Now that I am sidecar equipped, I have noticed the issue of the steering. It's not that I can't handle it, but looking at some of the advertisments they say it's like the difference between manual and power steering. My question is is changing the trees worth the added expence? Also if I was to take the plunge for differnet trees I would want to maintain the stock look of my bike by reusing the tins and covers on a Heritage frontend, would this be possible? I also understand if the trees are changed the bike cannot be operated without the sidecar attached, I'm just a bit leary about that, just the thought of limiting the bike to sidecar only operation is a big move. Anyway any comments or suggestions are appreciated.
Jim
With the raked tree conversion the tins are reused, the steering is very quick and easy, solo riding with them is possible but not recommended. They are designed for dedicated sidecar or trike applications where the added expense is justified.
If you are not seeking a dedicated sidecar rig stay away from them and go to something like "Beach bars" or some other wider handlebars for easier steering.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Thanks Lonnie,
Again, I apreicate your input.Since I won't want to toy around with mounting and dismounting the sidecar and I do have two other two wheelers I am going to think hard about the EZ Steer trees. Since I can use my original tins makes it easier to decide as I do want to keep the original appearance as much as possible.
Thanks, Jim
Hey Jim, I would go for the triple trees, alot easier to steer, easier on the shoulders, I'm about to do the same thing to mine only I have a Springer, I have had other sidecar outfits with raked out trees, a world of diff. good luck, Doc.
I put Liberty raked trees on a Road King Custom and can now steer the rig with two fingers on one hand! Also, the steering damper is now in a box with the fork lock and the chrome cover for the bottom tree that I could not figure how to remount. Of course my after market stainless brake lines may have had something to do with that.
I'm thinking of mounting one of those marine type cup holders to the steering damper mount...........
Doc & Kirk,
Thank you both for your input. I am an Ebay addict and found a guy that will order me the Champion one and let me have it for $995.00 which is 160.00 less so I may go that route. Thanks again!
Jim
An auxilliary driving light also fits well on the damper bracket.
Lonnie
Hay Jimbo,
Go with the Liberty raked triple tree. It's not as expensive and works great. It's a massive chunk of steel.
I put one on my 95 Ultra and have never looked back. Everything bolt's back on just fine and the extra rake is hardly noticable.
On occasion I unhook the side car and ride the bike with the raked tree. It is a little sensitive but is very do-able. I notice the ridge on the side's of the rear tire when rolling into a turn or curve more than anything.
Call the guy at liberty. You won't regret it.
Dick
Dick,
Thanks for the info, I'll check out the Liberty trees before I order anything. Thanks again.
Jim
Lonnie,
Yeah, getting rid of that steering damper would be a plus with changing the trees. I like the drink holder idea too! HA HA
Jim
i ran with the dampner and without - put it back on - its no added steeing effort and removes minor wobbles in the 20 - 30 mph speeds when on rough paved roads & streets.
either way the liberty tree was the most important and worthwhile thing i put on - by far
to
TO,
Thanks for the info. I do like the idea of sheding the damper, but I don't want to get into wobble either. I just hate looking at that damper crap on my shiny chrome lower leg. Guess you just can't have it all!
I've never had any type of wobble with the Liberty trees and no steering damper. Perhaps you should check your sidecaqr alignment, wheel balance or neck bearing adjustment.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Lonnie,
I was just answering the response I received about not having a damper. I do have another question for you though, I placed my order for the EZ Steer trees, I know the rake is going to change by 5 degrees,will this change the height of the bike and will I have to have the alignment of my rig adjusted?
Thanks, Jim
Originally written by jimbo9918 on 11/2/2007 9:11 AM
Now that I am sidecar equipped, I have noticed the issue of the steering. It's not that I can't handle it, but looking at some of the advertisments they say it's like the difference between manual and power steering. My question is is changing the trees worth the added expence? Also if I was to take the plunge for differnet trees I would want to maintain the stock look of my bike by reusing the tins and covers on a Heritage frontend, would this be possible? I also understand if the trees are changed the bike cannot be operated without the sidecar attached, I'm just a bit leary about that, just the thought of limiting the bike to sidecar only operation is a big move. Anyway any comments or suggestions are appreciated.
Jim
I just installed the champion 4.5 degree ez-steer trees on my 2003 road king on Sunday.
all the tins and steering lock fits no problem.
You do have to oblong the hole on 1 piece,..it is the mounting plate that goes over then steering steam (very thin east to do with a dremel) for 2 wire plugs just to keep them from being loose in side the shroud,...you really don't have to do it, I did it just to put the part back on.
the hardest part was the leg tubes, you have to install an extension piece on the top of the legs (the one that holds the spring assembly in).
It was kind of hard to do without the proper tool, I put the original top tree in a vise then used it to hold the fork tube and it took 2 men to get the extension (which comes with it) on to the legs, be "very careful" not to cross thread that fine thread.
this extension is needed to keep the bike at the original height.
Still doing other mods (brakes) so have not test driven as of yet, and I didn't put the damper back on,..thought I would test drive first to see if it's needed.
It took just under 4 hours to do it and was the 1st time I ever changed a front end on a late model bike,..what a pain,..to much crap,..I miss the old simple and easy Pan Heads.
