Please help I just installed a set of Pro One 5 degree triple trees & 2 inch over forks on a '07 Softail FXST. Now the bike handles like crap. The only info I could find says that I may have a problem with 'trail'. The bike now handles exactly like described if there is too much trail. "The bike will handle sluggishly at high speeds. It will seem almost too steady. You will have trouble balancing your bike at lower speeds, or on winding roads. It will feel generally sluggish and clumsy". This is true, it is like I cannot keep the bike straight at low speeds. It wants to go to the left and right and is hard to steer. It costs a packet to have installed but the plus (if there is one) is the bike looks great. Maybe I need cups...but what tha f#*k are 'cups' Any help anyone could offer would be really appreciated. Thanks

Cups will change the trail a good example of this is the V rod ,have a look at the front of one and you'll see.But I don't know if the cups will give you enough (or less).

I have a set of 3deg raked cups from Vulcanworks on a wide glide conversion kit I bought from Vulcanworks and there is no difference in handling whatsoever. Only thing I don't like about the cups is they move the bottom tree down too much it almost acts as a fork brace...

the other issue with "raked" cups is they tend to load up one side of the bearing, causing them to wear quickly. if you are gonna rake your bike you are better off doing the frame. keep in mind any alteration you do to the geometry of the frame will alter your handling , good or bad. the easiest way to add rake to a fatboy or dyna etc is to add a set of factory "wide glide" trees, these have an inbuilt 3 or so degrees. anything over 3 degrees can really affect your handling.

 thanks fellas, really appreciate the feedback.

Kiwi dave cheers buddy.

So after having spent nearly $2000 to end up with a straight out dangerous bike, I guess my options are.

1)Remove & replace with stock. - (not really the look Im after)

2) Remove & replace with 3 degree raked trees (from what I read this should be ok on a stock FXST frame)

3) Put on some raked cups from Vulcan (still not sure how these work, but would this add even more rake ? Im happy with the look as it is now)

4) Rake the frame (aint gonna happen, spent enough $$$$$$ already)

Workshop made no mention i would have this problem.  I also called Chopperworks and they do 5 degree triple tree 2 inch over combos on new model softails every day. So Im perplexed!!!

Any advice appreciated

 

 

Input please.......on my new FLHTCU with motor trike kit fitted, I was planning to have an E Z Steer fitted. My shoulders take a beating, as I'm on elbow crutches permanently and I was hoping to make the steering a bit easier. Have a leading link on current trike. After reading this I'm a bit concerned about it

 Thank you all for your input.

So heres the short of it. After calling & speaking with more HD custom fitters than I care to recall as well as Pro One (who make the trees) in the US, the outcome is :

"You should definitely not put more than 3 degree rake trees on a stock Harley frame."

As stated in this forum. When you increase the rake you decrease the trail which = bad/dangerous handling characteristics. The only safe way is to rake the frame - then put on the trees. Having said that, 3 degree triple trees will be okay and no adverse handling issues associated, still with an improved overall look.

Hope this helps.

 Hi Kiwi dave & forum users

So Im going with the 3 degree raked tree setup....much safer.

Quick question fellas...Do you know if its okay to leave the 2 inch over forks I installed,  on a 3 degree raked trees setup? (stock Harley FXST Softail)

thanks 

Bandit

I did a 5 deg rake on my TT with 14" OS tubes.

So 5 deg on 2" OS would be overkill and give indeed a messed up steering.

And btw, raking your frame is not that hard if you or your m8 has a welder " />

Here a good place to calculate trail:

http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html

Man - This thread was over 2 years old!

Yeah, see it now >_<