With over four years of testing and perfecting the concept, HardDrive says about Bagger front ends that “the stock bagger has 6.5” of positive trail and it’s important to maintain that.
“By adding 7 degrees of rake to your frame and then correcting the trail by adding 7 degrees at the triple trees, the combinations will keep the trail at 6.5”, when you use a 28.5” diameter front wheel (the Bagger Nation SRT - ‘Steam Roller Touring’ - kit).
“Raking the frame and then correcting the trail with raked trees is the only way to keep that trail number and still have full suspension travel and proper clearance between the front fender and the lower triple tree.”
HardDrive says that the Bagger Nation SRT kit “looks unique in today’s overdone bagger market – when all the components of the SRT kit are used together they create a unique look and feel. The improved handling and performance is a bonus!”
The start point of the kit is the premise that 14 degrees of total rake creates the perfect cosmetic balance for the increased tire size (wheel base is 5.5” longer). The 6.5” of positive trail maintains the factory intended handling characteristics.
As an alternative to running a reversed rear tire on the front (such a bad idea!) the SRT Shinko tire, with its balloon tread design, creates the massive muscle bike look and absorbs the road (skinny tread tires don’t) for a smooth “Cadillac” ride. The same diameter as a 130/60R23, it “celebrates” the big wheel look with an entirely new direction.
The stock preload and travel is maintained, which is critical for a smooth and responsive ride, and it fits all touring models easily without modifying fork cans or fork legs. There are no geometry changes from the rider’s position.
HardDrive says that other weld-on kits can extend the handlebar reach up to 2”, making it uncomfortable, as well as making the front of the bike look disconnected from the tank area.
The kit includes an SRT 20” x 5” wheel blank, forged from 6061-T6 aluminum, and a robotically spun finish for symmetry and precision. The hub is not included.
The patented SRT 7-degree billet steel raked neck block provides precision, increased strength and ease of installation. This is then matched with the SRT 7-degree billet aluminum triple tree set in a machine finish.
The SRT 23 ‘Thicky’ front fender is drawn from one indestructible piece of 14-gauge steel - precision laser cut, then E-coated for corrosion protection. The fender comes drilled and includes billet, satin finished mounting spacers.
The flush axle of the SRT25 mm wide axle kit adds a custom flare to the OEM forks and has four different Paul Yaffe style options to choose from, both in chrome or black versions.
A D.O.T. approved Shinko #87-4200 is required and sold separately from the kit - 28.5” diameter x 6.5” wide; load rated to ensure optimum touring performance, with a true front tire tread application.
The kit is sold with a forged 20 x 5” wheel blank (without hub) and HardDrive recommends FTD Customs of Hendersonville, Tennessee, for wheel cut, hub and finish - they offer 46 different design options with matching rotors, pullies and/or rear wheels and are noted for their precision and turn-around. The hub design/width is unique to the SRT kit. Accessories including headlight adjustment brackets and bezels will be available separately from HardDrive.
HARDDRIVE V-TWIN
www.hdtwin.com
www.baggernation.com