Trailing or leading forks... does it make a difference?

[Tri-ZNate]

I see that some trikes came out with trailing forks where the fork is bolted on behind the front axel and some came with the forks bolted in front of the axel. My question is does it help with anything or is it just the way they were designed?

[deathman53]

a leading axle extends the wheelbase and makes the front end longer. the racers used leading axle forks on their 250r's to make them not so wheelie happy(well atleast factory honda). alot of guys put 350x forks on 200x's to extend the wheelbase and to get alot better suspension. its pretty much like if you have a trailing axle, putting a leadng axle is like putting a +1 forward extension on the fornt end(kinda like +1 a-arms on quads).

[Tri-ZNate]

couldnt you spin the forks around on a leading to make it get the +1

[350x'inNY]

You could, but then you'd have a leading upside down front brake calipar on the wrong side. ;)

[OldSchoolin86]

If you're more interested in handling then if your brake is upside down then it might not be too bad.