2014 RT Custom Sway Bar Install

[BajaRon]

You might find this surprising but I installed my 1st 2014 RT Custom Sway Bar tonight. I just did not have access to the new ACE Spyder. I knew the bar would work just fine and also install just fine. And others have done the install so all was well.

Except that since I had not done the install on the new 2014 RT Spyder, I knew my install instructions (taken from the 2013 models) was going to need some modifications.

The great news is, the 2014 RT is a much easier install than the 2013. This is because you don't have to fight the radiators on the 2014. They are completely out of the way. You do not have to remove the lower splash panels on the 2014 RT and the grill assemblies are much easier to remove and also give better access to the bushing retention bolts.

You still have to jack the front of the 2014 RT up about 18" for the actual bar swap. That has not changed from the 2013 models.

So, for those of you who have purchased my custom sway bar for the 2014 RT, I apologize for the inaccurate install instructions (though no one has complained). I will be updating them tomorrow. If you would like a set of the updated instructions let me know. I can email a PDF file to you.

Thank you to Dan for letting me wrench on, and ogle his brand new 2014 RT with 18 miles on it.

 

[murphybrown]

On order a must have

Your swaybar is already on my "gotta have installed" list for Len & crew. NOW (patiently waiting:roflblack just hoping that I get "the call" that it has arrived at Pitbull. But yesterday Ms Spyder, the loyal beast she is, got out of her stall and with me and my bajaron one piece suit went for a great ryde. Earliest I have been able to ryde since I got Ms Spyder in 2010. And I liked it ALOT!!!! :clap:

 

[Bob Denman]

:2thumbs: Working on "Authorization"...

 

[Nils888]

I installed mine last night. It went in fine. :thumbup:

 

[maliamd]

I will be ordering your sway bar for my 2014 RT-S this summer. I had your sway bar on my 2013 and it made the world of difference!

 

[BajaRon]

I'm really liking this 2014 RT. Just installed 2 more sway bar kits and this machine is just easier to work on. A lot more open space to work with.

Owners I'm talking to seem to be quite impressed coming off previous versions of the RT.

Early consensus from owners I've talked to seem to feel that BRP really got it right this time! :thumbup:

 

[prmurat]

If I can understand the utility of the swaybar change I did on my 2011 (day and night) what is the use on the 2014? I have mine for only a week and I find it incredibly stable... Inquiring mind wants to know!?

 

[lookerjdc]

I am getting your anti sway bar installed on my new 2014 RTS tomorrow at Central Florida Powersports

I loved it on my 2012, and while my 14 doesn't seem to need it as much as the 12 did, I think its still something I wanted to have to help cut down on cross wind wobbles on highways and strong windy days

keep up the great work Ron!!!!!!!!!

 

[BajaRon]

If I can understand the utility of the swaybar change I did on my 2011 (day and night) what is the use on the 2014? I have mine for only a week and I find it incredibly stable... Inquiring mind wants to know!?

Everyone has to decide if a mod is worth it to them. It is difficult to do unless you can make a 'Before and After' or 'Side-by-Side' comparison. I can tell you that, so far, everyone who I have talked to has been very impressed with what the bar does for their 2014 RT.

 

[spyder-dude]

I wanted to say thanks to Baja Ron for my new sway bar that he installed yesterday while I was at Lamont's. Amazing the difference that piece of metal can make and especially when the master of laser alignments does his magic!

Thanks,

Shawn

 

[lookerjdc]

just got home from CFPS

they installed the anti-sway bar and then they did a laser alignment (included with the purchase of the bar)

the weather here today was miserable - very windy, light rain in spots, heavy rain in others

on my ride home (about 60 miles), it felt like my 2014 was glued to the road - it did not move when the winds gusted strongly

another happy customer

 

[BajaRon]

just got home from CFPS

they installed the anti-sway bar and then they did a laser alignment (included with the purchase of the bar)

the weather here today was miserable - very windy, light rain in spots, heavy rain in others

on my ride home (about 60 miles), it felt like my 2014 was glued to the road - it did not move when the winds gusted strongly

another happy customer

That is awesome that CFPS is throwing in a laser alignment with the bar install. Those guys are on the ball.

What many don't realize is that the sway bar balances out the weight loading on each of the 3 tires. I don't mean it maintains the same amount of weight on each tire. But typically in a corner or when you get hit by a healthy gust of wind, 1 front tire carries less weight, the other front tire carries more weight, and the rear tire carries a little less weight too.

This weight shift and unequal distribution of loading affects steering geometry, steering effectiveness, steering effort needed and sometimes line of travel. These are all things we instinctively correct for when we ride. But too much of this can be unnerving, aggravating and tiresome. This can be especially true in gusty wind conditions.

The Sway Bar effectively takes the additional weight from the 'Heavy' front wheel and sends it back to the 'Light' front wheel. This helps to plant the 'Light' front wheel to the pavement increasing traction. The wheel that weight was taken from is still heavier than when going straight ahead so traction on that wheel is, if anything, enhanced as well.

A lesser amount of weight is also transferred from the 'Heavy' wheel to the rear wheel, increasing traction and stability there as well. So you're actually getting better traction and stability from at least 2, and in more severe conditions, all 3 wheels. This can really help in wet conditions as well as dry.

It is a hard thing to describe but you do it well. It feels like your Spyder is glued to the road or 'On Rails'.

As always, glad you love the Bar! :thumbup:

 

[Wiredux]

When Ron did my bar on the 14 I only had 18 miles on it. I had his bar on my 12 and it made a big difference that when I picked up my 14 I already made up my mind I was going to have it again. To me it is money well spent.

 

[Purple Guy]

I've got my BajaRon Bar sitting on my workbench waiting for delivery of my 2014 Rt Ltd.
Don't need no before and after comparison, dealers mounting the bar when they assemble the bike.
IMHO it's first thing that should be considered when adding any improvements to your Spyder!

 

[spyderdmb1621]

Ron I got one on my 14, I am a Believer! I see and feel the difference.

 

[BajaRon]

2014 RT Sway Bar Install Instructions

I am always surprised at how much effort goes into install instructions, at least when I have to do it.

I've got the NEW, v2.0 2014 RT Custom Performance Sway Bar Install instructions done. I will be emailing out the PDF file to those who have requested it. If you need or would like to get a copy of this 2014 RT Install PDF file please email me at [email protected]

I can tell you, installing the bar on the 2014 RT is much less trouble than on the 2013's and even the pre-2013 models.