Triple tree rake: How much is too much?

[Triplethreat]

Am about to install raked trees on my 2003 FLHTC with Motor Trike conversion, 15" rear wheels. I've seen recommendations from kit manufacturers, anywhere from 4, and up to 10 degrees of rake while still retaining the stock 16" front wheel. For the past 12 years, a local trike conversion company near me has put 10 degree raked trees on every build, regardless of front wheel size (16"-21" being most common) without one complaint or bad review. This said, am considering 11 degree trees while keeping my stock 16" wheel, which also gives me the option of going up to a 23" wheel later. Been riding for over 40 years but this is my first trike. My math sucks, but estimate around 4" added length with 11 degree trees and stock fork tubes(fork tube extensions needed to accommodate 23" wheel). Also, what affect (if any) will upgrading to 17" rear wheels have on any this? Really like the idea of a longer looking front end, and the handling benefits of a rake, but wanna keep it safe as well. I'm well aware of the standard 4-7 degree trees that most go with, but what if...? Gimme some feedback folks.

 

[Papa Zook]

You're really asking for information on two vastly different scenarios. A 9 degree rake can safely span the 16-21" wheel sizes, but if you plan on going to a 23" wheel you will definitely need a 12 degree rake. If you add an 11 or 12 degree rake as an option for a future 23" wheel and don't immediately swap it up, your trike's steering will be extremely light, so I would suggest you make up your mind before you add any rake kit. A 16" wheel VS a 23" wheel is a major increase in wheel size. You also mention increasing the rear tire size from your current 15" wheels to 17" wheels, so this is another potential change that will affect handling.

One more thing, I see you have a Motor Trike conversion on your bike, so I assume you have the stock HD triple trees on your trike now, yes? No added rake to major rake is a very big change if you are not immediately increasing your wheel size by 7".(16" wheel to 23" wheel)

 

[Triplethreat]

You're really asking for information on two vastly different scenarios. A 9 degree rake can safely span the 16-21" wheel sizes, but if you plan on going to a 23" wheel you will definitely need a 12 degree rake. If you add an 11 or 12 degree rake as an option for a future 23" wheel and don't immediately swap it up, your trike's steering will be extremely light, so I would suggest you make up you mind before you rake kit. 16" VS 23" is a major increase in wheel size. You also mention increasing the rear tire size from your current 15" wheels to 17" wheels, so this is another potential change that will affect handling.

One more thing, I see you have a Motor Trike conversion on your bike, so I assume you have the stock triple trees on your trike now, yes? No added rake to major rake is a very big change if you are not increasing your wheel size by 7".

Why is a well known trike shop recommending a 10 degree rake, keeping my stock 16in front wheel? Also, how will the change to 17in rear wheels affect the handling? Btw, I may never go as far as a 23" wheel. What about just a 19in or maybe 21"?

 

[Gorilla]

Why is a well known trike shop recommending a 10 degree rake, keeping my stock 16in front wheel? Also, how will the change to 17in rear wheels affect the handling? Btw, I may never go as far as a 23" wheel. What about just a 19in or maybe 21"?

Hi what you are doing with rake and tire sizes is shifting the weight and balance of your load.

By adding rake you are moving the front wheel out away from the rear and that shifts the load more on to the rear wheels thus lighting up the weight on the front wheel making it easier to turn.

Go to far and the front tire does not then have enough contact pressure with the road to to properly control the steering. It will lose contact on bumps, skid in turns and hydroplane easier just a few negative results.

Adding rake also allows a larger diameter front wheel so the it does not hit the frame when you turn.

Side note you can add up to a 21 in wheel in front and still be able to use the front fender in its stock location.

As far as the rear wheel diameter, you have to worry about getting them in and out of the fender area. Usually when you increase the wheel diameter most people decrease the tire ratio.

If their 15 in tire has a ratio of 55 or 60 the 17 in tire would may have a 20 to 40 ratio.
This is to keep overall tire diameter close to the same as the 15 in when going to the 17 in.

Side note the lower ratio also means less flex in the side walls and the ride MIGHT be a little rougher.

My trike has 21 in front wheel and 17 in rear with low profile tires. The rake is the one sold by Papa Zook.

Over 60k happy miles with that setup.

 

[Triplethreat]

How is it possible to use the stock fender in stock location with a 21" wheel?

 

[Triplethreat]

You're really asking for information on two vastly different scenarios. A 9 degree rake can safely span the 16-21" wheel sizes, but if you plan on going to a 23" wheel you will definitely need a 12 degree rake. If you add an 11 or 12 degree rake as an option for a future 23" wheel and don't immediately swap it up, your trike's steering will be extremely light, so I would suggest you make up your mind before you add any rake kit. A 16" wheel VS a 23" wheel is a major increase in wheel size. You also mention increasing the rear tire size from your current 15" wheels to 17" wheels, so this is another potential change that will affect handling.

One more thing, I see you have a Motor Trike conversion on your bike, so I assume you have the stock HD triple trees on your trike now, yes? No added rake to major rake is a very big change if you are not immediately increasing your wheel size by 7".(16" wheel to 23" wheel)

What about an 11 degree rake kit with fork extensions to accommodate a 19, 21 or 23" wheel?

 

[Gorilla]

How is it possible to use the stock fender in stock location with a 21"

Pictured below is MY 2013 TRI-Glide with a 21 inch front wheel low profile tire. The fender is a STOCK STREET GLIDE fender mounted in the stock location Fits just fine. The stock Ultra fender is the same fit.

 

[TwistedKarma]

How is it possible to use the stock fender in stock location with a 21" wheel?

With a big hammer

 

[Gorilla]

With a big hammer

NEGATIVE on the big hammer. It slides right in, remember the 21 in will have a much lower profile tire then the 16 inch stock tire.

 

[Triplethreat]

Ok, so if I decide to go with a 10 degree rake, keep my stock front 16in wheel and FLH fender. How do I compensate for the fork angle and keep my fender from pointing at the moon? Btw, great advice so far, big thanks to you all!

 

[Triplethreat]

You're really asking for information on two vastly different scenarios. A 9 degree rake can safely span the 16-21" wheel sizes, but if you plan on going to a 23" wheel you will definitely need a 12 degree rake. If you add an 11 or 12 degree rake as an option for a future 23" wheel and don't immediately swap it up, your trike's steering will be extremely light, so I would suggest you make up your mind before you add any rake kit. A 16" wheel VS a 23" wheel is a major increase in wheel size. You also mention increasing the rear tire size from your current 15" wheels to 17" wheels, so this is another potential change that will affect handling.

One more thing, I see you have a Motor Trike conversion on your bike, so I assume you have the stock HD triple trees on your trike now, yes? No added rake to major rake is a very big change if you are not immediately increasing your wheel size by 7".(16" wheel to 23" wheel)

Ok Papa, tell me more about your setup everyone speaks so highly of. Am genuinely interested!

 

[Papa Zook]

Ok Papa, tell me more about your setup everyone speaks so highly of. Am genuinely interested!

Call me again, you have my number.