How to install and set up a steering stabilizer on a dirt bike or motorcycle

Before you start

A complete kit usually has the stabilizer, a bar bracket, a frame bracket, bolts and an instruction sheet. Open the box and check it against the kit's parts list before you pull anything off the bike.

Scott's says most kits mount in minutes. Plan for longer on a first install and use basic hand tools. The instruction sheet for your kit lists the sizes.

Know your mount type

Scott's lists several mount styles. In our data, sub mount kits cover 299 models, top mount kits 279, weld-on kits 281 and bolt-on kits 142.

• Top mount. The stabilizer sits above the handlebar clamp.
• Sub mount. The stabilizer sits under the bar, and Scott's lists these as made for the original triple clamps.
• Weld-on. A bracket is welded to the frame. Most kits are bolt-on instead.
• Frame bracket and bar clamp. The parts that tie the stabilizer to the frame and to the bars.
• Link arm. The arm that connects the moving part of the stabilizer to the frame bracket.

Choosing a kit shows how the mount type affects what you buy.

Check your handlebars first

Most install problems start at the bars. Look at four things: crossbar clearance, bar diameter (7/8 inch or oversize), whether you run ProTaper style bars, and where an enduro computer or GPS sits. Some bikes need different bars or a different bar clamp to leave room for the bracket.

Mounting overview

The order below is the general one. Your kit's instruction sheet has the exact steps and the torque values, and we do not print torque numbers here.

1. Fit the bar mount.Attach the bracket to the bars, or to the triple clamp on a sub mount.
2. Fit the frame bracket.Attach it to the frame where your kit's instructions show.
3. Connect the link arm.It joins the stabilizer to the frame bracket.
4. Check the hardware.Every bolt in place, and nothing left loose.

Clearance check

Turn the bars to full left and full right. Watch the cables, hoses and the link arm through the whole sweep. Nothing should pull, rub or bind.

Set the damping

Scott's says its stabilizers have three adjustable circuits: base damping, a separate high speed circuit and a sweep adjustment, and that you can change them while riding. Start light and add damping until the front end settles without making slow steering feel heavy.

After the first ride

Re-check the bolts after your first ride and now and then after that. Vibration loosens hardware on any bike.

Questions