Does the Steering rack have adjustments ~ 2015 RT ~ or some play in the Steering.

[Fjrwillie]

I am either experiencing some play in the steering or imagining it and it has always been there. After all I am getting old. At a stop the steering has a slight play when moving the handle bars. A zone moves freely until resistance incurs and stops the movement, Not pushing hard. the amount of play involved is maybe 1/4 inch either side.

At slow speeds the play is similar so turning the handle bar has an ever so small "free play" zone. At higher speeds, 50+ mph, the effect is a tad more noticeable. My RT is closing in on 83,000 miles. On a 4,100 mile Grand Tour journey, so the RT should end up at 87,000 miles when done.

Like I said this could have always been there and just noticed and then focused on it needlessly. I don't feel endangered by this play and able to handle the twisties and sweepers with confidence.

As they say you grow old and get use to the wear and tear on your bike. Just thought I would ask.

Willie

[cptjam]

Should be tight. If you can, shine a strong light on the suspension components and see if anything is loose. Heim joints, , Pittman arm, ball joints, A arms…..any of those could come loose, and cause play. If you don’t feel qualified to inspect it, stop by a dealer. In thousands of jobs, any of those things could do it. I’ve seen it. Give me a call if you need help pinpointing what’s up. Joe

[BajaRon]

Could be the universal joint in the steering shaft. We just replaced one for a customer with the same issue. There should be no play in the DPS. You can also get play in the tie rod ball joints. That is easy to discover. Try to follow the steering components starting at the handle bars and see if you can discover the point (or points) at which you get input movement without output movement. There are no adjustments to tighten up the steering box (DPS).

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I am either experiencing some play in the steering or imagining it and it has always been there. After all I am getting old. At a stop the steering has a slight play when moving the handle bars. A zone moves freely until resistance incurs and stops the movement, Not pushing hard. the amount of play involved is maybe 1/4 inch either side.

At slow speeds the play is similar so turning the handle bar has an ever so small "free play" zone. At higher speeds, 50+ mph, the effect is a tad more noticeable. My RT is closing in on 83,000 miles. On a 4,100 mile Grand Tour journey, so the RT should end up at 87,000 miles when done.

Like I said this could have always been there and just noticed and then focused on it needlessly. I don't feel endangered by this play and able to handle the twisties and sweepers with confidence.

As they say you grow old and get use to the wear and tear on your bike. Just thought I would ask.

Willie

Willie I suggested you post this question ....... for those who answered it ------ my question to them is , name a vehicle that has .... ZERO .... play in the steering system ?????? .... thankyou ...... Mike

[BajaRon]

Willie I suggested you post this question ....... for those who answered it ------ my question to them is , name a vehicle that has .... ZERO .... play in the steering system ?????? .... thankyou ...... Mike

Point well taken. I just checked the 6 Spyders and 1 Ryker that we have at the shop. All were off and I know that can change with the engine running on the Spyder. The 2014 RT had the most play with about 1/4" at the end of the handlebars. The Ryker and my 2008 GS had the least with actually zero play. Which somewhat surprised me. The 2009 RS had the most, but then we are replacing the DPS (which has been removed) so I'm not counting that one. The 2015 F3-S had about 1/8" as did the 2019 F3 Ltd.

The 2014 RT with 1/4" play (this is measured both ways so a total of about 1/2" of movement without resistance) is getting a new steering universal joint replacement today. This customer came in complaining of too much play and we found everything tight except this joint.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thank you for this ..... my experience ( mostly with auto's ) has not been the case ......... Also the term / word ... ZERO .... has different interpretations to different people .... just sayin ..... Mike

[1989hawk]

I have three spyders with various miles on them that all have some play. I dont think it is is possible to have zero play.

[spyderwing57]

And with 83,000 miles on it. Sounds like the components did their job.

[PMK]

Willie I suggested you post this question ....... for those who answered it ------ my question to them is , name a vehicle that has .... ZERO .... play in the steering system ?????? .... thankyou ...... Mike

The vehicle with zero play in the steering?... A bicycle with a rigid fork?

[Peter Aawen]

The vehicle with zero play in the steering?... A bicycle with a rigid fork?

^^ And a solid rubber tire!

[SpyderJerry]

I have just dealt with this a few weeks ago on my 2013 rt. Both the upper and lower pinch bolts needed to be tightened as it had a little slop on the splines. Of course that meant pulling the upper dash and console assembly loose to get to the upper. Lower I was able to get at throught the right side below a arm.

[BajaRon]

My definition of 'Play' is movement of the handlebars without resistance. It is an easier and less subjective way to measure, though possibly not quite as accurate.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

The vehicle with zero play in the steering?... A bicycle with a rigid fork?

WHY ???? am I not surprised with this answer ....... Thanks for the info ..... Mike

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

My definition of 'Play' is movement of the handlebars without resistance. It is an easier and less subjective way to measure, though possibly not quite as accurate.

My definition of ...ZERO .... is " ZERO " ..... Mike

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have just dealt with this a few weeks ago on my 2013 rt. Both the upper and lower pinch bolts needed to be tightened as it had a little slop on the splines. Of coarse that ment pulling the upper dash and counsole assembly loose to get to the upper. Lower I was able to get at throught the right side below a arm.

And how much PLAY did you have before and after the bolts were tightened ???? .... Thanks ..... Mike

[BajaRon]

My definition of ...ZERO .... is " ZERO " ..... Mike

I agree. Zero movement without resistance would then be zero...

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I had the steering column on my 2014 RTS replaced just as my extended warranty was coming to an end. I don't recall for certain how much play there was but I think it was something like 1/2" each side of center. I was able to check and found no movement at all in the tie rod connections or wheels. All the movement was in the column and the dealer agreed. BRP replaced the column under the warranty. The replacement was actually accomplished after the warranty expired.

[Fjrwillie]

I thank you all for the responses.

Willie