Ron, can you explain the difference between your bar and the stock bar? What is it about yours that makes such a huge difference in the handling?
Wow! Not sure how I missed this post but they say; 'Better late than never!'. (Not sure that's always true)
The sway bar is simply a spring. Springs come in all different shapes and sizes, depending on the purpose. In my opinion, the stock sway bar is way too weak. It simply cannot handle the forces imposed on it.
There are several ways to make a sway bar stronger. Size, dimensions and steel compound are the major factors.
For normal driving, optimum handling means all 3 tires will lose traction at the same time. To get this you'd need to push your Spyder to the extreme limit which very few will ever do. But equal traction (front to back) in turns gives you maximum performance whether or not you ever brake a wheel loose. I know it sounds scary to have all 3 wheels brake loose at the same time but it really is a very mild, expected and controllable event. Your not really going from 100% traction to Zero. You don't go spinning off into oblivion. You simply begin to fade to the outside of the curve. This will usually occur at apex so you've got a lot of pavement to play with and just backing off on the power slightly brings everything back.
Like I said, very few will ever encounter this and if you do, you're most likely looking for it to begin with.
If the sway bar is too weak the front wheels lose traction first and 'Wash Out'. This happens much sooner than the 1st scenario given above. If the sway bar is too stiff, the rear wheel loses traction first causing the rear end to 'Kick-Out'.
Generally, the safest of all is for the front wheels to lose traction first which causes the rider to slow down to maintain control. However, there is some overall stability and rider control sacrificed, so you have to decide which way you want to go.
For the average driver, the worst situation is for the rear wheel to kick out which requires quick and correct reaction to maintain control. Though for a skilled driver in a race track environment, this may be exactly what you want.
If the manufacturer's goal is to keep cornering speeds low, then you want a weak sway bar. The vehicle is safe but the feeling is somewhat vague and uncertain compared to riding with a stiffer sway bar, especially if you are trying to go fast. The rider simply adjusts to riding curves at lower speeds.
Universal feedback that I get regarding the sway bar upgrade are;
Increased control in curves, crosswinds and when riding near large trucks on the freeway
Increased overall stability
Overall, better, more accurate steering
Easier steering in curves
Increased confidence and safety
Increased stability and control in 'Evasive' maneuvers
Increases the 'Fun Factor'
The other interesting comment I get is; 'I didn't think I needed this bar because I was quite happy with the way my Spyder handled stock. But I just didn't know what I was missing. I'm very glad I installed the bar.'
Hope this answers your long overdue question...
