Rake the front end

[drpete65]

I'm new so if this has been beat to death I apologise.....

Anyone rake the front end of their Valk? What's involved, where did you get parts, etc.....

[sandy]

Why? These bikes go around corners pretty good. A raked front would hurt the handling.

[f6john]

There are a couple of places to get raked trees, 4, 6, and 8 degrees. Trikes are using them but I haven't heard much on anyone using them on two wheels. I'll look for a link or two and post back.

[drpete65]

The why is more of a why not. I'd like to think my valk is somewhat unique and I love to keep pushing it. (custom paint, all lighting except headlamp is custom, seats, beach bars, chrome here and there.) But that is all simple stuff. I would like to make it more extreme.

You are right, I just got back from sturgis and I couldn't ask for much more in the handling department. I've read about how changing the rake can effect handling, but maybe i am being nieve, I am not too worried about a drastic handling change. I really only get to enjoy the twisties, and rolling hills 1-2 times per year on a long trip. Nebraska (and surrounding areas) are pretty flat and straight. unless there is a high speed control problem I think I would like to give it a try.......

unless you can give me evidence of why I shouldn't?

[f6john]

Here's a link to some raked trees.


http://www.vtx-treme.com/

[Black Dog]

Here's a link to some raked trees.


http://www.vtx-treme.com/

Yep, that is Daryl, a VRCC member!  Talked to him last night, and he has  Doc's blessing, and will have his products at the CBR 

Black Dog

[drpete65]

Thanks for the link. that was easier than I thought. Now...do I go with the 6 or the 8? with  or without the fork extensions(do I really need them?) I like the long low mean look......

[Black Dog]

Give Daryl a call (414-517-9546).  He won't try to sell you, he will explain, and give you options.  He's a stand up guy.

Black Dog

[007]

I have Darrell's 6 degree trees on mine (2 wheels) and yes, it does effect the handling, but the only handling difference I found is that slow speed handling is VASTLY IMPROVED! I also changed to 12" Progressives and the 2 together lowered the bike, and COG, 1 1/2". I also added a Woody's Fairing, and Darrels Tach and Speedo Relo kit, and a Pioneer Super Tuner 3 stereo that operates my IPod Touch.

Darrell and Woody are both Valk Pilots and the very best Vendors I have dealt with in a long time.

Sorry, was just gonna give my 2 cents worth and I left the whole quarter,
007

[f6john]

I have Darrell's 6 degree trees on mine (2 wheels) and yes, it does effect the handling, but the only handling difference I found is that slow speed handling is VASTLY IMPROVED! I also changed to 12" Progressives and the 2 together lowered the bike, and COG, 1 1/2". I also added a Woody's Fairing, and Darrels Tach and Speedo Relo kit, and a Pioneer Super Tuner 3 stereo that operates my IPod Touch.

Darrell and Woody are both Valk Pilots and the very best Vendors I have dealt with in a long time.

Sorry, was just gonna give my 2 cents worth and I left the whole quarter,
007

What difference in highway handling? Any noticeable difference in braking? How about turning radius, noticeable difference? Did you use fork extensions? What were the reasons given for  recommending 6 degree trees and using or not using extensions?

How about some more pics from other angles? I have been considering the same fairing myself. You set up looks good from what I could see.

[Larry]

I have Darrell's 6 degree trees on mine (2 wheels) and yes, it does effect the handling, but the only handling difference I found is that slow speed handling is VASTLY IMPROVED! I also changed to 12" Progressives and the 2 together lowered the bike, and COG, 1 1/2". I also added a Woody's Fairing, and Darrels Tach and Speedo Relo kit, and a Pioneer Super Tuner 3 stereo that operates my IPod Touch.

Darrell and Woody are both Valk Pilots and the very best Vendors I have dealt with in a long time.

Sorry, was just gonna give my 2 cents worth and I left the whole quarter,
007

That is a sweel looking ride, that low stretched out look is good. Any issues with dragging pegs that low to the ground?

[007]

I didn't use fork extensions because my intent was to lower the bike, and the COG, a bit. I used the 12" Progressives to accomplish that coupled to the lowering effect of the additional 6 degrees of rake. As far as highway, or hi speed handling, there really is no difference. The turning radius is a tad longer, but it still turns around in a two lane and since the slow speed handling is improved by the lower COG it does so somewhat easier, just not quite as tight. The pegs scrape a bit sooner than before, but that hasn't created any problems, have never drug anything else. Also, as an aside, I run 4 1/2" X 2 1/2" Risers and the fairing cleared them fine, for what that's worth. Any other questions, just ask.

007

[007]

Another angle



Risers, trees, dash

[Printer Mike]

I guess the rake looks OK......but,....s'pose you need to avoid something like a running/leaping deer?

[f6john]

I guess the rake looks OK......but,....s'pose you need to avoid something like a running/leaping deer?

As someone who has had a glancing blow from an encounter with a deer, I doubt that a rake would change the outcome that much. JMHO.

[Larry]

As someone who has had a glancing blow from an encounter with a deer, I doubt that a rake would change the outcome that much. JMHO.

I would think with abit of rake the deer would slide right up and over?

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I have Darrell's 6 degree trees on mine (2 wheels) and yes, it does effect the handling, but the only handling difference I found is that slow speed handling is VASTLY IMPROVED! I also changed to 12" Progressives and the 2 together lowered the bike, and COG, 1 1/2". I also added a Woody's Fairing, and Darrels Tach and Speedo Relo kit, and a Pioneer Super Tuner 3 stereo that operates my IPod Touch.

Darrell and Woody are both Valk Pilots and the very best Vendors I have dealt with in a long time.

Sorry, was just gonna give my 2 cents worth and I left the whole quarter,
007

I am seriously thinking about going with these trees. It would be a winter project.  I have an '03 Standard that Im working on giving a Pro Street look and think these will fit that well.  I already lowered the rear with Progressive 430 11.5 inchers.  Did you install these yourself?  How big of a job is it?  How much affect did it have on your handlebars? Thanks, John

[alan]

Has anyone raked an I/S?

[007]

I installed them myself with the help of a friend, they go on well. as far as my handlebars, I just pulled them up a bit to get them back where they were. I really enjoy the difference in the look, and love the improvement in the slow speed handling.

For the one that asked about the I/S, I don't know anyone personally, but if you look at Darrels website you will see an I/S that has been raked, and if you call him he would probably put you in touch with guy.

[Crazy Miles]

go to the N.E.  VRCC (New England Site)  Boz JUST did it. I'm thinking about. He's  a straight shooter and rider. He will tell you like it is. He has a couple of Valks. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_neweng.cgi    read down about 6-7 post, you'll see it.

[f6john]

go to the N.E.  VRCC (New England Site)  Boz JUST did it. I'm thinking about. He's  a straight shooter and rider. He will tell you like it is. He has a couple of Valks. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_neweng.cgi    read down about 6-7 post, you'll see it.

I checked out the New England site. I think I like 007's rake without the fork extensions better. Boz's bike look's like the wheel is really kicked out there.


http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_5210/Valk_raked-1.JPG

[drpete65]

007 -that is exactly what I was talking about! Looks great! and I am glad to hear that it handles as well or better after the rake. On one hand I am glad that at least someone else has done it successfully, on the other I am striving to be unique. damn now I am torn! thanks for the help that is sharp!

[6ntune]

had mine on for months and all I can say is yippie,handles better and looks awesome the bike handles like a much lighter bike at slow speed

[6ntune]

[007]

is that a Rune fender on the front? I love that look

[6ntune]

it is a taildagger vtx front fender

[007]

ArLen Ness Taildragger or a Honda piece? Where did you get it?