Just looking at the spec on the Ultra and Tri Glide. The rake is the same (26*) but the trail is different (Ultra 6.69", TriGlide 3.94"). Can anyone explain?
also has anyone put a rake kit on the Tri Glide, can't believe the Ultra & Tri Glide have the same rake, trikes need more rake to ease the turning

thanks
Steve

 

Just a W.A.G., but longer trail increases directional stability... Shorter trail makes a bike a lot more reactive but easier to steer. I suspect what H-D was looking for was a way to create an easy-to-steer machine without having to tool up for a different neck/frame rake angle. (Cost savings) Hence, they left the rake alone and cut the trail to increase ease of handling, but in the course of doing so they ended up with a very goosey machine in terms of directional stability. Hence, they added the steering damper to off-set the tendancy to over-steer.

From my own limited experience with the 2011 Tri Glide, I can manage the potential oversteer now that I've got a few hundred miles on the thing. The effort to turn is fine in my case, but others who've got upper joint and/or strength challenges might find it a bit too much for long rides.

At any rate.. that's my 2 cents' worth!

 

The triple trees on the triglide are raked, they have a different part number than 2 wheel bikes and you can see the stem is located different plus the forks are 1 3/4" longer which helps increase rake.

 

I figured they'd have had to do something like that... No other way that I could see to change the trail.

 

If your trike is squatting in the rear, like most of the earlier ones did, try adding a pair of adjustable or air shocks to the rear and raise it up level. This will improve the steering.

 

The frame rake is the same but the Tree is raked. I have a Trike front end on my 2017 RGU. The trike front increased wheel base by 4 inches. The tubes are almost 2 inches longer but with the rake of the tree is sits the same..

 

To help improve steering.... if turning left, for example, lock your right elbow and just pull with the left hand.....technique requires a lot less effort...... can view this on the Lehman website..o

 

 

Legends does not make a Comfort Lift™ Kit. They make a standard lift kit that does not provide the additional shock angle to make the ride more plush.

We used to make a Standard Lift and a Comfort Lift™ , but have discontinued the standard. The Comfort Lift™ Kit is does everything the standard does and more. Link to details HERE.

Regarding the discussion of Rake & Trail. It can be a bit intimidating when first trying to understand it all, but there is a really good article at this LINK, by Mark Zimmerman, that gives all the technical info, but in fairly clear "English".

 

Absolutely great article. Thanks for posting!