Raked out triple trees. Handling?

[Highland]

Hi
I'm thinking about fitting some raked out triple trees.
Others done this? how does this affect the ride and handling?

It's a solo, not a trike or side car.

Bryan

[Patrick]

I installed the TBR clamp about 15 or so years ago. Apparently I thought it handled better because they are still on it.

[sandy]

If you rake out the forks, the bike won't turn in very well when cornering. If the RIDE is improved, it's the straight line driving that may seem better.

[Oldnick]

I installed the TBR clamp about 15 or so years ago. Apparently I thought it handled better because they are still on it.

I saw your post and looked around at TBR. Some people are saying they made the bars _steeper_...less rake. So quicker steering. What's your tak on that?

Thanks

[Patrick]

I installed the TBR clamp about 15 or so years ago. Apparently I thought it handled better because they are still on it.

I saw your post and looked around at TBR. Some people are saying they made the bars _steeper_...less rake. So quicker steering. What's your tak on that?

Thanks




If I remember correctly that clamp reduces the trail about 4".  Like I said, it must be a good change 'cuz its still on the bike. Its been on for a long time now, and, that monster handles like a crotch rocket to me. I don't scrape the pegs like I used to, but, the youngster in me still surfaces every now and again.
I'm a real big Ducati fan but figured one would kill me today, so, I'm sticking with some comfortable performance.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I bought a used TBR triple clamp from a member some years ago with the intention of installing it on Blondie's Tourer. It's still in the box, Blondie has left the building but I still have the bike. May have to swap the front end around come next summer.

Rattlebars and a few others I've known over the years were pleased with the handling. That Tourer isn't really a pig (at least, to me) though the differences would be worth investigating.

Now to find a set of out-of-production Underwhere for the thing...

[Oldnick]

If I remember correctly that clamp reduces the trail about 4".  Like I said, it must be a good change 'cuz its still on the bike. Its been on for a long time now, and, that monster handles like a crotch rocket to me. I don't scrape the pegs like I used to, but, the youngster in me still surfaces every now and again.
I'm a real big Ducati fan but figured one would kill me today, so, I'm sticking with some comfortable performance.

So the Valk is now less "cruisy" and more turny? Less trail to me means less rake to the forks and a more nimble bike which may or may not be as steady as it was in a striaght line...depends on the bike and damping. The OP is looking at more rake. I did not realise there were TTs that decreased rake.

[Earl43P]

If you haven't read this article/review by Chet Walters, you should. Pretty much says what Patrick said using a lot more words.


http://www.rattlebars.com/mtz/valkyrie.html#TREE


FWIW, I sure like his writing style.

[Patrick]

I'm not very long winded, never have been. I like to keep things short and sweet. Rather than talk, lets just go and do.   

Along with the TBR clamp I installed a set of LaMonts risers. I didn't like routing the cables behind so I installed longer cables and put them where they're supposed to be.

[Highland]

Hey guys
Thanks for the posts and info. I see there's plenty of choice over there in the US so I'm still deciding on who's to go for. Plus I need to have them shipped to Scotland!

[Jack B]

 You should get a hold of Darrell, he's made rake kits for Valkyrie's for years.
Look for his phone # to  contact him he is slow with his emails.
http://www.xf6-custom.com/mainpage.html