Stabilizer - or Not???

[dirtdiva]

Trying to decide if a stabilizer on my 2009 TE310 is worth the money. I have read all the posts I can find and heard the arguments for both sides - but I just had to ask for more opinions.

Most of my riding is in southern CA deserts and rocky single track. Quite frankly I think the bike handles the sand and rocks quite well (at least compared to my CRF250X) - and I'm sure the stabilizer will make it better - but is it $400-$500 better

Planning a ride through the Mojave desert in 10 days and the first 80 miles or so will be quite sandy (yes, I know it's the desert). I'm thinking the stablilizer will help minimize my fatigue so I can enjoy the next 100 miles for that day. And then turn around and do it all again the next day to get home. Again - will it be $400-$500 less fatigue.

If I do opt for one, I was considering the GPR V4 as it appears to be the only one that will fit with my IMS 3 gal tank - at least without modification (I really don't want to have to heat and remold the tank)..... Yes, No, Anyone..... Opinions please....

 

[rajobigguy]

To me the biggest advantage of a stabilizer is the fatigue factor. It's so much easier to negotiate the tough trails that by the end of a long haul you're still riding fast, enjoying it more, and falling down less. Speaking of falling down less, that's the next big advantage, to me it's almost a safety issue because when I get tired I start riding stupid, I'm either going to fast or to slow and end up crashing. Is it worth the 4-5 hundred dollars? To me it was one of the better investments I made in my bike.

 

[Coffee]

I would have one if riding in the desert. Could save $ if it prevented a bike crash. Not just the bike, but also a medical deductible (like good riding gear).

Take a test ride.

 

[firebolter]

Every time I whack a tree unplanned, I love mine. Loose deep sand, I crank it up and it truly does keep you from tiring out as fast. It's one of those really nice to have things, but if money is tight you can live with out it.

 

[fletchman45]

This is a really good question! I would like to know for myself if a fast A rider riding a 150 Husqvarna only oon singletrack can reap any benifits from a steering stabilizer??? Would It cut any time off in a 70 mile enduro?Or if you have lived without one your whole life, would it matter?

 

[woodzi]

I rode for 30 years without a damper. Bought one 5 years ago and would not ride without one. They are fantastic in the single track. Keeps the bike straight and out of the trees.

 

[mndirtrider]

It does help keep the bike straight with less effort. I don't know much about the newer GPRs, but when I bought my Scott's 4 or 5 years ago it was because it had a quick return feature that the GPRs then didn't have at the time. That feature helps the bars return to center after clipping something or hitting a rock or hole with the front tire. I've heard the newer GPR has something like it also, but I don't know the model it started with. Scotts calls it the high speed dampening feature, I call it the oh crap that would've hurt saver...

Riding my KTM with it on and my Husky without the stabilizer I can really tell the difference in the sand. I'm working harder on my Husky without the stabilizer. I need to buy a mount for the stabilizer and get it on my Husky ASAP!

 

[speedkills]

Scotts has two models, one that only damps away from center and one that damps both ways. I can't remember which is which but one version is sold for street bikes and one is sold for dirt bikes. They are interchangeable so if you really wanted one of the other you could just buy the type you want and bolt it up. I'd look carefully at the mounting options for your bike though. My Scotts was hacky to mount up, the instructions call for melting the tank and grinding on the frame. After it was all said and done I wished I had gone for something actually designed to fit a Husky like the Motosportz unit. You can really tell with the Scotts they were doing the bare minimum to be able to say they had a Husky mount kit.

As for the question of will it help, that's a tough call. I know David Knight prefers to ride without them but he is a pro. Being a slower A rider Fletchman you may still find some benefit from it.

 

[OlivierTE250]

Riding my KTM with it on and my Husky without the stabilizer I can really tell the difference in the sand. I'm working harder on my Husky without the stabilizer. I need to buy a mount for the stabilizer and get it on my Husky ASAP!

Interesting!

I have Motosportz stabilizer on my KTM250xcw (08). Its saved my butt a few times. I also have an '10 TE250. Compared to the xcw, the Husky is a locomotive... no stabilizer is requird on that one! Keeping my money for other goodies. That being said, I cannot speak for th '09TE.

 

[HUSKYnXJnWI]

If I do opt for one, I was considering the GPR V4 as it appears to be the only one that will fit with my IMS 3 gal tank - at least without modification (I really don't want to have to heat and remold the tank)..... Yes, No, Anyone..... Opinions please....

With the 3 gallon IMS it is hit or miss with efforts to clear for Dampner instalation. I have seen no reports from anyone installing a GPS dampner and Mount that does or does not require any slight modification to the 3gal IMS for Husky 08-10's. There are some 3gal IMS tanks I am sure that require no modification if you install a Scotts with Uptites solution or Motosportz's solution. However, there's no guarentee in terms of absolutes with any I have seen. I haven't seen any claimed solution with GPS. NOT saying there isn't one- just haven't seen one. Got a post or link?

I have a MOTOSPORTZ and I did change the tank slightly- I don't think any other dampner or mount would have worked better or NOT require some tank mods. In comparing Dampner performance itself- I can't say who makes "the best" either- BUT I love mine and wouldn't change anything. It was a personal choice. They all work a little differently and I invested in the Motozportz phylosophy of dampner tech and it paid off. Besides... Its Motosportz

That said- I totally think it was worth it. As stated, my bike was very stable and handled very well in rough sections. My Motosportz Dampner just made it better- Its like wanting more horse power except when is it realistically possible to not need/want more stability and better handlin.... never. Cept' now I can USE more of my abundance of Horsepower!!! I think you'd definately benifit in the desert and in single track- but you have to make that decision, its your money. I went a long time without- and would much prefer a bike with it than without- (not gonna say I won't ride one without- cause that's honestly just going too far) If someone brought a 2011 TE310 to my house I wouldn't cringe and say... "Nahh that's ok... I don't ride bikes unless they have a stableizer...." I'd probably put one on it in time though...