changing front forks

[harley2936]

My hubby just bought me a 2003 sportster 883, and I absolutely love it. Of course with major snow on the ground it will be a while before I can actually ride it. So, we are taking this time to make some changes. I would like to know if anyone has seen or has pictures of a sportster that someone has raked out. We are interested in doing this and I am not really sure of the right way to go about it. Any suggestions and pictures of how it looks finished would be great appreciated.
Thank you

[EZE RIDER]

They do look cool chopped out. There is a bunch of nice looking ones here.

[milindh]

You can rake the front end on your Sportster by either cutting and changing the angle of the frame neck and then re-welding it or by going with different triple trees with built in extra rake. The first way is best for handling and the second way is the easiest and fastest. You'll also want to extend your forks. The more rake you have in your front end the worse the slow speed handling will be but if done in moderation it won't be too bad. You might want to see if you could try someone else's extended bike to see if you like it.

"It's cho thang Bay-by.

Do what chu wanna do."

[unclepsycho]

Here's a link to a company that does the triple tree with some rake built in..

clicky here AME Chopper Kit, chopper kits, 9 deg., 14 deg., and 18 deg. rake, bolt on chopper kits.

good luck

[frisco-rigid]

Hey 2936

Read a little about it before you do something you will really regret..

I have run 40*, 35* and old-style stock 30* rake necks..
The more the rake the less handling, that's been my experience and the more you read you'll find agreement..

Now----- Raked fork clamps (trees)-------
They are supposed to be used on raked necks of over 40* because on a stock neck or a neck that's not raked very much they Lessen the amount of trail and can be Very dangerous..
I haven't just read about it-------I've done it..
I have used my old adjustable 3 degree raked "trees" on a 30* and a 35* neck and experienced the in-stability immediately..
Your rake is prob about 28*..

Actually raking the neck by cutting and re-welding is the correct and safe way..
If you were to actually go to the trouble and expense to modify a perfectly good 883 you will then have a horrible handling Sporty..
For sure you will lose that "nimbleness" that the sporty folk like soo much..

Read these links----- And google some of your own..

RB Racing Rake and Trail Calculator

Jeri's Springer Front End - Rake and Trail Explained

HowStuffWorks "Chopper Rake and Trail"

Motorcycle tech tips

Rake and Trail

Alota this info may put you to sleep cuz it's redundant-----because facts are facts..

[harley2936]

Thank you so much for all the information.....it was very helpful with all the links. I guess the reason I want to rake the front end is for the look. I like a longer look to the whole bike. But not too much, I don't want it looking like a chopper by any means.

[harley2936]

Thank you for your quick response.

[harley2936]

Thank you for all the info. I guess I want just a little longer look on the front end....nothing major at all. But I will be definately thinking about it now....maybe I won't. My first thing to do is putting on forward controls. And then, some new pipes. Again thank you for any and all info

[unclepsycho]

Frisco
Glad you jumped in here, nothing better than the voice of experience. I did kinda think those triple tree add-ons looked odd. something dont look right to me, but I have not tried them, and figured they musta done the research before they put them on the market. My BMC has 45* of rake, it takes an a lot of upper body strength to go out and ride the twisties all day. I usually come home soaked from the work out. I had forgotten to mention that before., I like the workout, keeps me in shape. My wife wont ride the thing, she just dont have the arms for it. I cant even imagine those bikes with the rake over 50* and the real looong front ends... seem like the front ire would just want to lay over, every time the tire turns a little.

I like the stock sporty, maybe a little rake, but not at the cost of handling...

good luck harley2936, glad to see you doing the research. it will save you some headaches....

[frisco-rigid]

Hi Unc et al

Good observation..

If you read some of that info you'll see why & how those Raked "trees" work..
When you do the measurements to see how it affects trail THEN try it, whoa, it gets clear real fast..

You might wanna try some 3* "trees" on your 45* neck, they will give back a lil trail and a wee bit of handling.. However, they will extend you out another inch or two..
If you're runnin an extra wide tire-- that amplifies the poor handling also..

Too bad you're not nearby, I'd let you try out mine..

Alota folk are under the impression that since Manufacturers Make certain stuff and will sell it to you,,,, well heck then it's gotta be OK to use huh..
NOPE,, if the folk will buy it they will sell it-- buyer beware..
Extra wide tires are perhaps the best example..