Would going to 23" front tires while keeping the rear tires at 20" make enough positive caster angle change to help with the erratic steering on the DS? I am tired of gripping the handlebars like Hurcules when riding on the trails with my buddies. The bump steering is terrible on the trails and I need to do something about it for safety sake more than anything else. I rode Hightowers bike a few weeks ago and noticed his steering was dramatically better. He has the 22" up front and 20" out back and his suspension was set up great. I got my toe in dialed in between 1/8' and 1/16" but it is still darty on the trails, on fireroads or pavement everything is fine. Its the bump steer that makes me hit trees and rocks(many!!). So, its either correct the problem or raise the life insurance, cause this thing is too much fun to quit riding!

 

hi Rocky , I too had the same issue as you , the bump steer sent me flying everytime i hit a whoop . I found that when i changed the front tyres to maxxis razor the steering was better , but still not perfect.

I got the Alba A Arms (top Only) and had them fitted and the toe in set to "0" .

I found this to be perfect . i still feel like the steering is quite firm compared to my raptor ,A further addition was a steering stabilizer , this stopped any harsh movements at all . I now find my arms dont get sore at all.


Well worth the investment .

Best of Luck with it.


Aaron Carr
Prokiwi !!

 

As 1prokiwi said, tires help a lot too. The 22" I have up front increases caster a tiny bit, but the rounder profile compared to the flat dominators also helps a bunch, as well as the rubber being softer. I know that my set-up has left nothing to be desired by me, I love my steering and handling now, but not everybody will have the same results because I think rider weight has a lot to do with it too. Being 6'8" tall, I weigh a little more than the average guy, and that probably helps.
One thing is for sure - if you change the tires, get an improvement, but still want more and go with the arms or stabilizer - there is no money wasted because the ride quality and smoothness offered by a better front tire will still make you happy. I'd say get the 23" front bandits to match your rears, you'll be happy you did it in the long run, no matter what else you add.