in steering your trike and the effort is MUCH easier. A few weeks ago, I rode one for the first time and it is unbelievable and many normal regular gradual turns, I was literally using 2 fingers to steer!!!

Sharper bends, I used my full hands (push/pull) … but was effortless!

Again, complete game changer and makes you pissed off that Harley does not do this from factory!

I will recommend to read up here on this forum, (and other forums or FB groups), and you can see and hear to help decide what you may want to do.

The aftermarket makes excellent products to make things better than factory.
It’s up to you want you want to do and improve better than what you already have.

Lastly, go to some local bike nights and rallies and even some car/truck & bike shows and talk and ask some questions.

Sorry for the long reply but hope the info helps.
There is MUCH more to improve what you already have. But it’s up to you what and where to start.

-cheers!
Thanks for the reply. I’ve owned 13 different Harleys. This is my first trike.
 
Thanks for the reply. I’ve owned 13 different Harleys. This is my first trike.
My trike is also my first and this September will be one full year. I just assumed when you were questioning about not only the rake kit, but also wanting to know “empirical data on improvements” on the suspension & handlebars that motorcycles in general was all new to you.

Then I will just say at this time: yes, some things are different on a trike vs 2 wheels.
You obviously already know many debated subjects can include seats all the way to types of oils.

There are a few sponsors and vendors on here and will obviously ”push” their products and many videos.

I will touch base on one item that I will say in my honest opinion is “Snake Oil” BS…. Are the “lift brackets”.

In my opinion (and most likely the “fan boys” may disagree) these “brackets” don’t do a damn thing.

Do they lift? Yes they do… but if you want to improve the rear suspension, you will notice a big improvement over stock with ANY top coil over shock. Is one better than another??? Well, some “imperical data” as you say, may be advertised on here…. Just check many subjects about that and research many great members on here that are quite pleased with many brands. (DK, ProAction, Progressive & Super shox will be most mentioned).

I will just say, stay away from ANY type of rear bracket (again, my opinion), as you will not notice any ride difference. Simply improve it with a 14” length shock of your choice.

Just look through the many pages and threads on here and many (like myself) even made YouTube videos to help show not only installation, but to hopefully give a visual on some great improvements to do on our trikes.

I never thought I would enjoy my TriGlide as much as I do!

Touching base again on the Rake kit…. I really think this may be at the top of the list of things to do to improve your TriGlide! I can’t wait to get mine installed, but I will be going to Thunder on the strip (Geneva Ohio) and the following weekend to Ocean City MD bike week and my “fun money” may be used a lot on these two weekends and one gotta have beer money for these great events! Lol!!

So I will wait until I get back to get my rake kit installed. It make THAT much of an improvement! We have to “steer” our trikes on every turn. We have lost the fun leaning…. So I can not say enough that one huge learning curve of coming from 2 wheels to 3 wheels that this 9* rake kit will make steering absolutely a HUGE improvement and worth every penny.

I am NOT a vendor on here and I do have a “side business” from my regular day job and over the years have made YouTube videos to help on visuals…. But a few years ago, I started adding videos on my bikes too including my previous highly customized road king, and now my TriGlide.

I will NEVER tell anyone what they want to hear, but simply what worked great for me, and why. What I may like, someone else may not.

I’ve added many different things to my trike, but will say that I researched a LOT first. Once I made my decision on what I want to do and add to it to improve it, I will 100% say that every modification and change I’ve done to it, I have not regretted a single one and I wish I put my Rake kit on first is the only thing I can honestly say. It IS that good!

With that said, I will give you a link on a video I did a few months ago (only change since the video is adding a Freedom Shields windshield). Once you see the video, you can see other videos I made if browse through my other videos.

Hope the info helps you if you ever decide to make your stock trike and decide to improve many things that Harley really should include straight from the factory.

Link:
 
If the owning a Harley is new to you, (as I get the impression it is) I will try to answer a few questions and touch on a couple subjects to help answer.

Harley Davidson motorcycles (in general) which includes our trikes, have a “decent” platform right off the showroom floor.But what I will say: they also cheap out in many areas too! Starting with the suspension (Shocks). What you have from the factory is very subpar. Many aftermarket companies spend time and lots of money to re-engineer and make much better shocks. These shocks are MUCH better riding than factory. 100% fact.

But now you will see many “fan boys” supporting who they spent their hard earned money on a product. So you may ask, which is best??? Ohlins, Progressive, super shox, DK Customs NexGen, ProAction, etc…

Honestly… ALL mentioned, including other companies not mentioned are definitely better than factory. I’m going to be completely honest… I’ve owned many bikes in my time and three wheels has been in my life for about a year now… but when I had 2 wheels, I’ve had and tried numerous shocks and yes, they are all great and we are trying to get the best ride…. My BEST riding shock was with Dirty Air (I had a fast up kit) and I purchased their premium aluminum shock. Those shocks were the BEST ride I ever experienced!

But I will not put them on a trike for a couple reasons:-Shock install on a trike is more difficult than a 2 wheeler. -although I never had an issue, there are more parts that “could” go bad. I always carried extra air line & fittings, so no biggie “IF” I needed to do a repair. But since our trike shocks are harder to get to, it is very inconvenient.

- So I went with a top quality coil over shock and I’m extremely pleased with what I have now.

As far as “lift kits” and other similar named brackets… I'm going to publicly say this now & many will disagree…. Don’t waste your money! Simply get a quality 14” shock, period! Buying a lift bracket with stock shocks is like taking a shower and putting your dirty underwear on. (JMO).

Again, a top brand 14” shock will not only give you a better ride, but you also get a little “lift” with them too. This way, you don’t need any exhaust parts to add/change & you won’t have any other fitment issues.

Now as far as other things from taller handlebars, seats windshields & other typical accessories… it’s personal preference. Taller bars not only look better, but helps position your arms in a more comfortable position. Depending on what is comfortable for me, someone else may prefer different. Your height will also be a factor on this. Other accessories will again depend on personal preference.

(The windshield I had on my street glide, did not work as well as on my Triglide).

Our bikes are very very good… many of us want to make them better.

As far as the Rake Kit since this is the thread this is mainly being discussed… I will GUARANTEE you this: No where have I ever researched or read anywhere that someone ever said they did not like it or didn’t notice a difference.

I bought my rake kit from Papa Zook (he is the founder of this forum and also owns Cut N Shoot Customs). I researched high & low, & talked with Randy quite a few times… but most importantly I found a shop near me (only 35 minutes) where the owner of this shop was a senior Harley Tech that opened his shop after that local northern PA dealer folded up (unfortunately like a few other smaller dealers).

He PERSONALLY can say he installed hundreds of these rake kits and were done through the dealer service. They simply called them “easy steer” kits. Many know the learning curve of constantly turning the handlebars on trike (verses leaning on a 2 wheeled bike) and many already owned trikes before and simply purchased brand new and had these kits added in and added to their financing with their purchase.

Bottom line: this rake kit is a complete game changer in steering your trike and the effort is MUCH easier. A few weeks ago, I rode one for the first time and it is unbelievable and many normal regular gradual turns, I was literally using 2 fingers to steer!!!

Sharper bends, I used my full hands (push/pull) … but was effortless!

Again, complete game changer and makes you pissed off that Harley does not do this from factory!

I will recommend to read up here on this forum, (and other forums or FB groups), and you can see and hear to help decide what you may want to do.

The aftermarket makes excellent products to make things better than factory.
It’s up to you want you want to do and improve better than what you already have.

Lastly, go to some local bike nights and rallies and even some car/truck & bike shows and talk and ask some questions.

Sorry for the long reply but hope the info helps.
There is MUCH more to improve what you already have. But it’s up to you what and where to start.

-cheers!
Thank you 14TG. For years I been thinking stepping on 3 wheels. I just bought my first trike last month. A low mileage 2020 tri glide with a huge 21 wheel at the front and 18's on rear. Looks great but not too happy how it rides. I need to find ways to improve it a bit before giving up on these custom wheels and reinstalling stocks wheels. Going to make arrangement with Cut N Shoot Customs since I am in the New Braunfels TX and schedule the installation of that rake. Maybe Pappa Zook can recommend a few more upgrades to improving the front suspension.
 
How many hours of labor to install Papa Zook’s rake kit on a 2023 Tri Glide by a good mechanic (not me).

Labor hours can vary by quiet a bit depending on the shop/installer and how many and what accessories are on the trike. ..has the good mechanic ever installed a rake kit and fork extensions on a TriGlide before? What aftermarket accessories have been added to the TriGlide? Lighting, audio upgrades, amp, speakers, Legend adjustable air ride suspension (fairing/handlebar controlled) etc, to name a few. All of these accessories are wired into the main wiring harness in the fairing and can add to install time, as will the number of rake installs they have performed, their proficiency, etc. It can take them anywhere from 5 hours to 8 hours.
 
I think if I did this, I would just ride to Texas and Let Papa Zook do it for me. lol. Just an excuse for a long ride.
 
I think if I did this, I would just ride to Texas and Let Papa Zook do it for me. lol. Just an excuse for a long ride.
I had Papa Zook do mine in early December. Believe in-the less you know what you're doing, get a someone who knows? Papa Zook is my go to for the extended rake. can't get any better than him.
 
I had Papa Zook do mine in early December. Believe in-less you know what you're doing, get a someone who knows? Papa Zook is my go to for the extended rake. can't get any better than him.
I wish I could but I am all the way up in Ohio. I believe my local shop, Cook’s Customs, can handle it. He has not replaced a rake kit but he has the skills and knowledge to do this.

Thanks for your reply.
 
Does the new Tri Glides have a different rake angle than the older ones?
I asked this question on HD Forums.com and was told no, new Tri Glides have the same rake angle as older ones. Several people said their Harley Freewheeler steers easier that the Tri Glide. They didn't say why. I suspect this might be due to the Freewheeler's lighter weight.
 
I asked this question on HD Forums.com and was told no, new Tri Glides have the same rake angle as older ones. Several people said their Harley Freewheeler steers easier that the Tri Glide. They didn't say why. I suspect this might be due to the Freewheeler's lighter weight.
Plus not having a faring attachment makes a difference I’m sure.
 

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