Handlebar and Rearsets questions

I posted a while ago that I was looking for more stability in my SD. As horrible as it sounds, I couldn't get above 100 mph without the front end shaking all over the place. I got a steering damper and that got me to 120 mph before the same thing happens. I've fooled with my suspension a bit but it doesn't seem to help. I think the combo of torque and no weight on the front is causing this. I could be wrong but its my best guess right now.

For your guys using different handlebars, did the new position give you more stability? I'm not trying to make the bike a super sport but I've heard a lot of people have been very happy with Monster, Street Fighter, and other bars. Just looking for more feedback other than what I've found on this site.

And are rearsets seriously worth $600? I've been getting a lot of false neutrals lately and figured they couldn't hurt until I saw the price. And those are the cheapest set I could find! Anyways any feedback on the bars or rearsets would be great guys, thanks.

what sort of kit do you wear, and do you have a touring screen

Felt the same way about the front end,,,,I installed lower bars ,,,LSL drag bars are really the lowest bars you can install on the SD,,,,feel good IMO,,,,as far as rearsets go I found none with a folding peg option I'm sure there are some out there but most come with solid mount pegs,,,in a fall you can bend the frame lugs,,,you can bend them back,,,but,,,,with a folding peg you won't be put in that position,,Cycle Control rearset adjuster plates are $89 USD,,I believe SD forum members get a disscount,,,mention it to Tony,,,,,and gives you 1 inch up and back,,more ground clearance for an affordable price utilising your stock pegs and brackets,,,cheaper to replace than a brand name rearset fer sur,,,,,,,,,doing this with the addition of a damper feels good for me anyway,,,just more comfortable position,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

http://www.a-lmotorsports.com/Category/ ... ducts.aspx

i'm not trying to brag but my mostly stock 07sd will hit 140's without any problems other than it feels like i'm going to get blown off the back.
there must be more to this problem than what can be fixed with bars rearsets and dampers.
is the frame straight? steering bearings good? wheel bearings?

tyre pressures,,,I've been running 30/30 cold,,made a world of difference IMO, suspension settings,,,stock was way to stiff,,,I'm running what Bic had posted a while ago,,,although I weigh a bit less than him ,,so I backed off a click or two with his settings,,have to post what I have them set at, have it written down somewhere ,,with good results,,,,important as well...........

Hey mate,
My stock 07 SD runs quite fine at 125 mp\h and pretty much stable as well when it tops at around 143.

Some things you can do or check to make it better or even disappear:
1. Adjust your tyre pressure to stock (34\34).
2. Adjust your fork and shock back to stock settings.
3. Are the forks in their right height in the triple clamps? Perhaps they were lowered?
4. Are the wheels aligned?
5. Are the wheels balanced? Though, this should actually not make any difference above 30 mp\h..
6. Bearings good? Frame true and not bent?
7. What shape is your tyre? Is it worn, dry, has uneven wear?

Lastly, but important - are you holding the grips tight?
A death grip on the bars will increase small and sometimes unnoticed shakes that can really turn into big wobbles. Even though the SD isn't the best for high speed freeways - make sure you hold yourself through your thighs and abs and not through your hands, which should lay freely on the bar.

Agree with last few posts, really shouldn't have these issues

Agreed something up with your bike. See if you can test ride another SD and see.

As far as I know the frame is solid. However the bike was dropped before I owned it, so there is a possibility I suppose. I'll research ways to tell if the frame is bent. I know my tyres are set at 30/30 cold. I had a fresh set of tyres put on earlier this year and they're still good. The bike runs straight and true at 70 mph. I can ride very relaxed with one hand, even on the bumpy highways. Even at 80 or 90 mph, no real problem. But when I punch it past triple digits, it gets more and more shaky until I don't have anymore confidence in the chassis and back off. Someone has said not to death grip the bars and as far as I can tell I don't. I remember one run I intentionally kept a loose grip on the bars just to see if it would help; it didn't. My engine with it's mods are more than capable of pushing the bike past what I've gone, and I know the chassis can do more. I'll raise up my tyre pressure and see if that helps when I get back home.

Most likely your suspension isn't setup correctly for your weight. Start with setting the sag to your weight, then balance out the compression and rebound.

No chance of me getting on another SD, unless someone in VA is willing to let me ride theirs. Dealers over here do not give test rides for insurance purposes (even IF they somehow had KTM's in stock, which they don't carry). I'll definitely look into the suspension again, I only fooled with the front. I'll give the bearings a look as well. Thanks for the suggestions guys, now I just have to get home to my SD and start digging. Hopefully its as simple as tyre pressure. I'm guessing the worst case scenario is a bent frame, of which I have no idea what the costs to fix are.

You can ride mine. Where do you live?

Newport News, not too far from Norfolk.

Definitely. And yeah the roads here are pretty horrible. Not just grooved but cracked and potholes. I thought maybe that was the problem but I know plenty of bikes that go XXX with no problems. Pretty sad when your SD gets outrun by your buddy's Honda 919

Never been on a track before, car or bike.