springer front end

[papastanley]

have 03 fxdl have seen a4"triple tree with 6" tubes would a springer front end work would handling suffer? had a 96 softail custom had most factory rake.thanks for any info.

[frisco-rigid]

Hi Pappa

After you asked me the same question in my "Visitor Messages" I replied best I could in the same Visitor Messages place..

Just curious if you went back there and got it..

[Twinpeaks]

Originally Posted by papastanley

have 03 fxdl have seen a4"triple tree with 6" tubes would a springer front end work would handling suffer? had a 96 softail custom had most factory rake.thanks for any info.

I suppose it's depends on your needs and wants. Skill level is also a factor.
In my experience, any time you change the rake and or length of tubes there will be changes in how it handles.
In general a shorter rake will allow more control, better handling, tighter cornering and more lean angle. It will also be more apt to "wheelie" during a hard launch. On the other hand, a stock V-Rod for example has a 32 degree rake with slightly longer tubes and a long wheel base, it's akin to a drag bike set-up, cornering suffers slightly but it launches and pulls hole shots with the best of them. So apply that to what you're suggesting above.

[frisco-rigid]

Skill level has nothing to do with it..

I'm pretty sure he's talking about a Springer with a 4* rake built into it with 6" longer rails, Not a Raked Neck which is what I think you're referring to..

Have you ever run a set of "raked" trees on a stock neck rake, I have and it's horrid..

[Twinpeaks]

Originally Posted by frisco-rigid

Skill level has nothing to do with it..

I'm pretty sure he's talking about a Springer with a 4* rake built into it with 6" longer rails, Not a Raked Neck which is what I think you're referring to..

Have you ever run a set of "raked" trees on a stock neck rake, I have and it's horrid..

I think we are agreeing on principal. Whether it be a raked neck or raked triple tree, the results are damaging to handling. Personally I would never be interested in a radical rake of any measure. And yes I rode a very low, very long framed custom with a long very bouncy springer and I've never looked at these bikes the same. They are truly show only.

I would absolutely recommend against this set-up should papastanley be inexperienced and lacking "skills". When I mentioned skill level it was more in reference to experience or knowledge of how the bike will behave with a radical rake and extended tubes. An inexperienced rider might easily lose it on the first ride, no doubt miss a corner or two, someone like yourself (I assume with experience) will know what NOT to do! LOL! I equate experience with skill level although it's not always the case.

[unclepsycho]

I have a bike with 45* rake (Not a springer) and it is a total work out when riding the twisties.... I happen to like the extra work, (somedays), but it really does require a lot of work to ride compared to stock.

[evoKENevo]

Rake & Trail (most important) can get complicated. Just extending your fork legs will change both..raked triple trees can improve/reduce trail on bikes with raked necks but will only screw up trail (too little) on non-raked necks...and so on...and on !!!

Springers handle a bit differently than conventional hydraulic front forks...and the WHOLE thing should be STUDIED before just going for looks etc...rideing skills & habits having SOME bearing mixed in ALL situations.

[Twinpeaks]

Originally Posted by evoKENevo

Rake & Trail (most important) can get complicated. Just extending your fork legs will change both..raked triple trees can improve/reduce trail on bikes with raked necks but will only screw up trail (too little) on non-raked necks...and so on...and on !!!

Springers handle a bit differently than conventional hydraulic front forks...and the WHOLE thing should be STUDIED before just going for looks etc...riding skills & habits having SOME bearing mixed in ALL situations.

I thought it was only right to include his skill level in his thinking process before making a decision. If he has to ask the question of "how it will handle", then he obviously is inexperienced and is in for a ride!

[evoKENevo]

Originally Posted by Twinpeaks

I thought it was only right to include his skill level in his thinking process before making a decision. If he has to ask the question of "how it will handle", then he obviously is inexperienced and is in for a ride!

Uhh,yeah,TP...I figured I'd try to acknowledge that...without contradicting Frisco and others who're right (as usual) about the geometry & physics of it all...noting that I've found some riders simply prefer and have somehow actually gotten good with handling characteristics,etc, that others would find intolerable...and,of course, there's some who just don't belong on a motorcycle period !!!

No direct reflection intended on any of the contributers here

[street bob]

I love it when there is good honest discussion on real topics.
Thanks gents!