Sway Bar 2003 SC RX1

[BMWG650x]

I recently purchased a 2003 RX-1 with an MPI Stage 1 kit. I came off a 2003 Vertical escape. My new sled has been heavily modified (162x16x2.5, tunnel extension, steering relocation, MPI rear suspension mods, Mountain mod seat, bar riser, left hand throttle, drop brackets, Simmons powder skis etc... ). I love the power and response of the SC 4 stroke, but find the sled very hard to side hill or turn up slope especially as slow speed. I can do it with lots of power, but control becomes an issue then. Terrain that was effortless on my Polaris is making me feel like a rookie again. I only have 4 rides on it and am improving each ride. But noted the front sway bar is still attached and I was wondering if I disconnect the links will I see an improvement in side hill performance? If I remove the links, does the torsion bar slide out or remain in the frame. Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks in advance

Jim

 

[zx670]

if most of your riding is boondocking/hills, take that sucker off, it is so much better without it you wont recognize it after. it will feel tippy to some people but if you learn to use that to your advantage you can really make it work for you, the bar will slide out of the frame easily with the ends removed.

 

[BMWG650x]

Thank you for the the advice.

 

[snobeel]

sway bar

I tried removing the sway bar and didn't like it. In my opinion the sled is much more predictable with the sway bar in place. That said, I found that there is a sweet spot in the limiter strap adjustment and front shock preload. As I recall, the tighter the limiter the more ski pressure and the more tendency to dive in deep snow... the looser the limiter the less ski pressure the more stable in deep snow. All of this is of course opposite on the trail, so like I said you will have to find the sweet spot for your style of riding. I ride an '04 rx1 set up very similar to yours, so if I have this wrong my apologies, but it has been a while since I went through that exercise.

I hope that helps. The sleds are a blast if you get them set up and adjust your riding style to the sled, especially your throttle control.

Jack

 

[Jonny Rocket]

I have an 04 RX-1 since new. I removed the swaybar the first year and didn't look back. Much more predictable when boondocking and doesn't try to pull you down the hill when sidehilling. They are pretty easy to remove or install. You should remove it and try w/o for several rides to see if you likey. If not put it back in.
J.

 

[red]

It was the first thing I took off & threw away. Before you do that, like you said, just unbolt 1 end link. Take couple 12mm wrenchs with you. To remove it, remove both end links, then the square blocks, then pull out the shaft. Sway bar removed. I did this back in 04, its still off. But I like tippy sleds thou.

 

[BMWG650x]

Thanks Guys,

I pulled it off today! I am going for a 4 day trip starting on Tue, I will let you know how it turned out. Last ride I figured it handled just like a marble, ie turned down slope all day long Hope this helps.

Thanks again

Jim

 

[BlgsRX-1mtn]

I removed mine on my '03 SCRX-1mtn. I like the off trail manners alot more. Tight corners on the trail to the play areas suck if you still have the stock shocks.

Jim

 

[BMWG650x]

I'm back from the four day trip. I can't believe what a difference the loss of the sway bar made. Night and day. Side hill and turning up slope is a breeze. A little more twitchy on the trail in to the mountain, but very manageable.

Thanks for the advice.

Jim