Raked trees

I have a 94 FXDS-CON with stock trees. On the rear, I have Progressive Suspension at which are adjustable. I have them set to the lowest setting in which, I know, throws my trail off. I am looking to get some trees that are raked 5 degrees (that's about how much I've lowered the rear). I also know about the front end wobbles at high speeds when you change the rake but not the trail. What I'm trying to achieve is a lower, longer look without the $$$ for frame work or replacement. I guess what I'm asking is whether it is semi-"safe" to go with raked trees since my trail has been altered?

Re-Raked

Bikergim1, please view "wide glide trees"on 1-25-05. Also,changing your rake and trail is not what gives an high-speed wobble. You can get an High-Speed wobble from an under trail condition that raked-trees will give you. When you rake a frame your trail changes also, depending on the amount you rake it, they go hand in hand. If you want a lower ride then try shorter fork tubes. Its cheaper and safer. Good luck.

Re Re Rake

Well, I just re-read your last sentence. I say NO, others may say yes. With an 94 FXDS your rake is set at 28, and if you put on 5 degree trees, pheewww boy, your looking at an no trail condition. (Deadly) I dont know how low your back end is, but, your bike would have to have its rear end on the ground to try and get any trail out of it. Be careful.

Killer-B,
Alright & thanks for the adv. So what do you think about a 3 degree raked set? Keep in mind the rear suspension is at it's lowest setting. I would say that the bottom frame rail is sitting about 3 inches off of the ground. I value the advise and again, thank-you!

3 Degree Tree

Well bikergim1,,, Unfortunatly with a 28 degre frame, "I" would say no. FX-softails, Dyna lowriders and Wideglides rake is at 32 and some would say that an 3 degree is acceptable. I still would not. I believe that raked trees were originally developed to correct an over trail condition that raked frames will give you. (I could be wrong).Your FXDS was ment to be sporty and quick handling. Hence the 28 degree rake. Like I said, if you want to SAFELY lower bike, try 2 inch shorter fork tubes. There are plenty of after market frames out there with all the rake you want or need, and you could just move all or most of your parts right on over. Direct Parts would be happy to help you out on an new frame.

And, this is why neither DP nor J&P will sell raked trees. Too many widows wanting to sue the companies that sold the 'deadly' trees...Doesn't matter that the twit setting it up won't take the time to measure their rake and trail before commiting suicide.

KillerB,

You say: "Also,changing your rake and trail is not what gives an high-speed wobble. You can get an High-Speed wobble from an under trail condition that raked-trees will give you."

I think you mean to say the opposite right? Altering trail i.e. reducing positive trail to much will induce handling problems? Regardless of how you do it, if you reduce trail from say, 3.5" to 2" or less you can pretty much guarantee a wobble.

Bass-ackwards

Well CD, If I miss spoke/typed, I apologize. I can usually get it from the brain to the keyboard with out error, but sometimes between the brain and mouth/hand it will get turned around. Usually people know what I mean. But thats what your for, right?

You had kind of confused me at first. Then, I realized the first part was backwards and the rest was dead on. Wasn't trying to correct as much as make sure I was not understanding a point you were making so, better to ask than to not ask and make a dreaded assumption right?

One thing I'll tell anyone here. I learn new things everday from this BBS and the Internet. That is one of the really fantastic things about the Web.

Sharing knowledge amongst friends at a shop is one thing. Being able to research, verify and learn whole new subjects on your own PC is incredible.

I have created a pretty large business on the web and have made pretty good money from it. However and as equally important to me is watching the growth of the Internet since 1995. It has been an incredible adventure so far.

Yep

One of the many "ol" sayings, " I know what I mean, but, Not what I say".

Either way about it gentlemen, you have provided me with the answers I needed. Those raked trees won't look too impressive in the junkyard, and really won't matter much to me if I'm in the ground! Stock looks sweeter by the day! Thanks Guys! P.S. do you all have any suggestions for trees that will fit 39mm forks, but in a Wideglide configuration set up to fit a FXDS-CON? I really want something in kit form, with the wheel spacers, fender spacers..etc...but econo?

Give sam a call at 800-368-6217 and ask about conversion kits. Or, you can e-mail him at sam@directparts.com

Thanks CD. I'll do that.

Trees r done!

I know it's been a long time since this thread was answered last, but just wanted to put closure on it... I went with the 3 degree trees, Accutronix to be exact. The install went like butter. I had to do some mods on the front wheel to make things right on, but as far as front end wobble or "high speed wobbles", they're non-existant. The bike handles great. Thanks for all the advise though.

Tree'ed

Well that's great bikerjim1, I’m just a little curious what your trail is ??? Have you measured it yet ??? If so, could you post it here for the benefit of others. Thanks.

Trail

Killer-B,
Using the rake and trail calculator, it comes out to 2.55"

Yep

Yes sir, I appreciate that, enough said. (or typed)