i've read the $50 mod thread (regarding sliding the fork tubes up) but i'm not sure i completely understand what this mod accomplishes. i'd like to have more rake in my front end. of course i'm still running a stock 19" tire. is this just a waste of time for me or is it worth while? thanks for all the help

 

While in reality sliding the tubes up in the triples doesn't change your rake at all it has the same effect as having less, or shorter rake.

 

i slid mine up a inch and used 11'' shocks to get me closer to the ground but it didnt do anything for the rake..

 

when you think rake that is the distance from thedown tube to the tire, mvoing that up in the tree will not change that. to kick out more rake you are going to have replace the trees

 

oh ok so i don't necessarily need new forks to get more rake just new triples?

 

yes but as you increase the rake the front will drop... ayou would need longer tubes..

 

Sliding the fork tubes up will reduce the trail. Somewhat complicated to explain, but will allow the bike to "turn in" much better, and more quickly. Raisng the rear will do the same. Its a great mod if you are after a better more nimble handling bike in the twisties. More "rake" will do the opposite, as will lowering the rear. Looks cool, just won't handle so good. Depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

 

so if i decide to do this .. how far can i go up?

 

All the way. Bike won't even go around a corner if you go far enough. What is your objective, better handling (shorter tubes) or a longer "chopper-esqe" look? It's my guess that you won't improve upon the results achieved by HD engineers.

 

I raised my tubes a little over an inch once when I was dealing with buffeting. It allowed me to raise the [upper] QD windshield clamps above the top tree. Of course, it opened up a big wind-hole between the headlight and the 'shield's cutout. Didn't notice a handling difference. Eventually put 'em back to where they were.