What is the stock rake on a Sportster?
It comes stock with a 30-degree rake and a 4.6in trail. I was wondering if it would be any problem to change it to, say, 35-38 degrees without causing any problems with the frame.
What is a raked triple tree?
The ‘Raked” Triple Tree simply diminishes the trail measurement by moving the contact patch of the tire forward, much closer to the steering centerline. The resulting trail reduction has a dramatic affect on the effort of steering the sidecar rig or trike.
How do raked triple trees work?
In most stock bikes the triple-trees hold the forks parallel to the head tube so rake is the same for the frame and the bike. Changing the rake by modifying the frame, the triple-tree or both can make dramatic changes in the trail and, therefore, in the bike’s handling.
What are triple trees on a motorcycle?
Triple Tree (“triple clamp” (US) or “yoke” (UK)) attaches the fork tubes to the frame via steering head bearings, which allow the forks to pivot from side to side, and therefore steer the motorcycle. The better manufacturers of raked triple trees reduce the off-set in order to increase trail in the final set-up.
How does fork rake affect motorcycle handling?
Generally speaking (meaning there are exceptions) the greater the rake angle, the more stable the motorcycle is at higher speeds. To better understand this, visualize a motorcycle with 0 degrees of rake, with the forks straight up and down, perpendicular to the ground.
How does rake affect motorcycle handling?
The smaller the rake angle, the less effort is required to turn the steering. Though, the motorcycle will be less stable in a straight line. Conversely, a larger rake angle requires more effort to turn but tends to make the motorcycle more stable at high speeds and helps maintain a straight course.
How does rake affect handling?
What is the stock rake on a Harley?
“Rake” refers to the angle between the front forks and the ground or, in case we are talking about just a frame, the angle between the head tube and the ground. In most stock bikes the triple-trees hold the forks parallel to the head tube so rake is the same for the frame and the bike.
Are raked triple trees safe?
Raked triple tree’s are bad news handling wise if they are not used in conjuction with a radically raked out neck. You will lose most or all of the trail and have squirlley handling.