[Bluto]

Well it's good to see you have chosen a good moderator for this topic 8)
After posting pics and opening a disscussion on VOL about different places to have your bike raked , I have been getting lots of mail . Some of it from people not even on the board . The subject of frame and or triple tree modification is becoming very interesting . After buying my Volusia , I set out to change anything I thought needed to be changed to make it "my Volusia". I have changed , to say the least , a lot of this bike to suit myself . Most of the changes only required a little imagination an a little patience . I think the issue of the "rake" , will take the most research on my behalf , as it may involve "cutting" into the frame of the bike . I do plan on removing the motor from the frame this winter . There are numerous "tabs" and other misc. brackets to be removed . Removing everything from the frame and having it powdercoated . This would be the perfect time for such a mod as a "rake". Provided I go with the cheaper of the two ways to achieve this . Tripletree vs. welded adapter(steering yoke)
I'm still looking into both , but , most places I've talked to want a very big dollar for thier billit trees . :?
Ride On
Bluto

 

[Quiggenbottom]

Mike,

Are you thinking more or less rake? Extending the front end? Different forks?

Quigg

 

[Bluto]

I wish to bring the front tire forward at least 6" . Maybe 8" .

 

[Quiggenbottom]

Just guessing but that sounds like extending the forks about a foot. You could look into a springer with a leading axle it'll save some fork length.

 

[barrynfla]

I was just talking to a guy filling up at a gas station. He had an LC1500 with Harley forks and wheel, raked just a little. Never had a chance to really find out much about it as the guy was kinda in a hurry and besides, he bought the LC used from a cop and didn't really know all that much about it. Looked great, though!!
Barry
P. S. He had Cobra pipes that he debaffled. What a great sound!!!!

 

[domino]

I wish to bring the front tire forward at least 6" . Maybe 8" .

Mike,

How is this going to afect the ground clearance. I know stock the bike does not have good clearance. Knowing you from the boards, I can imagine your bike is already 2" or 3" lower already.

I have mine lowered 2" but I do not get peg scraped because I put on the forward controls from Jardine but I do get the occasional frame scrap which is not good. But that may be my fat ass dropping the bike another 2"s... :?

 

[Bluto]

Domino , I dropped mine 3" , and I have Rizoma forwards on it . I have never scraped anything , "YET" ! I just barely "clipped" a curb with the forwards though . Coming out of a donut shop . Scared the hell out o me ! :shock: A little closer to the curb , and I would have REALLY been in trouble

 

[Scubapro]

Bluto, I got a question for ya. How would a rake affect the steering of the bike?

 

[Bluto]

I'm not sure about just a simple rake , but , a full chop REALLY changes things .The second Triumph I had I really went to town on . I chopped it out 18" over . :shock: You needed a city block to make a turn !!!!!
It was real nice on the open road , but , in the city it was murder . :twisted:
I'm sure even the smallest of rake will be felt in the handling , it can't be helped . I don't think a rake job is for everyone . I know there will be someone that will love the pictures of the raked bike , go ahead and have it done , and be damn sorry .
I think if anyone is the least bit nervous about it should leave well enough alone and enjoy their Volusia the way it is . Because it may be a change they can never get used to .

 

[blucas]

Bluto, did you ever get in touch with who ever posted that pic on the VOL page of the raked out volusia? That thing looked wicked, but the ground clearance could be an issue. I think if you are an agressive rider, you would also need to modify the forward controls and possibly your exhaust. The raked out vol pic looked like it's frame was about 3" off the ground. Post some pics of your progress for us.

 

[domino]

Blucas,

I posted the pictures but unfortunatly I know absolutely nothing about it. I do know Bluto found someone to do it for him already though for about $1k if I am not mistaken.