Scotts steering stabilizer and BRP rubber mounted sub mount for KTM 690 Enduro
I installed steering stabilizer on my 2016. KTM 690 Enduro for two reasons. First, I liked an idea of stabilizer support during fast rides over rocky terrain. Next, I always felt front of 690 is 'too light' on pavement, with off-road tires on. On this 2016 690 I never had wobble problem, but it did felt too light for my liking. It may be subjective feeling, but... I also needed higher bars, and sub mount provided that in very elegant way.
Based on internet reviews and feed back from fellow riders I went for Scotts Performance steering stabilizer and BRP rubber mounted sub mount. Bill aka AdvMoto18 from Advrider helped me get this items from US. Thanks Bill!
According to my quick internet research, Scotts Performance steering stabilizer is a golden standard, at least for this kind of bikes, so my choice wasn't too hard there.
But there are few very nice sub mount options. At the end, I followed suggestions and went for BRP rubber mounted sub mount. It has rubber cushion blocks to isolate vibrations and it adds approx 14 mm to bar height. I can't be sure if I feel less vibrations than before, but vibrations on this bike were never annoying, at least for me. Added height is spot on for me (186 cm, but I use 15 mm lowered foot stands as well). I also like how pin is bolted to the frame of the bike. It does requires some trimming of the plastics, but once it is mounted, it looks like it is OEM solution and it feels very solid.
Needles to say, quality of the parts is superb.
Before installing stabilizer, I made sure bike was set up perfectly - sag, triple clamps, etc. Installation is very straight forward and easy. Instructions are very well made and simple.
It all feels very solid. And it looks good.
I am not an expert, so I followed expert's advice on how to set it up. I believe this is Lyndon's suggestion on how to set this stabilizer, I found it on the net. And it works great:
- high speed adjuster (adjuster under little black cap): 1 turn out from fully clockwise,
- low speed, depends on terrain but starting point is 1-2 turns from fully anti-clokwise.
I do feel more confident in bike with stabilizer. If it is just subjective placebo-type effect or not, I can't say - my riding skills are not that high to allow me to feel when stabilizer is really taking an action. But it feels good.
There is only one issue with this setup, key requires some trimming. I made new key and grind it to appropriate size.
UPDATE: Stock key will work just fine, I got confused here. It happens. :)