I'm seeing a few pics of Sportsters with long rake forks and I'm really liking the look. I've got an 07' 1200 Low and I'm just starting the customization process. I was wondering, what would a modification like this involve and cost? Is it something I am capable of taking on myself, or better off taking to the shop? Also, will this affect the overall handling and turning radius of the bike? All input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Any time you push the front tire out farther, you lengthen the wheelbase. That will always increase your turning radius.

 

If your pretty handy, mechanincally inclined and have a factory service manual, a lift and some toolsthen you're capable of doing anyhting you want to the bike. Raking the front end can be done in a few ways... raked bearing cups (not the best idea from what I've read), getting a set of raked triple trees or a complete raked front end such as those by Seeger or AME. I will warn you though that its not a cheap process, you could almost have the frame cut, raked-welded & painted for what trees or front ends cost ($400-1,700.00). I'm toying with doing a set of 3 or 5 degree trees myself but still looking at almost $500 and I can do a number of other thingsfor that. If you keep your rake to 3-5 degrees you will hardly affect your trail and handling and it will be no different than a stock wideglide as for turning raidus.