• 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.

Sway bar and links

JCWeatherman

JCWeatherman

Member
Hi All,

In August 2015 I purchased a used 2013 STL with 185 miles on it. Totally stock. I put 3000 miles on in the fall and winter. Now that I have spent some time with it in a variety of riding conditions, I am considering some upgrades. Please keep in mind that my questions are from a guy who rides who is not a mechanic. ;)
Question 1: I have read in many posts that I need a Baja Ron Sway Bar. It sounds like that would be my best, first investment for a better ride. However, in many posts it also says to add the replacement links. My question is "Why?" Are the stock links inferior? Will Baja Ron links give me better performance?

Question 2: While my mechanic has the front of the STL disassembled, is there anything else the I MUST DO? I'm talking about things that I can't live without.

Your help is much appreciated.
 
The baja Ron sway bar is thicker, and provides less flex in the system. It will provide more resistance to side winds, and being pushed around by the wind from passing trucks while on the road. It will also help keep you Spyder level when making a turn, and more stable while going down the road. It is really one of the best modifications you can make. The factory links are made of some kind of composite material (plastic) while the replacements are made of steel (stronger). Good luck, you will really like the change.

Can't think of anything else you need while you have it apart, but I would recommend a laser alignment, if you have an troubles keeping your Spyder pointed in the direction you want to go, or wandering around the road instead of going straight.

David
 
ACCESSORIES

I would also recommend Spyderpops bumpskid if you don't already have one. This will protect the underside of your Spyder from high spots and road kill.
 
John, the swaybar is a nice option. I will say though that for a lighter rider it may not be needed.

We do run one on our 14 RTs, most rides are 2 up and we are not lightweights nor heavy, big improvement.
 
The end link question: By all means; replace them as well... :thumbup:
The stock plastic ones seem to be prone to failure, when hooked up to the stiffer anti-Swaybar... nojoke
And Spydaman is right: the Bumpskid will help to reduce bodywork damage; should you encounter debris on the road... :thumbup:
 
Like everyone else said, sway bar, links and bump skid. We added those to our 14 ST-L rather quickly. Now to just get the laser alignment done.
 
Devious56 said:
The baja Ron sway bar is thicker, and provides less flex in the system. It will provide more resistance to side winds, and being pushed around by the wind from passing trucks while on the road. It will also help keep you Spyder level when making a turn, and more stable while going down the road. It is really one of the best modifications you can make. The factory links are made of some kind of composite material (plastic) while the replacements are made of steel (stronger). Good luck, you will really like the change.

Can't think of anything else you need while you have it apart, but I would recommend a laser alignment, if you have an troubles keeping your Spyder pointed in the direction you want to go, or wandering around the road instead of going straight.

David
Click to expand...

Thank you, everyone, for the kind words.

Not to be picky but just to make a little correction. The BajaRon links are Aircraft Grade Billet Aluminum. Not Steel. Now back to our regular programming. :ohyea:
 
A couple of years ago there was a series of sway bar links that were defective and were subject to a service bulletin for replacement. That aside, I will say the OEM links are adequate, but with the BajaRon sway bar would not have the margin of safety they do with the factory sway bar. There's no question Ron's links are stronger, but are they REALLY needed? I'm inclined to say probably not unless you ride 2 up and do hard cornering on an RT. That being said, when I put Ron's bar on my 2013 RT I opted to stay with the OEM links simply to save the $. I rode over 23,000 miles, going around corners hard enough to have Nanny kick in many times. The links are still good.

If you are not heavy, will ride one up mostly, and plan to be an easy rider, on an STL I say you'll be OK with the OEM links. But, if you want the added margin for safety go with Ron's links.
 
I can say from experience having owned a 2013 RT-S I installed Ron's sway bar and links had a laser alignment done and installed fox shocks. It was a completely different bike riding 2 up!

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk
 
Bob Denman said:
:shocked: I already have the end-links... I just need the "in-between" stuff now... :shocked:
Click to expand...

I did the same thing at first. I got the end links just for reliability at Ron Netzley's shop when I had the laser alignment one week after I bought my 2014 RTS. I rode the summer of 2015 with the stock bar.
I had the "in-between" stuff installed by the Netzleys up at SpyderQuest 2015. I found the increase in performance to be demonstrable.
 
Last edited:
i talked to Ron about the links and there was some kind of difference between the pre 14 and later and thats why he does not sell the bar without the links on the later model. If you PM him he will answer every question he is really nice. I was asking him about my new 15 because i put his bar on my 08 gs and while it did make a difference it did not completely eliminate that side to side motion you can get on the spyder. I am sure i will eventually get the bar for my new one (only 550 miles) as soon as i can have extra cash laying around to pay the local and very expensive dealer to put it on for me :)
 
crazycanuck said:
I must resist..........:coffee:
Click to expand...


attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • NEfPIxyqU2Pfjg_1_b.jpg
    NEfPIxyqU2Pfjg_1_b.jpg
    30.8 KB · Views: 189
Sway bar and links was the first thing I had done to my Spyder after I bought it. Huge difference with the handling, it tracked much better in the turns and did not wiggle around as much from pavement imperfections. I then had a Laser alignment done which helped tracking on the road, mine was only out about 1/2 inch.
I do tend to drive aggressively when I can, so I appreciate the difference the sway bar and links make maybe more than some. I also live in an area that has lots of twisty roads. :yes::yes:
Also, the dealer that installed the bar and links charged me 1 hour of labor, I thought that was reasonable.
Good luck and ride safe!!!
 
BajaRon said:
Thank you, everyone, for the kind words.

Not to be picky but just to make a little correction. The BajaRon links are Aircraft Grade Billet Aluminum. Not Steel. Now back to our regular programming. :ohyea:
Click to expand...

Right you are, sorry for the error, and thanks for jumping in here and correcting that.

David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Cloak
On The Fence About A New Sway Bar - will an upgrade help reduce the 'sawing' at the handlebars?
Replies
2
Views
168
Cloak
Cloak
K
Anyone know if the OEM Swaybars on F3's are stiffer than RT's?
Replies
15
Views
1K
pauly1
P
troop
Which sway bar for my 2022 S2S ?
Replies
16
Views
2K
RiderDuke
RiderDuke
N
My solution to the Bajaron Ultra sway-bar 'clunk'!
2 3
Replies
43
Views
8K
BajaRon
BajaRon
agolder
What Front Shocks Recommendations for a 2020+ RT?
Replies
10
Views
521
troop
troop
Back
Top