Is this Ryker Handle Bar Jiggle normal on lousy roads?

[2LZ]

In the never ending quest to get the front end of my new-to-me 2020 Ryker 600 set up and working properly, I have a few questions for the Ryker Guru's.
A little history first:
The PO took his wife's Ryker 600 and set it up with all factory Rally stuff, plus a few other items. Rally rear shock, Rally front shocks (all KYB, I believe), plus early Rally rims. He also added the rear shock lift block. I then put on the recommended Amazon 400mm front shocks.

I'm still messing with the front shock settings, going from stiff to the least amount of spring tension. Still not happy, but working on it. I've also set the toe-in (tape measure) to .5" toe-in. It still tugs around badly on our lousy Nor Cal roads... but I'm working on it. It could simply be ancient tires... but the date code on the Kenda's doesn't seem to read like a normal tire date code (four number code after the DOT stamp).

The main question... when I hit bumps, and especially jarring bumps (there's plenty), the bars jiggle and wiggle around sometimes violently. Almost like the frame is cracked or the bushings are shot... but when I sit on it parked, they hardly have any movement side-to-side at all.
Is this bar shaking normal on lousy roads? Obviously, I'm new to Rykers after a lifetime of two wheelers... but this seems almost ridiculous.

 

[TheMariner]

I'm NOT a Ryker rider or expert, and probably should keep my nose out of this... but 2 things in your post bother me a bit.

1. 0.5" toe-in seems excessive. Generally it's in the order of 0.125"; and
2. What are these 'recommended Amazon 400mm shocks' you put on? Some no-name rubbish?

Sounds to me that there's been a lot of changes made on that Ryker which might be making things worse, not better. I'd go back to basics... remove the Amazon shocks & put the Rally shock back on; get rid of the rear lift block; & reduce the toe-in.

Spyders & Rykers DO move around a bit on the road. Many new owners don't keep a relaxed grip & try to fight it. Just let it move around... it'll sort itself out.

 

[nightfalcon]

I would add... the steering on Rykers is very sensitive so you will feel any bumps (large enough to deflect either or both front wheels) through the bars. I had much the same issues as you on my Rally when riding rough roads. The fix for me was fitting a steering dampener to absorb the hits, works great... removed the jolts and keeps the wheels from going off line. If you come from two wheels you're probably familiar with them.

You can buy the kit through Slingmods or Martin the Vlogger. I'm also just pulling the trigger on Bajaron Sway Bar Kit

Getting your wheel alignment set up properly is, of course, crucial; you can find the factory setup guide by purchasing the repair and maintenance manual HERE

 

[greer]

The Amazon 400 mm front shocks are a common upgrade, there's never been a problem reported as far as I know. Let us know how things go 2LZ, that sounds like a nice bike.

Sarah

 

[Raven]

Steering damper will take a lot of that away.
Put one on mine, made a big difference. ( 2022 Ryker Sport)
You will still feel some, but not as harsh.
Depending on the setting steering effort might be a little heavier.
You can get one from Ryker Mods who designed the one that others sell.