Changed the Rake on an Interstate

[GJS]

I have started a rebuild of a 99IS.
Yesterday I read of someone converting to a trike, then changing the rake by 4.5 degrees.
Has anyone done this without the trike conversion?
I like the idea of lowering the bike a smidge this way, but am concerned about handling.
If you have made this mod, I'm really interested in what you think about the handling & braking. As well, how much lower did the front end go down?

Best regards,

Glenn Schentag

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Check out Daryl at this link.
http://xf6-custom.com/
I have a set of 6 degree raked triple trees on order now.  He has some very happy customers on the board.

[Tx Bohemian]

...then changing the rake by 4.5 degrees...

I take it this means your changing the caster angle, right?

Is this an increase or decrease of the angle?

[GJS]

I checked the site. The bikes look good, especially the 8degree Valk.
Makes me wonder about being able to aim the headlights properly on the Interstate.
I wonder if I have enough room to adjust the incremental 8 degrees or whether I should try the six.

Why did you choose 6 over 8?

Cheers,

Glenn

[Black Dog]

If you have questions, just give Daryl a call...  He knows this stuff inside and out, and when you call the number on his web site, he is the one that answers the phone.  XF6 is a small operation, but there is no place else on the planet that knows more about the Valk, and how Triple Trees  improve/change the numbers...

Yep, he's a good friend of mine, but he's also the best at what he does.

Black Dog

[roboto65]

+1 on what Blackdog said I have his shock bushings and talked to him for a while great guy and loves to talk Motorcycle and Stands behind all he makes!!!

[MP]

+1 on Darrell.  He is a great guy to work with.

MP

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Hey Glenn,
I ordered the 6 degree which is what is suggested.  The 8 degree is for Trikes.  Im also having mine Black Chrome powdercoated.  I cant wait to get these. 

[GJS]

Well, I just ordered a set the 6 Degree Triple Tree with the 1"3/8 extentions.
Now I need to lower the rear end with Progressive 412s or 430s.
Anyone used anything different?
Is it possible/practical to lower the bike using air shocks?

Daryl was a very informative fellow.

Thanks

Glenn

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

If you went with the extensions, how come your trying to lower the rear?  Im not using the extensions and I have Progressive 430's at 11.5 inches.  Daryl said that setup is what he runs and it is a perfect match. From what I understand, the extensions basically bring the front end of the bike back to the stock height after the rake.  So if you are going to go with a shorter rear shock, I would think it would make sense not to use the extensions.  I could be wrong but that was my understanding.

[GJS]

Tx Bohemian: Sorry I missed your question earlier.
I think I am increasing the angle by six degrees, as the standard config is not at 90 degrees. I have assumed that six degrees is a relative measurement to stock.

Steelers: I have ordered a set of 11.5" 412s. I too think I might just try without the extensions. I'll give Daryl a call and ask why the difference in recommendations.

Best of the new year to everyone!

Cheers,

Glenn

[mirion]

I also am planning on the 6 degree and when I talked to Darryl, he said that I should also consider going to 11.5 shocks to balance the front end change. That was good news because I already have 11.5 412's. After I put on the 11.5 shocks I could definitely notice a difference in handling when I get off of my stock Interstate and on to my 11.5 Standard, when I make a quick turn there is a tendancy for the bike to want to go wide. Something you might not notice so much and wouldn't be a problem when you are used to it,only a problem when you go from one to the other. I am a believer that the 6 degree and 11.5 shocks are important to maintain the original geometry or as Daryl said, actually improve the low speed handling.