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The 26 degree head angle is used with 18 inch wheels, it is the combination of rake and trail which gives the move towards self-steering and tightening the bike's line in corners. It also changes the feel under braking conditions. Most bike are set up to become stable under brakes. The 26 degree head angle frames tend to be used like 70s two strokes, you brake up to the corner and tip in rather than taking a smooth positive line. An original Manx with the 24.5 degree head angle and 19 inch wheels feels a lot different, it tends to be stable going into corners and feels very positive coming out, however changing line in corners to ride around others is not so easy. If I was building a racer using an engine other than a manx, I'd use the 26 degree frame. If I was building a replica manx or fixing a genuine one, I'd always use the 24.5 degree frame and 19 inch wheels - the objective is different - authenticity. Why would you want a manx Norton which handled like a Suzuki two stroke ? - that is not why you ride the bike - the experience is different.

Rohan - about the 24.5 degrees. I asked my friend who has a genuine manx frame (about 1955 model) and I can assure you he would know. Buy yourself a magnetic base protractor and start measuring a few head angles and the trails associated with various wheel sizes. Then ride the bikes and find out how they handle. The difference in geometry can be very slight, however give major differences in handling. One of the major things which alters the handling of a manx Norton is the turn-buckle which strains the motor to the steering head.
I don't know why I'm telling you this. You should find out for yourself and pay for the bandages involved in getting the experience.

<blockquote data-quote="acotrel" data-source="post: 246442" data-attributes="member: 4295">The 26 degree head angle is used with 18 inch wheels, it is the combination of rake and trail which gives the move towards self-steering and tightening the bike&#039;s line in corners.&nbsp; It also changes the feel under braking conditions.&nbsp; Most bike are set up to become stable under brakes.&nbsp; The 26 degree head angle frames tend to be used like 70s two strokes, you brake up to the corner and tip in rather than taking a smooth positive line.&nbsp; An original Manx with the 24.5 degree head angle and 19 inch wheels feels a lot different, it tends to be stable going into corners and feels very positive coming out, however changing line in corners to ride around others is not so easy.&nbsp; If I was building a racer using an engine other than a manx, I&#039;d use the 26 degree frame.&nbsp; If I was building a replica manx or fixing a genuine one, I&#039;d always use the 24.5 degree frame and 19 inch wheels - the objective is different - authenticity.&nbsp; Why would you want a manx Norton which handled like a Suzuki two stroke ? - that is not why you ride the bike - the experience is different.Rohan - about the 24.5 degrees.&nbsp; I asked my friend who has a genuine manx frame (about 1955 model)&nbsp; and I can assure you he would know.&nbsp; Buy yourself a magnetic base protractor and start measuring a few head angles and the trails associated with various wheel sizes.&nbsp; Then ride the bikes and find out how they handle.&nbsp; The difference in geometry can be very slight, however give major differences in handling.&nbsp; One of the major things which alters the handling of a manx Norton is the turn-buckle which strains the motor to the steering head.I don&#039;t know why I&#039;m telling you this.&nbsp; You should find out for yourself and pay for the bandages involved in getting the experience.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="acotrel, post: 246442, member: 4295"] The 26 degree head angle is used with 18 inch wheels, it is the combination of rake and trail which gives the move towards self-steering and tightening the bike's line in corners. It also changes the feel under braking conditions. Most bike are set up to become stable under brakes. The 26 degree head angle frames tend to be used like 70s two strokes, you brake up to the corner and tip in rather than taking a smooth positive line. An original Manx with the 24.5 degree head angle and 19 inch wheels feels a lot different, it tends to be stable going into corners and feels very positive coming out, however changing line in corners to ride around others is not so easy. If I was building a racer using an engine other than a manx, I'd use the 26 degree frame. If I was building a replica manx or fixing a genuine one, I'd always use the 24.5 degree frame and 19 inch wheels - the objective is different - authenticity. Why would you want a manx Norton which handled like a Suzuki two stroke ? - that is not why you ride the bike - the experience is different. Rohan - about the 24.5 degrees. I asked my friend who has a genuine manx frame (about 1955 model) and I can assure you he would know. Buy yourself a magnetic base protractor and start measuring a few head angles and the trails associated with various wheel sizes. Then ride the bikes and find out how they handle. The difference in geometry can be very slight, however give major differences in handling. One of the major things which alters the handling of a manx Norton is the turn-buckle which strains the motor to the steering head. I don't know why I'm telling you this. You should find out for yourself and pay for the bandages involved in getting the experience. [/QUOTE]