This is a newbie question... I am going to a 21" front wheel on my Low rider and I was wanting to change the rake just a little... what goes into doing that...

 

Depends if you want to go with a raked cup or raked triple trees. I went with 3 degree triple trees and visually you can't tell the difference from stock rake. Also I had to go to a 21 inch front wheel, from a 19 incher, and didnt like that either. That 21 feels every groove in the road. My advice...stick with the stock rake and 19 inch wheel.

One other important item - The max safe raked trees is 3 degrees. More than that and you will screw with the handling.

Here are some pics of my 02 dyna

Before

http://moneycentral.groups.msn.com/m...to&PhotoID=114

After

http://moneycentral.groups.msn.com/m...to&PhotoID=127


BlackOak
MidSouth BackRoads

 

Hey Blackoak,

The after pic of your bike is AWSOME !!
Very Nice !

Willie

 

Thanks Willie. sure was a stressful event getting it to look that way.

BlackOak
MidSouth BackRoads

 

here's a good article on raked triple trees:
http://www.bikernet.com/garage/rakedtrees.asp

Bottom line is you might be able to get away with a few degrees depending on the rake of the neck, but.... handling could go downhill fast.

Of course, what the article DOESN'T say is too much trail results in a VERY stable ride.... but ONLY in a straight line! ;-) Choppers don't do manuvuers very well.

(WHOOPS! I guess it does mention that. Sorry.)

 

My old scooter had a 34 degree rake on the head tube and with 7 degree trees she rode great!

Looked good too! 41 degrees total rake!


joe