For those considering triking their Valkyrie

[larryh0841]

    The discussion of amount of rake for the forks is a common topic when considering this project.  I just completed my second Interstate/Roadsmith conversion and used Daryl's raked triple trees on this one.  I used the 8 degree trees with  1 1/2" fork extensions.  The first one has the Roadsmith 6 degree triple tree and no extension.  All other components are the same.  This "new" trike is a totally different animal on the road.  The handling is outstanding.  There is literally no effort required to negotiate curves and turns.  Bump steer is no problem.  No front end shake at low speeds.  I could never agree before that trikes could keep up with bikes on twisty roads, but now I can see how this can be.  It is so easy to throw it through curves.  The quality of workmanship on these clamps is excellent.  The design is simple and elegant, easy to install and the finish is beautiful.  I can't say enough about these triple clamps.
    My wife asked me how it handled when I got it out of the shop for the first time and I showed her by doing lock to lock figure eights in the driveway.  Something I can't do without great effort with the other trike.
    Anyway, if you are planning to build a trike or if you have one without a rake kit my advice is to use only a 8 degree kit and buy it from VTX-treme (Daryl).  You won't be disappointed.  I am ordering a second set for my other trike to replace the Roadsmith triple clamps.
    By the way, I have no connection with Daryl or VTX-treme.  I am just one very satisfied customer. 
                                               Larry

[salty1]

PLEASE!

[Grandpa Bigbuck]

Larry,  How much longer is the wheel base with the 8 degree rake over the 6 degree?

[saab9k]

Is in the process of installing Roadsmith kit on my 1999 Interstate. Is going 6 degree with 2 inch extensions. hope to have it done soon.

[Gideon]

Larry,
What size wheels you have on the rear 14" or 15"?
I have a C/S with 14" and stock triple trees.
The rear wheel size does affect the rake.

[larryh0841]

The wheel base difference between the trikes is about 1 1/2".  This is a little complicated because I do not know if the 6  degree setup includes any fork extension as I did not do the build.  The 8 degree setup has 1 1/2" extensions, but I had shortened the forks internally (see my write up on Lowering Valkyrie Forks in the shop talk section) prior and did not want to go through the trouble of restoring them to stock.  The rear wheels are 16".
                                                                    Larry

[saab9k]

You can buy the 6 degree with extensions on trike talk for $500. last time I looked.
That is what I have.

[Fly-N-D]

Do you still have the road smiths trees?

[PAVALKER]

Say No to Trike, Keep It A Bike.  Get a Convertible Roadster instead......

 

[salty1]

I've said it before, sure like the looks of your super valk Pavalker! 

[shomar19]

I recently added a trip trike outrigger kit to my 1999 Valkyrie standard. I had a accident last year and my balance has not been so good since.  It is not a true conversion I can unbolt it and go back to 2 wheels in the future. I like this kit because unlike some of the others I have looked at, it has a solid bolt on mount so there is no wobble and the outrigger wheels have independent air suspension. I added a 2 inch fork extension and a VTX 6 degree raked triple tree. It really improved the cornering. It is still a work in progress.

[PAVALKER]

I've said it before, sure like the looks of your super valk Pavalker! 

Thanks....looks better in person LOL. And it rides great.

And regarding Trikes, it's not that I don't like em, they are just not for me....I'd rather have a small convertible roadster....and I do.  Carries two and has a decent amount of room for trips,

[RDAbull]

Say No to Trike, Keep It A Bike.  Get a Convertible Roadster instead......

 
[/quote]

Love my Trike, and my convertible.  Different modes for different moods.