Rake Kit

[valkman51]

I'm seeing a lot of talk about the Rake Kit. I take it that is something worth while to put on. I've only driven a Trike for a test drive, three or four miles so I'm clueless. Is this something I could have installed when I convert a goldwing or buy a trike? Is there that much difference in steering? thanks

 

[Nana]

It is very possible to ride a trike without the rake kit, but definitely easier and more comfortable if you have the rake. If you ride much on twisty, back roads instead of the freeway, I would particularly recommend you have the rake kit.

And yes, it can be added after the fact without difficulty.

This thread has a number of posts that may be of help to you in understanding how much difference it can make: http://www.triketalk.com/forum/general-discussion-5/rake-q-7823/

 

[Gold Rush]

I'm seeing a lot of talk about the Rake Kit. I take it that is something worth while to put on. I've only driven a Trike for a test drive, three or four miles so I'm clueless. Is this something I could have installed when I convert a goldwing or buy a trike? Is there that much difference in steering? thanks

When I was considering the "Rake Kit" someone told me it was like adding power steering to a dump truck. I thought he was trying to be cute until I rode my first raked trike (which incidentally was not mine but a friend's that needed help more then me)..... Soon after doing that trike I did my own and then another. This Thursday the fourth kit from Bazooka will arrive and get installed in another friend's GL1800....

The short answer -- DO IT - You'll Never Regret It.....

 

[philh24]

When I was considering the "Rake Kit" someone told me it was like adding power steering to a dump truck. I thought he was trying to be cute until I rode my first raked trike (which incidentally was not mine but a friend's that needed help more then me)..... Soon after doing that trike I did my own and then another. This Thursday the fourth kit from Bazooka will arrive and get installed in another friend's GL1800....

The short answer -- DO IT - You'll Never Regret It.....

I have been following the rake threads and I am thinking of having mine done.I am also thinking of doing my own but cant seem to find a thread where someone has done there own.Is it a straight forward job to do I have a reasonable tool kit and a garage to do it in.How many hours work roughly does it take.
I am in the UK and there does not seem to be many people who advertise doing this sort of work.
Thanks.

 

[Nana]

Phil, there are many here who have installed their own. If you have basic mechanical skills and a little time, you should be able to do it yourself without difficulty. I would recommend you send a private message to Bazooka. He makes the kit available to our forum members at the lowest available price, and can give you direction on how to install it also, as he has installed many, himself! I know he is willing to ship one to the UK also, and would be able to find out the shipping price for you.

 

[rgw5944]

Phil,

It is not easy but it's do-able if you have some mechanical ability and good instructions. The top shelter, handle bars and some smaller pieces have to be taken off. The instrument panel should be tied up out of the way. The front fender and wheel have to be removed and the brake calipers have to be tied out of the way to get the tubes out. You will either have to make, borrow or buy a special socket wrench to get the nut off of the stem and to torque it back on when assembling the rake kit. You should have a torque wrench and have access to information on torque rates when re-assembling. Having a service manual/book helps but it is not a absolute necessity if you write down, take pictures or can remember how it came apart so reassembly goes smooth. Be sure to tighten/torque, the stem nut, move the forks side to side, loosen the nut and repeat these steps 3 or 4 times to make sure the steering bearings are set properly. If you have done any mechanical work before, you can do it. Just take your time.

Ron

 

[philh24]

Thanks for the replys I think I will source the socket and contact bazooka a little nearer the time.I intend it to be on the winter project list if anyone has any idea on the socket size that would be a help.
Thanks

 

[rgw5944]

This is the parts fiche showing the nuts at the top of the steering stem. Note that they have slots in the sides requiring the special tool.

Ohio, Florida, Honda, Parts, Accessories, dealer, Honda Direct LIne

These are step by step instructions on getting to the stem bearings. You will need to continue past this by removing the tubes, changing the steering stem and reassembling the front of the bike.

stembearings Photo Gallery by fred harmon at pbase.com

Ron

 

[philh24]

This is the parts fiche showing the nuts at the top of the steering stem. Note that they have slots in the sides requiring the special tool.

Ohio, Florida, Honda, Parts, Accessories, dealer, Honda Direct LIne

These are step by step instructions on getting to the stem bearings. You will need to continue past this by removing the tubes, changing the steering stem and reassembling the front of the bike.

stembearings Photo Gallery by fred harmon at pbase.com

Ron

Thanks for that usefull imformation