steering hard

[petesgoldwing]

I'm being told, by some that trikes are sort of hard to steer. Is this true if so, what can be done to make it easy to steer?

[WingAdmin]

It's because the rake (angle) of the forks on a motorcycle creates larger trail and caster. This creates stability, especially on a large touring bike.

When adding two large, flat wheels out back, the bike (now trike) definitely wants to go in a straight line, and you no longer have a leaning front wheel. The steering becomes stiff and hard to turn.

This is fixed by putting a rake angle kit in place, such as EZ-Steer. This increases the rake angle, which reduces caster and trail, making the steering system less stable (which is fine, because we gained a ton of stability with the rear wheels), and easier to turn.

[petesgoldwing]

A fella at my work place was saying something about that. Is there a kit to fix it, or not?

[WingAdmin]

Which bike are you talking about? There are different kits for different bikes.

[petesgoldwing]

Not sure this is new to me all I sure of is engine size ,1500 or 1800 (wing). What I got now is an 82Aspencade and looking to get a tike to ride in place of it.
Thanks for input.

[WingAdmin]

Not sure this is new to me all I sure of is engine size ,1500 or 1800 (wing). What I got now is an 82Aspencade and looking to get a tike to ride in place of it.
Thanks for input.

EZ-Steer kits are definitely available for both the GL1500 and GL1800.

[deepsix777]

Most people who trike there bikes out usally put a ES-steer kit on them. When looking at trikes ask them if it has one on it. I have one on my 92aspy it is 4.5 degrees and is a joy to ride.

[petesgoldwing]

I just want to thank all you for the great input you give me when I'm lost. Goldwing's and great pals, unbeatable combo.
Thanks to all you once again.
Pete S.

[smilam]

A trike steers completely different than your two wheeler and can be stiffer than what you are use to. A lot of trikes have rake kits on them which is like adding power steering. Take a look at Trike Talk Forum, there is a lot of information about all brands of trikes and conversions.

[Sidcar]

I put an EZ-Steer kit on my GL1500 outfit and the difference was amazing, it was so much easier to steer. Not cheap by the time shipping and Customs duty had been added but well worth it.

Sid

[bruce swaybill]

Interesting .....

My GL1100 used to have a side-car earlier in its life. Would this kit have been used for a side-car?
The triple tree looks correct (!). How would I know if it was still installed?

Thanks.
Bruce S.

[WingAdmin]

Interesting .....

My GL1100 used to have a side-car earlier in its life. Would this kit have been used for a side-car?
The triple tree looks correct (!). How would I know if it was still installed?

Thanks.
Bruce S.

If someone else with a GL1100 could help out, by measuring the distance from the front axle to a given point on the bike (say the radiator, or frame). Then measure yours, to see if it is the same. If it still has a rake kit installed, yours will be different.