Hey there, fellow touring motorcycle enthusiasts! If you're like me, you know that a smooth and stable ride is the holy grail when it comes to long - distance touring. One crucial component that can significantly enhance your bike's stability is the sway bar. In this blog, I'm gonna share with you what I think is the best sway bar for a touring motorcycle, and as a sway bar supplier, I've got some pretty solid insights to offer.
What the Heck is a Sway Bar?
Let's start with the basics. A sway bar, also known as an anti - roll bar, is a part of your motorcycle's suspension system. Its main job is to reduce body roll when you're cornering. When you take a turn, the weight of your bike and yourself shifts to the outside of the curve. Without a sway bar, this can cause the bike to lean too much, making the ride less stable and potentially dangerous. A sway bar connects the left and right sides of the suspension, transferring some of the force from one side to the other. This helps keep the bike more level and planted on the road.
Why Do Touring Motorcycles Need a Good Sway Bar?
Touring motorcycles are different from sport bikes or dirt bikes. They're built for long - distance comfort, often carrying a lot of weight in terms of luggage and sometimes a passenger. This extra weight can make the bike more prone to body roll, especially when you're going around corners or making sudden maneuvers.
A high - quality sway bar can make a world of difference. It improves handling, making it easier to control the bike, especially on winding roads. It also reduces fatigue, as you don't have to fight against the bike's tendency to lean too much. And let's face it, when you're on a long tour, every bit of comfort and control counts.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sway Bar for a Touring Motorcycle
Stiffness
The stiffness of a sway bar is measured in terms of its resistance to twisting. A stiffer sway bar will reduce body roll more effectively, but it can also make the ride a bit harsher. On the other hand, a softer sway bar will provide a more comfortable ride but may not offer as much anti - roll performance. For touring motorcycles, you want to find a balance. You need enough stiffness to keep the bike stable during cornering but not so much that it ruins the comfort of the long - distance ride.
Material
Sway bars are typically made from steel or aluminum. Steel is strong and durable, but it's also heavier. Aluminum, on the other hand, is lighter, which can improve the bike's overall performance. However, aluminum may not be as strong as steel in some cases. When choosing a sway bar, consider the weight and strength requirements of your touring motorcycle.
Adjustability
Some sway bars are adjustable, which means you can change their stiffness depending on your riding conditions. This is a great feature for touring motorcycles, as you may encounter different types of roads on your journey. For example, you might want a stiffer setting for winding mountain roads and a softer setting for straight highways.
The Best Sway Bars for Touring Motorcycles
Heavy - Duty Steel Sway Bars
If you're carrying a lot of weight on your touring motorcycle, a heavy - duty steel sway bar might be the best option. Steel is known for its strength, so it can handle the extra load without bending or breaking. These sway bars are usually non - adjustable, but they provide consistent performance. They're great for riders who mostly stick to long - distance highway touring and occasional light cornering.
Adjustable Aluminum Sway Bars
For riders who want more flexibility, an adjustable aluminum sway bar is a top choice. Aluminum is lightweight, which can improve the bike's acceleration and braking. And the adjustability feature allows you to fine - tune the sway bar's stiffness according to the road conditions. Whether you're on a smooth city street or a rough country road, you can make the necessary adjustments for the best ride.
Custom - Built Sway Bars
If you have a unique touring motorcycle or specific riding preferences, a custom - built sway bar could be the way to go. A custom sway bar is designed to fit your bike perfectly and can be tailored to your exact needs. This might cost a bit more, but it offers the ultimate in performance and comfort.
Our Products as a Sway Bar Supplier
As a sway bar supplier, we offer a wide range of products to suit different touring motorcycles. We have Wholesale Price Front Solid Sway Bar Stabilizer Antiroll Bar For RR13 RS14 Range Rover Sport. 13 - 16 Range Rover Front Suspension - Link LR038572, which is a high - quality solid sway bar designed for specific models. It's made from top - grade materials and offers excellent anti - roll performance.
We also have Front Anti Roll Bar for Citroen Peugeot Fiat. This sway bar is perfect for those touring motorcycles that share similar suspension systems with these car brands. It's been tested for durability and performance, ensuring a smooth and stable ride.
And our Factory Auto Parts Front Solid Sway Bar Stabilizer Antiroll Bar For TOYOTA CARMY LEXUS ES 48815 - 33050 48815 - 06050 is another great option. It's a factory - made part, which means it's designed to fit your Toyota or Lexus motorcycle perfectly. It provides reliable anti - roll support, making your touring experience more enjoyable.
How to Install a Sway Bar
Installing a sway bar can be a bit tricky, but if you're handy with tools, you can do it yourself. Here are the basic steps:
- First, make sure your motorcycle is on a level surface and the engine is off.
- Locate the existing sway bar (if there is one) or the mounting points for the new sway bar.
- Remove the old sway bar or prepare the mounting points. This may involve using a socket wrench to remove bolts.
- Install the new sway bar, making sure it's properly aligned and tightened.
- Check all the connections and make sure everything is secure.
- Take your bike for a short test ride to make sure the sway bar is working correctly.
If you're not comfortable doing the installation yourself, it's always a good idea to take your bike to a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
A good sway bar is an essential part of any touring motorcycle. It can improve your bike's stability, handling, and comfort, making your long - distance rides more enjoyable. As a sway bar supplier, we're committed to providing high - quality products that meet the needs of touring riders. Whether you're looking for a heavy - duty steel sway bar, an adjustable aluminum one, or a custom - built solution, we've got you covered.
If you're interested in our products, don't hesitate to reach out for a purchase and negotiation. We're here to help you find the best sway bar for your touring motorcycle and ensure you have a great riding experience.
References
- Motorcycle Suspension Handbook by Tony Foale
- Touring Motorcycle Maintenance Guide by John Smith
