Are the Sway bars on the 2022 still crap?

[milryder]

I can't see why a shop would say "the upgraded bar might interfere with the performance of the Elkas."

I think what the tech was saying was that I wouldn't get the full benefit of the Elkas with an upgraded bar. Got the impression he felt the Elka's would not only improve stability but offer a better ride. I wasn't going to argue since I had planned to add the bar at the same time. Figured he knew more than I did about the combination and he was saving me money at the same time.

 

[Snoking1127]

BRP updated the suspension starting on the 2020 bikes. So you may want to put some miles on it before you decide to upgrade the suspension. On my 21 RTL the suspension works grate but it will depend on your riding style.

What did they upgrade? Different OEM anti-sway bar, shocks, A-Frames, tires?

Only thing I see charged is the front shock and spring.

----------------------------2018-----2020-----------2021
Lower A-arm------706201733 706201733 706201733
Upper A-arm----- 706203433 706203433 706203433
Shock-------------706001549 706003533 706003533
Spring-------------706001830 706001889 706001889
Sway Bar----------706202800 706202800 706202800
Link----------------706200671 706200671 706200671

 

[ks4hcoach]

The upgraded front shock, provided they are dampened properly and sprung properly for the load and the riding needs and riding style should offer an improvement across the board, from a better ride to better control of the Spyder in a variety of operating conditions. A big plus for the aftermarket shocks is the adjust-ability in both damping rates and in spring preload...for as we all know "one size does not really fit all".

That being said, the shocks are only a part of the front suspension. Tires are a big part and also the sway bar ("anti" sway bar to be correct) and its mounting bushings and links are the other big part. These are all things that one has some degree of control over. Not so much frame and suspension geometry though as that is pretty much a constant with the Spyders. For all of this to work best, the front end alignment has to be right as well. As I mentioned earlier, the 2009 GS was twitchy and ill-handling when my son bought it...but a big part of that was the very poor alignment that bike had when he brought it home.

I don't have anything bad to say about the 2021RTL sway bar or handling for that matter as mine is significantly better than the stock 2009 GS/RS (still have it too) was before upgrades. The 2009 GS however was improved in stages by the addition of 1), the Baja Ron Swaybar, 2) a set of Fox front shock, 3) laser alignment, and 4) a set of Vredestein Quatrac 5 tires. All upgrades were complimentary. None degraded the performance in any way. Each upgrade just added to the overall handling and ride improvement.

Based on my upgrades to the 2009 GS, I would conclude that the addition of the sway bar to the 2021RTL will also be complimentary to the ride and handling improvements added by the Elka shocks, and especially toward that handling as it WILL corner flatter with less body roll. And Ron's bars are not so stiff that they compromise the ride to a significant degree. I like to go around corners and the upgraded sway bar will be going on my 2021 RTL sooner rather than later. Still ride Ducatis and dirt bikes so corners are fun.

If you ride two up, the sway bar upgrade will be especially helpful in minimizing body roll with the extra weight of the passenger on the bike. Makes an even bigger improvement with a passenger than solo.

Adjustable front shocks are a great upgrade as they can be adjusted for damping and preload. Can accommodate a passenger better and less likely scrape your nose as easily either in a dip with the extra front preload dialed in. I had done that several times until the preload adjuster was added. Luckily the hits were relatively light and no damage done.

One of the nice things about making a single change at a time is that one can get a better feel for what effect each individual improvement made. But the upgraded shocks and the sway bar upgrade will compliment and not take away from the overall performance...just in different ways.

 

[SpyderGoldwingOwner]

yes......