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  1. #1
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    Question Sway bar/ shocks

    New to Spyder world, have a 2010 RT with 7000 miles on it. My question is if replacing the sway bar and shocks( about $2000.00) is worth the cost? I plan on riding through the Southwest. Ride seems fine, will the new parts make that big of difference? Thanks for your imput.

  2. #2
    Very Active Member bigbadbrucie's Avatar
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    A lot of members will say yes, but I have a 2014 RT-S still with original shocks and sway bar, and I say no. It all boils down to your style of riding. Only you can decide if it’s needed or “worth it”.


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  3. #3
    Very Active Member Lew L's Avatar
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    I do ryde too fast in the little hills we have in my back yard ( Sierra Nevada range with 10,000 foot passes) . A anti-sway bar is a must IMHO...... Stock springs can be stiffened. Check with Baja Ron. Much less expensive than aftermarket shocks.

    Lew L
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  4. #4
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    Thanks for your advice. I will think about my choices.

  5. #5
    Very Active Member Bangorbob's Avatar
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    Don, when I bought my used 2012 RTS is was wondering all over the highway. Basic indoc to riding it was a 200 mile trip home. I did eventually put Baja Ron's sway bar on and what a difference. I just picked up a 2016 RTS and don't have the same issue with wondering. It could be I am finally learning how to ride.
    Bob

  6. #6
    Very Active Member Lew L's Avatar
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    A proper front wheel alignment is a must also..... Squared Away ( Joe and Anne ) did mine and it's perfect.

    Lew L
    Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.

    2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
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  7. #7
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    Don, for what it's worth, when I upgraded to a BajaRon swaybar and links on my 2013 RT-S, it made a significant difference to the handling, especially the cornering.
    So much so, that my 2020 RTL had the same upgrade at the dealership before I took delivery.
    Michael G
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  8. #8
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    The 2010 RT shocks were very weak in comparison to those on the 11 and 12, many people would get take-offs from the newer RT to ‘upgrade’ their 10 shocks. A sway bar is a must for sure but I don’t know that I would spend $2,000 on upgraded shocks for a 10.
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  9. #9
    Very Active Member Tango's Avatar
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    I'm hoping that the rally in Deland, FL. in Sept. or Oct. goes off as planned. Spyderpops is supposed to be there. Will have him do the sway bar and links, some fender and turn signal lights. And if he can, also the shock adjusters. I wonder if he does alignments as well. Anyway, it will be an expensive day for sure. It's the "Wounded Warriors" rally. Tom
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  10. #10
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tango View Post
    I'm hoping that the rally in Deland, FL. in Sept. or Oct. goes off as planned. Spyderpops is supposed to be there. Will have him do the sway bar and links, some fender and turn signal lights. And if he can, also the shock adjusters. I wonder if he does alignments as well. Anyway, it will be an expensive day for sure. It's the "Wounded Warriors" rally. Tom
    SpyderPops does the ROLO Laser Alignments. I just don't know if he does them on the road. You can always call and ask.
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  11. #11
    Very Active Member CopperSpyder's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tango View Post
    I'm hoping that the rally in Deland, FL. in Sept. or Oct. goes off as planned. Spyderpops is supposed to be there. Will have him do the sway bar and links, some fender and turn signal lights. And if he can, also the shock adjusters. I wonder if he does alignments as well. Anyway, it will be an expensive day for sure. It's the "Wounded Warriors" rally. Tom
    Here you go Joe and Ann will be there to do the alignments https://fallspyderfesttobenefitroadw...oundation.com/ Oct 28th
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  12. #12
    Active Member P.W.'s Avatar
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    Don60,
    I think buying a good sway bar and good shocks has lot has to do with several factors....But I could be wrong.
    How aggressive do you ride?
    Do you feel comfortable riding through corners?
    Do you ride one up or two?
    How much you and you partner weigh?
    Do you pull a trailer?
    Laser Alignment.
    Ect...

    All that being said I have an 2019 RTL that I just ordered a set of M2 shocks for today......but then again I'm anal about things and love to modify everything I own.
    Best of luck with your decision.

    Just my two cents,
    P.W.

  13. #13
    Very Active Member RICZ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by p.w. View Post
    all that being said i have an 2019 rtl that i just ordered a set of m2 shocks for today......but then again i'm anal about things and love to modify everything i own.
    well enough should never be left alone.
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  14. #14
    Active Member P.W.'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RICZ View Post
    well enough should never be left alone.
    I can clearly remember my dad modifying things all the time......and I thought to myself why is he doing that? They designed it that way for a reason.......LOL
    Here I'am ....my dad!

  15. #15
    Very Active Member StanProff's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigbadbrucie View Post
    A lot of members will say yes, but I have a 2014 RT-S still with original shocks and sway bar, and I say no. It all boils down to your style of riding. Only you can decide if it’s needed or “worth it”.
    I agree. It is all about riding style. I’ve owned a 2010, 2014 and now a 2016 RT, never felt the need to change anything on them.
    Happy Spyderlovers

  16. #16
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    Thanks again for everyone’s opinions. If only money fell from trees! Will look into sway bar to help handling.

  17. #17
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
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    If at all possible. Ride a similar Spyder with the upgrade(s) you are interested in. Especially when it comes to suspension mods. They sell themselves when tested. You will know, right away, if it is an improvement that you want. I have so many people tell me that they never thought they needed, or even wanted a suspension upgrade until they tried it. Once they knew what they were missing, they had no doubts about which way to go.

    The other myth that customers come to realize is not true. Is that you have to ride like Evel Kenevel to appreciate suspension upgrades.

    And if you do find money falling from a tree, PM me QUiCK!

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  18. #18
    Very Active Member Revalden's Avatar
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    Something that hasn't been mentioned in this post...Tires, are the fronts original? Are they Kenda, if so get them off and use car tires. And replace the tires BEFORE doing suspension mods, it could save you lotsa money. You can order tires from Walmart for $60-$80 and take them to a good tire shop to have them mounted and balanced.
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  19. #19
    Very Active Member ThreeWheels's Avatar
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    I seem to be late to this party, but here's my suggestions:
    On the 2010, the BajaRon Sway bar is ESSENTIAL. You MUST get a RonBar.
    The shock upgrade will be nice, but you can also upgrade to the stock OEM 2012 shocks and get a nice improvement without buying very expensive Elkas.
    The RonBar will get you the biggest bang for the buck.
    As others said, get a laser alignment.
    New tires, other than the crappy Kendas will go a long way towards improving the handling as well. Get car tires all around.
    In case I wasn't clear, the BajaRon sway bar upgrade is ESSENTIAL for the 2010 model year.

    As always my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.
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