65 FL Triple Tree Dilemma

[JSB55]

Thanks to fellow Member Paddy, I now have a correct and nearly complete OEM adjustable front end! Sometimes, things just fall into place.

[JSB55]

PM sent, Paddy.

[paddy]

John, You are in luck. I have a origional correct casting coded OEM adjustable tree setup that I was going to use on my 65. At this point I will never get to setting up a side car rig. It is ready to go . drop me a message and we can make a deal. I paid $800. for it Paddy

[JSB55]

True dat. I'll take that as a vote for the adjustable trees, even if repop. You're one of 4 or 5 voices on here I always know I can get solid info/advice from. Thanks!

[Rubone]

Sure enough, you are correct, Robbie. Had to get my magnifying glass out and read it again *LOL*. Unfortunately, pictures of the Tedd's repop appear that it is fashioned after the later version, since it has the welded on lock tab at the back. Can't tell from photos if the hole in the stem is there or not.

So drill it and cut the plate off. Easy peasy...

[JSB55]

To clarify ... I plan on using this *strictly* as a sidecar bike, almost exclusively around town. Never having ridden one, I have no idea how much difference the (repop) adjustable trees make, vs just using the stock OEM parts I already have.

[JSB55]

Read it again...the fork lock hole was not deleted until '69 and later.

Sure enough, you are correct, Robbie. Had to get my magnifying glass out and read it again *LOL*. Unfortunately, pictures of the Tedd's repop appear that it is fashioned after the later version, since it has the welded on lock tab at the back. Can't tell from photos if the hole in the stem is there or not.

[kitabel]

The de-rake position reduces stability, the bike is safer with the std. fork at speed. The purpose of the rake is to reduce steering effort by reducing trail.

[Rubone]

Read it again...the fork lock hole was not deleted until '69 and later.

[JSB55]

Hi, Robbie! From what I read in Palmer, the adjustable tree doesn't have the hole in the stem to accept the "piston" that the lock pushes forward when you engage it.

[Rubone]

Why do you say you cannot use the factory fork lock?

[JSB55]

Hi, Guys

Been quite a while since I visited the forum, but over the years, it's been an invaluable resource, so thanks in advance for your help once again.

I have a 65 FL I bought from a reputable shop a number of years back. At the time, I was told it was once a sidecar rig, (police bike, actually) but the sidecar had been stored outside for so long it was complete trash when I saw it. I've since found a one owner 66 sidecar that I plan to attach and use.

The bike was (amazingly) virtually all original, except for a hideous rattle can paint job. FL engine, police speedo, skinny tank, hand shift, 3 speed w/ reverse transmission, steering damper, and has all the hoops and attachments for a sidecar. When I tore it down, however, I discovered a standard triple tree set rather than an adjustable rake setup.

I've since powder coated the frame, found a perfect color match for the original Birch White, rebuilt the engine, parkerized a ton of parts and fasteners and bought most of the correct cad fasteners, as well as sending out quite a few larger parts to have the cad redone. In other words, total resto, right down to the beautiful reproduction wiring harness, refreshed star hubs, and cad spoked wheels.

MY DILEMMA... I can put it back together with the non-adjustable front end and hook up the sidecar, knowing I'm only going to putt around my small town, and rarely if ever get the thing over 45 mph. I'm leaning toward doing that, but I know that the CORRECT configuration has the adjustable rake and might be dangerous without it.

Years of searching have failed to turn up anything but a Tedd's repop adjustable tree set, which I can buy and put on as a last resort, but I also know the stem mounted fork lock doesn't get used in that case. If I go this route, what is the fix for the opening in the neck where the steering lock normally goes? Do I plug it up, stick the lock in there knowing it's non-functional, or what?

Any and all (expert) thoughts and advice appreciated. Stock triple tree, or repop adjustable, and why?

Thanks!

John