More rake????

[TXDOG]

Hey dogs, I wondering if anyone knew if I can change the rake of my 08 Ridgeback by just changing just the tree's? I'm not talking about anything radical, just a couple of degrees, just to get a little bit more stretch out of her. If anyone has any ideas or knows a way that would be easy or if it's impossible without major surgery it would be much appreciated.

 

[barhopper]

I bet a new set of trees would be in order for that to happen.

 

[slowrower]

Yup changing the trees is about the only way to do this ... be sure you stay in spec for trail or steering will become a big problem.

 

[BBChopper]

You'll screew up how it handles with those tree's!!:down:

 

[TXDOG]

Why are you saying it will screw up the way it handles and trail? There are bikes out there that have a ton of more rake than we do and they ride all over the place, and I only want just a little bit more, nothing radical like you see on show bikes, I just want to get more of a streched look so it dosen't look so tall at the neck and trees.

 

[Staffy]

As suggested be careful…..this would and will affect the way your bike handles….rake=trail=bike handling…here’s a quick easy to read explanation…Custom Chopper Information Site - Rake and Trail

 

[06Mastiff_shawn]

OK, I may be wrong but...if you put more rake into your bike wont it lower the front of the frame (by the VR)? Would doing that not only make the bottom of the frame not level it also decreases the clearance in the front? Is that where the handling difference come in? So, does that mean you would need longer forks if you put more rake on to it?


Shawn

 

[alhall88]

Sul is correct, the only way to increase rake is by replacing the trees. Trees usually come in 3,5,7 degree increments. But you shouldn't add any rake without adding to the fork length. Here's my example: My chopper has a 36 degree rake in the neck and in stock form had a 10 over front end with 4 degree raked trees. Now I run a 11 over front end with 5 degree raked trees. Pay attention and play with the rake and trail calculators to see where it will put you. Be also aware that going with aftermarket raked trees will also most likely effect your wheel/fender spacing as well due to the fact that big dog has some funky center to center distance on some of there trees.

 

[BBChopper]

Why are you saying it will screw up the way it handles and trail? There are bikes out there that have a ton of more rake than we do and they ride all over the place, and I only want just a little bit more, nothing radical like you see on show bikes, I just want to get more of a streched look so it dosen't look so tall at the neck and trees.

Your creating rake in the trees, the geometry is different than raking the frame. Look at the center line of the neck and forks they are parallel, when you rake the tree’s you take that away. I have talked to a few guys that added racked trees and it defiantly affected the handle of the bike for the worst.

 

[TXDOG]

OK. I get it now. well looks like i'm going to leave her alone, just like she is. Thanks guys but I love the way she handles now and i dont want to give any of that up at all.

 

[TXDOG]

Hey Sulconst2, that looks great and is exactly what i've been talking about!!! Where did you find your trees and forks? And if you dont mind me asking what kind of $$$$$$$ are we talking about?

 

[Sparks]

They say for every degree you can go a half inch over in the forks, so add an additional 6 degrees and you can add 3 inches to the tubes. This is supposed to keep your bike the same height as it is now and maintain your rake/trail you need for optimal handeling.

 

[BBChopper]

Sul did it change the ride much? Can you get them without rake? Did you have to buy a diferant caliper????

I have to get ride of my flackin shit before Biketoberfest!!!!

 

[Gas Man]

Sul is correct, the only way to increase rake is by replacing the trees. Trees usually come in 3,5,7 degree increments. But you shouldn't add any rake without adding to the fork length. Here's my example: My chopper has a 36 degree rake in the neck and in stock form had a 10 over front end with 4 degree raked trees. Now I run a 11 over front end with 5 degree raked trees. Pay attention and play with the rake and trail calculators to see where it will put you. Be also aware that going with aftermarket raked trees will also most likely effect your wheel/fender spacing as well due to the fact that big dog has some funky center to center distance on some of there trees.

Yeah Al is right.... had a heck of a hard time changing my tripples this last winter. SHOULD have been a straight bolt up. Had to maching down the fork brace mounts, the fork brace, the wheel spacers, the fender strut mounts, and the brake side of the wheel hub... hence my user tag above my avatar.

 

[BBChopper]

handles fine just much longer. no flop.

without rake? stock was 3 degree went to 5 degree

yep, ultima is set-up for a 99 + down caliper. oem is 2000 + up.

sold the stock front end for 425 on ebay.

brake went there also.

whole mod was almost a wash.

I'm saving up!!! Got to get the generator on the BBT worked on first in case I need it in case of the Big "H".

 

[shovelcowboy]

SUL
I really like the look of the Ultima front end! And if it rides just as good then that is a great mod (especially with the cost a wash).
Ouestion? I notice on your photos that you went from stock to Meanstreet to Ultima (I guess all on the '05 Big Dog Chopper). Could you explain your reasoning for all that?

Thanks, Shovelcowboy

 

[Moespeeds]

The Ultima 58mm will bolt right up, minimal hassle. Get the 5 degree trees, 12 over. They are on ebay all day long for $450. If you want to keep your front fender, you'll have to cut some spacers. Head over to Home Depot and buy some 6061 alum tubing, polish it up, and cut them from that. You're trail will stay about the same, I did the calculations, and you're basically picking up about 3/4" of trail with this mod, not even worth mentioning. Besides, increasing trail makes the bike more stable at speed, but harder to turn going slow. The difference is barely noticeable.

 

[MARV]

yep, what he said