Raked 6 degree triple trees - WOW!

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I installed my 6 degree raked trees from Daryl about a month ago and today I finally got my bike out after some of the snow melted for a brief ride.  I didnt get more than 20 feet from my driveway and just said "Wow"  to myself.  What a difference.  It feels like a different bike.  Slow speed turns are so much easier.  The front end feels like I lost 200 lbs.  So light it feels like its floating.  Absolutely the best mod Ive done to my bike.  This is aside from the fact that it looks so much better also. 
If anyone out there is thinking about getting the raked trees, dont look any further than Daryl at XF6.
http://www.xf6-custom.com/valkpartspage.html
The guy is awesome.  Customer service is something I take pride in and Daryl takes it to another level.  I cant say enough about my dealings with him in buying my trees.  No affiliation, just an extremely happy customer.  Keep up the good work.

[f6john]

     That's great news, be sure and give us another report when you have been able to do some high speed riding. I've been interested in the tree's since they first came out.

[recall]

Hi,
    Been considering these as well, like to know also how they handle at high speed...Steve.

[BOZ]

Had my 98 Standard with Daryl's 6 degree trees up to about 100... and it rides just as smooth as ever. I also installed 1 1/4 inch fork tube extenders to keep the bike about the same height as stock. I am very pleased with this set-up. 

I've recently replaced the rear tire with a Nexen 205-60-16 car tire and it rides smooth with that addition as well. 

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I was only able to take it up to about 80 mph and it was as smooth as it ever was.  I also have a 205/55 CT on the back with 11.5 inch springs.  I'll post again once Im able to get it back out.  Supposed to rain here for the next week. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Did it affect clearance ( lower the bike ?  )
If so do you know how much ?
What made you want to do this ?

Apologize for all the questions I was just wondering that's what I do " wonder " .

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Did it affect clearance ( lower the bike ?  )
If so do you know how much ?
What made you want to do this ?

Apologize for all the questions I was just wondering that's what I do " wonder " .

No problem Joe.  Well I have 11.5 inch shocks on my bike so I was looking for a lower setup to begin with.  After I installed my shocks, I slipped the forks to level it out.  Im working on a Pro Street look.  So yes my bike sits pretty low.  That said, if you go with the raked front end, the lowered effect can be offset by using Daryls fork extensions.  I chose not to use them just because of the look Im trying to accomplish.  The look was the main reason that I was interested in getting them, but after reading all the positive feedback from others on how much lighter the bike feels, that sold me.  And it is a very different bike now.  If you want to come up to Southern New Jersey you can take it for a ride and see for yourself. 

[fudgie]

No problems with bike being to upright on the kickstand?

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

No problems with bike being to upright on the kickstand?

Yes I did.  I added a couple washers to the inside kickstand bolt to tilt it out and up a little and its pretty good now.

[John Schmidt]

I tried them and my CT rubbed, a 205/60. It was the width of the tire causing the rub, about halfway down the sidewall, very slight but still enough to make a good mark. I took them off and sold them, put my 12.5" Prog. back on and waiting for Daryl to make a new run of those trees. I was already planning on new stem bearings and replacing the fork oil so figured this was a good time to do it. He told me he's had his Valk up to 120 and it's solid as a rock, has anyone else out there had their bike up into the triple digits with good results. I don't normally run that fast but if it's steady at those speeds then odds are it's good all the way up to there. I'd like the bike to be a little lower but I'm OK with 12.5" in back, been on there for about 5 yrs. and I can flat foot it as is. He suggested I use 2" extensions with the 12.5" in back, but I'm hesitant to use that big an extension. What have the rest of you used and had good luck with?

I'd also like to have the bar he has in place of the engine guards but can't use them with the radiator pods since they use the guards for part of the mounting.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Daryl is pretty quick with his turnaround.  Let me know how you make out with the new trees.  Isnt the seat you have made by Carman out west?  Love his seats just cant spend the money.

[John Schmidt]

Daryl is pretty quick with his turnaround.  Let me know how you make out with the new trees.  Isnt the seat you have made by Carman out west?  Love his seats just cant spend the money.

I talked to Darrell, he isn't making a new run until near the end of March. That's OK with me, I have other stuff to do anyway. As for the seat, yes...Carman Allen did the tooling on the seat, both bibs, and backrest.

[6ntune]

I feel the love

[John Schmidt]

I feel the love

I see you also have the big "floorboards" mounted on Darrell's bar down front. With your feet that close the the engine, doesn't that get kinda hot?

[6ntune]

never has,never will,and the floorboards belive it or not dont drag,maybe a few times on the snake,but what dosent

[Rio Wil]

That is one SHARP looking bike!

I have a question if you don't mind, I have no experience in this area and am just curious.  My friend has a VTX 1800 and as I recall it has a longer wheel base than the Valk.  Just looking it seems to have more rake also than the Valk.  He has difficulty turning the bike low speed, u turns, parking lot, etc. and to me the steering seems heavy at low speeds.  The question, does the 6 deg rake you installed lengthen the OEM wheel base and if so make the steering heavier feeling? You said it makes the bike feel much lighter, what am I missing.  Would a similar set of raked trees have the same effect of lightening his steering?  Thanks for your feedback.....

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Im not sure if your question is to me or 6ntune. Yes I would say that the raked trees extend the wheelbase some since they basically more the front wheel out farther.  The difficulty your friend has making turns could be from the rake of the VTX, his riding ability or comfort level, etc.    Like I said, I still have only ridden my bike for 10 miles one time since I installed the raked trees because of all the snow.  I am hoping to get out next week weather permitting, with more feedback.  Im no expert, but my initial reaction was a much lighter feeling in the front end and better slow speed balance. Hopefully I can be more help once I get more time in the saddle with the new setup.  Daryl also makes raked trees for the VTX.  I would suggest giving him a call as he is very knowledgable and helpful with any questions you have. 

[Bone]

Rio Wil the increased rake will lengthen the wheel base.  With the OEM length fork tubes the bike will be lowered as the front wheel is moved forward. A 6 degree rake will not lower the bike much.
Back in the chopper days we went by inches of rake. I had a 52 HD rigid frame Panhead. We cut the frame just behind the neck. Then bent the neck bottom out until there was a 1 inch opening at the bottom of the frame neck. After welding the area we extended the front forks 10 to 15 inches which brought the bike back to sitting level and significantly increased the wheelbase.
Low speeds you had to steer the bike to make turns and at high speeds it was very stable as if hooked to a rail.

[mirion]

I'd also like to have the bar he has in place of the engine guards but can't use them with the radiator pods since they use the guards for part of the mounting.

I thought I had seen everything that has been created for the Valk but these Rattlebars Engine Guards that replace the stock crash bars are a new one to me. Does anyone have a better picture of this add on?.....Thanks, Mike

[Black Dog]

I thought I had seen everything that has been created for the Valk but these Rattlebars Engine Guards that replace the stock crash bars are a new one to me

While Chet, at 'Rattlebars' makes some nice stuff, he didn't make that...

Props go to Daryl of XF6 Customs ( http://www.xf6-custom.com/ ).  He has all sorts of 'new' ideas, when it comes to the Valk 

Black Dog

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

For those that asked for more ride feedback, I got the bike out the last two days for a couple rides of more than a few miles.  My "WOW" comment holds true even more.  Did some minor twisties and the bike just literally falls into the curves.  I couldnt believe how much lighter it steered.  The first curve I over steered some because of how light it was.  Just an amazing transformation in my opinion.  My friend has a '97 Valk and he thought I was exaggerating.  He only took it up the rode and back and got off saying the same thing.  He couldn't believe what a difference it made. 
As for the high speed question, I went out again today and got it up to just over 105 mph and it was smooth as ever.  Not super high speed but there was no problem at all. Just an FYI for those that asked.

[MP]

Thanks.  Sounds great.

MP