Change Headstock or Yokes?

[skythepig]

Hi I have a 1975 Goldwing GL1000 based trike. It has the stock forks etc so am finding the steering and tyre wear heavy with an old shoulder injury that has come back to haunt me in later life.
It is a really nice trike which i have had for 3 years and would like to keep riding and have taken several lots of advice about changing the rake to improve the front end steering. But despite all this advice I am now confused as to what should be changed.
Some workshops are saying I need to have the headstock cut and rewelded at a new angle which is a major job stripping down and cutting the frame etc.
Others are saying buy a new set of yokes/trees with a 5 degree rake and just replace the standard stock with the new ones, but will i then need longer forks?.
I know there is a lot of info on the forum about this subject, but are there any of you experts who have actually had this work done, either method, and are happy with the result.
If any one is in the UK, where did you get the work done or the parts required. Recommendations greatfuly received
Help and advice needed thanks.

[lusthawk]

Hi there Sky...

I am a technician in a Trike shop here in Alberta Canada so I cannot help you too much with info on UK shops/parts...however...

We routinely install rake kits on various models of Trikes and you will find this to be the best option in my opinion. Most kits come with the triple clamps and the needed bearings. If you have stock fairings, the process should be fairly straight forward....but if you have aftermarket fairings, the install might be a bit more complicated.

The idea of cutting and rewelding the frame is ridiculous in my opinion.

Hope that helps.

[skythepig]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I agree it seems mad to cut the frame and to adjust the angle of the head stock.
Do you have any opinion on what would be the recommended rake to aim for on a 75 GL1000 Trike. Most seem to be quoting 4 or 5 degrees.
Hopefully i have attached a picture of the trike so you can see what we are dealing with.

GL1000 Trike

thanks Gary

[lusthawk]

Hey...

5 Degrees is the norm for most kits...have a look at this website...maybe give them a call

www.trikezone.com

[dingdong]

Have considered installing a lower set of handlebars? I'm wondering if your shoulder problem is due to the tall ape hangers.

[skythepig]

Hi all having taken a lot of advice it seems that a raked triple tree is the way forward. The magic number appears to be 4.5 deg or 5 deg.
Now the problems start, I have been unable to find anyone here in the UK or even the USA who will supply a raked triple tree for a 1975 Goldwing GL1000.
Many of the companies mentioned in various forums (I have contacted) seem to no longer make this model or are no longer in business.
Do any of you know of a supplier who they have dealt with recently, that is still in business, that could provide the tree I am looking for?

[skythepig]

Have considered installing a lower set of handlebars? I'm wondering if your shoulder problem is due to the tall ape hangers.

Thanks for the input Dingdong. The bars are definitely a problem as the previous owner was really tall and they suited him. I am in the process of getting them shortened to a more sensible height for my arms, but feel that changing the trail is the way forward.
Thanks.

[skythepig]

Hey...

5 Degrees is the norm for most kits...have a look at this website...maybe give them a call

http://www.trikezone.com

Hi thanks for the info lusthawk, Steve at Trikezone is the only supplier that has come back to me with a positive answer and is currently getting a quote together.
As there is so much info about this subject and demand for raked triple trees I am surprised at the lack of suppliers there are in the UK and USA at this time still in business.
I would like to get several quotes if possible so if you know anyone else who supplies the parts needed it would be appreciated.