Forum

[DavidB]

Girder fork Enfields of the 30's and 40's had an offset steering head so that it could be rotated 180 degrees to reduce or increase trail/rake. My 35 Model K (V-twin) strangely does not have this offset. Even the books for this model refer to it for riding solo or with a chair. Does anyone know why mine does not have this offset? Is it not the original steering head even though it is correct in all other aspects? Does anyone know (or have) where I can get an offset one. I have compared it to that on my 36 J model but the just is of lighter construction. Thanks, David

[DavidB]

OK... there have been a lot of lookers but no comments so I assume no one knows the answer. Let me attack it from a different angle... The bottom links on my J model are identical in all except they are 1/2 inch longer than those on the K model. The top links are the same. Since I don't have the offset to adjust them with, then perhaps using the longer bottom links (taken from the J model) will provide a solution. This will push the forks out increasing the trail/rake, making it more suitable for sidecar use. Any comments please? Thanks

[BobF]

Longer bottom links will have the effect of shortening the trail which is what you want for sidecar use - see http://www.libertysidecars.com/product2.htm for an aftermarket offering in the USA ("Triple Trees" = "bottom yoke" in English).

Half an inch at the bottom link would appear to push the wheel spindle forward by over 1½ inches. I would advise a check to see what the trail should be (solo & sidecar) since you would not want to lose it altogether or have a negative castor.