Handlebar Mods?

[Goat]

Not sure this belongs in suspension. But I am going for 2 old wives tale at once.
1. Chop your bars, to make great for the tight woods.
2. Insulation foam, to help reduce front end vibration.
See what happens to KDX when all you plan to do is put in some new grips? (I seemed fine to leave well enough alone when I change them on my other bike).
And I will pretty much try any mod that costs less than $7. And I am sure will make me way faster at next race.
Should have a initial report soon.

[Goat]

Fun fact: My bars are now same width as V-strom 650.

[bufftester]

I have always cut my bars down to about 29", 2 or 3 " doesn't sound like a lot, but in the tight trees its a real hand saver. Interesting idea with the foam. My first impression is that it would impact the flex of the bars and make it feel a bit harsher, waiting to hear real world results.

[KDXGarage]

Cool. Report back.

That looks like a handy dispenser on that can.

I am going to move this to the general Q and A. Long ago, the suspension reference was for posting data sheets, instructional stuff, valving stacks, etc.

[Goat]

The cut bars are 2nded by the suspension guy who did my forks. He likes light 2T (and sets up YZ125s for woods). But good to know it’s Buff-approved for PNW.
He also likes the stabalizer units, but I think that’s one mod my wallet will vote no for KDX. Seems like too much work for me.
The foam is recommended by another old-MXer who has his own track where I ride.

[bufftester]

A steering stabilizer really helps when you cut down the bars as the reduced width is felt in the fast bumpy stuff, but luckily I don't do fast anymore

[Goat]

Did you ever go through trouble of mounting one on KDX?

[SS109]

Did you ever go through trouble of mounting one on KDX?

I have. Not worth in IMO. Was a real pain getting the right mounts (Scotts) and all for my setup and the performance I got wasn't any better. I ripped it off and gave it to my bro. Of course, I don't cut down my bars but I do ride higher speeds than most being in the dez.

[bufftester]

I have a W.E.R. stabilizer, I liked it when I had it on, but it needs a rebuild and I have never gotten around to sending it in. haven't really missed it in the riding I do here in the PNW, was great out in the desert on the other side of the state

[Goat]

I like the cut bars a LOT in my own little woods. I think the insulation foam maybe did some good. We have the roads here that are rock then throw tar / oil on top, so they are never really smooth surface. I want to say little less hum in the bars on about 5mi street ride.
Heading for Kilted Duck poker run at Walker tomorrow to test out all my latest do-dads and continue to burn up the MX tires, so I can justify going back to gummy (or trials) rear.
Maybe I will consider a stabilizer for RMZ. I plan to use that one at Horn Rapids and Eddieville. But not sure if I am fast enough that it would matter.

[SS109]

The best way to deaden vibration in the bars is to add weight. A common mod for street bikes is to add weighted bar ends, however, that's not really practical for us dirt bikers. Filling the bars with lead shot would work the best but would add a lot of weight. Forcing caulking, latex or silicone based, through the bars might work well and probably work a lot better than the lightweight spray foam.

I have a W.E.R. stabilizer, I liked it when I had it on, but it needs a rebuild and I have never gotten around to sending it in. haven't really missed it in the riding I do here in the PNW, was great out in the desert on the other side of the state

I still have my WER stabilizer but haven't mounted it on my 220. Loved it on my old E-series KDX though. I might have to give it a shot when I finally refurbish the bike.

[Goat]

Loved the short bars and foam racing in the woods past weekend.
Can’t say 100% for sure on foam… but bike feels so good, I will be doing it from now on for my bikes.