New Trike

[BajaRon]

Not something I would own but I think it looks cool. :doorag:

The reason for the steering dampener is that conventional trikes steer hard and the only way to fix that without power steering like we have is to increase the rake and reduce the trail. When you reduce the trail the bike becomes unstable at speed (around 80mph depending on the rake) so they add a steering dampener to help with the front end shake you get from too little trail.

Exactly! This wasn't the problem with my Kawasaki Mach III, but the result is the same. Potential for a speed wobble (also called a 'Tank Slapper') when the gas tank was actually between the rider and the handlebars.

Been there, done that. I'm sure it isn't lethal on this trike, but it sure was on my Mach III! :yikes:

I could have been KILT!

 

[Lamonster]

I think it is cool, too...and less imposing than the Victory version, with the same general styling. I'd ride one.

Thanks for the explanation about the steering damper and trike steering needs (similar for sidecars). I was going to jump in here and explain, but you beat me to it. Technically, a raked triple tree, such as those used by Lehman and others, does not increase or decrease the actual rake (steering head angle), but it does increase the fork rake, thus decreasing the trail, making steering easier. This also decreases the high speed stability somewhat, so a steering damper is added to compensate. There is a good explanation, with diagrams, here.

I got my schooling from building a pro street VTX. I added 10 degrees in the neck (welded) and 6 degrees in the trees to give me a trail of 4.5". You could ride this bike at 120mph with one hand and it tracked as if it was on rails. There were guys that tried to get the same look by just adding trees with some pretty poor results.

I do find this quote interesting.

The angle chosen reduces the steering effort and improves steering response while maintaining the stability required at higher speeds.

If that's the case then why add a steering dampener?

This is the VTX that I got my education on.

 

[Mr. White]

Folks, I do not intend to start a rant here, but here is my opinion on trikes.... I have a '02 Gold Wing with a '05 Motor Trike kit. I have ridden it 59K with no problems. It handles and tracks well and is smooth, stable and comfortable. I am very satisfied with it. I am not a hot rod, but ride every Saturday with all brands of scoots. We ride the hill country and I have no problem keeping up with my friends.

We ride briskly, but do not get into a testicle contest.

I demoed a Spyder RT a couple of times and ordered one Jan. 24. I plan on keeping my Wing, at least for a few months to see which I like best....may sell the loser, don't know yet. I will offer my opinions from time to time on the two trikes.

Why did I get a Spyder, just for fun. I am 78 and won't be buying many more scoots in this life. You can't wear a Gold Wing out. The Spyder is only four years old, so the jury is still out on it's longivity. There are Wings with over 400K and still going.

I think they look great and will be a fun, different ride.

 

[Bob Denman]

Said I was worried, not scared. But actually, I'm neither because I don't plan on getting one of these.

Last bike I had that came with a steering dampener was a 1970 Kawasaki 500 Mach III, tripple. You can see the little bugger in the picture below. Now that one did scare me a few times.

Came with an adjustable friction dampener. NOT GOOD! Replaced it with a hydraulic dampener. Better but still didn't compensate for the rubber frame! :yikes:

The old H1 & H2... double-trouble! Evil wicked and nasty handling, but they were glorious in a straight line! :2thumbs:
( Got a buddy who still has his Z1T...)

 

[Bootie]

Steering

This is a pet-peeve of mine and I'm sorry if I offend anyone but the word is DAMPER, NOT DAMPENER:gaah: Scotty got it right.
TO DAMP, NOT TO DAMPEN
DAMPING, NOT DAMPENING
DAMPED, NOT DAMPENED

Dampening has to do with getting things wet as in "You need to dampen the area around your garden so your petunias will grow.":lecturef_smilie:

Damping is really a very specific mathematical term that describes the exponential decay of an sinusoidal oscillation.:helpsmilie:It also describes the thingy in your chimney that controls airflow:shemademe_smilie: Also, it is used in country music where one might say "Hey babe, turn your damper down" (I am not sure just what that particular expression means, though:roflblack

OK, We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

 

[NancysToy]

I got my schooling from building a pro street VTX. I added 10 degrees in the neck (welded) and 6 degrees in the trees to give me a trail of 4.5". You could ride this bike at 120mph with one hand and it tracked as if it was on rails. There were guys that tried to get the same look by just adding trees with some pretty poor results.

Increasing the actual rake makes for a very stable machine (I used to do it on my fuel bikes), but it reduces steering response. Reducing the trail by adding rake angle in the forks, would get some of that steering response back. Your was a sensible approach. Most trike conversions do not change the rake of the original frame, although they can do it a little by changing the entire frame attitude during the conversion. Their replacement triple trees merely adjust the trail, to make steering easier.

I do find this quote interesting.

The angle chosen reduces the steering effort and improves steering response while maintaining the stability required at higher speeds.

If that's the case then why add a steering dampener?

:agree: I take it as advertising speak for, "We increased the rake on the forks to make steering easier, but we didn't go so far as to create a monster." Frankly, any reduction in the trail increases high speed instability, so the steering damper would be a good precaution. Perhaps not necessary, but still a good idea in my mind. My old Harley Servi-car had the sidecar triple tree adjustment, but no steering damper. I wouldn't have wanted to ride it much above 45-50 mph...even if it had been capable.

 

[Lamonster]

I worked with Matt and Joe on this project and they built my fork extensions for me. After seeing what a hit the pro street VTX was they came up with an ingenious rake kit that would rake the frame without welding. I worked with them on the same kit for the Boss Hoss. If you want to rake your bike but don't have welding skills this is the way to go.

http://www.kewlmetalstore.com/product_info.php?cPath=7&products_id=86

 

[Lamonster]

This is a pet-peeve of mine and I'm sorry if I offend anyone but the word is DAMPER, NOT DAMPENER:gaah: Scotty got it right.
TO DAMP, NOT TO DAMPEN
DAMPING, NOT DAMPENING
DAMPED, NOT DAMPENED

Dampening has to do with getting things wet as in "You need to dampen the area around your garden so your petunias will grow.":lecturef_smilie:

Damping is really a very specific mathematical term that describes the exponential decay of an sinusoidal oscillation.:helpsmilie:It also describes the thingy in your chimney that controls airflow:shemademe_smilie: Also, it is used in country music where one might say "Hey babe, turn your damper down" (I am not sure just what that particular expression means, though:roflblack

OK, We now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

Glad you can spell it correctly, I can build it so I don't need one.

 

[ARtraveler]

I have noted the picture of that Kawi Mach III---That was a real screamer in its day. I like the fact that we can discuss broader issues on the forum--that's what keeps it interesting. I learned something about steering dampers on this one. Thanks Lamonster and Scotty.

 

[Bootie]

Dampers

Glad you can spell it correctly, I can build it so I don't need one.

It's more than just spelling. It goes deep into the very essence of the matter:lecturef_smilie: If you build it and stick a wet cloth into it when you really meant to drill a hole in it, that can cause [dampening vs. damping] problems. I can't spell for crap, anyway

 

[MouthPiece]

Oh well. Damper, dampener, absorber, or whatever. I guess my question about steering was answered.

Chris PE# 0004

 

[Bootie]

Dampers

Oh well. Damper, dampener, absorber, or whatever. I guess my question about steering was answered.

Chris PE# 0004

Steering Dampers:dontknow:...We don't need no stinking steering dampers:2thumbs:

 

[COOLMACHINE]

I like that one Lamont.

I got my schooling from building a pro street VTX. I added 10 degrees in the neck (welded) and 6 degrees in the trees to give me a trail of 4.5". You could ride this bike at 120mph with one hand and it tracked as if it was on rails. There were guys that tried to get the same look by just adding trees with some pretty poor results.

I do find this quote interesting.

If that's the case then why add a steering dampener?

This is the VTX that I got my education on.

Thanks Lamont for the DYNAMITE PICS.... I WANT ONE OF THOSE!!! :2thumbs: