My new Really fat girl

[keepinon]

Ran across this creation while traveling. It belonged to an older couple (well, a little older than me) that seldom rode. She's a '98 vintage with only 12,400 miles. Definitely a learning curve here 

Heck, I'm already a double dark sider... 

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Well look at you. Great looking trike you got there Dennis. You'll have to let me try it someday. Been thinking about a three wheeler for the wife someday.

[HayHauler]

Man, now you're a 2 Valk family!  It sure is perty.  Is it black, or is that some other color?  Could be just the way the sun is hitting the paint on the tank and fenders.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[keepinon]

Man, now you're a 2 Valk family!  It sure is perty.  Is it black, or is that some other color?  Could be just the way the sun is hitting the paint on the tank and fenders.

Hay 
Jimmyt

No, the thing is a maroon (or purple) metal flake. Glows red, yellow & blue spots in the sun. OK, I guess, needs some stripes or decals to break it up a little.

Millard, next time we're around, you're welcome to try it.  Surely different. Kinda stiff turning, but it hasn't been raked yet.  I ordered the kit from Daryl to help with that.

[mario]

Well look at you. Great looking trike you got there Dennis. You'll have to let me try it someday. Been thinking about a three wheeler for the wife someday.

gotta do it, mr. b!   

[Gear Jammer]

Way to go Dennis 

[pBrain]

I like the curves on THAT hottie!!!

Nice colors....  Enjoy her...

[bigguy]

Kinda stiff turning, but it hasn't been raked yet.  I ordered the kit from Daryl to help with that.

Does being raked help with turning? If so, can you explain how? Just curious. Always looking to learn something.

[keepinon]

Bigguy, I couldn't begin to explain the math that shows why this works. Yup, I'm that ignorant.  

I had read, and Wizard told me that a greater rake would ease the steering.  Daryl at XF6 explained that the 6* rake would lessen the steering effort by 70%. So I ordered one. He also explained the 4* and 8* characteristics. (BTW, best price anywhere that I could find) It is stiff now at parking lot speeds, but ok on the road.

Cause like Mr B, I may have some plans for the trike.

[flamingobabe #44]

cool!!! I like her......can't wait to see her in real life

[bigguy]

Bigguy, I couldn't begin to explain the math that shows why this works. Yup, I'm that ignorant.  

I had read, and Wizard told me that a greater rake would ease the steering.  Daryl at XF6 explained that the 6* rake would lessen the steering effort by 70%. So I ordered one. He also explained the 4* and 8* characteristics. (BTW, best price anywhere that I could find) It is stiff now at parking lot speeds, but ok on the road.

Cause like Mr B, I may have some plans for the trike.

I'd be interested in your personal experience.
Just thinking out loud here: Could it be a leverage issue? greater rake get's the front wheel further from the back?

[Disco]

This article has a good explanation: http://www.outdoor-motorsports.com/custompage2.asp?pg=lehman

[bigguy]

Thanks Dave. That is a good link. It actually makes the concepts rather simple.

[keepinon]

Yes, thanks Dave for the link. The cart coaster wheel illustrates it well.

BG, after riding it both ways, I'll post an opinion. As I say, it's not bad now, but it does take considerable effort in the slow turns.

The learning curve?  Keep your durn feet on the pegs when ya stop. It don't counter steer, ya gotta turn it, even at 70mph in the curves.  & on those curves, clamp those knees like a spinster.  

[bigguy]

The learning curve?  Keep your durn feet on the pegs when ya stop. It don't counter steer, ya gotta turn it, even at 70mph in the curves.  & on those curves, clamp those knees like a spinster.  

  That's what I'm afraid of. Many years ago, back when ATVs where three wheelers, I tried to ride one. I ran into a ditch because I couldn't turn it. I just couldn't make myself turn those bars without leaning.

[Jess from VA]

The learning curve?  Keep your durn feet on the pegs when ya stop. It don't counter steer, ya gotta turn it, even at 70mph in the curves.  & on those curves, clamp those knees like a spinster.  

  That's what I'm afraid of. Many years ago, back when ATVs where three wheelers, I tried to ride one. I ran into a ditch because I couldn't turn it. I just couldn't make myself turn those bars without leaning.

I had the same experience with a three-wheeler.  Ran down a whole row of my cousins landscape, then used my foot to try to turn and ran my foot over with the rear tire.  His doberman thought I was acting irrational, so he charged me.  I don't ride three-wheelers anymore.   

[blotar]

Wow, Great Paint! Awsome Looking...
My Dad, 88 years young, triked his GW 14 years ago and he still rides almost everyday. Sure he needs help to get off the dang thing. There always seems to be someone at Gerland's willing to help.
Blotar