I'm about to purchase my 3rd OEM steering stem for my raptor due to a twist in the splines at the end of the shaft.

The first stem failed due to me smacking a tree. I would expect the stem to fail under this condition. Have to love 50" trails with trees 45" apart. I no longer ride that trail system.

My 2nd stem has now twisted after about 4 weekends of trail riding. I haven't hit any trees, stumps or anything that would/should cause the stem to twist. I weigh 230 lbs and ride my Raptor hard but the terrain I am riding is relatively sandy and free of debris/rocks/trees. I spend a lot of time at full throttle, power sliding through corners so I experience a lot of 'lock to lock' with the handle bars.

Am I twisting the stem due to my riding style or weight, or are the stock stems just inheritently weak ? Is anyone else experiencing premature stem failure ? ... lol [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I am considering a Houser stem to replace the stock one but have read that this may not be the best choice due to placing stress on other parts of the steering/frame. In other words the stock stem is designed to fail first to protect other parts.

What is the consensus on aftermarket stems ? Should i spend the $$$ or just continue to buy the OEM stems at 75$ a pop?

 

I doubt it is your weight..I'm thinking riding style.

Its ok to admit you "bump" things on the trail. Everyone in Michigan does. Where do you ride?

50 inch trails are just where the clubs have to brush. There is no real specifics as to how wide on the ground a ORV trail needs to be...trust me wherever you rode I can show alot tighter trails that your quad would never leave 2nd gear.

HPD makes a decent stem..thats what I'm running now.

 

heetseaker8, I have been riding the Little Manistee and Lincoln Hills trails lately.

I ride the Missaukee East/West trail starting in Moorestown. I like the difficulty of the Missaukee trail system, it's tight and quite technical. Basically it's a converted MCCCT Trail to accommodate ATV's, a true 50" trail system.

I have also rode at Tin Cup, Little 'O' and White Cloud


Also, I don't have a problem with admitting when I run into things. My first stem was twisted by a hard hit to a tree. I am just at a loss as to why my 2nd stem has went bad. I would expect the stock stem to hold up to normal trail riding conditions. I havent hit anything or crashed since I installed the new stem and this weekend while riding I noticed the tires pointing off to the right, checked the stem and it is definately twisted.

My main concern with purchasing an aftermarket stem is what is going to break next time I do impact something since the stem is of stronger construction. Id prefer to only spend $75 on an OEM stem but If it is going to give out every 4 weeks thats going to get expensive real fast.

 

Id go for a Houser or Lonestar stem. The oem stems are not sufficient, so I wouldnt buy anymore.

You may be able to get an aftermarket steering arm.

 

Well then I think a aftermaket stem is in order..any brand will do just as long as its stronger than stock.

SSSSHHH about Missaukee county trails!..No one uses them starting @ Moorestown..only you and I.

I grew up in Merritt and my mom and dad still live there..I ride that trail a few times a year. checkout michigandirtslingers.com

Good guys in there and theres usually a ride going on somewhere!