Are there any Definitive Sway Bar Upgrade Outcomes available for the Ryker (Rally's specifically)?

[nightfalcon]

I used the Search function to attempt to find definitive improvements from those who have fitted the stiffer sway bar on a Ryker (a Rally in particular, not interested in Spyder results) but couldn't find much. Plenty of 'it's brilliant' or 'transformed the steering' but not much on exactly how it changed compared to previously.

I'm not that unhappy with the stock setup, but I am also curious about this transformational upgrade I'm missing out on. For me it's a $600.00 upgrade which I don't mind paying if there are noticeable improvements, but it would be handy to understand what they might be specifically. I should also point out that I ride my Rally on all surfaces at or slightly above posted speed limits. I wouldn't say I'm a hoon, but I don't hang around either!

So, my questions to those in the know are:

• How did the upgrade improve cornering on sealed road at speed, ie. did it turn in quicker; is it able to get a tighter arc; is there less input on the bars required; less roll; any others?
• Does it noticeably improve handling on rougher sealed roads, ie. is there less flex in the bars; it keeps lines better?
• Did the suspension operate better?
• What improvements were found on gravel roads? Mine has tended to tuck in on the odd corner (slide the front).
• How is it better over corrugations, ruts, and pot holes?
• Does it affect the traction control, ie. give more latitude before it kicks in; makes it kick in quicker?
• Are there any negative affects on the steering; ie. is it twitchy, or a little too responsive?
• Does it improve tire wear?

I am hoping for some more specific opinions if possible.

 

[racoon]

The comments from Spyder owners about the results of their sway bar upgrades are still useful, since both are 3-wheeled reverse trikes.

 

[BajaRon]

$600.00 upgrade? That's an expensive install. We charge $80.00. Of course we do so many that it's like pumping out chocolate kisses for us.

I get this question all the time. I agree, it's a valid one. It is difficult to answer in a way that translates to a good understanding. But you only need to go a short distance with the bar upgrade installed and you know exactly what it does. We often put a sway bar on a customers bike, they pull out of the parking lot, turn right around, and come back in. I used to be concerned that they were not happy with something we did, we forgot something, or we did something wrong. But I don't anymore. More likely they have a big smile on their face and say they can tell the difference just pulling out of the parking lot.

Riders describe it as 'Being on rails'. Or feeling that it handles like a go-cart. Steering is easier, the ride is more planted. You lose the top heavy feeling that the bike is trying to throw you off. We've even had customers come in saying that they don't think they need the bar. But to get their buddies off their back they are going to get one installed. They call back and say 'I had no idea what I was missing! I should have done this long ago."

In increases control, steering precision, stability, and makes the bike more fun to ride. If you have one installed, post back and see if you can describe the improvement more clearly that I've been able to come up with.

I will say that if you plan to go off roading with your Ryker, a sway bar upgrade will degrade that experience, because you need articulation of the front suspension to better handle the uneven road surfaces that you will encounter. This is why they install sway bar disconnects on off road vehicles. Everything in life is a tradeoff.

 

[nightfalcon]

The comments from Spyder owners about the results of their sway bar upgrades are still useful, since both are 3-wheeled reverse trikes.

Spyders are bigger, weigh a lot more and have power steering... so the differences are enough.

 

[BajaRon]

Spyders are bigger, weigh a lot more and have power steering....so the differences are enough.

I agree. The Ryker is enough of a different animal that I would look for Ryker specific feedback. Though the effect of a sway bar will always be generally the same (it's pure physics), the individual result per vehicle design will vary.

 

[nightfalcon]

$600.00 upgrade? That's an expensive install. We charge $80.00. Of course we do so many that it's like pumping out chocolate kisses for us.

I get this question all the time. I agree, it's a valid one. It is difficult to answer in a way that translates to a good understanding. But you only need to go a short distance with the bar upgrade installed and you know exactly what it does. We often put a sway bar on a customers bike, they pull out of the parking lot, turn right around, and come back in. I used to be concerned that they were not happy with something we did, we forgot something, or we did something wrong. But I don't anymore. More likely they have a big smile on their face and say they can tell the difference just pulling out of the parking lot.

Riders describe it as 'Being on rails'. Or feeling that it handles like a go-cart. Steering is easier, the ride is more planted. You lose the top heavy feeling that the bike is trying to throw you off. We've even had customers come in saying that they don't think they need the bar. But to get their buddies off their back they are going to get one installed. They call back and say 'I had no idea what I was missing! I should have done this long ago."

In increases control, steering precision, stability, and makes the bike more fun to ride. If you have one installed, post back and see if you can describe the improvement more clearly that I've been able to come up with.

I will say that if you plan to go off roading with your Ryker, a sway bar upgrade will degrade that experience, because you need articulation of the front suspension to better handle the uneven road surfaces that you will encounter. This is why they install sway bar disconnects on off road vehicles. Everything in life is a tradeoff.

My quote is from one of your suppliers in Australia. It includes freight but not NZ GST and isn't including the installation. It is comparable with both your own and Slingmods pricing with the exchange rates included... it's actually NZ$633.00! Hence my enthusiasm for some preciser info.

It is an interesting phenomena that such noticeable improvements appear so hard to pin down. I've heard the 'rails' description applied so many times to various machines over 45yrs of riding and discovered it means different things to different riders. I'm not a doubting Thomas by any stretch, my hope was people, tasked with thinking about it a bit harder, could translate their broader adjectives into specific points... but alas...

Your point regarding the off-roading is appreciated. I assume it refers generally to formed gravel roads as opposed to no road, which makes me wonder if the end links only might be better in this instance. I do like gravel riding... a lot.