finless
New member
Possibly mine since I don't know of any other install videos.
These are for the 2010-2012 RT.
Bob
-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
BajaRon Sway Bar
- Thread starter Santa & Mrs Claus
- Start date
Possibly mine since I don't know of any other install videos.
These are for the 2010-2012 RT.
Bob
redneck diva
New member
cool I just ordered the sway bar & billet holders for my 2014 spydy...... & rivco passenger armrest........ cant wait to get them installed & get some miles on her before the Bourbon Run in mid August.
finless
New member
Be aware that the videos are for the 2010-2012. The 2013's and 2014's are different and this video wont apply for removal of the old and install of the new sway bar. On the 13/14 the bar is in a channel and you have to jack up the bike farther to get it out. The mounting bushings are also different. Only thing that will really apply is the heim link bolts.
Bob
redneck diva
New member
well off to a mechanic she will go then,,,,,,, not gonna take any chances in screwing up anything
BajaRon
Well-known member
True, there are 2 distinct install processes which have little in common. Be sure to get advise for the correct procedure for your Spyder.
1st Install Process
2008-2012 sway bar install.
Very similar for all Spyder models with minor differences.
2nd Install Process
2013-2014 sway bar install.
Everything changed with the re-engineered frame for the 2013 and 2014 models. All model installs being similar for the 2013/14's with the exception of the 2014 RT models. The difference in the 2014 install is due to changes in the Tupperware which simplified the install compared to the other 2013/14 models. Beyond the Tupperware differences, the 2014 RT bar install is identical to all other 2013/14 models.
Hopefully, if other Spyder models get the 1300 ACE motor in future years, these Tupperware improvements will also come to more models.
Though some model installs are easier than others, none are all that difficult. Many 'Mechanically Challenged' people have done this install with some time and patience. The biggest hurdle on the 2013/14 models being the amount of lift needed to get the old bar out and the new bar into the frame channel where it resides. There have been several inventive approaches to this posted here on Spyderlovers.
You don't have to ride hard in the twisties to appreciate an upgraded sway bar.
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sledmaster
Member
It does many things. Most obvious is the reduction in body roll in corners, also called lean. Since the spyder remains (basically) flat through a corner and does not lean into a corner like a bike, the body mass tends to roll or lean in the opposite direction of a bike, requiring the rider to lean into the corner. A better sway bar (really an anti-sway bar) will help to reduce this tendency. The machine will stay flatter and roll out less.
Most of us also notice how it reduces what we call "lane wandering", especially in side winds or even cornering, where instead of having the spyder twitching back and forth requiring steering corrections going through a corner it will corner with greater stability and less left-right movement. Very confidence inspiring. Your Spyder will track straighter.
Now logically there should be some trade-offs involved, but these are greatly minimized. In some very specific cases you might notice a firmer suspension but again, greatly minimized and the benefits far outweigh the change in suspension action. Few ever notice it. I would say it is slightly more aggressive in high-speed compression situations, shock speed, not vehicle speed, like hitting a square-edge bump with both wheels at the same time, each shock will not be acting as independently as before. Being we are on fairly smooth roads and not big-bump off-road situations you rarely ever would notice this effect. A sway bar is kind of a variable coupler device between the two sides of the front end, we are tightening up this variable just slightly. Maybe bajaron could clarify this even more. I speak more from snowmobile experience, but they are effectively the same front ends.
From a simple perspective, it makes the steering feel more connected to you. More confident. It works more like you expect it to, or want it to. I have not yet met a single rider that did not believe it was a significant improvement.
So why does BRP send the spyder out the way they do? One has to believe it is for ride comfort and compliance calibration, casual riders are often more interested in bump isolation and all-out comfort, so a softer or weaker sway bar helps to meet those goals. Not a matter of right or wrong but one of personal preference. That said, I am not aware of a single person on this forum that did not like the improvement of a BajaRon sway bar.
StealthSpyder
New member
Regarding these special links you referred to...are you saying that they don't come with the bajaron bar? I bought the bajaron bar but don't recall purchasing any special links separately. What are they for? How do they differ from the links that are on the spyder? Why aren't they sold as a kit with the bajaron bar?
Should I get them in addition to the already purchased bar if my interest is to have the best cornering and handling possible? If so, can someone suggest where to purchase them. I have not installed the bajaron bar yet...was planning on getting it installed in the next couple weeks.
finless
New member
They are replacement Hiem links. e.g. the links that connect the ends of the sway bar to the frame. Ron last year developed metal replacement links to replace the plastic ones that come with the Sypder. No they do not come with the sway bar you have to order them.
Bob
MMcc
New member
Foolish question
I have Ron's sway bar and feel the ride improvement is well worth the small price. But, why does BRP not see the improvement in handling and ride and do it on the bikes from the factory ? Not trying to cut Ron out of the market but his bar makes a good product so much better. BRP should just order them from him, put them on at the factory and everybody wins.
I have Ron's sway bar and feel the ride improvement is well worth the small price. But, why does BRP not see the improvement in handling and ride and do it on the bikes from the factory ? Not trying to cut Ron out of the market but his bar makes a good product so much better. BRP should just order them from him, put them on at the factory and everybody wins.
JerryB
New member
Hi Stealth,
I think that it depends on which year/version of Spyder that you own.
I asked Ron about this when I bought my sway bar & he said that I do not need the links.
You should ask Ron about your specific Spyder.
Jerry Baumchen
'08 GS
StealthSpyder
New member
lwrydr
New member
Links
I got the links when I got the bar...the stock ones are made out of plastic and I feel safer with metal links...I probably did not need new ones but I just feel better with metal ones....now going to put on a cat-delete and a AF-1 air filter...the my farkles are complete....(I think)
I got the links when I got the bar...the stock ones are made out of plastic and I feel safer with metal links...I probably did not need new ones but I just feel better with metal ones....now going to put on a cat-delete and a AF-1 air filter...the my farkles are complete....(I think)
BajaRon
Well-known member
As with everything, the bars and links are a work in progress. I'll quit changing them when they are perfect!
If someone needs more information just PM or email me.
Originally my Billet Aluminum Heim Joint links were offered only as an option which could be purchased separately. Some even purchased these links to install with a stock sway bar, especially for the problematic 2013's.
As the Spyder models have gotten bigger and heavier, I've made sway bars to fit the need. The 2013/14 RT sway bars are the strongest, and therefore put the greatest amount of stress on the OEM plastic links.
I did testing on several of the OEM plastic links and none failed. But this was short term, not long term testing.
Though most OEM links have held up well in actual service, some have not. My feeling is that there is a variance in strength in the OEM links. But regardless of the reason, to me link failure is unacceptable. Some have failed due to road debris impact, some due to wear or fatigue, and a very few have simply broken for the assumed reason that the stress applied exceeded that particular link's capability.
I am still evaluating, but at this point I will not sell a 2013/14 RT sway bar kit without my stronger links. I may, in the near future, expand this requirement to more models.
I do not like to require customers to purchase something that is not needed. But safety and reliability are very important to me and to my customers. Right now it is rare for a customer to purchase a bar from me without the link set. And I do recommend getting the links with the bar, especially for the 2010-2012 RT's.
The 2008-2012 RS/GS/RSS bar exerts the least amount of stress on the links. With the narrower wheel base and lighter weight, this bar does not need to be nearly as stiff as the other kits. But you have to remember, you're still dealing with plastic which can stress and fail over time regardless of the Spyder you ride.
Again, to be fair, the OEM links have held up in the majority of cases. But plastic is plastic.
The OEM links seem to last quite some time (though some have found the ball to be very loose when replacing them). That is because these are a wear item and will need to be replaced at some point. My link sets (as with the sway bars) come with a lifetime replacement warranty.
Hope this helps.
stallion143
New member
:agree: I've had mine now over a year and it is AWESOME. Handles great, eliminates 90% of the body roll in curves....(Depending how aggressive you rYde)
oldguyinTX
New member
Got the BajaRon sway bar & heim links installed yesterday, along with a Rolo Laser Alignment. Ron in Accord NY & his son did the work for me. Nice ride up, 57 degrees when I headed out. GREAT ride home!! What a difference!! Really flat in the curves, less wind buffeting. If you have not done this yet, DO IT. You will be amazed at the difference in the way that the:ani29: handles. Absolutely worth every penny. Hats off to BajaRon for an excellent product!
spyder0ne
New member
Night and Day difference
Installed Ron's sway bar today. First thing I noticed was one of the factory's plastic heim links was broken. I have no idea how long i've been riding that way. The ride after the bar and new links were installed was awesome. It is such a dramatic, positive improvement in how my 2013 RT handles. :yes:
Installed Ron's sway bar today. First thing I noticed was one of the factory's plastic heim links was broken. I have no idea how long i've been riding that way. The ride after the bar and new links were installed was awesome. It is such a dramatic, positive improvement in how my 2013 RT handles. :yes:
philblumenfeld
Member
Ok, my question is; I typically only ride in town and rarely go over 50 mph. Do I still need the sway bar?
StealthSpyder
New member
Yep for sure, for many reasons. Everyone should have it. Those who ride aggressively will simply notice its benefits even more.
