Originally Posted by
NancysToy
Respectfully.........There is a lot more involved to the steering than simply power or no-power. If the Polaris went 130 mph with those knobbies, it would be a fair comparision, but steering ratios must be lower in high speed machines, making them harder to steer at low speeds. The steering geometry plays into it, too, with an inability to provide the easier turning geometry in a higher speed machine, due to the need for high speed stability. Those factors are also the reason the Spyder power steering has variable assist, helping more at low speeds...and none at highway speeds.
Do I think there is a problem with at least some of the Spyder steering units...yes. Do I think there is a problem with other components or connections affecting the steering sometimes...yes to that, too. Do I think we should get rid of electric power steering units altogether as a result...certainly not! The one on my wife's HHR works just fine. It is not the concept that is at fault, but the execution of the concept. Not everyone is capable of riding this machine with no power steering. Would you deprive my wife of her first road motorcycle simply because you want to eliminate electric power steering, and you can handle it OK? What we need is the reasons for these failures...and then the cure. There were difficulties with the first automobiles, but we are not all still riding horses as a result.